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Small-Scale Pattern in the Bedroom

Large-scale patterns are popular in bedroom interiors these days, perhaps because small-scale patterns can be dizzying, and can sometimes have a cluttering effect. But we love the way a small-scale pattern creates visual texture. In the bedroom, where it can be hard to get creative, patterns like these are a great way to subtly liven things up...

 
 

Try these ideas for bringing small-scale pattern into your bedroom decor scheme:

A bolster pillow to complement your existing bedding is always a nice touch. John Robshaw does beautiful small-scale Indian-inspired patterns that look great paired with subtle stripes or florals.

An upholstered bench at the foot of the bed provides a nice bedroom accent, and a small-scale pattern layered against a large-scale print duvet (or a plain white duvet) would be a nice touch. If you want to go DIY, look for a flea market or craigslist bench with a drop-in seat that can be easily reupholstered with a staple gun.

• Consider a wallpaper headboard, trimmed to look like an actual headboard framing your bed. A small-scale pattern in an unexpected color or even a metallic would be a nice complement to neutral bedding.

• Try a throw blanket or quilt folded along the foot of the bed. These can be easily removed if you grow to feel like the added pattern is too busy.

A comforter or quilt with subtle stitching in a small-scale pattern (see fifth photo above) adds both visual texture and tactile interest.

Do you go for small-scale patterns in your bedroom, or do you favor bold, graphic prints?

(Images: Cheryl Tague, via Alicia B. Designs; Jeffers Design Group; I Suwannee (photos 3 and 4); Design*Sponge; Livingetc; Martha Stewart (photos 7 and 8))

Tags

Bedroom, bedding & blankets, wallpaper, pattern, small-scale

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Comments (5)

I love #1 & #2. Think small prints are great in small doses, especially when some of its colors are picked up elsewhere in the room.

posted by bitdot on October 15th 2009 at 6:24am
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6 is a bit frou frou for me, but looks like a great little room for a weekend getaway. Cozy, cottage, cute.

posted by jeffnyc on October 15th 2009 at 9:00am
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These are all so beautiful!

posted by rexrayfan on October 15th 2009 at 1:35pm
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question: anyone know where to get one of those shag bed covers like the brown one in #1?

posted by futurette on October 15th 2009 at 11:33pm
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smaller room, smaller pattern, its a volume of scale thing, just dont put big patterns in a small room cuz it will look smaller!

posted by click 4 beds on November 3rd 2009 at 5:29am
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