Do you wish you could bring in a little bit of all the decor styles into your space? Then you’re in luck – here’s a guide for the eclectic decor style!

Sometimes it can be hard to make up your mind. Should you wear the blue dress or the red one? Should you make pasta or pulao for dinner? Should you set up your living room in a boho style or desi style?

Choices, choices! Well, I can’t help you with dressing or dinner, but I can certainly help with decor! If you like certain elements of different decor styles but don’t want to settle on any particular one, your choice is what is known as the increasingly popular eclectic style. It’s basically getting the best of all worlds, and still looking amazing!

Decor Styles 101: Eclectic

The dictionary defines eclectic as “deriving ideas, style, or taste from a broad and diverse range of sources.” When artists decided to break away from the norms and freely produce whatever their creativity desired, it gave birth to the eclectic movement. By the 19th century, this spread into the decor space and lo! A new decor style was born.

In simple terms, if you can’t really put a label to your decor style, and it seems like a mix of many styles, you’re eclectic. However, any random mish mash of decor styles doesn’t work – the end result has to look good, be functional and easy to maintain.

Going eclectic gives you the freedom to think outside the box and go with your heart. The style applies to all elements of decor – furniture, ornamental pieces, fabrics – everything! You can have pieces from different themes and different eras, but they all work well together and result in an overall harmonious look.

So while eclectic style may seem like an easy style to incorporate, it can be tricky to get it right. But we can prevent mistakes by learning what the basics of eclectic decor style are.

Characteristics of Eclectic Decor Style

• The eclectic style has items of different colors, textures and patterns all residing in one space
• You can find modern technology coexisting with old, vintage pieces
• Eclectic style is not restricted by geography; it features items from all over the world
• There is ample negative space in the form of neutral colors
• Eclectic rooms often have quirky, show stopper items or works of art
• There is a curated collection of items, like a gallery wall
• Eclectic style is deeply personal and reflects the interests and nature of the people who love in the space

10 Ways to bring the Eclectic Decor Style to your Space

1. Stick to a Color Scheme

One of the main areas people can go wrong with the eclectic style is by going crazy with colors. While this style gives us the freedom to experiment with colors, it helps to narrow it down to a specific color palette. Start with one color, preferably a neutral one, then add one or two complementary colors to it. Scatter these colors across the space to pull it all together. Use the neutral color as the background and the others as accents. For instance, keep the walls and flooring neutral, but go nuts with the cushion covers.

2. Include Lots of Textures

A mix of textures is a very important part of the eclectic style and it really adds interesting layers to the decor. Use multiple textures in your preferred color theme – shaggy fabrics, metal trims, sheers, canvas, marble, leather, wood – the sky’s the limit! Again, repeat the textures around the room – a good rule of thumb seems to be at least three times – to add continuity to the overall decor.

3. Mix and Match Patterns

Mixing and matching patterns is a lot of fun – and it’s one of the identifying features of eclectic style. You can mix anything really – polka dots, paisley, stripes, shapes, animal prints. To keep it all harmonious, try to match at least one color on the pattern, so they all look cohesive. You can also use the same patterns in different sizes to add interest.

4. Create a Common Theme

With multiple colors, patterns and textures, it’s easy to end up with an overwhelming assortment of items in the eclectic style. One way to streamline things and create a more cohesive look is to use a common theme throughout. For instance, you can use a Mughal block print across furnishings and accessories, to bring in a touch of Desi style. Or you could stick to things in round shapes, like coffee tables, mirrors and cushions.

5. Create a Focal Point

Another great way to prevent a scattered feel is to create a single focal point with one show stopping element. It could be a large painting, a big sculpture or one striking piece of accent furniture. This will immediately draw the eye towards this piece, and you could plan the rest of the decor around this piece.

6. Maintain Balance

A great way to bring some order to a myriad collection is to ensure some balance. Symmetrical arrangements are perfect, as are groupings of like objects, like bottles or shells. Focus on scale as well – everything in the room has to be in proportion to each other, or the mix of patterns and colors will create an unsightly clash. If you have a lot of things in the room, keep the walls, flooring and large pieces of furniture in neutral colors to offer a calm background.

7. Mix the Old and the New

Nothing spells eclectic more than combining things from different ages – even different centuries! So mix up latest bestsellers with vintage bound classics, or old, carved furniture with modern art on the wall. Try to look for something similar, like patterns or colors, that’ll tie the two worlds together, and make it look like they belong in the same space.

8. Repurpose and Reuse

A plate is something you serve dinner on – unless you hang it on the wall! Eclectic style is all about using things in ways other than their intended purpose, and this kind of thinking gives us some very interesting combinations and looks. Use an old jug as a vase, or a fish bowl as a holder for pot pourri. Whenever you see an object, think of how else you could style it – the more ridiculous you think it is, the better!

9. Display Your Personality

This style is the most personal kind of decor style, since it is entirely dependent on your personality. Your hobbies, interests, childhood – all come alive in your space, and rightly so. Feel free to surround yourself with things you love, but just keep the collection curated so it doesn’t get messy. Photos, art work, quotes, handmade gifts, travel souvenirs – all these have a place in the eclectic home.

10. Give the Eye a Rest

Reading all the tips above may give you the impression that the eclectic style involves a lot of ‘stuff’ and that is partly true. Minimalism doesn’t really play well in eclectic design, but it doesn’t have to be severely maximalist as well. Too much stuff can lead to a cluttered look, so display only a few items at a time. You can rotate things out with seasons, or whenever you feel like it. Leave some negative space on shelves, on surfaces and on walls, so the eye has somewhere to rest.

If these tips have got you excited and you can’t wait to start experimenting, go right ahead! People who like eclectic styles are often so themselves, not conforming to any rules. If you love seeing your favorite knick knacks around you at all times, this is perfect for you. On the other hand, if too many colors and things are too stimulating for you, a more calming style like boho may be appropriate for you. Like the true meaning of eclectic, it’s all up to you – experiment with the style and you’ll end up discovering yourself!

This post is a part of the Blogchatter A2Z Blogging Challenge 2021.