14 Patterns to Partner With Chevron
Chevron is chic, but it looks even better when paired with other statement-making motifs like the ones shown here
Whether you introduce it to your interior in the form of a fun accent cushion or striking feature wall, Chevron is a pattern that never fails to make a statement on its own. However, team the punchy zigzag motif with another print that’s equally eye-catching and you can create a high-impact scheme that seriously wows. Chevron works well with most patterns (much like its no-nonsense, straighty-180 cousin – the classic stripe), and there are some particularly stellar pairings, as you will soon see below.
Layering multiple patterns can be tricky, even with a print as versatile as chevron, so here are a few simple tricks to help you create a stylish look.
1. Stick with patterns in the same colour scheme or that feature hues that sit on the opposite sides of the colour wheel (such as blue and yellow, or pink and green). Choose colours with the same intensity, too. For a more subtle look, opt for contrasting prints in black, white, grey or neutral tones – these can also help tie a look together.
2. Play with prints in different scales. Doing so will ensure your space looks chic, balanced and visually appealing.
3. Introduce different textures, too. This will add another layer of contrast and interest to your space.
Layering multiple patterns can be tricky, even with a print as versatile as chevron, so here are a few simple tricks to help you create a stylish look.
1. Stick with patterns in the same colour scheme or that feature hues that sit on the opposite sides of the colour wheel (such as blue and yellow, or pink and green). Choose colours with the same intensity, too. For a more subtle look, opt for contrasting prints in black, white, grey or neutral tones – these can also help tie a look together.
2. Play with prints in different scales. Doing so will ensure your space looks chic, balanced and visually appealing.
3. Introduce different textures, too. This will add another layer of contrast and interest to your space.
2. Stripes
Want to infuse your interior with a modern glam look? Then consider working a sophisticated combo of chevrons and stripes into your scheme, like shown in this elegant dining room. The chevron hide rug adds character, visual interest and luxe appeal to the space, while the striped curtains help break up and lighten the dramatic muted palette, and inject the area with an extra hint of drama and timeless style.
If modern glam isn’t really your style, don’t worry; chevron and stripes work well in loads of other schemes, too, from inviting beach-style spaces to cool ultra-modern zones. Just play around with patterns in different shades and scales until you find a combo that suits your space and decorating style.
More: Fine Lines: 16 Clever Ways to Decorate With Stripes
Want to infuse your interior with a modern glam look? Then consider working a sophisticated combo of chevrons and stripes into your scheme, like shown in this elegant dining room. The chevron hide rug adds character, visual interest and luxe appeal to the space, while the striped curtains help break up and lighten the dramatic muted palette, and inject the area with an extra hint of drama and timeless style.
If modern glam isn’t really your style, don’t worry; chevron and stripes work well in loads of other schemes, too, from inviting beach-style spaces to cool ultra-modern zones. Just play around with patterns in different shades and scales until you find a combo that suits your space and decorating style.
More: Fine Lines: 16 Clever Ways to Decorate With Stripes
3. Leopard print
Don’t think chevron is wild enough for you? Then throw exotic leopard print into the mix and see if you warm up to the idea of working the popular zigzag print into your interior. So why do the two patterns work so well together? The old adage “opposites attract” doesn’t just relate to romance but design, too. While leopard print brings a glam, decadent vibe (and a hint of sexiness!) to this pattern partnership, chevron balances the untamed graphic look of the motif with its sleek lines and sharp angles.
To create a sophisticated chevron and leopard print-layered scheme, you can’t go wrong if you choose a zigzag pattern in neutral tones. If desire a more daring look, try a print in a lively hue instead – think jewel tones such as emerald or cobalt blue, or even a playful gelato shade.
Don’t think chevron is wild enough for you? Then throw exotic leopard print into the mix and see if you warm up to the idea of working the popular zigzag print into your interior. So why do the two patterns work so well together? The old adage “opposites attract” doesn’t just relate to romance but design, too. While leopard print brings a glam, decadent vibe (and a hint of sexiness!) to this pattern partnership, chevron balances the untamed graphic look of the motif with its sleek lines and sharp angles.
