How to Decorate With Polka Dots

Decorating with Polka Dot Accents

• 1

  Decide how much polka-dotted decor you want to include in the room you are decorating. As a wide variety of polka dot merchandise -- in every shape and size -- is available commercially, it can be a subtle theme or done on a grand scale.

• 2

  Select a color palette for your polka dot decor. This will make it easier to purchase different decor items such as bed linens, rugs, lamps and pictures that will all go together harmoniously.

• 3

  Purchase the polka-dotted items you have selected. Arrange them throughout the room, accenting your overall design. Add more touches of polka dot if the look is too understated, or remove some pieces if the look seems overwhelming.

• 4

  Create your own custom-made polka dot decor by adding the playful spots to a plain item that is in need of a fresh look. Country Living recommends adding colorful and soft fabric circles, such as felt, to a plain pillow for a playful look.

Painting Polka Dots

• 5

  Purchase paint in the colors you want to incorporate into your polka-dotted wall. Start by selecting a background color, then choose one to three accent colors for the dots. You can opt for a monochromatic color scheme or give the room a funky and fun flair by having dots in many different colors.

• 6

  Prime the walls and allow the primer to dry according to the package instructions.

• 7

  Paint the walls in the background color that you have selected. This color can be something neutral, like a shade of white, or a brighter color that coordinates with the polka dot accent colors you have chosen. Allow the paint to dry according to the package instructions.

• 8

  Paint polka dots on the wall using round stencils or use a freehand technique to add dots to the wall. You can add dots of any size and color. Stick to a pattern or scatter dots all over the walls for a more spontaneous and funky look.

• 9

  Give your plain furnishings (tables, chairs or bookshelves) extra polka dot flair by painting or adding polka dot decals to the pieces.