Pattern mixing isn't just for fashion, it’s one of the easiest ways to add personality, playfulness, and bold design to your tablescape. While many people shy away from mixing prints or textures in fear of creating visual chaos, the truth is: a well-matched table is intentional, curated, and completely picture worthy..
With the right balance, you can layer different styles, unique patterns, and flatware finishes to create a look that feels elevated, not overwhelming.
Here’s how to master the art of the clash on your table:
🎨 1. Start with a Color Story
Before you mix anything, pick your palette. Color is what ties everything together, even if the patterns themselves are wildly different.
Try one of these unique combos:
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Red, navy, and cream for a preppy American feel
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Blush, mint, and gold for a soft summer brunch, these colors go great together
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Bold rainbow tones with black or white neutrals to anchor it and make the rainbow tones stand out more
The easiest way to make different elements “match” is by making sure they share common colors, even if the patterns clash.
🍴 2. Make Flatware Part of the Pattern
Flatware is often overlooked as a design element—but not at ANNOVA. Our colorful stainless steel sets (like colorful mixed morandi sets, bold red, or soft cream) are made to be seen.
Use your flatware as a pattern-breaker or accent:
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Morandi mix: adds a vibrant hit to muted linens
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Red flatware: pops against navy stripes or gingham
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Cream flatware: softens graphic black-and-white patterns
Treat it like jewelry: the finishing touch that pulls the whole look together and ties the table together.
🧺 3. Layer Textures Like You Layer Prints
Mixing textures can help soften the visual tension between patterns. Try:
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Woven straw placemats with floral napkins
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Linen runners layered over printed cotton cloths
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Smooth flatware against textured chargers
When in doubt, use a tactile material like wood or linen to ground a louder and more bold print.
✨ 4. Keep One Element Simple
If you’re going bold with exciting patterns with your placemats and napkins, keep the plates or glassware neutral or vice versa. Balance is key. Use neutral dinnerware and let the flatware and textiles do the talking.
🔁 5. Use Repetition to Anchor the Chaos
Even in a mixed table setting, some repetition keeps the look cohesive. Repeating flatware, napkin folds, or wine glass styles at every setting creates a sense of order, even when everything else is delightfully mismatched.
💡 Example Tablescape Idea:
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Blue-and-white striped placemats
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Red floral cloth napkins
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ANNOVA red-handled flatware
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Clear vintage-style glassware
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Neutral white plates
This mix of patterns feels intentional, balanced, and just a little bit cheeky.
💬 Final Thoughts
Pattern mixing is all about confidence and creativity. Your table should reflect your personality, not perfection. Whether you're setting up for a 4th of July BBQ or a casual Sunday brunch, don’t be afraid to play with color, texture, and other unexpected combinations.
With flatware as stylish as ANNOVA’s, even the boldest mix will look beautifully pulled together.
