Decorating Living Room With Oriental Rug And Patterned Sofa

living room with eclectic pieces

Ken Hayden/Photoshot/Red Cover

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Large and in Charge

If your all-solid room is looking a bit drab, try easing into patterns. Freshen up a piece of furniture, such as an armchair, with a patterned slipcover. Then hang a large piece of artwork at the focal point of the living room for an instant update.

room with zebra print pillows and rug

Anastassios Mentis/Photoshot/Red Cover

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Tame Animals

Not all pattern play has to be loud. Spruce up your space with zebra pillows and a matching rug. Keep the rest of the neutral decor untouched to help this feminine space maintain its quiet feel.

living room with orange couch and big windows next to lake

Peter Margonelli/Photoshot/Red Cover

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Playful Prints

Complement a bold orange sectional with a fun ottoman — or two. (They're easy to change when you're ready to swap out the pattern.) Add coordinating throw pillows to complete the lively look.

patterned floors curtains colorful pillows and clairs

Ken Hayden/Photoshot/Red Cover

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Head to Toe

Striking patterns turn a nondescript white room into something special. For a dramatic look, consider patterned, floor-to-ceiling curtains. Choose an area rug in the same color scheme to balance the horizontal and vertical patterns.

pink room with lots of patterns in white and pink

Henry Wilson/Photoshot/Red Cover

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Pretty in Pink

Energize your living room with layers of patterns. Start with a solid wall for your backdrop and let the patterns pop. Stick to one color family to avoid sensory overload.

living room with large window and long curtains in simplistic design

Laura Moss/Photoshot/Red Cover

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Bottoms Up

Still not convinced that patterns are for you? Try decorating your living room with all solids, except the area rug. Choose a color block pattern that is interesting to look at without making your space unbearable. And don't be timid when selecting the solid pieces. Commit to at least one bold hue, like a sunny yellow.

living room with open doors and windows

Deborah Whitlaw-Llewellyn/Photoshot/Red Cover

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Mix and Match

It turns out you can pair polka dots with stripes. The large pieces in this room each boast a different pattern, but thanks to their subdued color palette, the prints work together to create a perfect union.

classy living room with patterned armchairs and mirror

Ana Donahue Interiors/Michael J. Lee

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Flair for Drama

Love the look of a bold pattern but afraid to commit? Use loud patterns in a place that can easily be updated, such as chairs, in case you change your mind. To create an eye-catching aesthetic, showcase patterns on an unexpected piece, like an X-bench or a fabric lampshade.

child's bedroom with boat wall paper

Katie Lydons Interiors/Courtesy Jonny Valiant

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Child's Play

Kids rooms are a perfect place to experiment with patterns. Retro wallpaper combined with the striped rug doesn't overwhelm the space, but instead gives it a sense of playfulness. Our verdict? Just have fun with it.

orange living room with patterned pillows

Katie Rosenfeld Design/Courtesy Michael J. Lee

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Buttoned Up

Going for a more sophisticated look? Patterns can solve your problem. Stick with solids for your largest pieces, such as the sofa and ottoman. Choose a mix of fun prints and a more traditional one, like a plaid, to adorn your pillows and window treatments.

living room playing with the color orange

Madcap Cottage/Courtesy Madcap Cottage

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Pillow Fight

One of the easiest (and cheapest!) ways to upgrade your décor is to get new pillows. For a more dramatic effect, pile them on. Choose a variety of patterns, shapes, and sizes — and splurge for an oversized pouf for the floor. It's a small investment that yields a big return.

colorful bedroom with dog

Courtesy of Madcap Cottage

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Go Big or Go Home

Like a runway outfit from a top designer, this room blends patterns in a surprising fashion. Complementary colors, like green and pink, help tie the elements together.

bedroom with green wall paper and fun and colorful bedding

Henry Wilson/Photoshot/Red Cover

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Foreign Affairs

Steal inspiration from around the globe with beautiful patterns such as ikats and batiks. Worldly designs are an easy way to give your home some international flavor.