To create a sophisticated chevron and leopard print-layered scheme, you can’t go wrong if you choose a zigzag pattern in neutral tones. If desire a more daring look, try a print in a lively hue instead – think jewel tones such as emerald or cobalt blue, or even a playful gelato shade.
4. Checks
An easy way to make a classic check pattern look less buttoned-up and a whole lot more fun is to introduce quirky chevron into your scheme (or vice versa if you need to tame a chevron-heavy look), whether it’s in the form of a eye-catching zigzag accent wall or a cluster of printed cushions, like the ones shown here. Notice how the chevron print pops against the restrained lines of the check and injects a jolt of personality to the space, while the neat appearance of the classic pattern tempers the look of the lively zigzags.
Chevy Cushion in Pearl and Linen and Murphy Throw in Black and Linen: Tori Murphy
An easy way to make a classic check pattern look less buttoned-up and a whole lot more fun is to introduce quirky chevron into your scheme (or vice versa if you need to tame a chevron-heavy look), whether it’s in the form of a eye-catching zigzag accent wall or a cluster of printed cushions, like the ones shown here. Notice how the chevron print pops against the restrained lines of the check and injects a jolt of personality to the space, while the neat appearance of the classic pattern tempers the look of the lively zigzags.
Chevy Cushion in Pearl and Linen and Murphy Throw in Black and Linen: Tori Murphy
5. Ikat
Want to infuse your chevron scheme with exotic flavour? Pepper your space with ikat-patterned decor and watch as the two motifs combine to create a room that’s chic and full of character. The colourful diamond ikat fabric used to upholster these two wooden chairs ties in beautifully with the zigzagged lines of the chevron wallpaper; take note of how they breathe life and a hint of global flair into the scheme.
Greg Natale Chevron Wallpaper in Roman Silver: Porter’s Paints; Jonathan Adler Electrify Tulip Fabric, and Jonathan Adler Electrify Azure Fabric: Kravet
Want to infuse your chevron scheme with exotic flavour? Pepper your space with ikat-patterned decor and watch as the two motifs combine to create a room that’s chic and full of character. The colourful diamond ikat fabric used to upholster these two wooden chairs ties in beautifully with the zigzagged lines of the chevron wallpaper; take note of how they breathe life and a hint of global flair into the scheme.
Greg Natale Chevron Wallpaper in Roman Silver: Porter’s Paints; Jonathan Adler Electrify Tulip Fabric, and Jonathan Adler Electrify Azure Fabric: Kravet
6. Geometric prints
Dual geometric prints look great when layered together, especially when one of the patterns used is chevron. This combo is an ideal option if you prefer the simple yet striking look of geometric prints over more elaborate motifs. If you wish to create a scheme that exudes subtle style, like this elegant living area, choose small-scale patterns that offer look-at-me appeal but don’t command all the attention. If you select a chevron print with thick zigzags, balance the look by pairing it with a motif with leaner lines – you can see this simple decorating trick in action here.
For a bolder, more dramatic look, choose larger patterns that feature contrasting shapes and high-impact hues, and are happy to compete for the spotlight.
Dual geometric prints look great when layered together, especially when one of the patterns used is chevron. This combo is an ideal option if you prefer the simple yet striking look of geometric prints over more elaborate motifs. If you wish to create a scheme that exudes subtle style, like this elegant living area, choose small-scale patterns that offer look-at-me appeal but don’t command all the attention. If you select a chevron print with thick zigzags, balance the look by pairing it with a motif with leaner lines – you can see this simple decorating trick in action here.
For a bolder, more dramatic look, choose larger patterns that feature contrasting shapes and high-impact hues, and are happy to compete for the spotlight.
7. Paisley
Don’t you think chevron and paisley are a match made in heaven? I do. In this airy, inviting living area, a chevron rug in a monochrome palette anchors the space and infuses the room with modern vibe, while the romantic paisley-printed armchair and chaise soften the sharp lines of the zigzag and add an extra layer of visual interest to the scheme.
Chevron Stripe Indoor/Outdoor Rug, Thurston Wing Chair with Pewter Nailheads, Selena Right Arm Chaise: Ballards
Don’t you think chevron and paisley are a match made in heaven? I do. In this airy, inviting living area, a chevron rug in a monochrome palette anchors the space and infuses the room with modern vibe, while the romantic paisley-printed armchair and chaise soften the sharp lines of the zigzag and add an extra layer of visual interest to the scheme.
