clock menu more-arrow no yes
Pillows and a denim jacket hang in front of a red patterned wallpaper. Hygge & West

Filed under:

How to shop like a maximalist

It’s all about embracing color, pattern, and eclecticism

If you buy something from a Curbed link, Vox Media may earn a commission. See our ethics policy.

Maximalism is everywhere in design right now and it’s an easy style to love. It’s livable, accessible, and all about surrounding yourself with your favorite things.

“Being a maximalist is letting go of the minimalist ideal,” says designer and blogger Dabito. “There [are] no design rules. It’s having fun with a space and just putting things in a space that makes you happy and makes it feel cozier.”

One thing maximalism isn’t? Stuff for stuff’s sake. Consumerism is fueling the environmental crisis. Maximalism’s flexibility encourages second-hand shopping, showing off heirlooms that might be tucked away in storage, and making things yourself. But if you are in the market for a new piece, these picks can help you bring home that much more color, pattern, and visual interest.

Wall coverings

Consider covering your walls for maximal graphic impact with a single design move. Some companies, like Hygge & West, offer removable options which is great for non-committal decorators, or for renters.

Otomi wallpaper

This pattern is based on traditional embroidery patterns from the Otomi people of Mexico. Available in seven colorways.

link copy 2 Created with Sketch.
Hygge & West / $155 per roll Buy

Voynich wallpaper

Based on a 14th-century book, the Voynich pattern incorporates elements of the herbs, plants, and flowers illustrated in the manuscript. Available in three colorways.

link copy 2 Created with Sketch.
Grow House Grow / $200 per roll Buy

Amalfi Umore wallpaper

This is glorious hand-painted pattern composed of lemons, oranges, hibiscus flowers, and leaves.

link copy 2 Created with Sketch.
Graham & Brown / $140 per roll Buy

Textiles

One of the easiest—and sometimes most affordable—ways to introduce maximalism is through textiles.

Pieni Primavera tea towel

This floral pattern is from the iconic Finnish designer Maija Isola.

link copy 2 Created with Sketch.
Marimekko / $21 Buy

Warm stripe bath towel

Made from 100% terry cloth, these towels have orange and green stripes on one side, red and blue stripes on the other.

link copy 2 Created with Sketch.
Dusen Dusen / $40 Buy

Haja Touda’s Beni Ourain

Salam Hello works directly with Moroccan artisans, who are mostly women, to sell its handmade rugs. This one was woven by Haja Touda in the Todgha Gorge village.

link copy 2 Created with Sketch.
Salam Hello / $3,500 Buy

Furniture

Why limit yourself to the same midcentury derivative furniture everyone has? Consider these more exuberant and unexpected options.

Catalpa sofa

This elegant, customizable sofa has a hardwood frame, leather seat back, and linen cushions.

link copy 2 Created with Sketch.
RW Guild / from $17,500 Buy

Boro star sideboard

The pattern on this sideboard is based on Japanese patched indigo textiles known as boro.

link copy 2 Created with Sketch.
Anthropologie / $1,840 Buy

Molar fiberglass chair

Designed by Wendell Castle, this circa-1960 chair is made made from molded fiberglass.

link copy 2 Created with Sketch.
Bi-Rite Studio / $2,200 Buy

Lighting

Set the right mood and ambiance with chandeliers, table lamps, and even bulbs that make a statement.

Tropical chandelier

Intended to be a statement piece, this chandelier by Chris Wolston is composed of metallic leaves inspired by the jungle around Medellin, Colombia.

link copy 2 Created with Sketch.
The Future Perfect / Upon request Buy

Mira stacked table lamp

This sculptural table lamp is available in two mixed-material designs, one with burnished brass, white Carrara marble, and white ceramic, and another version in bronze with travertine and white ceramic.

link copy 2 Created with Sketch.
Kelly Wearstler / $1,639 Buy

Trådfri LED bulb

Why limit yourself to the same hue of lighting? This remote-controlled LED bulb offers the full spectrum of white light and all colors too.

link copy 2 Created with Sketch.
Ikea / $20 Buy

Accessories

It’s the little touches that make a room.

Reed candlesticks

These turned-metal candlesticks come in eight heights—maximal indeed.

link copy 2 Created with Sketch.
RW Guild / $210 each Buy

Stick It Anywhere vase

Designed by jeweler Jennifer Fisher, this statement vase is made from dramatic white floral marble.

link copy 2 Created with Sketch.
CB2 / $129 Buy

Rainbow herringbone baskets

This colorful hamper is handwoven in Senegal and is sold by a fair-trade retailer.

link copy 2 Created with Sketch.
Swahili Modern / $185 Buy

Table Tiles Optic

The graphic pattern on these individual coasters creates 3D optic illusions when they’re arranged together.

link copy 2 Created with Sketch.
Areaware / $18 Buy

Furniture

How to pick the best outdoor furniture at any budget

Furniture

These 12 things will make a tiny home feel much bigger

Furniture

The best room dividers, according to interior designers

View all stories in Furniture