As soon as the temperature drops, the addition of plaid in our homes feels right. This quintessential cold weather print can cozy up any room, and looks dreamy on wool throws, nubby rugs and, yes, even statement sofas. From buffalo check during Christmas to classic tartan in the fall, plaid decor is perfect for this time of year. Here are four popular versions of plaid, and tips on how to add them into your home right now.
Tartan
By far one of the most recognizable plaid patterns, tartan consists of horizontal and vertical stripes in a variety of colors. This traditional Scottish print is a cold weather staple not only in your wardrobe, but in your home, too. This soft throw is the perfect addition to a cozy seating nook.
Photographer: Virginia Macdonald
Source: House & Home November 2014
Designer: Tim Johnson Design
This dining nook feels like it belongs in a mod London townhouse. The plaid wallpaper ties the whole look together — the mahogany red chairs and gray-blue tufted banquette make it feel cohesive.
Photographer: Virginia Macdonald
Source: House & Home September 2020
Designer: Anne Hepfer
You don’t have to take the plunge with wallpaper to decorate with plaid. Designer Heidi Caillier created a beautiful vignette in this Seattle home with a handsome tartan pillow, patinated vase and Scandinavian design books.
Photographer: Haris Kenjar
Source: House & Home March 2020
Designer: Heidi Caillier
Photographer: Kim Jeffery
Source: House & Home May 2019
Designer: Cameron MacNeil; Architecture by blackLAB Architects
There are so many dramatic details to devour in this Vancouver living room, from the whimsical rug to the bold fireplace. A colorful tartan throw (left) plays up all the prominent hues in the space for a cohesive look that doesn’t clash.
Photographer: Janis Nicolay
Source: House & Home June 2019
Designer: Francesca Albertazzi
If you’ve maxed out your budget for holiday decorating, look to your own closet instead! You likely have a plaid flannel you can put on display (or just ask a family member or your partner). Casually drape it off a dining room chair for an effortlessly festive feel.
Photographer: Robin Stubbert
Source: House & Home November 2019
Designer: Cynthia Zamaria
Photographer: Maxime Desbiens
Source: House & Home April 2020
Designer: Grace Doyle, Melissa & Sacha Leclair, Leclair Decor
Everything about this principal bedroom exudes lived-in luxury, from the faux fur accents to the velvet drapery and the nubby plaid throw draped over the pumpkin-hued Womb chair.
Photographer: C.Y. Lam
Source: House & Home December 2019
Add some charm to your dining room table with a statement-making runner. The violet and raspberry hues in this tartan topper would make any feast instantly festive.
Photographer: Angus Fergusson
Source: House & Home November 2012
Designer: Kai Ethier
Plaid pillows take outdoor seating into the colder months, while plaid ribbons bring a classic holiday feel to wreaths and garlands.
Photographer: Donna Griffith
Source: House & Home November 2012
Designer: Christina Jeffrey
Fold a colorful tartan blanket at the foot of the bed for a cool Canadiana look.
Photographer: Alex Lukey
Source: House & Home August 2016
Designer: Margot Austin
This red and green pillow adds just the right amount of holiday cheer to this rustic master bedroom.
Photographer: Virginia Macdonald
Source: House & Home November 2017
A set of stools get an instant makeover with plaid upholstery. They add an eclectic touch to this light-filled corner when paired with a canary yellow table.
Photographer: Michael Graydon
Source: House & Home December 2009
Designer: Tommy Smythe
Add some depth to a neutral space with a plaid rug. This one in particular creates interest when paired with intricate crown molding, upholstered cane chairs and a roaring fire.
Photographer: Virginia Macdonald
Source: House & Home December 2012
Designer: Colette van den Thillart
Stylish, yet simple, this muted carpet draws the eye up to the rich teal island, geometric light fixture and spacious wooden cabinetry.
Source: Studio McGee
Designer: Studio McGee
In this East Coast home, matching tartan drapes, pillows and an ottoman give off a heritage feel.
Photographer: Andre Rider
Source: House & Home March 2014
Designer: Scott Yetman
Buffalo Check
This cozy pattern, traditionally with a black checkered print on a red background, is practically synonymous with the holidays, especially when it comes in a forest green hue. Transition your bedding for winter with a buffalo check fleece blanket and holly-patterned sheets.
Photographer: Valerie Wilcox
Source: House & Home December 2016
Designer: Joel Bray & Jennifer Koper
Designer and H&H alum Morgan Michener proves just how important accessories are for creating a sense of place. Bring the charm of the country to your own space (even if you live in the city full time) with a comfortable plaid pillow.
