When a print is done really well, it can completely change the energy of a room. Take gingham, for example—everyone’s favorite picnic plaid. This checkered pattern is like the golden retriever of the print world: lively, cheerful, and easy to pair with other designs. While gingham is a summer wardrobe staple, in home decor, it works beautifully all year long.
Designer Amber Lewis says, “Gingham is inherently seasonless to my team and I.” She uses it the same way she might use a stripe or floral pattern. (Her upcoming book, Interiors, is full of gingham inspiration.) Lately, she’s noticed more gingham showing up in interiors, especially when it’s used to complement other prints. Her advice for layering patterns is to think about the scale and color in relation to the rest of your space. “Do you want to layer the pattern with a neutral palette or use it as a pop?” she asks. Upholstery, she explains, is a great way to do this. “If that’s still too much commitment, you can use the pattern in accessories like a tablecloth, bedspread, or throw pillow.”
Vogue’s Favorite Gingham Decor:
– The Simple Sheets: Quince gingham sheet set — $144, QUINCE
– The Citron Napkins: Maison D’Hermine gingham napkins — $125, NORDSTROM
– The Green Runner: Serena and Lily gingham table runner — $78, SERENA & LILY
– The Investment Buy: Lulu and Georgia Westmont platform bed — $2,698, LULU AND GEORGIA
– The Frilly Cushion: Anthropologie Ana gingham pillow — $78, ANTHROPOLOGIE
– The Patterned Bedding Set: Parachute gingham sheet set — $294, PARACHUTE HOME
– The Accent Light: The House of Soft Light homemade lampshade — $173, ETSY
Of course, there are plenty of ways to bring gingham into your home beyond throw blankets or table runners. Think big with a patterned headboard to anchor your bedroom. If that feels too bold, Lewis also loves a pleated gingham lampshade. Whatever route you choose, let the 30 gingham decor pieces below inspire your next home refresh.
The Gingham Bedding
The secret to a good night’s sleep? Gingham bedding, surely. (All those cozy inns must be onto something.) You can keep it subtle with just sheets and pillowcases, or go all out with a patterned duvet cover for a more maximalist look. For a subtle touch of print, try a gingham dust ruffle.
– Piglet in Bed — gingham fitted sheet, $139, PIGLET IN BED
– Quince — gingham sheet set, $144, QUINCE
– Hawkins New York — gingham pillowcases, $48, HAWKINS NEW YORK
– Simple & Opulence — gingham duvet cover set, $35 (now $33, 6% off), AMAZON
– Parachute — gingham sheet set, $294, PARACHUTE HOME
– Laura Ashley — Gracie’s Gingham set, $84, WAYFAIR
The Gingham Table Linens
Set the table with gingham essentials, from checked napkins to printed placemats. A patterned dish towel adds a bit of cheer to your kitchen (and makes a thoughtful housewarming or hostess gift—you can never have too many towels). A gingham tablecloth will make your dinner party setup feel instantly more polished.
– Maison D’Hermine — gingham napkins, $125, NORDSTROM
– McGee & Co. — Nevelyn tablecloth, $178, MCGEE & CO.
– Caravan Home — gingham towels, $87, NORDSTROM
– Serena and Lily — gingham table runner, $78, SERENA & LILY
– Sur La Table — gingham napkins, $30, SUR LA TABLE
– Zara — placemat, $16, ZARA
The Gingham Lamp Shades & Curtains
There’s something special about how light looks shining through a gingham print. Try a cottagecore look with a checkered lampshade (the more frills and pleats, the better). If you’re feeling bold, swap your solid curtains for a gingham print.
– Anthropologie — gingham cafe curtains, $62, ANTHROPOLOGIE
– The House of Soft Light — homemade lampshade, $173, ETSYHandmade lampshade, $173, Etsy. Save to wishlist.
GreenRow Abby taper shade, $95, GreenRow. Save to wishlist.
Mrs. Alice gingham ruffle lampshade, $58, Mrs. Alice. Save to wishlist.
Cielle Home plaid lampshade, $196, Lulu and Georgia. Save to wishlist.
Pepper Home Millie orchid cafe curtain, $144, Pepper Home.
The Gingham Furniture
Skip the solid fabric and go for a bold checkered pattern on your furniture. Navy gingham can work as a neutral too. Olive Ateliers’ antique-style wooden dining chair is a great way to add the pattern subtly—it only shows through the seat cushion. Save to wishlist.
Lulu and Georgia Westmont platform bed, $2,698, Lulu and Georgia. Save to wishlist.
Pottery Barn Jamie desk chair, $749, Pottery Barn. Save to wishlist.
Olive Ateliers check chairs, $595, Olive Ateliers. Save to wishlist.
Shoppe Amber Interiors Kylo ottoman, $900, Shoppe Amber Interiors. Save to wishlist.
West Elm Emma Chamberlain vanity stool, $299, West Elm. Save to wishlist.
McGee & Co. Etienne dining chair, $634, McGee & Co.
The Gingham Accents
Once you start looking for small ways to add gingham, you’ll find plenty of options: a waste basket, a rug, or even a shower curtain are some of our favorites. Save to wishlist.
Shoppe Amber Interiors vintage pillow, $395, Shoppe Amber Interiors. Save to wishlist.
Svenskt Tenn throw check, $640, Svenskt Tenn. Save to wishlist.
Hawkins New York gingham shower curtain, $168, Hawkins New York. Save to wishlist.
Over the Moon blockpring bin, $70, Over the Moon. Save to wishlist.
GreenRow Hailey gingham rug, $199, GreenRow. Save to wishlist.
Anthropologie Ana gingham pillow, $78, Anthropologie.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here is a list of FAQs about incorporating gingham decor into your home ranging from beginner to advanced
General Basics
Q What exactly is gingham
A Its a classic checkered pattern made of two colors that cross each other to form small even squares Its different from plaid because it doesnt have multiple stripes or different widthsjust a simple uniform grid
Q Is gingham going to look too country or outdated in my modern home
A Not anymore The key is in the styling Modern gingham looks fresh when used in small doses paired with sleek furniture or chosen in unexpected colors like charcoal sage green or rust instead of just red and white
Q Do I have to use all 30 pieces at once
A Definitely not The 30 pieces refers to the variety of items available in the trend Start with 23 accent pieces in one room to see how you like the vibe before committing to more
Q What colors of gingham are most popular right now
A While classic red and white is timeless the trend is leaning toward earthy tones moody hues and soft pastels for a more contemporary feel
Design Placement
Q What is the best way to use gingham in a living room
A Start with soft furnishings A gingham throw blanket draped over a neutral sofa or a set of gingham accent pillows is the easiest way to add texture If you are braver try a gingham armchair or a large area rug to anchor the space
Q How can I mix gingham with other patterns without clashing
A The golden rule is to mix scales Pair a smallscale gingham with a largescale floral or a bold stripe Keep the color palette similarfor example a blue gingham with a blue floralto create a cohesive look
Q Can I use gingham in a small room or apartment