Chevron Stripe Indoor/Outdoor Rug, Thurston Wing Chair with Pewter Nailheads, Selena Right Arm Chaise: Ballards
8. Dainty florals
Pretty floral prints look nice all on their own, but pair them with shocking chevron and your space can be transformed from delightful to jaw-droppingly chic in the blink of an eye. This bold scheme provides a teaser of just how sensational these patterns look when layered together. Here, a sculptural chevron vase adds a jolt of energy to this charming flowery corner and brings it into the now thanks to its modern appearance.
If chevron takes a lead role in your space, adding delicate floral prints will have the same transformative effect but in reverse – the dreamy blossoms will soften the sharp, angular look of the zigzag print and make the room appear warmer and more inviting.
More: Say It With Flowers: Give Yourself a Lift With a Little Floral Whimsy
Pretty floral prints look nice all on their own, but pair them with shocking chevron and your space can be transformed from delightful to jaw-droppingly chic in the blink of an eye. This bold scheme provides a teaser of just how sensational these patterns look when layered together. Here, a sculptural chevron vase adds a jolt of energy to this charming flowery corner and brings it into the now thanks to its modern appearance.
If chevron takes a lead role in your space, adding delicate floral prints will have the same transformative effect but in reverse – the dreamy blossoms will soften the sharp, angular look of the zigzag print and make the room appear warmer and more inviting.
More: Say It With Flowers: Give Yourself a Lift With a Little Floral Whimsy
9. Gingham
This fun combo is perfect for any kids’ zone. While gingham is often associated with all things cute, traditional or country, here it takes on a fresh, more contemporary vibe thanks to the chevron floor rug. The chalky green colour of the rug picks up a similar tone in the gingham check bedheads, which helps tie the look together.
Holly Rug in Moss: Lee Jofa
This fun combo is perfect for any kids’ zone. While gingham is often associated with all things cute, traditional or country, here it takes on a fresh, more contemporary vibe thanks to the chevron floor rug. The chalky green colour of the rug picks up a similar tone in the gingham check bedheads, which helps tie the look together.
Holly Rug in Moss: Lee Jofa
10. Natural wood grain
Although it’s not a pattern in the traditional sense, we think the beautiful grain patterns of timber deserve a mention here. While chevron is all about clean lines and structure, wood grain patterns offer natural unrestrained beauty. This cool contemporary cooking zone shows just how spectacular these two patterns can look when paired together – we love how the organic lines and warmth of the wood soften the sharp, structured look of the geometric shapes that dance across the kitchen splashback.
Tasmanian Oak island bench; limed plywood cabinetry; herringbone geometric tiles in Grey and Yellow.
Although it’s not a pattern in the traditional sense, we think the beautiful grain patterns of timber deserve a mention here. While chevron is all about clean lines and structure, wood grain patterns offer natural unrestrained beauty. This cool contemporary cooking zone shows just how spectacular these two patterns can look when paired together – we love how the organic lines and warmth of the wood soften the sharp, structured look of the geometric shapes that dance across the kitchen splashback.
Tasmanian Oak island bench; limed plywood cabinetry; herringbone geometric tiles in Grey and Yellow.
11. Moroccan prints
Exotic patterns look magical when paired with chevron; if you don’t believe us, cast your eye over the cosy Moroccan-style recessed seating nook pictured here. While the arresting quatrefoil motif on the upholstered backrest infuses the space with a touch of whimsy and global flair, the clashing chevron cushion brings high-impact contrast and a fresh, modern vibe to the scheme.
Exotic patterns look magical when paired with chevron; if you don’t believe us, cast your eye over the cosy Moroccan-style recessed seating nook pictured here. While the arresting quatrefoil motif on the upholstered backrest infuses the space with a touch of whimsy and global flair, the clashing chevron cushion brings high-impact contrast and a fresh, modern vibe to the scheme.