Photographer: Virginia Macdonald
Source: House & Home October 2018
Designer: Morgan Michener
This Montreal rowhouse‘s traditional mouldings command attention thanks to a coat of deep green paint, but if you look closely, you’ll notice a monochrome checkered throw (left) which creates a layered look.
Photographer: Maxime Desbiens
Source: House & Home November 2018
Designer: Maria Rosa Di Ioia
In this farmhouse mudroom, built-in hooks and wood panelling feel fresh with a coat of rich blue-green paint. It wouldn’t be complete without essential winter accessories, like a buffalo check flannel, wooly scarf and fashionable toppers.
Photographer: Virginia Macdonald
Source: House & Home November 2019
Designer: Angela Wheeler
Is there anything that says “’tis the season” more than buffalo plaid flannel? This cheerful wreath gives off a cozy, lodge-style vibe, thanks to a cluster of Styrofoam balls covered in a contrasting check pattern.
Photographer: Mark Burstyn
Source: House & Home November 2018
Designer: Produced by Arren Williams
This checkered wall is sure to turn heads. Keep the look cohesive with muted accessories like brushed gold lighting, wooden chairs and a neutral textured carpet.
Photographer: Angus Fergusson
Source: House & Home July 2011
Designer: Michael Penny
A neutral buffalo check towel brings a quiet hit of pattern to this sleek kitchen when delicately slung over a black leather bar chair.
Photographer: Janis Nicolay
Source: House & Home November 2017
Designer: Ami McKay, Pure Design Inc.
These black and white Roman blinds tie in the moody appliances and dark stool without taking away from the star of the show: the whimsical wallpaper.
Photographer: Michael Graydon
Source: House & Home October 2014
Designer: Sarah Hartill
Windowpane Check
This preppy pattern is the most subtle of all the plaid prints with simple horizontal and vertical stripes in one or two colors. Make a big impact, like in Bobbie Brown’s boutique hotel, The George Inn, by placing four identical chairs around a vintage coffee table.
Photographer: Courtesy of One Kings Lane
In the Spring 2020 Princess Margaret Showhome, designer Sarah Baeumler created a serene sleep sanctuary with a neutral palette, complemented by the checkered roman blinds.
Photographer: Angus Fergusson
Source: House & Home May 2020
Designer: Sarah Baeumler
This all-white laundry room gets an instant update with a navy and cream plaid runner, which draws the eye to the rest of the house and compliments the herringbone brick floors.
Source: Studio McGee
Designer: Studio McGee
Adding plaid to your space doesn’t mean it has to dominate the decor. This beige wall-to-wall carpet brings out the rich autumnal hues, like the spiced pumpkin throw and chestnut leather ottoman, in this neutral principal bedroom.
Photographer: Kim Christie
Source: House & Home December 2015
Designer: Effie Genovese
Take inspiration from The San Francisco Proper Hotel lobby’s ’70s-inspired sofa. The white legs, bold pillows and colorful gallery wall make this showstopper a modern-day masterpiece.
Photographer: Courtesy of Proper Hospitality
Designer: Kelly Wearstler
A windowpane couch with matching pillows provides the perfect backdrop for the exposed panels on the ceiling, the opulent crystal chandelier and, of course, the sparkling Christmas tree.
Photographer: Kim Christie
Source: House & Home December 2015
Designer: Effie Genovese
Bring country living to the city with these checkered chairs. The muted palette, wooden legs and timeless shape make this seating versatile enough to work in just about any living room.
Source: Studio McGee
Designer: Studio McGee
Gingham
This playful pattern is buffalo check’s smaller and more summer-y sister. Cherry red gingham instantly updates a muted bench and ties in the statement-making doors at this colorful cottage.
Photographer: Angus Fergusson
Source: House & Home August 2017
Designer: Alex Arnott
For an unexpected mantlepiece display, these DIY gingham-matted picture frames have a retro feel.
Photographer: Angus Fergusson
Source: House & Home July 2011
Designer: Michael Penny
Powder blue gingham brightens up this country dining room. The subtle pattern is ideal for minimalists who are decorating with plaid for the first time.
Photographer: Virginia Macdonald
Source: House & Home October 2010
Designer: Christie Hansen
Gingham’s small scale means it pairs perfectly with larger prints. Here, a black-and-white gingham daybed looks eye-catching when piled high with geometric pillows.
Photographer: Angus Fergusson
Source: House & Home July 2015
Designer: Produced by Margo Austin
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