You've probably slept under an old quilt at some point in your life. A patchwork blanket that's been passed down through family members or styled at the beach house you frequented growing up. It's the kind of detail that's a little worn around the edges, full of character and stories, and in 2025, it's no longer dated-looking; it's actually incredibly cool.
It's really no surprise we're seeing patchwork textiles make a comeback in contemporary interior design trends. "Design is very cyclical, and I think that we are seeing so many more elements from the past creeping into our current design landscape, and patchwork is certainly part of that," explains interior designer Julia Miller from Yond Interiors.
"I also think so many people are craving nostalgia, so patchwork and quilts fit right in," she adds. So, if you've been eyeing up patchwork blankets, pillows, and poufs lately — no, you're not just getting old. Here's how to make patchwork pieces feel a bit more polished for 2025.
Patchwork textiles can embrace a more contemporary color scheme, like this bedroom design, elevating it to a more sophisticated style.
"There has been such a swing to the artisan and an interest in the hand of the maker seeping back into interiors, which is fabulous," explains interior designer Heather Peterson of Heather Peterson Design. "I think people want comfort, and patchwork decor brings that."
Because patchwork is such an artisan process — the creation process stitches excess fabric and multiple textiles to create a single piece — each item comes out totally unique. The individuality of patchwork decor makes it so elevated and eternally timeless.
That said, the age-old techniques of quilts and patchwork have been interpreted in new ways over the years, meaning that rather than being limited to just bedding ideas, the fun lies in incorporating patchwork prints throughout various decor items. A patchwork wall hanging, a patchwork tablecloth, you could even upholster an accent chair in this nostalgic pattern trend.
Heather Peterson is a Columbia University-trained curator and a former photo editor for Real Simple magazine. In the past, Heather has produced photo shoots for major brands, edited books with major architects, and collaborated on public art installations with artists. Today, she uses her visual sensibility and sense of story to create thoughtful, immersive, and collected spaces for her clients.
Even just a small detail, like a patchwork quilt draped over the arm of a chair, can bring character to a space.
So, how do you style patchwork decor in a contemporary home? Heather says it's quite simple, actually.
"There is an ease of use with these textiles, especially when trying to create a layered look in a room," she explains. That's because patchwork decor inherently brings with it a mix of colors, fabric patterns, and an overall statement pattern to build from in a single piece. "Much like a patterned rug, it's an easy starting point to a room," says Heather.
Julia Miller adds that, "Most of the time we have used quilts in spaces that are cozy and close to nature, like cabins, cottages, or chalets." But don't let that limit you. In 2025, you can still touch on the cozy cottagecore trend, but in an elevated way.
"The key is sophisticated color palettes, more streamlined, modern layouts of the quilt pattern, and a lack of rusticity," adds Heather. Focus on more linear patterns, muted palettes, and modern patterns, rather than anything too rustic, or anything that looks like it's been tucked in a closet since the 70s.
Julia Miller is an interior designer and the creative director of Yond Interiors. Rooted in craftsmanship and elevated by imagination, Yond's interiors are rich with texture and depth. Curated palettes and tactile pairings bring an artisanal energy to every room — a refined harmony that lives in every layer, every surface.
The design style in this bedroom is more traditional, but the black and white colorway of the patchwork quilt brings a sense of modernity.
The designs of patchwork and quilts can vary significantly, so their use can be very transitional. "We love to integrate handmade items whenever possible, and bedding is the perfect opportunity for quilts," says Julia.
It might seem obvious, but you simply can't go wrong with patchwork quilts on beds or patchwork decor as a cozy bedroom idea. But no matter where you put it, it's best to let the patchwork pattern be the star of the show. You can then center the rest of the room around its colors and motifs.
"I also like to lean into the creativity and use patchwork textiles on chairs, dining seats, throw pillows, and curtains — in all cases, there is a geometry that gets a bit loosened up by the irregularity of the squares and the random layout in a patchwork design in particular," adds Heather. "Quilts can be orderly but not stiff. Patchwork can be organized yet layered."
Patchwork doesn't just have to be a checkerboard of fabric; this pillow from TOAST uses the method to incorporate a flower or star design.
Patchwork artwork is one of the most unique modern applications of this trend, and I am obsessed. A piece like this is one of a kind and supports an independent artist.
As mentioned, a patchwork quilt is the easiest way to show off a patchwork pattern in your interior. The warm colorway in this quilt from TOAST brings a cozy aesthetic to the room.
I don't own a pet, but if I did, you better believe they would have a stylish pet bed. The patterns in this Damson Madder piece are bright, playful, and will add a little pop of color to a room.
This Secret Linen Store x Glassette bedspread feels like the traditional patchwork pattern but with a more contemporary colorway. Spread it over the entire bed or have it as a throw at the bottom of the bed.
Just because it's patchwork doesn't mean it has to be a rainbow of colors. This monochrome quilt from John Lewis allows you to try your hand at the retro pattern while still sticking to a scheme.
The patchwork renaissance is rooted in interior design's draw to nostalgia and retro-inspired atmospheres.
Pair a beautiful patchwork quilt with several refined modern retro decor pieces, and you'll have a space that would make your grandparents proud.
