What Is Eclectic Decor & Is It for You?
A deep-dive into understanding eclecticism – its qualities and characteristics, and the kind of homeowners it's suited for
‘Eclectic’ is a word many of us come across frequently when searching for ideas for home decor or when reading magazine or online articles. We usually have a loose understanding of it – a mishmash, quirky, adventurous style of decoration and the opposite of matchy-matchy, right? But have you wondered what eclectic decor really means? Does it have certain characteristics? What truly defines this style? And most importantly, is it for you?
Here’s an in-depth look into this type of style, its inception, its qualities and why you should or shouldn’t adopt it.
Here’s an in-depth look into this type of style, its inception, its qualities and why you should or shouldn’t adopt it.
Characteristic 1: Mix of colours
Eclecticism lacks pedigree and that’s what makes it stand out – it draws its charm from contrasts. It allows you to use multiple colours within the same space, but make sure you avoid a hit-you-over-the-head theme with an indiscriminate mix of hues.
The trick is to find enough common ground to make the room hang together. The ideal way is to take a few hues from the scheme and repeat them in the wall paints or the accent pieces, to bring a sense of continuity and connection. See how the colour pink is used as a unifying factor across the room here – be it on the carpet, the cushions or even the painting.
Take a look at these unusual colour combinations for interior walls
Eclecticism lacks pedigree and that’s what makes it stand out – it draws its charm from contrasts. It allows you to use multiple colours within the same space, but make sure you avoid a hit-you-over-the-head theme with an indiscriminate mix of hues.
The trick is to find enough common ground to make the room hang together. The ideal way is to take a few hues from the scheme and repeat them in the wall paints or the accent pieces, to bring a sense of continuity and connection. See how the colour pink is used as a unifying factor across the room here – be it on the carpet, the cushions or even the painting.
Take a look at these unusual colour combinations for interior walls
Characteristic 2: Mix of patterns
This style encourages the use of different patterns in the room – think chevrons, bold florals, slim stripes, all settled on seaters, walls and curtains.
In this living room, there is a lot going on, from the bold patterns on the rug, the print on the ottoman to the motifs on the cushions. Now imagine adding a patterned wallpaper or strongly coloured paint. Feel the claustrophobia kicking in? That’s the trick one needs to master – to enliven without overwhelming.
Tip: Try incorporating varying scales to the space so that the prints don’t compete with one another but stand their own ground. I generally follow a rule of not using more than three patterns. Take, for instance, one large, one medium and one small – one each in, say, a floral, a geometric and a classic pattern. I like to use the large patterns on large elements, such as a wall, window treatment or an area rug, as expansive spaces are able to accommodate the pattern in its entirety. A medium pattern, I feel, is better suited to furniture and a small pattern on accent pieces.
This style encourages the use of different patterns in the room – think chevrons, bold florals, slim stripes, all settled on seaters, walls and curtains.
In this living room, there is a lot going on, from the bold patterns on the rug, the print on the ottoman to the motifs on the cushions. Now imagine adding a patterned wallpaper or strongly coloured paint. Feel the claustrophobia kicking in? That’s the trick one needs to master – to enliven without overwhelming.
Tip: Try incorporating varying scales to the space so that the prints don’t compete with one another but stand their own ground. I generally follow a rule of not using more than three patterns. Take, for instance, one large, one medium and one small – one each in, say, a floral, a geometric and a classic pattern. I like to use the large patterns on large elements, such as a wall, window treatment or an area rug, as expansive spaces are able to accommodate the pattern in its entirety. A medium pattern, I feel, is better suited to furniture and a small pattern on accent pieces.
Characteristic 3: Unexpected accents
In eclecticism, you have the leeway to make an old art print, quirky curios and a modern wingback all get along in one space – it’s all about the surprise. In this style, you can make the room speak to you, enhanced with your choicest and favourite finds. You can also accommodate recycled pieces with a fresh coat of paint to see how they work in novel ways.
