A Beginner’s Guide to Mixing Textures and Patterns with Swivel Armchairs

Turning a living space into a visually appealing environment isn’t easy. In order to achieve this home design, you have to strike the perfect balance of textures and patterns. But making your living room look more sophisticated doesn’t have to be a complete remake. By integrating swivel armchairs, homeowners can instantly change their living space and bring in layers of depth and dimension. Below, we explain how to mix textures and patterns to produce a stylish and cohesive living room design.

woman in black dress sitting on black office rolling chair

Why Texture and Pattern Matter

We probably don’t need to tell you this, but that comfortable and visually pleasing room looks great due to the textural and patterned diversity in the space. Texture adds a sophisticated feel to your surfaces and furnishings, and patterns will take your space from ho-hum to magical.

Swivel armchairs are one of the best starting places for playing with these design elements. Designer-select favorites such as those from Serena & Lily are a revelation in several high-end materials. Combine and match materials to realize a layered composition.

Start with a Statement Piece

Every room requires a statement piece, and a swivel armchair is the most universal eyecatcher. Plush with opulent finishes, like velvet or linen fabric, it creates the ultimate anchor for textiles and patterns in the home.

Pair a solid yet neutral upholstery swivel armchair with a patterned accent like a throw pillow. Forbes recommends a sockeye on linen skin armchair, so we must choose a distinctively patterned accent. When opting for luxe, pick a knit fringe for that extra touch.

black upright piano near brown leather padded chair

Layering Textures: From Smooth to Rough

You can also add depth to your space by bringing in different fabric textures. A swivel armchair washed in milky white and covered in linen and openly textured fabric would look incredible beside a patterned navy pillow. A small matching and complimentary geometric navy and fringe pillow should work, too.

You’ll probably want to pick a throw that goes with your upholstery. Imagine an ultra-new smooth swivel armchair entity garnished with a knit-patterned throw pillow accompanied by a foyer rug.

And don’t forget about light as well as other decorative features. A metallic floor lamp provides a shiny neutral finish and sits by wherever you just bought your chair. A ceramic vase or a woven basket adds bells and whistles and a real lived-in quality within the space.

Patterns That Play Well Together

Combining patterns may sound like a design risk, but with a few simple tricks, you can quickly become a pro matcher. The most common approach is to pick a color theme for your patterns. This will ensure the designs don’t clash.

The next design move? Mixing pattern sizes. For example, pair a big, bold floral pattern with a small design pattern. Together, the different styles create a balanced and interesting effect. A swivel armchair should have some space to swivel, so adding a patterned area rug below a swivel armchair helps bring the whole look together. Plus, you’ll be happy to have somewhere for your feet to roam while spinning around.

The Power of Contrast

The great thing about texture and pattern is that it often pops when its opposite is in the mix. So, think about pairing those leather swivel armchairs with throw pillows covered in faux fur or gritty, big stripes with a more muted, tiny herringbone rug. The effect adds dimension and energy to the space. If you’ve started with a chair that already has a pattern, keep your other elements quiet. A plaid or striped pair of swivel armchairs will work with solid pillows.

Bring It All Together

The number one reason to mix texture and pattern is because they pair well, especially when you get it right. Just don’t get carried away. You don’t want the space to look or feel busy and overcrowded. The number two reason is that swivel armchairs from brands like Serena & Lily are versatile and simply luxurious additions. Work with what you’ve got and have some fun with the design creation process.

Creating a Home That Reflects You

Adding texture and pattern to your room is really about building that lived-in feel. Pair a few swivel armchairs with your newest throw pillows for a room that instantly becomes your own. You know, every piece of your room tells the story you want it to. With dependable, durable designs and some added adventure in picking patterns with textures, you can tell it the right way.

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