Floral designs are a perennial favorite in interior decorating – and this season is no different. And if you think florals are just for spring and summer, think again. According to Pinterest, floral aesthetics are one of the top trends for fall and winter, too. It’s no surprise why: floral patterns are a tried and true, easy way to add life and character to any space.
Floral patterns are a year-round favorite season after season. Florals evoke a sense of nature, life, and beauty. They’re a popular, timeless choice for anyone looking to bring warmth and vibrancy into their home. But with so many variations of florals – ranging from bold, abstract designs to dainty, traditional prints – it’s important to choose patterns that complement your personal style and existing decor.
Learn more about different floral patterns, how to use floral patterns across various decor styles, and how to curate the perfect base for your take on floral aesthetic.
Types of Floral Patterns: From Delicate to Dramatic
When decorating with floral patterns, understanding the types of floral designs available can help you select the right one for your aesthetic. Here are a few popular floral patterns to consider:
Chintz
Chintz is a staple in vintage or traditional spaces and typically features vibrant, detailed floral prints. Expect large blooms like roses, peonies, or tulips intertwined with vines and leaves. Chintz patterns often feature a repeating motif, with the flowers arranged in symmetrical or slightly overlapping clusters, making it a favorite floral wallpaper option.
Botanical Florals
Inspired by the natural world, botanical florals often depict plants and flowers with realism and detail. While not entirely photorealistic, these gorgeous illustrations would look right at home in a science textbook or vintage gardening guide. Their raw beauty makes botanical florals eye-catching—and perfect for bringing a fresh, organic feel to a room. Best of all? They suit a variety of aesthetics, from boho to dark academia. Standalone botanical floral wall art is a popular, easy-to-incorporate accent choice.
Toile de Jouy
While detailed, toile de Jouy is easy on the eyes and exudes an old-money aesthetic. This classic French design can include pure florals or scenic vistas. Unlike other floral patterns, toile works well for those looking to add visual interest without incorporating a wide range of colors. Toile is printed in a single color (often blue, red, green, or black) on a light background.
Add toile accents to upholstery, bedding, curtains, accent pillows, or wall coverings to create a traditional or country-inspired feel.
Chinoiserie
Chinoiserie is inspired by Chinese art and often features intricate but delicate blue and white florals. Also known as blue and white floral decor, this pattern has been popular for years (and is making a mega resurgence). Accents of chinoiserie fit dining rooms or bedrooms well, adding a regal yet calming aesthetic.
Large-Scale Florals
Big, bold floral designs with oversized blooms are popular in modern or eclectic spaces. Whether abstract or detailed, large-scale florals can make a dramatic statement when used on wallpaper, rugs, upholstery, or oversized wall art.
Large-scale florals work best in small swaths in smaller spaces but can take center stage in large rooms, such as the living room.
Ditsy Florals
As the name suggests, ditsy florals are a delicate, cutesy floral pattern choice perfect for adding a soft feminine touch to any space. Ditsy features small, delicate floral patterns with tightly packed flowers—which work best for textiles like curtains, pillows, towels, or upholstery—or even as wallpaper for smaller areas like the entryway or powder room.
How to Incorporate Floral Decor into Any Style
Each decor style lends itself to different floral patterns. Whether you want to create a bohemian, traditional, or contemporary space, there’s a floral pattern for every look.
Bohemian Florals: Embrace the Eclectic
Boho interiors thrive on layering textures and patterns. Luckily, an abundance of floral designs fit perfectly into this free-spirited style and are perfect for a mixed-and-matched look. Look for large-scale florals in bold, earthy tones or vibrant color combinations. Floral prints on tapestries, cushions, or throws bring a lively, eclectic touch, while botanical floral wall art is the perfect finishing touch to your gallery wall.
Timeless Tip: Pair your bold boho florals with neutral furniture, such as a minimalist wooden coffee table or beige sofa. This allows your florals to take center stage without overwhelming the room.
