The fashion girls have spoken, and polka dots have been staging a major comeback in our closets. But while this timeless print is the IT print of our summer closet, can polka dots work in interiors, too?
As the fun baby sister of stripes, polka dots are usually reserved for nursery walls or retro kitchens. But is there a way to translate this playful print into a stylish, grown-up interior? Personally, I think decorating with dots can be made super chic – and I'm now one of this interior design trend's biggest fans.
After dipping a toe in with a few dotty homeware buys, I was surprised by how sophisticated the polka dot can look when done right. With that in mind, I've rounded up a handful of chic polka dot pieces that convinced me to love this versatile pattern trend.
This nostalgic print had its heyday in the 60s, with an iconic return in the 80s and 90s. Think Princess Diana, Julia Roberts in Pretty Woman – and not forgetting legions of supermodels owning this print on the runways.
Of course, these things are cyclical, so it was about time we saw a polka dot revival. So, how does the dot look in 2025? Well, that depends on you.
Appealing to both minimalists and maximalists, the polka dot can be whimsical, graphic, or pared back depending on scale, color, and material. They add movement and can really liven up a neutral space without going overboard. In other words, this is one versatile print that can flex to fit your personal interior design style.
Like any trend, it’s not about going all in, but about picking the pieces that speak to you and styling them your way. And hopefully, a few of these items below might just catch your eye.
Shop chic polka dot home decor finds
Ahead, shop my edit of dotty homeware finds that prove polka dots can work for every style of home.
You can trust Anthropologie to hop onto a fun new trend, so it is no surprise that they've brought out an embroidered polka dot version of their beloved, quilted Maeve bedding set.
I've had my eye on the Dotti pillows (there are three fun sizes/shapes to pick from!) from Lulu and Georgia for a while, and the rise in the trend has finally convinced me to head to checkout. I love the warm green hue and wave pattern.
Julia Roberts, is that you? This upholstered accent chair adds a playful yet chic touch to any space, but would look especially chic in a neutral living room or bedroom to add some soft pattern and color.
Not technically a print, but this chic table lamp had to make the edit. I love the beaded dotty detailing and its on-trend glossy finish. The neutral cotton shade keeps it minimal and easy to style.
I have found the best Amazon store to shop chic decor, and on there I spotted these intricately hand-painted polka dot dishes. Made from food-safe stoneware, they've been given an antique-style textural linen finish.
Created by the female-founded, London-based brand Ottoline, this pretty, playful wallpaper bends and curves with waves and florals on a spotty backdrop. I've seen it used in fun guest bedrooms and nursery rooms to create so much whimsy.
A new hand towel can make such an upgrade to a boring bathroom, adding color, pattern, and softness where it may have been lacking. This soft, dark green towel features woven spots, stripes, and fringed edges for a modern look.
Subtly add some spots to your summer table decor ideas with this set of four linen and cotton-blend napkins created by a women's collective in Cairo. I love the little hand-embroidered polka dot border.
A polka dot adds so much charm to a pile of patterned throw pillows, and I love this screenprinted design from Wayfair that has been filled and finished in the USA. It'll look super contemporary styled with ikat prints, stripes, and some floral prints, too.
I’ll admit, I didn’t expect to fall for polka dots beyond my wardrobe, but now, I find myself spotting ways to bring them into more corners of my home. If you're already a dotty fanatic, take a look at the pattern drenching trend for inspiration on how to take your love of spots to the next level.
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