Get the look: statement furniture

July 3, 2023

One of the trickiest areas of decorating to get right, using pattern in a scheme can range from a subtle hint to an all-out dramatic design, so here’s some statement furniture ideas to get you mixing and matching like a pro.

Introducing pattern to a space doesn’t have to be bold, bright and oversized. A more muted design in a neutral palette creates an equally striking look. Read on for some of our favourite statement furniture pieces on the market now…

1. Coordinate and contrast

Using an upholstered headboard as the starting point, mix complementary patterns – as shown below with nature-inspired prints in the cushions and wallpaper, contrasted with a stripe in the same colour palette – across multiple areas to create a soft, feminine bedroom scheme. The Pavilion Garden Stripe upholstered double bed, shown below from The French Bedroom Company executes this perfectly.

upholstered headboard with patterned wallpaper behind

Photo: The French Bedroom Company

2. Patterned footstools

If you don’t feel brave enough to use patterned prints all over your furniture, these footstools are a great way to introduce it gradually. It also helps to create a more balanced look if you use similar shades to the existing ones in your scheme, thus creating harmony.

3 patterned footstools in unique designs on a white background

1 Jardim pattern banquette footstool, £299, DFS

2 Eva Sonaike Aburi pouffe in Copper, £359, Sweetpea & Willow

A message from the editor:

Let us help you create the home of your dreams! Get ideas & inspiration from Good Homes every month, delivered direct to your door. Visit goodhomesmagazine.com/newsletter to sign up for the weekly Good Homes newsletter.

~ Karen Walker, Editor, Good Homes

3 Bean Bag Bazaar Icon Kyoto large outdoor footstool in Terracotta, £59.99, B&Q

3. Make seating the star

Let your sofa or chairs take centre stage by choosing a fabric design to suit your décor. Whether you invest in new furniture or reupholster existing pieces, it’s a great way of incorporating a pattern you particularly love. The print in these Cameron upholstered dining chairs (£681, The Dining Chair Company) brings a bespoke feel to the modern chair style and brings much-needed colour to the space.

Upholstered green and white patterned dining chairs in wooden neutral toned dining room

Photo: The Dining Chair Company

We also love this sofa as a piece of bold statement furniture. The bright colours instantly brighten the room and bring the furniture to centre stage.

Photo: Sofa.com

4. Pick a hero piece

Investing in a really striking piece of furniture gives you the opportunity to go for something a little different; plus it’s an easier option for moving from room to room if you’re unable to change the walls or floor. Pictured below, this Optical Inlay nine-drawer sideboard is a great example of this (£2,498, Anthropologie).

Patterned sideboard decorated with floral vase, white lamp and ornaments

Photo: Anthropologie

5. Liven up appliances

Not furniture per se, but you can turn dated or plain kitchen staples like fridge-freezers into a work of art using vinyl wrap. Easy to apply, choose from a matt or gloss design to create an eye-catching new look. Pictured below, this dark floral vinyl wrap (from £50.26, Etsy), is perfect for making your fridge even more desirable (even if the contents leave a lot to be desired!).

Patterned fridge in floral in dark kitchen space

Photo: Etsy