Eclectic Decor: 10 Secrets You Don’t Know About Mixing Styles

Have you ever walked into a room and thought, “How did they pull off this mix of styles so perfectly?” I am definitely someone who often wonders about that. In this guide you will learn that with the right tips, this is actually easier that what it looks. So, here are 10 secrets to help you create a cohesive space with a mix of styles in Eclectic decor.

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Start with a vision

1. Moodboards Are Your Best Friend

I love moodboards and when mixing styles – this is your best tool. Eclectic decor is all about creativity, but without a plan it can easily turn into chaos. When you create a moodboard – either digitally or with magazine clippings – you will have a foolproof way to stay on track. Think of it as your map to keep the overall vibe cohesive.

In every room I have done, I have always started with a moodboard and it has always turned out good – even with my bold blue sofa. Seeing it together with all of the other decor I had in mind gave me the confidence to get the sofa, and I’m so glad I did!

2. Anchor Your Space With a Story

In eclectic decor, every room needs a unifying thread. It could be a shared color palette, a design era or maybe a travel-inspired theme. The story will then serve as the foundation for mixing the styles without feeling random.

Let me give you an example – if you’re blending industrial and vintage styles, black metal accents and aged wood can then be your connectors. These elements create a sense of harmony, ensuring the mix feels intentional rather than chaotic.

Stylish and floral composition of beautiful flowers in modern vase on the velvet pouf with elegant accessories and furnitures. Blossom concept at living room. Green walls. Interior design.

Perfecting The Mix

3. Stick to a 70-30 Ratio

Designers swear by the 70-30 rule. But what does that mean? It means that you devote 70 % of your space to one dominant style and the remaining 30 % to complementary accents. This will ensure the balance while still leaving room for some creativity.

I will give you an example – You can pair a sleek modern sofa (70%) with vintage side tables and a funky, colorful throw pillow (30%). This will create a cohesive look while adding character and personality to the space. It’s a great rule to stick to!

A beige neutral sofa with pillows with patterns on it. A wooden coffee table and large windows behind the sofa.

4. Find the Common Thread

It’s very important to find a common thread in all of your spaces – especially when mixing styles. This means that you should look for shared materials, shapes or colors. It will result in harmony even if your pieces comes from different design worlds.

Pro Tip: Matching wood tones between a rustic coffee table and a Scandinavian sideboard can make the whole room feel intentional.

Fabric lampshade on the lamp at the big bed with pillows in the bedroom with floral print on the walls with suitcases

Choosing Key Pieces

5. Invest in Timeless Anchor Furniture

One thing I would say I regret when buying my blue sofa is that I don’t believe it is a timeless piece. It’s a bold color used on an anchor piece. But when mixing styles it’s important to start with timeless, high-quality anchor pieces, such as a sofa, dining table or a bed. These are big-ticket items that will ground your space and set the tone for your eclectic mix. Once you’ve nailed the basics, layer in the fun accents.

Example: A neutral tufted sofa works beautifully with bold, colorful boho rugs or antique side tables.

A vertical shot of a red cafe interior with tiled walls, a small table and two wooden chairs.

6. Go Bold With Accent Funiture

If you’re someone who looks for high risk, high reward – do it with accent pieces. It could be a statement chair, side table or a funky credenza to inject personality without overwhelming the space.

Don’ forget: When choosing bold accent furniture, stick to a cohesive color palette or material to maintain balance and ensure the piece complements the overall design instead of clashing with it.

Empty wooden frame on a yellow wall, next to a yellow chair with a patterned pillow. A wooden stool.

Layering For Depth

7. Textures Are the Silent Harmonizers

One of my favorite things to do in interior design is to layer textures. I believe it adds such a depth and coziness to the space. The best part is – eclectic decor thrives on layers of texture. This means that you can mix surfaces like glass or leather with softer elements such as knits, velvets or jute for a visual interest.

Pro Tip: Pairing a sleek marble coffee table with a chunky knit throw or fluffy shag rug adds depth and prevents the space from feeling one-dimensional.

Stylish composition at living room interior with design armchair, plaid, plant, cup of coffee, flower in vase, book, wood panels with shelf and elegant presonal accessories in modern home decor.

8. Mix Patterns Mindfully

Patterns are definitely a hallmark of eclectic decor – but they need to be mixed with care. When mixing patterns, it’s even more important to stick to a cohesive color palette and to combine prints of varying scales.

Let me give you an example: Pair a bold geometric rug with subtle floral curtains and striped throw pillows in complementary hues. This layering of patterns will add depth and visual interest without overwhelming the room.

Bedroom with zebra bed and zebra pillows. A neutral bedside table with a table lamp and walls in a geometric pattern.

Finishing Touches

9. Art and Accessories Tie Everything Together

Now it’s time to let the eclectic decor shine though art and accessories. You can use wall art, lighting and decor items to bridge the gap between styles. For instance, a gallery wall can combine both modern abstract art, vintage oil paintings and personal photos to achieve a great effect.

Personal Tip: I like to shop for art during my travels. A colorful print from Mexico paired with a Scandinavian-inspired vase tells a story that feels uniquely mine.

Glamorous mannequin with pink and white tulips and a black cat on top of an golden table.

10. Edit Ruthlessly

In eclectic decor – less is often more. Taking the time to edit your space ensures that every piece has a purpose and enhances the overall style, rather than making the room feel cluttered or disjointed.

Pro Tip: If an item doesn’t spark joy or fit your vision, let it go. Eclectic doesn’t mean cluttered – it’s all about intentionality.

Eclectic dining room with geometric blue and white rug, a big wooden table and orange chairs. On the wall is a large wall art and above the table is a staple ceiling lamp.

Bonus Tips for Eclectic Decor Success

Lighting Matters: Don’t underestimate the power of layered lighting. Combine a vintage chandelier with modern floor lamps to create ambiance.
Plants Are Your Friend: Greenery softens any space and adds a fresh, cohesive touch.
Experiment Fearlessly: The beauty of eclectic decor is its flexibility. Swap out accessories seasonally to keep your space feeling fresh.

Luxury interior with a burgundy dining table, two simple chair, a flower wall and a staple wooden panel wall. The floor is also wooden.

Conclusion

Eclectic decor is more than just a mix of styles – it’s a celebration of individuality and creativity. By following these 10 secrets, you’ll create a space that’s not only stylish but also deeply personal.

Learn more about eclectic decor here.

So now, are you ready to start your eclectic journey? I’d love to hear your favorite tip in the comments! Also, share your favorite pictures on Pinterest for later and don’t forget to check out more decor inspiration on the blog!

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