The 60-30-10 Rule Isn’t the Only Way to Mix Patterns – Try This Designer Tip Instead for a Scheme That's Collected but Cohesive

While there's no one 'right way' to mix patterns, there are plenty of formulas floating around that promise to make a scheme feel well-balanced. The 60-30-10 rule is a tried-and-tested method often used to create balanced color and pattern schemes, but it's not the only way to layer prints. In fact, real pattern aficionados know all about the far simpler tip that makes layering many feel cohesive.

Whether you're trying your hand at decorating with patterns or have long loved layering your favorite prints side by side, it's worth knowing that the secret to a balanced, harmonious scheme isn't just about the amount of one pattern you use, but the scale of each print, too.

Paying attention to the size of each print (for example, large-scale florals versus delicate, ditzy polka dots) is exactly how to succeed at mixing traditional and modern patterns. Here's how designers use this handy tip to guide their decorating decisions.

When pairing pattern on pattern, the key to creating cohesion is finding common ground through shared color. Then use scale to inform your layering, opting for large-scale prints on larger pieces, and ditzy, finer patterns on smaller soft furnishings.

'A useful rule of thumb is to start with one larger-scale design, introduce a smaller-scale pattern and perhaps a stripe, both of which pick up colors from the larger design,' explains interior designer Anna Haines. 'I would then consider adding one or two textured plains, such as a slubby linen or a mohair. It's this variation in scale and texture that allows the different patterns to sit comfortably alongside each other, without competing for attention.'

'I tend to use larger scale patterns on larger scale elements like curtains where you can read the pattern repeat and appreciate the scale,' Anna adds. 'I would then consider a smaller, more geometric print for an armchair in front of this, for example, so it allows both patterns to co-exist and breathe within the same space.'

'Like all truly successful decoration, the magic comes from the combination of color and textiles, and how they are woven together. I tend to work with a fairly matching scheme to start with, and then accent it with a rogue element to make it feel less contrived and more visually striking.'

Layering patterns according to their 'importance' is a great way to ensure no print is demanding too much attention. Scale ensures contrasting patterns clash in the right way, where the smaller prints blend seamlessly with the more striking styles.

'Scale is a great way to think about the scale and character of each pattern in relation to the others, and I try to avoid anything that feels redundant,' says interior designer Tara McCauley. 'Even in a very pattern-rich room, there should be a sense of visual hierarchy. Not every element needs to demand the same amount of attention.'

'It's important to vary the scale of patterns within a room so they're not competing with one another. Don't put patterns too close in scale next to one another, or things will look off balance. I also like to vary the types of patterns I'm using, mixing florals with geometrics, stripes, and more abstract designs.'

'For instance, I like to put a large-scale print next to a small-scale woven. Or I'll try to mix the style of prints in a room,' adds Tara. 'Think a bold graphic pattern next to something intricate or imperfect in a handmade way. The goal is to create a sense of rhythm and balance.'

Scale is useful for deciding which patterns to layer, but it's important to keep some pieces pattern-free in your scheme, too. The less-is-more approach ensures your pattern pieces stand out and really pay off.

'The usual advice on mixing patterns is: one small, one medium and one large-scale pattern. Strictly speaking that’s not wrong, but it doesn’t ensure a brilliant effect,' says Ainsley Stewart of Ainsley Brookins Design. 'To get to “Wow,” there should be a significant block of your main color without pattern, on a sofa or a rug, for example, in the room. A pattern always looks prettiest nestled up against a solid or trimmed with a solid color. Then, consider how graphic each pattern is. The eye almost reads a delicate, faded fabric pattern as a solid, so you can combine quite a few of those, in different sizes, as long as they have similar color components.'

'At the other end of the spectrum, a stripe or high contrast print will speak more loudly, so you’ll want to be more judicious, using less of the largest scale pattern particularly. Finally, even though they contain patterns, prints found in nature, such as faux bois or tortoiseshell, have a calming, neutral effect and can usually be inserted into designs without worrying where they fall on the scale spectrum. When selections are made correctly, your eye will move freely around the room from sofa to ottoman to windows and walls and back again in a happy, harmonious loop.'

When mixing patterns, the 60-30-10 rule is a great way to ensure there's a sense of balance and cohesion in your scheme, but if you're looking to pair several prints side by side, or want a little more freedom with how much of each pattern you use, paying attention to scale will ensure whatever pattern you choose feels connected to the rest of the scheme – and gets the attention it deserves.

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