8 Ideas for Decorating With Plaid
Make this classic pattern stand out.
From decorating with buffalo check to styling classic tartan, plaid is an incredibly versatile pattern with a rich history. Plaid patterns work well with any style – ranging from a warm farmhouse kitchen to a cozy traditional-style living room. While plaid is often associated with fall and winter, this pattern looks great all year long. Continue reading for eight ideas that make decorating with plaid simple.
1. Lay Down a Plaid Rug
Warm up industrial-inspired silhouettes with a cozy plaid rug. The oversized plaid pattern shown above makes the room seem more spacious because the pattern draws the eye outward. A comfortable plaid rug also provides a soft spot for your feet on cold mornings. Opt for a light-colored plaid to create a neutral foundation that anchors the space. When decorating with plaid, a subtle two-toned design works well with different patterns and doesn't distract from other decorative elements.
Make your bedroom more inviting with a plaid throw blanket or coverlet folded at the foot of the bed. Choose a timeless plaid pattern in a neutral color like soft gray or light brown to match bedding year-round. Consider a throw blanket made with natural fibers like linen or cotton for long-lasting quality. The lived-in softness is ideal for afternoon naps or chilly nights. Opt for a comfortable cotton throw blanket for transitional weather and thick wool or alpaca blankets during colder months.
With a bold colorblocked pattern, decorating with buffalo check is easy. Similar to stripes, buffalo check layers well with a variety of colors and patterns, like a vintage-inspired rug and a palette filled with earth-toned neutrals. Plaid upholstery adds visual interest and dimension without feeling complicated. Choose a pair of upholstered armchairs or a plaid sofa to create a cozy seating area made for good conversation.
Get cozy with a plaid-patterned bedding set. Opt for a duvet cover with a traditional tartan or buffalo check design to bring a touch of nostalgic style. When layering two different types of plaid, it's best to pick prints with different scales to keep the patterns from competing. We love how the small gingham print complements the larger scale of the red-and-black plaid duvet. Finish with solid-colored bedding essentials, such as simple gray pillow shams and a crisp fitted white sheet to balance the look.
Throw pillows are a subtle way to add a touch of plaid to the decor you own and love. With clean lines and muted tones, plaid throw pillows can be layered easily with solid colors or other patterns – like the sage green botanical pillow featured above. Their masculine design creates balance when placed with soft velvet furniture or a delicate print. Plaid pillows add a classic touch to any living room, especially when paired with a traditional-style chesterfield sofa.
Whether you're getting ready for bedtime or putting away fresh laundry, a bedroom bench is a versatile and functional addition to add to the end of the bed. Window pane plaid adds dimension to the space and complements the solid-colored bedding. The plaid upholstery brings warmth and texture, making the bedroom feel like a retreat. If you're limited on space in a bedroom, consider bringing the bench to the entryway or using it as spare seating during holiday meals in the dining room.
Add warmth to the dining table with plaid accents. When setting the table, decorating with plaid brings memories of holiday gatherings and moments with loved ones. Plaid table linens are casual enough for everyday meals when used alongside simple white dishes and stainless steel flatware. Dress up plaid for special occasions with seasonal greenery and brass accents. Layer a plaid tablecloth with a solid-colored table runner for an elegant tablescape. For a laid-back gathering try mixing plaid placemats with a striped runner in a similar color to create a cohesive place-setting
Transition your outdoor seating area for cooler weather with cozy textiles. Add a knit throw blanket and a few throw pillows for extra comfort and warmth. For a timeless look pair solid-colored cushions with classic stripe or plaid patterns. Decorating with plaid will make an outdoor wicker set look inviting even as the weather cools down.
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