What Is Eclectic Style? Everything You Need To Know

Eclectic style is a design trend that mixes and matches different periods, cultures, and materials, resulting in a unique and personalised look. Its origin traces back to ancient Greece and Rome and was popularised during the Victorian era. 

To achieve an eclectic style, mix and match different elements such as art, fabrics, patterns, textures, and colours, and create a focal point to tie everything together. To maintain a balanced look, incorporate a colour scheme and a statement piece as a focal point. Prioritise comfort and functionality, trust your instincts and have fun with your space.

Defining Eclectic Style

Meaning of Eclectic Style and its origin

The word ‘eclectic’ comes from the Greek term ‘eklektikos,’ meaning ‘selective.’ This suggests that individuals who adopt an eclectic style are selective in their choices and value uniqueness. The eclectic style also borrows from different design styles, such as modern, contemporary, traditional, and retro. 

History and Background of Eclectic Style

Eclectic style has been around for centuries, dating back to ancient Greece and Rome. The Greeks and Romans collected artwork and treasures from different cultures and incorporated them into their interiors. During the Victorian era, the eclectic style gained popularity as people accumulated exotic furniture and objects from their travels. In the 20th century, eclectic style became more accessible, with the rise of vintage and antique shops, making unique pieces accessible to the masses. 

Key features that define the eclectic style

This style involves mixing and matching different periods and styles. It also features contrasting colours, patterns, and textures, creating a visual interest that keeps the eye engaged. Moreover, eclectic style leans towards incorporating unique statement pieces, such as a vintage rug, luxurious drapes, or a massive chandelier. 

It also incorporates personal touches such as artwork, photos, or sculptures, reflecting the homeowner’s personality and interests. 

💡KEY TAKEAWAY: Eclectic style is a diverse and adaptable design trend that has gained popularity throughout history. Its origin traces back to ancient Greece and Rome and was popularised during the Victorian era as people acquired exotic furniture and objects from their travels. Today, eclectic style remains popular as it permits homeowners to personalise their living spaces while incorporating varying cultural influences, periods, and materials.

Home Decor Ideas for Eclectic Style

Tips for mixing and matching different styles

When it comes to eclectic style, mixing and matching different styles is important. 

The key is to find a balance between the different styles to create a cohesive look. To achieve this, start with a neutral base and layer on different styles with decorative objects, artwork, and textiles. You can blend styles by choosing pieces that have contrasting elements, such as pairing a modern sofa with traditional artwork, or a vintage rug with contemporary furniture.

Using colours, patterns, and bold prints

Eclectic style is all about incorporating a variety of colours, patterns, and bold prints. However, it can be easy to go overboard. To avoid a cluttered look, choose a few key colours and stick to them throughout the space. Use patterns to add interest and texture to the room. It’s best to mix patterns in different scales and sizes to add depth to the space. Bold prints can be incorporated through artwork, textiles, or wallpaper.

Selecting furniture and decorative objects that embrace the eclectic style

Choose furniture and decorative objects that embrace the eclectic style. Think outside the box and don’t be afraid to incorporate unexpected pieces. Mixing vintage and modern pieces is a great way to add character and history to a space. Look for unique decorative objects that showcase your personality and interests, such as vintage cameras, antique books, or eclectic artwork.

💡KEY TAKEAWAY: To create an eclectic home decor style, mix and match different styles, incorporate a variety of colours, patterns, and bold prints, and select furniture and decorative objects that embrace the eclectic style. The key is to find a balance between the different elements to create a cohesive and unique look that reflects your personality and interests.

Creating Eclectic Style Rooms

Living Room: Incorporating art, combining patterns, and creating a focal point

To create an eclectic living room, start by incorporating eye-catching art pieces that reflect your personality. Mix and match patterns and textures to add depth and visual interest to your space. The key is to choose patterns that complement each other without overwhelming the room. Create a focal point, like an area rug, to tie everything together. Choose a rug with unique colours, patterns, and textures that match the style of the room. 

Bedroom: Mixing fabrics, patterned bedding, and bold statement pieces

An eclectic bedroom is all about mixing different fabrics, colours, and patterns to create a cosy, yet visually stimulating space. Combine a variety of patterned bedding, such as florals, stripes, and geometrics, with bold statement pieces, such as an antique dresser or a quirky bedside table. Incorporate a cosy area rug to add warmth and texture to your bedroom.

