How to Style Tartan in Modern Interiors
Tartan has long been associated with heritage homes, country cottages and traditional interiors.
But in modern spaces, tartan can feel bold, fresh and beautifully contemporary — when styled correctly.
If you love the texture and depth of tartan but worry it might feel too “traditional”, this guide will show you how to use it in a way that feels current and refined.
Why Tartan Works So Well in Modern Homes
Tartan isn’t just a pattern — it’s a layered combination of colour, texture and structure.
In modern interiors, this works because:
Clean-lined spaces benefit from pattern contrast
Neutral rooms need visual depth
Minimal interiors can feel flat without texture
Tartan adds warmth and structure without overwhelming a room.
1. Start Small: Use Tartan as an Accent
If you’re unsure, begin with one statement piece.
A tartan lampshade is one of the easiest ways to introduce pattern without committing to large upholstery.
Placed on:
A console table
A bedside table
A sideboard
A reading nook
It becomes a subtle focal point rather than a dominant feature.
In contemporary interiors, a drum-shaped tartan shade keeps the look clean and modern.
2. Pair Tartan with Minimal Furniture
The key to modern tartan styling is contrast.
Pair tartan with:
Simple silhouettes
Matte finishes
Natural wood
Brushed brass
Neutral walls
Avoid overly ornate furniture — tartan already carries visual weight.
Think:
✔ Slim ceramic lamp bases
✔ Pale oak sideboards
✔ Linen sofas
✔ Soft greys and warm whites
This keeps the room feeling balanced.
3. Choose Muted or Contemporary Colourways
Not all tartans feel traditional.
For modern interiors, look for:
Grey-based tartans
Olive and khaki tones
Navy and muted green
Soft beige and taupe blends
Bright red-heavy tartans tend to feel more classic. Muted palettes feel more current.
If your room is neutral, even a subtle khaki/navy tartan can add depth without overpowering.
4. Balance Pattern with Texture
Modern styling isn’t about removing character — it’s about layering intentionally.
Balance tartan with:
Plain linen cushions
Textured wool throws
Natural woven rugs
Stone or ceramic accessories
This creates a layered look without becoming busy.
If you’ve read our comparison of tweed vs linen lampshades, you’ll know how important texture is in creating warmth.
5. Use Tartan in Symmetry
One of the most effective modern styling tricks is symmetry.
For example:
Two matching tartan lampshades on a sideboard
Bedside lamps in coordinating tartan
A single tartan accent balanced by plain cushions
Symmetry makes pattern feel intentional rather than decorative.
6. Keep the Colour Palette Tight
Modern interiors work best when the colour palette is controlled.
If your tartan contains:
Navy
Green
Beige
Repeat one or two of those colours elsewhere in the room through:
Artwork
Books
Vases
Soft furnishings
This ties everything together.
7. Use Metallic Lining for a Contemporary Edge
A metallic inner lining can subtly modernise tartan.
While white lining offers a soft, traditional glow, metallic lining:
Reflects more light
Creates warmth
Feels slightly more contemporary
In darker tartans especially, metallic lining prevents the shade from feeling heavy.
Example: Styling Tartan in a Modern Living Room
Imagine:
Soft warm white walls
Pale oak flooring
Neutral linen sofa
Slim black-framed artwork
Add:
A navy/khaki tartan drum lampshade
A ceramic stone-textured base
A brushed brass accent
Suddenly the room feels layered, warm and designed — not traditional.
When Tartan Might Not Work
Tartan can feel overwhelming if:
The room already has multiple bold patterns
Furniture is heavily ornate
The space lacks neutral balance
In those cases, opt for tweed or linen instead — they offer texture without strong pattern.
Final Thoughts: Is Tartan Still Modern?
Absolutely — when styled intentionally.
Modern interiors aren’t about eliminating heritage.
They’re about refining it.
Used in controlled doses, tartan adds:
✔ Depth
✔ Character
✔ Warmth
✔ Personality
Without feeling dated.
