How to use floral fabrics in your home

Abi Clewley

BY Abi Clewley

Published: 18 February 2019 Updated: 22 August 2024

Floral fabrics

As time goes by you may get the urge to breathe new life into your windows and dressing them in beautiful floral fabrics is a simple way to do just that. Whatever your style, a floral pattern can help lift the mood of an entire room, and with lighter colours even draw more natural light into a space. But like any vibrant design, it is always important to choose a pattern that will complement your home and not overpower it.

Working with organic patterns

Almost all patterns can be split into either organic or geometric, and floral patterns are most definitely organic. These designs tend to have less of a definitive structure are usually inspired by nature. Sometimes this can be very literal and other times it might be more abstract. But, typically, there will be a lot of movement across the design as with this Roman blind in Betony Sorbet.

Neutral lounge with L shaped sofa with accent cushions in soft pink and floral matching two Roman blinds at window behind with medium sized pink and beige flowers, accent grey knot-shaped cushion on sofa.

Choosing a complementing design

Finding the right floral pattern is mainly down to its dominant features. Choose a colour or theme; look for a floral pattern that incorporates that and then style your room around it, whether that is using the main fabric colour to draw the eye, or picking accents. In this living room with a Roman blind in Carenza Clearwater, the blue flowers on the blind complement the sofa and other accessories, plus the cushions in a matching fabric adds to the whole theme.

Close shot of lounge with pale blue walls, grey flooring with pale blue rug under low trestle table with blue accessories, blue sofa and cushions in front of large windows dressed in two Roman blinds of sprigs of blue flowers on white background.

Pick a colour

There’s as many colour choices when it comes to floral fabrics as there are actual types of flowers, so your colour palette is wide and varied, and you just need to bear in mind the additional impact that busy prints have on colour. Bold, vibrant hues can inject energy and joy into a space, making them ideal for living areas or kitchens where activity and conversation thrive. Think of sunny yellows like this Roller blind in Applemore Ochre, lively greens, or striking reds that mimic the vibrant hues found in a blooming garden. On the other hand, soft pastels and muted tones can evoke a sense of calm and tranquillity, perfect for bedrooms or reading nooks. Gentle lavenders, blush pinks, and soft blues can bring a touch of serenity and elegance, transforming your windows into a soothing backdrop. 

Dining room country chic style with white wood round table and two chairs, white vase with yellow foliage, ochre walls and window dressed in roller blind with grey and yellow leaf pattern

Go bold

Floral patterns are not just about sprigs of flower and dainty designs, they can be big and bold too. If you're going to be bold then something like these Phyllis Fern Green Roman blinds is a great way of doing so. The strong green is a really versatile colour but there’s a delicacy to the print that stops it from being too much. Gently pulling out both the colour and the design to use in furniture and accessories really presents a united look. The large fern that echoes the pattern is the icing on the cake. 

Lounge in neutral colours with cream rug, mink sofa to left, cream lamps, two large planters with ferns and window dressed in Roman blind in pale green with green fern pattern.

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