Traditional Florals: Classic and Elegant
Traditional spaces benefit from soft, intricate floral patterns like chintz or toile. These delicate designs can be used for wallpaper, curtains, or upholstery in soft hues, adding a touch of grace and sophistication to the space.
Timeless Tip: For a balanced look, choose neutral-colored furniture like a tufted armchair or a classic dining table. The subtle furniture palette will complement the florals and create a cohesive, timeless aesthetic.
Contemporary Florals: Bold and Minimal
Modern and contemporary designs can still incorporate florals, but the approach is more minimalist. Large-scale florals or abstract designs in monochromatic palettes (like black and white) work well. Alternatively, try a single oversized floral wall mural to create a dramatic statement in a modern living room or bedroom, or incorporate a floral that fits your color-drenching palette.
Timeless Tip: Keep the rest of your room simple with sleek, clean-lined furniture. For example, a glass coffee table or a sectional sofa with modern lines will enhance the room’s contemporary vibe while allowing your floral accents to pop.
A Room-by-Room Approach to Floral Decor
If you’re unsure where to start, consider adding florals on a room-by-room basis to create a cohesive flow throughout your home.
Floral Living Room Ideas
Add a touch of life to your living room with floral accent chairs, a floral rug, or floral throw pillows. Use botanical wall art for a natural feel, or go big and abstract for a statement-making piece. Finish off your space with a neutral sofa to ensure the room doesn’t feel too busy.
Floral Bedroom Decorating Ideas
For a light and airy (and renter-friendly) look, opt for a floral duvet or set of floral curtains to add softness and warmth. If you want a more permanent touch, muted floral wallpaper can create a stunning focal point, particularly when balanced with neutral bedding and timeless furniture.
Floral Dining Room Inspo
Incorporating florals into your dining room is a perfect way to bring elegance and vibrancy to your mealtime space. Floral tablecloths are an easy, swappable option. However, for a more subtle approach, use fresh floral arrangements as table centerpieces or tablescapes. Seasonal blooms add color and fragrance, making every time you gather around the table feel special.
In addition to floral centerpieces, consider floral-themed dinnerware or placemats to tie things together. Floral-patterned plates and napkins offer a flash of floral without overwhelming the space, while floral placemats can add texture and visual interest to your table setting.
Timeless Tip: No matter your style, ground the room with a classic wooden dining set. These sets provide a sturdy, neutral base that complements bold and delicate floral designs. The natural wood tones add warmth and timelessness, ensuring that your floral dining room remains stylish and cohesive through changing trends.
Floral Bathroom Tips
To bring a touch of nature into your bathroom, consider adding floral wallpaper to create a bold, serene backdrop. Renting or just don’t want the long-term commitment? Choose floral shower curtains and towels as simple, effective accents you can swap out as trends change.
Place a small vase of fresh flowers on your vanity or add a potted plant like orchids or lavender for a natural, refreshing vibe. Finally, floral wall decor or a floral bath mat can tie the room together with a subtle yet elegant touch, ensuring your bathroom feels both fresh and inviting.
Floral Entryway Decor
Your entryway sets the tone for the rest of your home, making it the perfect place to add a welcoming floral touch. Add floral wall art, a floral runner or rug, or go all-out with a floral wallpaper.
Hosting? Greet your guests with fresh or faux flowers on a console table or entryway bench.
Decorating With Floral Patterns? Keep Your Base Neutral with CORT
The secret to successfully decorating with floral patterns? Keep your larger furniture pieces simple and timeless. By choosing timeless furniture, you can update your decor with bold floral accents without overhauling your entire space.
No matter your style, CORT offers neutral, classic furniture that serves as the perfect foundation for any floral aesthetic. Getting started with CORT is easy. Pick your furniture and houseware package, schedule a delivery, and CORT’s team will handle the setup. Once you’re ready to move out or update your style, CORT will pick everything up – making it easy to refresh your space whenever inspiration strikes.
Visit your local CORT showroom or explore our options online today to get started.
