The 4 Vintage-Inspired Patterns Designers Think Will Rule 2026

One hallmark of a well-curated, layered space? Pattern mixing. When done right, pattern mixing is an easy yet eye-catching way to immediately level up a room visually. And pattern play doesn’t have to involve wallpaper or anything too complicated; even just adding a new patterned rug, curtains, or some decorative pillows can transform the look and feel of a room.

I’ve been seeing so many patterns trending lately — from block print florals and polka dots to tiger stripes and tartans. But with so many options, I began to wonder: Are any patterns truly timeless? Which classic motifs are still in style — or perhaps are some back with a modern twist? I spoke with interior designers to figure out what’s trending in textile and wall covering patterns right now. Check out their top four vintage-inspired picks for 2026 below. 

Florals? For spring? No, they’re not really groundbreaking. But large-scale repeating botanicals do feel fresh for 2026 (think: tapestry florals, toile, and verdure designs. The Morris & Co. print above is the perfect example. Florals aren’t just for the warmer months though — they’re truly timeless. 

However, you might also consider something a bit more out of the box that still sticks to this general genre of pattern. “Within the botanicals, we’re also seeing subtle, story-driven nods to nature such as birds, rabbits, horses, and even figures of people woven into the pattern,” says Jennifer Beget, owner and principal designer of J Beget Designs. These extra design details add depth and a little bit narrative without feeling too gimmicky, she adds. Chinoiserie motifs, it seems, just might be back again. 

Stripes are back in a big way — and so are intricate tile patterns, according to Fatima Mazanova, CEO of Tile Club. The statement tile trend is still going strong, and stripes are a classic way to add some intrigue to a more permanent fixture such as tile. Mazanova says stripe-like tile layouts, including stacked or linear mosaics, will be everywhere. Striped patterns give a room a vintage vibe without being overly literal, she says.

Beget agrees, saying that more stripes are leading the way in all other areas of the home, too. Try striped bedding for softer lines. Alternating directions and mixing different widths like the stunning space above from French and French Interiors introduces so much depth to the space.

Checkerboard patterns have dominated in recent years, and they’re still going strong when it comes to flooring. But this year, the pattern’s being turned on its head — literally. Beget predicts that in 2026, checkerboard will give way to diamond patterns, which “feel more elevated, architectural, and distinctly vintage,” she says. 

Diamond patterns may make you think of rugs or tiled floors, but I’m very into this colorful diamond patterned upholstery, as seen in this New Jersey home tour. The application feels so vintage and so contemporary at the same time. (Note: The “diamond” parquet floors, too; it’s such a clever echo that makes the whole room that much cooler.)

Animal prints will always have a seat at the table when it comes to home design — they’re practically a neutral at this point! — but expect to start seeing some slightly different takes on the trend. “Instead of [the classic] leopard or cheetah print, we are seeing a shift toward full illustrated animals as part of a larger vintage-inspired pattern rather than a stand-alone statement,” Beget explains. 

Perhaps the most recognizable example of this is Scalamandre’s classic Zebra design, which was made famous in the 2001 Wes Anderson movie The Royal Tenenbaums. I was already seeing this iconic pattern all over my Pinterest feed, but Ruggable’s new collaboration with the heritage design house certainly sealed the deal. This type of animal print will always be stylish, but it feels of-the-moment, too.