Maximalism is decorating with generosity: more colour, more pattern, more objects and more personality than a minimalist would allow. Done well, it feels joyful and deliberate; done badly, it feels like a jumble sale. This guide explains what maximalism is and gives you a practical way to build a room in layers.
What maximalism actually means
Maximalism is not about filling every surface for the sake of it. It is about surrounding yourself with things you love and letting them talk to each other. A maximalist room usually has:
- A confident colour palette rather than a safe neutral base
- Several patterns working together
- Art and objects with a story or a sense of humour
- Something unexpected that makes visitors smile
The difference between maximalism and clutter is editing. Every piece earns its place, and the room has a thread running through it, often a shared colour or theme.
Layer one: colour and pattern from the floor up
Start with the biggest surfaces, because they set the tone. A patterned rug grounds a maximalist room and gives you a palette to pull from. Our Tibetan tiger rugs and leopard rugs are a classic starting point: animal print works almost as a neutral in a busy scheme.
Next, the big furniture. A sofa in a strong colour or a velvet finish anchors the room; browse our sofas and pick a shade that already appears in your rug. When mixing patterns, vary the scale: one large pattern, one medium and one small will sit together far more happily than three of the same size.
Layer two: art and statement pieces
This is where character comes in. Mirrors are a maximalist favourite because they bounce light around a full room and double as art. The Seletti x Toiletpaper Gold Frame Mirror is printed with the studio's surreal imagery and set in a gold frame, so it sits somewhere between a mirror and a work of art. Choose from Lipsticks, Hands with Snakes, Sea Girl, Tongue and Two of Spades.
Lighting can be a statement too. Our Seletti monkey lights and giraffe chandeliers give a room a focal point that is also a talking point. For playful reinterpretations of traditional designs, look at the Seletti Classics on Acid collection.
Aim for one big statement per room, then let smaller pieces support it.
Layer three: the small things that carry character
Maximalism lives in the details: candlesticks, cushions, trays and ornaments grouped on tables and shelves. Group objects in odd numbers and vary their heights.
The Les Ottomans Palm Tree Pink Candlestick Holder is a good example. It is hand-painted ceramic with a glossy glaze, and it comes in two sizes (20cm and 25cm) and two colours, which makes it ideal for clustering and contrasting. Mix them with other candle holders and candles in different heights.
Textiles add softness and another layer of pattern. Karen Mabon's playful prints work beautifully on cushions, and a few of her designs on a bold sofa are an easy way to add wit.
Take it outside
A maximalist approach does not have to stop at the back door. Seletti's Amanita Stool & Table by Marcantonio is a set of giant mushrooms that looks as if it came straight out of an enchanted wood, and it works in the home or the garden. Pair it with the Fatboy Headdemock Hammock, a generously oversized hammock on its own freestanding powder-coated steel frame, so you need no trees or rope. There is room for two, up to 150kg.
Keeping it together
When a room starts to feel overwhelming, check three things: is there a colour repeated at least three times, is there one clear focal point, and is there anywhere for the eye to rest? Fix those and almost any mix will work.
For more ideas, browse our home décor or come and see us at the shop in Somerset. The team is always happy to help you plan your own.
