Wallpaper is one of the most effective ways to transform a room, adding colour, texture, and personality. But deciding between small and large scale patterns can make all the difference in achieving the desired impact.
My designs like Winged Lion, Garden Tetris, and Suits You, Wiggly Squiggly and Wobble are available in two scales, giving you flexibility to find the perfect fit for your space.
Whether you favour intricate details or bold statements, this guide will help you navigate the key factors to consider when choosing between small and large scale patterns.
Small and Large Scale Patterns: What’s the Difference?
The decision between small and large scale patterns isn’t just about motif size, it’s about how the design interacts with your space and what mood it creates.
Small Scale Patterns
Small scale designs feature intricate details and subtle textures, making them perfect for adding depth and sophistication to a room. Patterns like Suits You in small bring a refined charm to spaces without overwhelming them.
Large Scale Patterns
Large-scale patterns, such as Winged Lion large scale, are dramatic and eye-catching. These designs dominate a space with their bold visual impact, ideal for expansive rooms where their grandeur can be fully appreciated and small spaces to make a visual impact.
Considering Your Space with Small and Large Scale Patterns
The size of your room plays a key role in how small and large scale patterns appear and function, but don’t be afraid to experiment with scale.
For Smaller Spaces
Small Scale Patterns: These add charm and detail without overwhelming the room. Patterns like Suits You (small) can create a layered, sophisticated look in compact spaces.
Large Scale Patterns: Contrary to popular belief, large patterns can work beautifully in smaller spaces, adding drama and a sense of depth without feeling cluttered.
For Larger Spaces
Small Scale Patterns: In large rooms, small patterns provide a serene, textured backdrop that doesn’t dominate the space.
Large Scale Patterns: Bold and expansive, large patterns like Winged Lion (large) command attention and allow the room to embrace the grandeur of the design.
Big patterns in small spaces make a striking statement, don’t shy away from using them to add bold personality and unexpected depth.
Setting the Mood with Small and Large Scale Patterns
The choice between small and large scale patterns also determines the mood of your space.
For Calm and Subtle Environments: Opt for small patterns. Patterns like Garden Tetris (small) evoke a sense of peace and sophistication, ideal for bedrooms or studies.
For Bold and Dramatic Statements: Choose large patterns with striking colours to create impact. Winged Lion (large) transforms any wall into a piece of art, perfect for framing in living areas.
Lighting and Small and Large Scale Patterns
Lighting can enhance or diminish the effects of small and large scale patterns in a space.
Bright Rooms: Natural light amplifies the vibrancy of large scale patterns. Meanwhile, small scale patterns reflect light subtly, adding texture and depth.
Dim Rooms: Large patterns in darker spaces create a cosy and warm atmosphere. Small scale patterns, on the other hand, add elegant detail without overwhelming the space.
Combining Small and Large Scale Patterns
Who says you need to pick just one? Mixing small and large scale patterns across wallpaper and fabric creates a dynamic and cohesive look.
Match Scales: Pair a bold wallpaper like Winged Lion (large) with curtains in Harlequin Parade (large) for a unified, grand aesthetic.
Contrast Scales: Combine a large wallpaper like Wiggly Squiggly with it's small scale sister in fabric for added depth and texture.
Whether you match or mix, blending wallpaper and fabric in varying scales brings harmony and interest to your interiors.
Personalise Your Space with Small and Large Scale Patterns
At the studio I offer bespoke options to ensure small and large scale patterns are perfectly tailored to your space. Whether you want to adjust the scale of Pair of Dogs fabric or customise the colourway of Woggly Squiggly, we can help you achieve a truly unique look for your home.
Design Examples Featuring Small and Large Scale Patterns
Here are some standout designs to inspire your use of small and large scale patterns:
Winged Lion: Majestic in its large scale, this pattern becomes a statement piece in grand living spaces. The smaller scale offers a refined touch, adding mythic charm to bedrooms or offices.
Garden Tetris: The smaller version brings tranquillity to cosy corners, while the large scale celebrates nature’s vibrancy, perfect for feature walls in dining rooms or hallways.
Suits You: With its tailored elegance, the small pattern suits formal settings like dining rooms. In its large scale, it adds modern drama to entryways and open-plan spaces.
Embrace the Versatility of Small and Large Scale Patterns
When it comes to decorating with small and large scale patterns, there is no one size fits all answer. The choice depends on the size of your room, the atmosphere you want to create, and your personal style.
Explore our collection today to find a pattern that sets the stage for your homes story.