Patterns go in and out of style, but there's one in particular that seems to endure through the decades: gingham.
A staple in design aesthetics like modern farmhouse and cottagecore, gingham or plaid furniture and decor adds a point of instant visual interest to even the most neutral of spaces. Case in point: Kathy Griffin's living room.
The comedian's space features a checked, blue sofa, which pairs perfectly with her antique, wood desk, gray accent chair, and mix of wood and white walls. It goes to show that plaid is, in many ways, the ultimate neutral.
Shop the look
A reversible design is a win in our books, and this sham is officially on our wishlist thanks to its two options of plaid and floral patterns, along with its highly versatile gray and white color scheme.
Created for a living room, kids' room or nursey room, this gingham chair is a timeless style.
This wooden desk feels inspired by midcentury furniture with its long, slender legs and distinct drawers. Simply place it in your work-from-home space and decorate it with vintage decor.
According to design experts, gingham continues to trend for good reason; it's perfect for those who want to experiment with pattern without going too far outside of the box.
'In a world of fast furniture, this patterned upholstery is becoming popular because it’s interesting and original,' explains Andrew Seed, Managing Director at The Odd Company. 'I think it can’t help but feel designer and one-of-a-kind.'
He continues, 'With clashing patterns becoming all the rage, people are no longer worried about pairing a printed wallpaper with a striped headboard. In fact, I’d say they’re embracing it. It seems that the motto is, ‘the more pattern, the better.’'
While Kathy has opted for her plaid sofa as the only major pattern in her space, gingham can work well with stripes and florals when styled carefully and intentionally.
When decorating with plaid in a living room, Andrew says that beginning with an anchor piece of furniture is a great way to infuse the space with checks, but smaller accessories will have a similar impact.
'In living rooms, embrace a more unique original armchair or sofa,' he explains. 'Gingham, particularly greens and reds, seems to be taking off, so keep these colors in mind. If this is too intimidating, budding designers can dip their toes into more maximalist upholstery, furniture, and pieces with footstools, rugs, or furniture skirts. Start small and build up.'
Whether you take a maximalist approach and attempt to pattern clash, or just go for some plaid throw pillows, this pattern is clearly here to stay.
