It can be a struggle for an untrained eye to select several different patterns of fabrics in the same room.
It is always important to start with a larger and bolder pattern first. Maybe it is a large pattern or maybe it has some bold colors, but begin with a fabric that makes a statement.
You might consider this fabric to be placed on a flatter feature in the room such as a pillow or a cornice. You will want to get a clean visual for it to have the right pop, because if you place it on a drapery that is pleated, the color and/or pattern could get lost.
In pulling coordinating fabrics together you should follow a few guidelines:
Firstly, you do not want any of these to fight with the primary fabric. Certainly consider pulling the colors (or a color) from the theme fabric, but be careful that the patterns do not fight.
Consider a stripe pattern or a mini print, and you can also consider pulling a solid color from the theme fabric. Maybe consider a textural fabric, so that it doesn’t read “flat.”
These secondary fabrics can be used on coordinating pillows, window treatments and upholstery. I like to consider a more solid fabric on the upholstery. If well made, the more expensive upholstered piece can last a long time so it is wise not to manufacture it in a print that you might tire of.
Sometimes all of your fabrics can be more of a secondary pattern entry with your design, especially if your rug or artwork makes a huge impact. You might consider more textural solids to pop the colors from the art or rug. However again, consider what it is you really want to commit to.
Consider the “field” or background of a fabric. If your theme fabric is more white, be careful going with a coordinate that has a more beige background or it could make your main fabric look dirty in comparison.
Always keep in mind what direction your theme is taking you. Are you more traditional or contemporary? Sometimes changing the style theme of a coordinating fabric can really make it pop, but you have to be careful.
This trick doesn’t always work out so give this some great thought. I like nothing more than adding a fabric or furniture piece of a different style theme in a room. If done well, it can really add some nice interest!
