More Rooms
Chevron Chic: 12 Ways to Use Zigzags in Nurseries
Want to capture a fun and playful vibe in your child's nursery? Zigzags deliver
Chevrons, aka zigzags when they’re repeated, have been on our design radar for a few years now. And thanks to its playful edge, this design has become a popular go-to pattern for parents wanting to create a baby-friendly room that still feels sophisticated and on trend. What’s more, chevrons are neither too girlie nor boyish, making them a versatile design touch in any nursery.
But what’s the secret to achieving a harmonious, balanced scheme that isn’t too fussy or overpowering? The key is to see chevrons as an accent pattern to be used in small doses. When this busy pattern is combined with plenty of plains, or other subtle geometric designs in similar tones, the result is calm and timeless with stacks of personality. We’ve tracked down some brilliant ways to use this fun and frivolous design without the fear of pattern overload.
But what’s the secret to achieving a harmonious, balanced scheme that isn’t too fussy or overpowering? The key is to see chevrons as an accent pattern to be used in small doses. When this busy pattern is combined with plenty of plains, or other subtle geometric designs in similar tones, the result is calm and timeless with stacks of personality. We’ve tracked down some brilliant ways to use this fun and frivolous design without the fear of pattern overload.
Upsized zags
Rugs are a great device for anchoring the furniture in a room and creating a sense of harmony between the pieces. But a boldly patterned rug, such as large-scale chevrons, does this and more. It instantly hammers home the room’s design theme and fills the space with stacks of personality. Sticking to plain, neutral walls is wise or you could be in danger of overdoing it, but the odd touch of geometrics in contrasting colours can be thrown in for fun.
Rugs are a great device for anchoring the furniture in a room and creating a sense of harmony between the pieces. But a boldly patterned rug, such as large-scale chevrons, does this and more. It instantly hammers home the room’s design theme and fills the space with stacks of personality. Sticking to plain, neutral walls is wise or you could be in danger of overdoing it, but the odd touch of geometrics in contrasting colours can be thrown in for fun.
Similarly, in this nursery the walls are simple, but have been given an injection of interest with complementary paint colours. The grey walls tie in with the loud floor rug so the scheme feels cohesive and calm.
Bring focus to the cot
As in all bedroom schemes, the main focus should be on the bed, and this goes for cots too. If you don’t have a statement wallpaper or paint colour framing the cot, try using a chevron rug underneath instead. A dash of vibrant zigzag on a dark carpet will give it a lively touch.
As in all bedroom schemes, the main focus should be on the bed, and this goes for cots too. If you don’t have a statement wallpaper or paint colour framing the cot, try using a chevron rug underneath instead. A dash of vibrant zigzag on a dark carpet will give it a lively touch.
Black and white
Small babies see in black and white, so large monochromatic shapes, such as a chevron ottoman, will capture their attention, especially during tummy time. Limiting chevrons to one defining feature will allow you to bring focus to a specific area of the space, such as a nursing chair or reading nook.
Small babies see in black and white, so large monochromatic shapes, such as a chevron ottoman, will capture their attention, especially during tummy time. Limiting chevrons to one defining feature will allow you to bring focus to a specific area of the space, such as a nursing chair or reading nook.
Bright pop of colour
Enliven a tonal nursery with a dash of chevrons in a standout contrasting colour. Not only will it show off some bold, confident styling, it will instantly lift a bland space in need of a pick-me-up. Chevron-patterned accessories, such as cushions, throws, picture frames or lamp shades, are a great way of introducing this fun and lively theme without huge cost or effort.
See more soft grey in nurseries
Enliven a tonal nursery with a dash of chevrons in a standout contrasting colour. Not only will it show off some bold, confident styling, it will instantly lift a bland space in need of a pick-me-up. Chevron-patterned accessories, such as cushions, throws, picture frames or lamp shades, are a great way of introducing this fun and lively theme without huge cost or effort.
See more soft grey in nurseries
Dressing the window
Flowing, floor-length curtains in a punchy chevron pattern will have the same effect as a statement wallpaper; they create an attention-grabbing focal point. Perfect if the rest of the walls are plain, as it saves you having to add any other features or patterns.
Flowing, floor-length curtains in a punchy chevron pattern will have the same effect as a statement wallpaper; they create an attention-grabbing focal point. Perfect if the rest of the walls are plain, as it saves you having to add any other features or patterns.
Subtle touch
The barely-there chevron on the rug is so pale and quiet that it’s hardly noticeable, yet it introduces a subtle pattern to the neutral room and saves it from looking too bland. Off-white and earthy grey is a beautiful combination that can be easily adapted to a more grown-up look as the little one grows, with bolder touches of chevron.
The barely-there chevron on the rug is so pale and quiet that it’s hardly noticeable, yet it introduces a subtle pattern to the neutral room and saves it from looking too bland. Off-white and earthy grey is a beautiful combination that can be easily adapted to a more grown-up look as the little one grows, with bolder touches of chevron.
Likewise, chevrons make a small appearance in this unique nursery, with a subtle touch of zigzag adorning the cot sheet. A great idea if you want patterned bedding, but aren’t too keen on character-inspired themes.
Neatly concealed
Getting the balance right between practical yet sophisticated storage in a baby’s room can be tricky. If you are struggling with how to disguise cluttered open shelves, then a smart chevron curtain could be the answer. Go for a bright and breezy fabric so the curtain becomes a feature in the room, rather than just a practical solution, and hang it neatly to a robust ceiling-fitted curtain rod so it’s secure.
Getting the balance right between practical yet sophisticated storage in a baby’s room can be tricky. If you are struggling with how to disguise cluttered open shelves, then a smart chevron curtain could be the answer. Go for a bright and breezy fabric so the curtain becomes a feature in the room, rather than just a practical solution, and hang it neatly to a robust ceiling-fitted curtain rod so it’s secure.
The bold and the beautiful
A wall of zigzags might sound flamboyant, but in reality it’s a lot less showy if you stick to a neutral tone. Keep the pattern to just one wall for a real statement, and balance the design with plenty of plains. If you are feeling brave, pop in a few more touches of chevron around the space to continue the lighthearted feel.
Do babies cry more in yellow rooms?
A wall of zigzags might sound flamboyant, but in reality it’s a lot less showy if you stick to a neutral tone. Keep the pattern to just one wall for a real statement, and balance the design with plenty of plains. If you are feeling brave, pop in a few more touches of chevron around the space to continue the lighthearted feel.
Do babies cry more in yellow rooms?
Surprise element
For a unique and quirky touch try introducing zigzags in unexpected spots. Turn a basic chest of drawers into something out of the ordinary by decorating the front with chevron-patterned wallpaper or fabric.
YOUR SAY
Have you used chevrons in your home? Share a photo or tell us all about it in the Comments below.
MORE
Browse more nursery photos
For a unique and quirky touch try introducing zigzags in unexpected spots. Turn a basic chest of drawers into something out of the ordinary by decorating the front with chevron-patterned wallpaper or fabric.
YOUR SAY
Have you used chevrons in your home? Share a photo or tell us all about it in the Comments below.
MORE
Browse more nursery photos
A great starting point for designing a chevron-themed room is to limit the colour palette to a couple of contrasting hues. Then introduce zigzags through the quieter colour of the two, and the brighter shade will help to balance out the busy pattern and slow down the pace.
Here, grey and yellow are the perfect partners thanks to the moodiness of the grey toning down the vibrant yellow. It’s also a great colour combo for a gender-neutral nursery.
Check out delightful gender-neutral nurseries