How to Decorate With Gingham: Stylish Gingham Home Décor Ideas

Written By Jacquelyn Bailer

If you’ve ever described your aesthetic as “somewhere between cottagecore and modern farmhouse,” chances are you’re already drawn to gingham, even if you don’t realize it yet. This classic check pattern has made its way into everything from throw pillows to wallpaper, and it’s not going anywhere. The best part? Gingham is versatile, timeless, and surprisingly easy to mix into your space. Whether you want a quick refresh or a total style moment, this guide will help you decorate with gingham in a way that feels current, not costume-y. Let’s talk about how to use it in your home and which must-have items to shop (yes, I’ve spotted plenty on Amazon).

Getting Started With Gingham (Without Going Overboard)

When in doubt, start small. A gingham throw blanket, towel set, or table runner adds charm without demanding a full design overhaul.

  • Cutesy gingham throw pillows add a soft farmhouse touch to any living room or reading nook. A chic black-and-white pattern pairs beautifully with neutrals and earth tones.

  • Swap out your dish towels for something a little more polished — like this Beige Gingham Kitchen Towel Set. It’s subtle, sweet, and functional.

  • Use gingham tablecloths to dress up dining areas or breakfast nooks without committing to anything permanent.

Shop Gingham Throw Pillow Covers on Amazon

What Patterns Pair Well With Gingham?

One of the most common questions I get is whether gingham “goes” with anything else. The answer is: definitely — just be intentional. The key is to stay within a defined color story. Keep it tonal, and the mix will feel curated, not chaotic. Let’s talk about some of the most common mix-and-match approaches to integrating gingham with your current patterns and creating a unique interior design vibe.

Do Stripes and Gingham Go Together?

Yes, and when done right, the combo looks fresh, layered, and very intentional. You can’t really go wrong with this pattern pairing, but make sure you’re staying in a realm of matching or complementary colors. Mixing bold patterns and bright colors can work, but for amateur home designers, neutrals are an easier entry point.

A few ideas to jumpstart your stripes and checks masterpiece:

  • Pair a wide-striped throw blanket with a small gingham cushion

  • Layer striped and gingham bedding

  • Mix vertical striped curtains with a checkered kitchen valance

Stripes bring a bit of structure while gingham adds warmth. When the colors speak the same language, they balance each other beautifully.

Do Floral Prints Go With Gingham?

Floral and gingham (or any plaid!) might be one of my favorite combinations. The trick again comes down to contrast and color harmony:

  • Pair small-scale gingham with large, painterly florals, or combine larger checks with tiny, delicate floral prints

  • Stick to a unifying color palette (like blush pinks, sage greens, or soft blues)

  • Use gingham as the background — on a bench cushion, table runner, or window cover — and let the floral be the accent (like in artwork or a vase arrangement)

Gingham’s geometric structure gives floral prints a grounded base, so the overall look feels charming but not too fussy.

This combo works especially well in bedrooms — think gingham sheets layered with floral throw pillows, or a floral quilt folded at the end of a checkered bedspread. It’s soft, layered, and effortlessly cozy.

Is Gingham Still Trendy?

Short answer: yes, and not just in a “Pinterest board from 2016” way. Gingham has been fully reimagined in recent years with:

  • Modern colorways like mustard, rust, or olive

  • Fresh applications — think wallpaper, oversized rugs, even tile

  • Cottagecore and “dopamine decor” trends that embrace playful, nostalgic prints in a more elevated way

Designers are using it in traditional spaces, yes, but also in contemporary, clean-lined homes as a soft contrast. AKA: gingham is classic, but it’s also cool again.

Final Styling Tips for Decorating With Gingham

  • Start small: A pillow or tea towel is a low-commitment way to test your love.

  • Think about scale: Use smaller gingham prints for accents; larger-scale checks for statement pieces.

  • Layer patterns: Stripes, florals, and solids all play well with gingham — just stick to a cohesive palette.

  • Use it seasonally: Try lighter gingham in spring/summer (like yellows and pastels), and moodier tones (like navy or hunter green) for fall/winter.

Top Picks & Favorite Finds: Gingham Home Decor You’ll Love

Okay, now that you’re practically an expert in decorating with this year’s trendiest print, let’s get to the fun part: shopping must-have gingham home decor items!

Here are a few of my favorite products that can add a sprinkle of gingham charm to any home:

  • Anthropologie Gingham Curtains in Honey: This Anthropologie curtain blends classic gingham charm with a breezy, modern twist—crafted in a soft cotton-linen blend that lets light in without sacrificing privacy. The understated check pattern feels fresh and elevated, perfect for giving breakfast nooks, home offices, or living rooms a serene, cottagecore-cool upgrade.

  • Pottery Barn Gingham Lampshades: The Poldina Pro gingham check shade brings a clean, tailored look to any room, with UV protection and easy operation, it’s the perfect mix of farmhouse charm and modern convenience.

Gingham is one of those rare patterns that can go rustic or refined depending on how you style it. It adds just enough charm without overwhelming your space, and it plays well with both vintage and modern aesthetics. Whether you’re layering it with florals, mixing it with stripes, or letting it shine on its own, it’s one of the easiest ways to bring personality into your home. Now that you know what to do, go forth and gingham!

Jacquelyn Bailer