Tip: The trick to creating that ‘surprise element’ is to use off-beat pieces that make a statement on empty walls or next to humble elements. Like this cycle sculpture, made from discarded spare parts of a car and a Royal Enfield Thunderbird, installed on a blank grey wall.
In eclecticism, you have the leeway to make an old art print, quirky curios and a modern wingback all get along in one space – it’s all about the surprise. In this style, you can make the room speak to you, enhanced with your choicest and favourite finds. You can also accommodate recycled pieces with a fresh coat of paint to see how they work in novel ways.
Tip: The trick to creating that ‘surprise element’ is to use off-beat pieces that make a statement on empty walls or next to humble elements. Like this cycle sculpture, made from discarded spare parts of a car and a Royal Enfield Thunderbird, installed on a blank grey wall.
Characteristic 4: Old vs new
One of the most defining things about this decor style is an easy exchange between different time periods and styles. Consider this: a modern modular sofa, with a retro art print behind it and Victorian candelabras kept on the side table … you get the gist. Keep in mind that the arrangements need to be done in a harmonious way, where different pieces retain their unique place in the room. Like these modern white dining chairs and table illuminated by the vintage bright-blue chandelier. Creates quite a modern-art stylescape, doesn’t it?
See how classical style meets contemporary in this Hyderabad home
One of the most defining things about this decor style is an easy exchange between different time periods and styles. Consider this: a modern modular sofa, with a retro art print behind it and Victorian candelabras kept on the side table … you get the gist. Keep in mind that the arrangements need to be done in a harmonious way, where different pieces retain their unique place in the room. Like these modern white dining chairs and table illuminated by the vintage bright-blue chandelier. Creates quite a modern-art stylescape, doesn’t it?
See how classical style meets contemporary in this Hyderabad home
Characteristic 5: Repetition
Eclecticism gives a nod to repetition, not just in colours but in shapes, too. Take this room, for example: a series of rectangles are scattered over this area – from the windows and framed artwork to the coffee tables and vintage cafe signboard. Other than that, the colour yellow is reiterated through the chest of drawers, the signage and the painting.
Eclecticism gives a nod to repetition, not just in colours but in shapes, too. Take this room, for example: a series of rectangles are scattered over this area – from the windows and framed artwork to the coffee tables and vintage cafe signboard. Other than that, the colour yellow is reiterated through the chest of drawers, the signage and the painting.
Is it for you?
Eclecticism stays away from the cookie-cutter decor styles. Rather off-beat and unconventional, it can be either loved or completely disliked by people. If the qualities listed below resonate with you then eclecticism is for you:
10 Interior Design Styles Explained
7 Stunning Patterned Tiles That Are Hard to Ignore
Tell us:
What style of decor do you like? Tell us in Comments below.
Eclecticism stays away from the cookie-cutter decor styles. Rather off-beat and unconventional, it can be either loved or completely disliked by people. If the qualities listed below resonate with you then eclecticism is for you:
- You aren’t a fan of a uniform and orderly look
- You want to get away from the strict rules of known trends, while maintaining your own style
- Matching furniture, colours and patterns makes you want to cry
- You are adept at recognising pieces from different styles and periods, and can put them together organically into something new and original
10 Interior Design Styles Explained
7 Stunning Patterned Tiles That Are Hard to Ignore
Tell us:
What style of decor do you like? Tell us in Comments below.
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There is, however, a fine line between a beautifully eclectic room and one that is haphazard and chaotic. The mix and match needs to be logically interconnected – it can be thought of as a careful gathering of unique elements that all work together.
Tip: When going for an eclectic home, don’t mistake the style for ‘anything goes’. One way to make sure a room isn’t overdone is to consider putting a cap on the number of colours, patterns and styles you want to use. Then, take a step back, click a picture of the room and study all the elements together. What shouts at you? What looks like the odd one out? Start paring those down, and give the room some breathing space.