How to Mix and Match Wallpaper Patterns in Open-Plan Spaces

Quick answer

To mix wallpaper patterns in an open-plan space, start by selecting a unifying color palette, then vary pattern scale and style while keeping a consistent visual weight. Use one dominant pattern for the largest wall and complementary prints for accents, and always test samples in your lighting before committing.

Open-plan living areas are a blank canvas for pattern play, but mixing wallpaper prints without a plan can quickly turn stylish into chaotic. The key is to treat your walls as one cohesive design, where each pattern has a role and a relationship to the others. Whether you're defining a dining nook or adding interest to a long hallway, a thoughtful approach ensures your space feels curated, not cluttered.

In this guide, we'll walk through the designer's process for combining wallpaper patterns in open-plan spaces, from choosing a color story to placement and scale. You'll also find specific product suggestions from Design Forward Wallcoverings that work beautifully together, along with practical tips to avoid common pitfalls.

Start with a Unifying Color Palette

Before you pick any pattern, choose two or three colors that will appear across all your wallpapers. This creates a visual thread that ties different prints together. For example, a soft blue-green like the Sea colorway of 'Forget Me Not' can anchor a palette, while warm neutrals and earthy tones from 'Bessie - Burnt Orange' add contrast. When each pattern shares at least one hue, the eye reads the space as intentional.

Look at the undertones of your chosen colors. Warm and cool tones can clash if used carelessly, so decide on a dominant temperature. If your room has lots of natural light, you have more flexibility; if it's dim, stick to lighter values to keep the space from feeling heavy. A cohesive wallpaper scheme often starts with a neutral base and adds one or two accent colors for pops.

• Tip: Pull colors from a rug, artwork, or upholstery you already own to ensure your wallpaper palette feels integrated.

Vary Pattern Scale and Style

Mixing patterns works best when you combine different scales. A large-scale mural or bold print can be the focal point, while smaller, more intricate patterns act as supporting players. For instance, pairing the whimsical 'Noah's Ark' print with a subtle stripe like 'Storybook Stripe' adds depth without competing for attention. The contrast in scale creates visual interest and prevents monotony.

Style is just as important as scale. Mixing a geometric with a floral or a stripe with a block print can feel dynamic, but sticking to patterns with a similar level of complexity or line weight helps maintain harmony. If you're unsure, choose patterns from the same designer or collection, as they're often designed to work together. For example, 'Dot Dash' by Max Humphrey and 'Storybook Stripe' by Jenni Yolo both have a modern Americana feel that pairs well.

• Tip: Use a large-scale pattern on a feature wall and a smaller-scale one on adjacent walls to create a natural hierarchy.

Choose a Dominant Pattern and Accent Walls

In an open-plan space, you need one pattern to lead. This is usually the one with the most visual weight, whether due to scale, color intensity, or intricacy. Place it on the largest wall or the one you see first when entering the room. Other patterns should be used on smaller walls, in alcoves, or on a single accent wall to avoid overwhelming the space.

For example, a bold floral like 'Marigold Block Print' could be the hero in a dining area, while a quieter pattern like 'Forget Me Not' in a reading nook provides a gentle transition. Think about sightlines: if you can see two patterns at once, make sure they complement each other in color and scale. A good rule is to use the dominant pattern on 60% of the wallpapered area and the secondary patterns on the remaining 40%.

• Tip: Use peel-and-stick samples to test the arrangement before committing to full rolls.

Use Transitions to Create Flow

In open-plan layouts, you often need to visually separate zones without building walls. Wallpaper can do this by changing patterns at functional boundaries, like between a living area and a kitchen. To make the transition feel smooth, choose patterns that share a background color or have a similar ground. For example, 'Bessie - Burnt Orange' and 'Forget Me Not' both have light, airy backgrounds that allow them to coexist.

Another trick is to use a neutral or solid-colored wallpaper as a buffer between two busy prints. This gives the eye a place to rest and prevents the space from feeling chaotic. You can also use a chair rail or trim to create a physical break, but that's not necessary if your patterns are well-coordinated. The goal is to create a rhythm that guides the eye through the room.

• Tip: Consider using the same pattern in different colors to create a subtle connection between zones.

Test Samples in Your Lighting

Lighting dramatically affects how wallpaper colors and patterns appear. A print that looks subtle in the store might be overwhelming in a sun-drenched room, or a dark pattern might feel gloomy in a dim corner. Always order samples and tape them to the wall in the actual space, viewing them at different times of day and under artificial light at night.

Design Forward Wallcoverings offers peel-and-stick samples, like the 'Forget Me Not' sample, which measures 8 x 9.6 inches—perfect for testing. Place samples next to each other to see how they interact, and live with them for a few days. This step is crucial for avoiding costly mistakes and ensures your cohesive wallpaper scheme works in your specific environment.

• Tip: Move samples around the room to check how they look from different angles and distances.

Step-by-Step Process for Mixing Wallpaper Patterns

1. Define your color palette: Pick 2-3 colors that will appear in all your patterns. Use existing room elements as a guide. Checkpoint: Can you identify a common color in every pattern you've chosen?
2. Choose a dominant pattern: Select the most impactful print for the main wall. Consider scale and color intensity. Checkpoint: Is this pattern the first thing you see when entering the room?
3. Select supporting patterns: Pick 1-2 smaller-scale or subtler prints that complement the dominant one. Ensure they share at least one color. Checkpoint: Do the supporting patterns fade into the background next to the hero?
4. Plan placement by zone: Assign patterns to specific walls or areas, using transitions at functional boundaries. Keep sightlines in mind. Checkpoint: Can you see two patterns at once? Do they harmonize?
5. Order samples and test: Get peel-and-stick samples and place them in the actual space. View at different times of day. Checkpoint: Do the patterns look good together in your lighting? If not, tweak your choices.

Wallpaper Picks for Pattern Mixing

• Forget Me Not: Hand designed florals inspired by meadows, each piece features a soft, hand-drawn floral print. Available in Sea (B7BBB7) color, a soft muted blue-green. Peel and Stick material for easy, temporary application. Sample size measures 8 x 9.6 inches. Its soft, muted tone and removable nature make it an ideal secondary pattern to test in different zones of an open-plan space.
• Bessie - Burnt Orange: Burnt orange color adds a cozy, inviting feel to your space. Part of the Lulie Wallace design line. Available in multiple sizes: 2 ft x 3 ft, 2 ft x 6 ft, 2 ft x 9 ft, and 2 ft x 12 ft. The warm earthy tone provides a striking contrast to cooler patterns, and the size options allow for flexible placement on accent walls.
• Storybook Stripe: More wallpaper styles from one of our best selling collaborators, Jenni Yolo. Block prints and freehanded accents are representative of Jenni's signature style. A stripe serves as a versatile supporting pattern that adds structure without competing with bolder prints.

Mixing wallpaper patterns in an open-plan space is a rewarding way to add personality and define zones. By focusing on a unified palette, varying scale and style, and testing samples first, you can create a cohesive scheme that feels both intentional and effortless. Start with a plan, and your walls will tell a beautiful story.