When you think of classic prints, chances are polka dots come to mind. Recently, fashion designers ranging from Carolina Herrera to Prabal Gurung showed their love of the timeless pattern on runways, and now polka dots are popping up in the interior design world. Whether you’re in search of stylish rugs, throw pillows or statement wallpaper, the pattern seems to be everywhere right now.
“Polka dots are a classic, but at the same time, they have a nostalgic and playful quality to them,” says designer Sasha Bikoff. “The great thing about polka dots is that there are so many variations in terms of color and scale, which make the print completely versatile and useful in many settings.”
“Polka dots are a classic and comfortable, much like a stripe,” says designer and artist Rebecca Atwood. “I do think classics that have a bit of a ‘90s spin are feeling fresh again, especially in fashion, so it makes sense that this would happen in home as well.”
Designer Joy Williams of Joyful Designs Studio also appreciates the print: “I love polka dots because I think design should be fun. It also feels geometric to my eye, so there’s interest there, especially black and white variations or something tone on tone.”
How to Nail the Trend
If you’re stumped on how to incorporate polka dot prints into your space, try these designers’ tips and tricks:
✔️ Pick the right one. “Polka dots can easily feel a bit cutesy, so look for them in unexpected materials, sophisticated colors or slight twists,” says Atwood, noting her Embroidered Dot Sheers fabric.
✔️ Pair the print wisely. “Polka dots are a graphic-shaped design, so they pair well with something completely different like a floral,” says Bikoff.
✔️ Decide whether to go big or small. “You can either have them be center stage and incorporate them on a larger basis, such as with carpeting or wallpaper. Otherwise, it also is fun as a smaller accent in throw pillows or on an upholstered chair,” says Bikoff.
✔️ Aim for contrast. “For a more whimsical or quirky take, two high or low contrasting colors work well with polka dot patterns, but it should not be a one-off. You need to move it around the room to make an impact when you’re using the pattern in more whimsical ways,” says Williams.
✔️ Consider simplified color palettes, too. “Think natural linen with white pigment print, or an indigo resist-dyed fabric,” says Atwood.
✔️ Experiment in small layouts. “I love this print for a powder room because it’s the whole idea with packing a lot of punch into a smaller space,” says Bikoff.
Monique Valeris is the home design director for Good Housekeeping, where she oversees the brand’s home decorating coverage across print and digital. Prior to joining GH in 2020, she was the digital editor at Elle Decor. In her current role, she explores everything from design trends and home tours to lifestyle product recommendations, including writing her monthly column, “What’s in My Cart.”
