Brown Gingham Is the Fall Pattern Giving Plaid a Run for Its Money

Plaid has long been one of fall’s signature patterns, but this year there’s another classic check showing up everywhere: brown gingham. Southern Living magazine recently called it “the fall pattern we’re bringing home this season,” pointing to everything from curtains and pillows to table linens and bedding. (This post contains affiliate links – see my privacy policy.)

I can see why it’s catching on. Brown gingham has the warmth and nostalgia we associate with fall, but its simple checks feel lighter and a little less traditional than many plaids. Depending on how you use it, gingham can lean English cottage, farmhouse, country, or even surprisingly fresh and tailored. See today’s examples.

Make a Statement with Brown Gingham Wallpaper

In this living room, brown gingham takes center stage as wallpaper. Because the checks are relatively small and the colors are muted, the pattern creates texture rather than overwhelming the room.

The botanical prints, dark wood window trim, vintage-style brass lamp and warm upholstered chairs reinforce the nostalgic character of the gingham. Notice, too, that the rest of the room doesn’t rely on obvious fall decorations. The autumn feeling comes almost entirely from the palette, pattern and natural materials.

Takeaway: If you’re using gingham on all four walls, choose a smaller-scale pattern in muted shades of brown and cream. Then give the eye places to rest with solid upholstery and simple accessories.

 

Pair Gingham with Another Small-Scale Pattern

Brown gingham doesn’t necessarily have to be the dominant pattern in a room. Here, gingham bedding is paired with delicate patterned wallpaper and a large solid olive pillow.

The combination works because the patterns have different personalities and scales. The tiny wallpaper print reads almost like texture, while the gingham is bolder and more recognizable. Cream-colored bedding keeps everything from becoming too busy.

Takeaway: When mixing gingham with another pattern, vary the scale and include plenty of solids to give the patterns some breathing room.

 

Bring Gingham to the Fall Table

Brown gingham feels perfectly at home on a rustic fall table. Instead of traditional orange linens, this table uses a gingham runner as the foundation for wood slices, pinecones, branches, mushrooms and candles.

I especially like brown gingham for this kind of seasonal decorating because it provides a fall backdrop without dictating the rest of the color scheme. You could pair it with green as shown here, add creamy white pumpkins, or take it in a richer direction with burgundy and rust.

Takeaway: A runner or tablecloth is one of the easiest ways to try a seasonal pattern. Layer natural materials over gingham to keep the look collected rather than overly coordinated.

 

Try a Gingham Valance

If full-length gingham curtains feel like too much pattern, consider a valance instead. This brown gingham version adds just enough interest to a simple kitchen without covering the pretty window or blocking much natural light.

Against white beadboard and soft blue-green cabinetry, the brown checks add warmth and keep the room from feeling too cool or crisp. It’s also a nice example of why gingham doesn’t have to be limited to fall. Nothing about this kitchen would feel out of place in spring or summer.

Takeaway: Use gingham on smaller window treatments when you want the pattern to act as an accent rather than a focal point.

 

Give Gingham a Cabin Feel

Brown gingham also works beautifully in a cabin, cottage or lake house. Here, gingham bedding looks completely natural alongside pale wood walls, a vintage-style wood bed and an old-fashioned reading lamp.

The sage pillow and rusty orange coverlet keep the bedding from looking too sweet. Those earthy solids give the room a more relaxed, grown-up feel.

Takeaway: Pair brown gingham with weathered wood and muted greens, rusts or reds for a casual cabin-inspired palette.

 

Create a Warm Fall Dining Room

Brown gingham can make a beautiful backdrop for an entire dining room. Here, the small-scale wallpaper works almost like a warm neutral above the cream wainscoting.

The mustard runner picks up the golden tones of the room, while a dough bowl filled with little white pumpkins adds a simple nod to the season. The large traditional window keeps the room bright, preventing all those warm browns from feeling heavy.

This is also a good example of how to make brown gingham feel current: mix its nostalgic quality with cleaner, simpler furnishings. The uncomplicated wood table, white chairs and streamlined pendant keep the room from becoming too country.

Takeaway: If you love gingham enough to use it on the walls, balance its old-fashioned charm with simpler furniture and restrained seasonal decorating.

 

Use Brown Gingham in Small, Unexpected Ways

Sometimes the smallest detail is enough. A gingham coaster beneath a favorite mug adds pattern to a simple fall moment without requiring any decorating commitment at all.

Small fabric accents like coasters, napkins, tea towels, basket liners or lampshades are also a great way to use leftover gingham fabric.

Takeaway: If you’re unsure about the trend, start tiny. A few inexpensive gingham accents can easily be packed away or switched out when the season changes.

 

Add Just a Touch in the Kitchen

You don’t need to wallpaper a room or buy new furniture to try this trend. A simple brown gingham café curtain brings pattern to this otherwise neutral kitchen and instantly makes it feel warmer.

It’s especially pretty against stone countertops, creamy tile and taupe cabinetry. The brass faucet and autumn-colored flowers complement the brown checks without competing with them.

Takeaway: Think of gingham as an accent just as you would a color. Curtains, towels and even a fabric-lined basket can introduce enough pattern to change the personality of a kitchen.

 

How to Decorate with Brown Gingham Without Overdoing It

The easiest approach is to decide whether you want gingham to be the star or the supporting player. If you choose wallpaper or upholstered furniture, keep most of the surrounding patterns quiet. If you prefer a subtle touch, use gingham on one or two textiles and repeat its brown tone elsewhere in the room. Whichever you choose, have fun decorating with this charming pattern!

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