At CostaCover, we believe walls are more than just a background — they’re a canvas for your creativity. And one of the most exciting design trends right now? Mixing and matching different wallpaper patterns within the same space.
Done right, it’s a beautiful way to add personality, texture, and visual rhythm to any room. But combining patterns can feel intimidating — where do you start? How do you make it feel cohesive rather than chaotic?
In this guide, we’ll show you how to confidently embrace the art of layered walls and offer practical design tips for creating a space that feels both bold and balanced.
Why Mix Wallpapers in the First Place?
Combining different wallpaper designs in one room adds instant character and dimension. It’s a technique that’s been gaining traction in modern interiors, and for good reason:
- It adds visual contrast without clutter
- It helps create “zones” in open spaces
- It allows you to play with multiple aesthetics in a single room
From minimalist and modern to eclectic and cozy, this approach works with nearly every style — it’s all about balance.
1. Define a Unified Color Story
Before you start browsing samples, think color first. Choosing a shared color palette is key to making multiple patterns feel like they belong together. Whether it's muted neutrals, warm earth tones, or bold jewel shades, a consistent palette ties everything together.
For example, if you fall in love with a large floral design in terracotta and olive green, try pairing it with a smaller-scale stripe that shares one of those tones.
This simple step makes mixing wallpaper patterns feel effortless — and intentional.
2. Play With Scale for Balance
The secret to a well-layered look? Contrasting pattern scales. Combine a large motif (like oversized leaves or bold geometrics) with a more delicate design (like pinstripes, grids, or micro florals).
Too many large-scale patterns will compete with each other. Too many small ones can feel busy. But when you mix them together, magic happens.
This technique is often used in high-end interior design projects where pattern layering is essential to creating depth.
3. Create Purposeful Zones
Want to try mixing wallpapers in one room without overdoing it? Use pattern to define specific zones.
Try wallpapering just one section of a room — like behind the bed, above wainscoting, or inside a reading nook — while keeping the rest of the space simple. You can also pair a soft, all-over pattern with a bold accent wall to draw the eye where you want it.
This approach works especially well in open-plan homes, where visual separation between living and dining areas adds both structure and flow.
4. Let Texture Be a Pattern Too
Not all wallpapers need to have prints. You can mix a dramatic patterned paper with a textured one — think faux linen, grasscloth, or concrete — for a more subtle, layered effect.
This also helps break up busy patterns and adds a tactile, luxurious feel to your walls.
It’s one of our favorite wallpaper feature wall ideas, especially in bedrooms or home offices where you want visual interest without overwhelming the space.
5. Limit It to Two Wallpapers (At First)
If you're new to pattern mixing, start small. Stick to just two different wallpapers for one space — ideally, ones that contrast in scale or texture but share a common tone.
Using two wallpapers in one room can be incredibly effective when applied strategically — like pairing a statement wall with a soft complementary print on adjacent walls.
Once you feel more confident, you can start layering in a third pattern, or mix across multiple rooms for a cohesive-but-eclectic home vibe.
Final Thoughts
When it comes to mixing patterns in interior design, there are no rigid rules — only thoughtful guidelines. With a clear palette, varied scales, and a bit of courage, you can create a space that feels dynamic, personalized, and uniquely yours.
At CostaCover, we offer a wide range of peel-and-stick wallpaper styles designed to be mix-friendly — from bold botanicals to soft textures and classic prints. So go ahead — get creative. Your walls are ready.
