Small scale patterns are proving to be increasingly popular in interior design due to their versatility as well as their ability to add depth and dimension to your interiors. Ranging from delicate florals to repeating motifs, the petite patterns are perfect for adding layers to your scheme.
Layering is the art of combining a different range of fabrics, prints, colours, and textures, in a balancing composition to bring warmth and character to your room. Small prints can easily be combined with larger designs or textures to create a sense of intricacy and visual interest.
How to use small scales in your interior scheme
Small scales can be great for balancing larger scale prints. Start by choosing your focal point of the room – This could be your curtains, a headboard or even wallpaper. You may want to consider a larger scale pattern here as your protagonist as this will be what you use to build your scheme around. As a standalone, larger scales particularly in more striking colours can be intimidating, so small patterns or subtle stripes can then be used, perhaps in the form of cushions, lampshades, upholstery or complimenting blinds to create a more cohesive look. Although there is no set rule, generally two or three small scales are ideal without making the scheme too chaotic. Adding a small-scale motif in a colour picked out from your larger scale pattern will help pull the scheme together by adding depth and creating harmony between your furnishings.
Small scale prints are also ideal for smaller windows in the form of blinds or curtains, that don’t lend themselves to larger patterns but wanting to add interest rather than just a plain fabric. The intricate patterns have delightful capability to fool the eye from a distance, emphasising prominent colours, inviting you to look more closely. The small scales will add charisma to your interiors, so don’t be afraid to be brave!
Delicate details | What are the different types of Small Scale Fabrics?
Our huge fabric library in Bradford On Avon is proud to carry many brands with small scale fabrics in their collections. With small scale prints and designs becoming vastly popular, we have hundreds of designs to choose from. Our samples books are available for loan to our customers so you can also choose your fabrics in the comfort of your own home. Our fabrics can be used for our made to measure services e.g. blinds, curtains, cushions, as well as upholstery.
Petite Florals & Nature Inspired
Florals are a timeless addition to a scheme, adding a touch of femininity and quintessential charm. GP & J Baker’s Poppy sprig from the House small prints collection is a delightful block print design available in 7 soft palette colourways for fabrics, and 8 colourways in wallpaper.
The Ashmead Block Print collection from Colefax & Fowler, consists of several motif designs printed of natural linen cloth. For a delicate floral, the Berkerley Sprig fabric & wallpaper is the perfect example of a charming informal motif with the added interest of a diamond trellis background.
Sessile Leaf from the Pinetum prints collection by Sanderson is based on a stylised oak leaf with a handprinted appearance, printed onto a subtle spotted background. The colourways are joyful and playful, to add a pop of colour to your scheme.
Alternative Stripes
More complex stripes provide an elevated element to the classic striped look. Designs have been curated with extra subtle detail to add interest and character. Our favourite examples of these are from Linwood. Both the Helter Skelter and High Wire design spark liveliness in a casual relaxed stripe format. Abstract decorative elements such as wavy lines and zigzags in both designs create an exciting look. Both designs are printed onto linen base cloths suitable for curtains, blinds, or upholstery.
Aubin from Romo, is a linear vertical design with a free-spirited essence. Formed with a vibrant flash of colour swirls down the cloth this pattern proves to be striking stripe design. Romo print the design onto a cotton-linen blend base cloth made from recycled yarns – perfect for the environmentally conscious.
Little Compliments
Our absolute go to for delicate, petite small designs are the Little Compliments & With Compliments collections by Ian Sanderson. As the names suggest, these collections are perfect additions for complimenting your scheme. Printed in England on 100% Cotton for a superior quality. These fabrics are ideal for curtains, blinds, cushions, lampshades and even contrast linings!
Our other go to fabrics for complimentary scales are those from Sarah Hardaker. Sarah is a British designer with extensive knowledge of the fabric design industry. Her catalogue consists of a variety of small scale designs from soft florals to subtle pin stripes. Most of her linens are woven in Scotland, and designs are printed in England to maintain excellent quality standards. Sarah also offers a colour match service to truly coordinate your interior scheme. Her fabrics are available through Dible & Roy, and can be made into curtains, blinds or soft furnishing accessories.
With our library consisting of over 50,000 different fabrics, we can help you introduce small scale prints into your interior scheme.
BOOK AN APPOINTMENT
To receive dedicated time with our interior consultants, we recommend booking a 30-minute slot with Lizzie or Amanda. Appointment slots are scheduled Monday to Friday at 10am, 11am, 2pm, and 3pm. We are usually booking at least a week in advance.
If you prefer to browse at your leisure, feel free to visit our Bradford on Avon showroom anytime during opening hours. Walk-ins are also welcome, though assistance will be limited without an appointment.
Dible & Roy Interiors Bradford on Avon Showroom
Monday to Friday: 8am – 5pm (4pm on Fridays)