5 Ways To Master The Chintz Decor Trend This Autumn
Chintz might just be my favourite interior trend going. There’s something so satisfying about clashing prints, piling on pattern, and leaning fully into that granny-core look. But knowing where to actually start can feel daunting. We’ve put together a foolproof guide, with a little help from the experts at Sanderson – the brand practically synonymous with the chintz movement.
In Partnership With Sanderson
1. Layer different prints
Unlike other interior trends, Chintz actually encourages maximalism and mixing patterns, rather than shying away from them. Try a big, blowsy floral on the wallpaper and something smaller scale on your cushions or curtains. As long as the colours speak to each other, the prints will get along just fine. Sanderson makes this easier than it sounds, since a lot of their fabric and wallpaper are designed to layer and coordinate with each other from the start.
Unlike other interior trends, Chintz actually encourages mixing patterns, rather than shying away from them. Try a big, blowsy floral on the wallpaper and something smaller scale on your cushions or curtains. As
Amelia, Culture & Lifestyle Editor
2. Invest in statement pieces
You really don’t need to go all in to get the chintz effect. A handful of really good pieces, think an upholstered armchair, a padded headboard, or curtains in an archive print, can carry a whole room on its own. Keep everything else around it simple and let that one piece be the thing people notice.
Sanderson has been perfecting the art of the English floral since 1860, and that kind of heritage shows in the depth of their fabric collection. Whatever look you’re going for, whether that’s a bold archive print or something softer and more contemporary, there’s almost certainly a design in there that fits.
Use it to reupholster a much-loved armchair, cover a headboard, or make up a pair of curtains, and you’ve got yourself a statement piece that does most of the decorating work on its own.
3. Ground it with a solid paint colour
While chintz firmly embraces maximalism, big patterns still need somewhere to rest the eye. Pull one shade out of your fabric or wallpaper and use it as a flat colour on the walls or woodwork, and suddenly the whole room feels pulled together instead of overwhelming.
Sanderson’s paint shades pair seamlessly with their print offerings, so you can pick a colour straight off the fabric and layer it effortlessly with the design.
While chintz firmly embraces maximalism, big patterns still need somewhere to rest the eye.
4. Layer the old with the new
The trick to making chintz feel current rather than like your grandmother’s spare room is contrast. Place an old print next to something modern, sleek lighting, a clean-lined sofa, minimal hardware, and it stops feeling twee and starts feeling collected. Some of Sanderson’s prints date back well over a century, and they hold their own beautifully next to newer pieces.
Some of Sanderson’s prints date back well over a century, and they hold their own beautifully next to newer pieces.
5. Look beyond the English garden designs
Chintz feels quintessentially British, all faded roses and country house charm, but Sanderson’s story actually starts somewhere far more exotic.
The brand’s early designs drew heavily on ikats, warp prints and motifs picked up on travels abroad, and that spirit of curiosity still runs through the collection today.
If the classic floral chintz look isn’t quite you, seek out these more global, well-travelled prints instead. They give you all the pattern and personality of chintz, with a passport stamp or two thrown in.