Kitchen and Dining Areas: Experimenting with pieces, blending textures, and going bold with colours

Experiment with different pieces and textures in your kitchen and dining areas to create an eclectic vibe. Combine vintage and modern pieces, such as an antique table with contemporary chairs. Mix and match different textures, like wood, metal, and glass, to add visual interest. Don’t be afraid to go bold with colours, either. Choose a brightly coloured rug or add a pop of colour to your dining chairs to liven up the space.

💡KEY TAKEAWAY: To create an eclectic style room, mix and match different elements, such as art, fabrics, patterns, textures, and colours, to create a unique and personalised look. Choose a focal point, like an area rug, to tie everything together and add visual interest to the space.

Do’s and Don’ts of Eclectic Style Decorating

Balancing the elements, avoiding clutter, and maintaining a cohesive look

When decorating with an eclectic style, balancing the different elements is key. Multiple patterns and textures can be used, but it’s important to avoid overloading your space with too much stuff. Clutter can make your space feel overwhelming and chaotic.

To avoid clutter, consider incorporating functional pieces into your design. You can also inject some cohesion into your décor by using a colour scheme to tie all the different elements together. If you’re not sure which colours to choose, consider looking for inspiration in a piece of art or fabric that you love. By choosing a colour scheme that complements the other elements in the space, you can create a cohesive look.

How to avoid overdoing it and maintain a balanced look

While layering different elements is essential to achieving an eclectic style, it’s possible to overdo it. To maintain a balanced look, consider creating a focal point in your space. A statement piece like a rug can help anchor the room and draw the eye. You can also play with scale by incorporating oversized or undersized pieces to add visual interest and contrast.

When it comes to patterns, mixing different patterns and prints can add a fun and playful touch to your décor. When in doubt, try starting with a safe pattern like stripes or polka dots, and then experiment with other patterns. Remember, the goal is to have fun and take risks with your design.

Importance of comfort, style, and functionality in achieving the eclectic style

Lastly, achieving an eclectic style shouldn’t come at the cost of comfort or functionality. Consider choosing comfortable seating and incorporating functional storage solutions into your design. By balancing style, comfort, and functionality, you can create a space that truly reflects your personality and style.

💡KEY TAKEAWAY: When achieving an eclectic style, it’s essential to balance the elements, avoid clutter, and maintain a cohesive look. Create a focal point, play with scale and mix patterns to add visual interest and contrast. Remember to prioritise comfort and functionality in your design.

Tips for Achieving the Perfect Eclectic Style

Starting with neutral shades and adding bold geometric and tribal patterns

The key to achieving the perfect eclectic style is to start with neutral shades on the walls and floors. This creates a blank canvas to which you can add bold geometric and tribal patterns. These patterns can be in the form of rugs, throw pillows, or even art pieces. When selecting rugs, be bold and adventurous with your choices. Look for rugs with intricate patterns and vibrant colours to add character to your space.

Layering textures, including throw pillows, vintage rugs, and framed art pieces

Layering different textures adds depth and personality to your space. This can be done by incorporating a mix of vintage rugs, throw pillows, and framed art pieces. Opt for ones with vibrant colours and intricate patterns. Mix and match different patterns and textures to create a visually striking and dynamic space.

Trusting one’s instincts, avoiding copycat designs, and having fun with eclectic styles

The most important tip for achieving the perfect eclectic style is to trust your instincts. Don’t be afraid to mix and match different pieces to create a unique and personalised space. Avoid copycat designs and instead, focus on creating a space that reflects your personality and interests. Lastly, have fun with your eclectic style. This style is all about breaking the rules, being adventurous, and embracing your creativity.

💡KEY TAKEAWAY: Achieving the perfect eclectic style is all about trusting your instincts, incorporating bold patterns and textures, and having fun with your space. Mix and match vintage rugs, throw pillows, and art pieces to create a unique and personalised space that reflects your personality and interests.

At Miss Amara, we understand the importance of creating a home that truly reflects your individuality and style. As a modern, online-only rug store, we are dedicated to providing you with a seamless and enjoyable shopping experience, offering a curated collection of high-quality rugs that will elevate your space to new heights.