12. Circle motifs
Why do chevron and round geometric patterns work so well together? Because they balance and bring out the best in each other. This charming nursery provides the perfect example. The circular pattern on the sunny yellow rug softens the sharp, angular look of the powder blue chevron-print wallpaper and infuses the room with timeless, understated style (the repeated fleur-de-lis motif adds a hint of elegance to the scheme, too). Meanwhile, the punchy zigzag print visually cuts through the mesmerising interlocking disc design and adds a quirky, playful vibe to the chic space.
Why do chevron and round geometric patterns work so well together? Because they balance and bring out the best in each other. This charming nursery provides the perfect example. The circular pattern on the sunny yellow rug softens the sharp, angular look of the powder blue chevron-print wallpaper and infuses the room with timeless, understated style (the repeated fleur-de-lis motif adds a hint of elegance to the scheme, too). Meanwhile, the punchy zigzag print visually cuts through the mesmerising interlocking disc design and adds a quirky, playful vibe to the chic space.
13. Damask
For a look that’s as bold as it is beautiful, try teaming chevron and damask together. As you can see here, the result is stunning. While the intricate design of the damask wallpaper infuses the bathing area with refined sophistication, the zigzagging lines of the tiled floor anchor the scheme, add striking contrast and inject the room with a jolt of dramatic modern style.
Barnes Damask Wallpaper: Carl Robinson; porcelain floor tiles in white and silver
For a look that’s as bold as it is beautiful, try teaming chevron and damask together. As you can see here, the result is stunning. While the intricate design of the damask wallpaper infuses the bathing area with refined sophistication, the zigzagging lines of the tiled floor anchor the scheme, add striking contrast and inject the room with a jolt of dramatic modern style.
Barnes Damask Wallpaper: Carl Robinson; porcelain floor tiles in white and silver
14. Chevron again
Double chevron? Yes, please! The trick to making this double-layered look work is to introduce two chevron prints in different scales and complementary shades to your space. It also helps if the patterns are oriented differently or in contrasting styles – this room boasts classic chevron-print fabric which frames the bedhead, as well as a handwoven rug dressed in the same pattern but re-imagined in a exotic ethnic style. Notice how the chevron-chevron combo adds visual drama to the scheme, resulting in a space that oozes character and makes a strong style statement.
Stepped Chevron Kilim Flat Weave Rug in Yellow And Natural: Jonathan Adler
Double chevron? Yes, please! The trick to making this double-layered look work is to introduce two chevron prints in different scales and complementary shades to your space. It also helps if the patterns are oriented differently or in contrasting styles – this room boasts classic chevron-print fabric which frames the bedhead, as well as a handwoven rug dressed in the same pattern but re-imagined in a exotic ethnic style. Notice how the chevron-chevron combo adds visual drama to the scheme, resulting in a space that oozes character and makes a strong style statement.
Stepped Chevron Kilim Flat Weave Rug in Yellow And Natural: Jonathan Adler
TELL US
What patterns have you paired with chevron in your home? Do you find the zigzag motif works better with some patterns over others? Which ones? Please share your thoughts, decorating tips and photos of your space in the comments section.
MORE IDEABOOKS
Mix Master: How to Clash Prints and Patterns Like a Pro
Roll With It! Creative Ways to Use Wallpaper at Home
Awash With Colour: Go Wild With Every Shade Under the Sun
What patterns have you paired with chevron in your home? Do you find the zigzag motif works better with some patterns over others? Which ones? Please share your thoughts, decorating tips and photos of your space in the comments section.
MORE IDEABOOKS
Mix Master: How to Clash Prints and Patterns Like a Pro
Roll With It! Creative Ways to Use Wallpaper at Home
Awash With Colour: Go Wild With Every Shade Under the Sun
For a bold look that’s fun, dramatic and oozes personality, skip the dainty florals and pair chevron with large look-at-me blooms instead. This bright, funky girls’ bedroom shows how it’s done. Here, an eye-catching quilt cover with thick large-scale chevron stripes is teamed with graphic floral-print wallpaper that packs a stylish punch. Notice how the size of the blooms and its pared-back palette ensure the wallpaper complements (rather than competes with) the zigzag print, resulting in a space that’s oh-so chic and balanced. A chevron cushion in rainbow brights and candy-coloured bedding adds extra pops of colour and contrast to the scheme.
Flower Blossom Wallpaper: Orla Kiely
More: Flower Power: How to Make Florals Work in Any Room