When you begin redecorating your home, it may seem like there is an endless variety of different pattern styles to choose from. While plaid and stripes are a cinch to remember, other patterns like ikat and toile might not ring a bell. Read on to learn about the basic types of fabric patterns so you can confidently update your home.

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Types of Fabric Patterns: Simple Patterns

Chevron

Chevron is a fun pattern made up of zigzag stripes. The stripes are often made of two contrasting, alternating colours like white and bright red. Chevron is a versatile pattern that works with a range of styles, from traditional to modern, and its sharp, geometric lines provide a great contrast to more organic patterns. Try decorating your outdoor seating area with chevron throw pillows to add some lively fun.

Plaid & Checkered

Originating in Scotland, plaid is a common pattern consisting of overlapping horizontal and vertical stripes. These stripes form a distinctive checked pattern, usually punctuated with thin stripes in a bright color. Plaid works well in a rustic, traditional or country-cottage home. For instance, try plaid valances above your kitchen windows to add some cheer to the space.

Checkered patterns consist of side-by-side squares in alternating colours, creating a simple yet striking effect. Like plaid, checkered fabric works well with many styles, particularly country-cottage, rustic and transitional homes. For a mix of both styles, try a gingham tablecloth to transport you and your family to an Italian-style bistro for dinner.

Polka Dot

Polka-dot patterns consist of same-size, evenly spaced dots on a solid background. The dots can be very big or very small, and they are usually white on a coloured background. Polka dots are typically very cheerful and can serve as a great accent piece in almost any-style home. Polka dots also look great in a kid's bedroom – try a polka-dot bedspread for a cheerful expression.

Striped

The striped pattern is one of the most basic decor elements, consisting of long, parallel stripes. Some striped patterns include stripes of the same width, while others incorporate stripes of differing widths to add visual interest. Stripes look great in any home and pair well with different patterns. Try upholstering your kitchen nook with a striped fabric and accenting the space with throw pillows of a different pattern.

Types of Fabric Patterns: Detailed Patterns

Paisley

The paisley pattern consists of embellished, floral teardrop shapes, usually in springlike colours. Paisley can make a big difference in your decor – try a neutral paisley pattern to add texture to a contemporary living room, or a bold paisley shower curtain to add character to a bathroom.

Quatrefoil

The quatrefoil shape traditionally consists of four overlapping circles, outlined on the outside to create a flowerlike shape. There are many variations of the shapes used in quatrefoil patterns, but most patterns will consist of curved and straight lines that form a grid of quatrefoils or diamond-like components. The quatrefoil pattern works well in traditional and transitional homes, but be careful of decorating with too much quatrefoil, as the pattern can quickly take over a room. If you decide to use a vast amount of quatrefoil pattern in your space, stick to neutral colours to soften the effect.

Medallion

The medallion pattern typically consists of intricate, round and brightly coloured medallions. The medallion components are usually decorated with symmetrical floral designs. This fashion is very versatile and can be used in almost any-style home. Try using medallion fabric to sew beautiful medallion pillows to fill your kitchen nook.

Geometric

Geometric prints involve the use of simple and abstract shapes to create a pattern. These patterns involve shapes that can be mixed or matched, overlapped or spread out and placed regularly or randomly. Geometric patterns tend to work best in contemporary, art deco, and mid-century homes. Try a geometric-patterned bathroom rug to bring bathroom decor in line with the rest of a modern home.

Animal Print

Animal print fabric depicts animal fur and skin patterns. Some common patterns include snakeskin print, tiger, zebra and cow print. These patterns are found in natural hues and brightly coloured variations. Animal print fabric works well in a glam or rustic home – for example, silver and white leopard print accent pillows will glam up your living room, while a cow print blanket may be exactly what your rustic bedroom needs.

Graphic Print

Graphic prints tend to involve the repetition of a small illustration or text, forming a pattern. These prints range greatly in style, and tend to suit kids bedrooms (patterns involving trucks, puppies, fairies and more), glam-styled homes (think patterns involving the Eiffel Tower, cursive text) and rustic homes (log cabins, horses, wildlife).

Types of Fabric Patterns: Intricate Designs

Damask

Damask is a thick woven fabric with a repeating floral pattern visible on both sides. Damask originated in China and has long been viewed as a luxury fabric. While technically not a pattern, damask-style patterns can be printed onto fabric or wallpaper for an affordable alternative to woven damask. Damask fabric is typically traditional in style, but modern updates with bright colours can work well in a transitional or contemporary home. An example of damask’s versatility is damask wallpaper, which makes an elegant statement in homes of both styles.

Floral

Floral patterns vary greatly in style – from monochromatic to colourful, and from repeated patterns to abstract designs. Whatever your style is, you will likely find a floral pattern to match your home. Most floral patterns fit easily into traditional and country-cottage styles, but can also be used to introduce texture and pops of colour to contemporary homes. Try floral curtains in your bedroom to brighten and feminise the space.

Ikat

Ikat is a traditional Indonesian fabric patterned by tie-dyeing threads before weaving begins. Ikat patterns vary, but most involve the repetition of ornate diamond shapes. Ikat fabric is very difficult to produce and can be quite costly – if you like the look of ikat, you can also buy fabric with a printed ikat pattern. Ikat is commonly found in traditional homes, but can be adapted to contemporary styles as an accent piece or in bright colours. Try two ikat-patterned chairs in your living room to add unexpected texture to the space.

Toile

Toile is a French design pattern that consists of a detailed scene in one colour printed several times on a plain background. The most common colour scheme for toile is blue illustration on a white background. This pattern works extremely well in traditional and French-country homes, and can also add an unexpected twist to a transitional home. For example, try using toile to wallpaper an accent wall in your bedroom.

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