Graphic Prints in Interior Design: 15 Cool Ideas

Contrastive and graphic patterns in finishes, textiles, and accessories can either transform a living space or ruin it completely. What you need to know about such prints, how to select "tasty" combinations and when to stop to avoid overdoing it — we explore together with the Center for Design and Interior "Expostroy on Nakhimovskiy"

What makes graphic prints great? Our brains naturally seek visual order, so everyone loves symmetrical interiors and patterns. To make your home environment comfortable and complete, graphic prints are exactly what you need.

Design: Ekaterina Uglova

With properly selected combinations, it's easy to set accents and visually adjust room proportions. A long and narrow room? Cover the back wall with wallpaper featuring an active print, such as Chevron pattern. This trick will make the wall appear closer and add expressiveness to the space.

Space Pillow
Checkerboard Wallpaper
Sailor Pendant
Stefanie Rug
Deluxe Tile
Sonderedition Cement Tile
Jennifer Bed
Wood Panel, Oak Wood
Moooi Labyrinth Chair

How to Choose?
Start with scale. Small patterns, like those in SONDEREDITION tiles, work well on decorative pillows, table settings, or bathroom floors. For upholstery, choose fabrics with medium-sized prints, such as the Moooi Labyrinth Chair. Large or moderate size prints look great on floors in large rooms, living rooms, and bedrooms. How to combine them?

Designers recommend combining at least three patterns for an effective and layered mix, preferably an odd number. It's important that they vary in size — from very large to small — and are harmonious in color.

A safe and successful scheme includes geometry + floral pattern + simple neutral print like dots or stripes, such as in Milassa Gem wallpaper or the Sailor pendant.

Design: Kateryna Sizova

Don't forget about textures: silk pillows will look at least strange on a headboard covered in canvas, even if the patterns match perfectly.

How to Avoid Overdoing It?

Start with prints in muted color palettes, like the Jennifer Bed upholstery or Deluxe tile. Volume patterns in one color with the background, such as in decorative wall panels made from oak wood, look unusual and fresh, and do not draw too much attention.

If a combination of three patterns seems too complex, a large print + similar or smaller version works flawlessly. Remember that if one of the prints is active, it should be surrounded by neutral companions.

To avoid mistakes, mix simple contrasting patterns: rounded forms harmonize well with angular ones, zigzags and sharp angles like in the Space Pillow design — with straight lines.

For Which Styles Are They Suitable?

Each style has its own characteristic pattern. Damask, for example, is typical of classic interiors, while the English checkered pattern often appears in country or Provence styles. In modern styles, any print works — the key is balance and moderation.

Design: Yrov Interiors

What Color Palette to Choose?

The print’s color palette should echo the room's background or else it won’t fit into the interior. Follow a simple rule: large-scale patterns and designs used on bigger surfaces should not feature overly vibrant colors. Accent prints should be brighter and more contrasted.

9 More Ideas on Using Graphic Prints in Interior Design
Expressly using graphic prints in interior design — setting the table. Tablecloths, napkins, and dishes can be changed whenever you want.
Prints on furniture upholstery match the wallpaper? Then everything is fine.
Mix patterns in the bedroom using pillows, and the bed headboard will never look boring.
Tiles with small or medium prints are ideal for small bathrooms.
Look for unusual, even strange patterns. They help make your interior unique and one-of-a-kind.
Next to black-and-white patterns, any companion or item in the same palette works well.
Gray, beige, and neutral natural tones harmonize beautifully with almost any pattern.
A cabinet or sideboard with rhythmic prints in the finish will become a bright accent in a neutral setting.
A wall covered with wallpaper featuring small prints will appear larger.