Friday, January 15, 2016

Decorating With Plaid Covered Walls


If classics can actually be considered trendy, then plaid is super hot right now. I have already published several blog posts on plaid decor over the years but not one on plaid walls. So here goes! And whether you decide to paper, use fabric, or paint your wall in plaid, hopefully this post will help you make decisions on how to create instant warmth and sophistication with this great pattern. 

Plaid walls based on historic tartan fabrics have a timeless appeal and have roots in traditional and preppy style interiors as you will see in the initial images. However, the current trend leans towards bolder, colorful, and oversized plaid wall treatments in a vast array of modern patterns like those you'll see later on in the post. Either way it is a wonderful pattern to work with and has a broad appeal.




Plaid, the wonderful iconic textile, started trending in the fall of 2014 and this classic favorite will add instant sophistication and warmth to any space. Since plaid is a woven fabric, I prefer covering the walls with actual tartan instead of paper. It creates an even warmer feel. I can't tell from these pictures which has been used on the walls of these homes but either way I am sure you will enjoy seeing what can be achieved by adding plaid to the walls of YOUR home.


The wool plaid warmth on these walls set the perfect stage for antique furniture and artwork. Plus a room with red tartan plaid is absolutely beautiful when decorated for Christmas.

Plaid is a wonderful go to fabric for the walls because it comes in a variety of colors and scale combinations. Plaid walls look so distinguished and work well with other traditional fabric patterns you would use on furnishings and flooring.


Plaid walls don't always make a space look masculine. This room is an example of how the use of other patterns and softer jewel tone colors like this amethyst can blend the masculine and feminine aesthetics.

via Pinterest

Painting your woodwork in a creamy white will make the plaid on your wall pop even more. Add a corresponding color in your bedding or other furnishings to soften things up a bit.


Warm, country style plaid adorns the walls of this traditional English style interior. Leather is the perfect accent for these plaid walls and the tufting on the sofas help to provide a distinguished feel.

Jean-Louis Deniot

You can also just cover a portion of a wall with plaid. I like how the alcove is distinguished from the rest of the wall through the use of a small scale plaid.


This Ralph Lauren signature style bedroom wouldn't look near as cozy without the warmth of plaid wool applied to the walls.


I love this stately pattern for it's traditional look and dignified feel. The plaid walls are perfect for this manly bathroom.


If you desire the warm saturated look for your plaid space, then definitely cover the walls. Gold framed landscapes and equestrian pictures look wonderful on plaid walls. Throw in floral rugs and some pillows featuring English cabbage roses, to soften it all up, and you are good to go.

Diamond Baratta

Plaid is also ideal for feature walls. Apply it to one wall or just a portion like has been done over the arches in this room. You can see how well the patterned rug with it's large scenic circles works with the plaid. The reason people like plaid so much is the ease in which you can coordinate other fabrics with it.


Don't be afraid to use plaid on the walls of a small space. 


A bath or powder room is the perfect place to manifest those plaid walls you have been dreaming about.


Because of it's pattern, plaid covered walls can provide extra dimension to your space.

Elegant, rustic country plaid walls create an inviting lodge style foyer.


Plaid covered walls also go hand in hand with an equestrian interior. 


This dining room is another example of how plaid walls can be easy to work with as they coordinate so well with other patterns you might choose for window treatments and upholstery.

Loving the leopard against these green plaid walls.


Grey plaid walls with clean lines and modern scale give this sitting area a casual elegance.

Modern plaid walls give a room a chic look that is clean and crisp.


Buffalo plaid walls in neutral khaki and cream with colorful eclectic accessories from Jeffrey Bilhuber.


Don't let mixing plaids intimidate you. A wall like this covered in a bold plaid and chairs that echo the colors only in a different plaid pattern can actually look and feel cohesive.


With today's plaid patterns on your walls you can still enjoy the historical Scottish tradition while you create a more modern and contemporary image.

source unknown

New offbeat colors, scales, and applications are modern and interesting. Try covering a sofa with the same plaid as you use on your walls.

source unknown

Plaid is considered traditional but that doesn’t mean that it has to be used in traditional ways. Have fun with your plaid walls. Do something unique by considering a diagonal plaid.


A Lilly Pulitzer Home vignette with colorful plaid walls.


While traditional style calls for a smaller scale plaid, modern interiors lean toward over-sized pattern like this room with it's walls painted to resemble plaid. Play with scale......don't be intimidated.






Click here to see the previous post

http://eyefordesignlfd.blogspot.com/2016/01/decorating-with-french-pastrybutcher.html


This blog post was published by Lisa Farmer