How to Mix and Match Bows Like a Designer

If you’ve ever stood in front of your door wondering whether a pink gingham bow or a solid cream one would look best—you’re not alone. Choosing the right decorative bow is part art, part intuition, and part understanding of how color, pattern, and proportion work together. At A Bow or Two, we believe every bow tells a small story about your home’s personality. Here’s how to layer and combine bows with confidence, just like a designer would.

Start with Your Color Story

Before anything else, think about your home’s existing palette. Is your exterior neutral with black, white, or gray tones? Then your front door is the perfect canvas for color.

• Warm homes—brick, cream siding, or wood tones—pair beautifully with deeper hues like the Burgundy Gingham Bow or Red Gingham Bow.

• Cool homes—gray or navy siding—shine with the Blue Gingham Bow or Black Gingham Bow.

• Bright, cheerful spaces—think pastel or white exteriors—look best with the Pink Gingham Bow or Lavender Gingham Bow for a soft, welcoming touch.

Choosing one dominant color family helps your decor feel cohesive year-round.

Balance Solids and Patterns

Designers love contrast, and mixing solids with gingham is an easy way to achieve it.
If you’re drawn to pattern, start with a Gingham Bow as your statement piece. Then layer nearby accents—like ribbons, wreaths, or planters—in solid colors that echo the bow’s tones.

For example, pairing a Red Gingham Bow with a Solid Cream Bow nearby (such as on a mailbox or porch railing) adds visual balance without feeling busy. The goal is harmony—each bow complementing the other while still standing out.

Think in Seasons, Not Single Moments

A thoughtful designer always plans for transitions. Instead of buying a new bow every few weeks, choose complementary colors that can rotate naturally through the seasons.

• Fall: Orange Gingham Bow or Burgundy Gingham Bow

• Winter: Cream Gingham Bow or Black Gingham Bow

• Spring: Pink Gingham Bow or Lavender Gingham Bow

• Summer: Blue Gingham Bow or Navy Polka Dot Bow

With just two or three key bows, you can create endless combinations by swapping placement and background elements. It’s simple, sustainable, and stylish.

Size and Scale Matter

A beautifully styled bow can lose its impact if the proportions feel off. For a front door, large door bows create instant presence without overwhelming the space. 

If your home has tall double doors or large porches, don’t be afraid to go bold—just keep symmetry in mind. Balanced proportions are the secret to that “designer look” that feels polished, not cluttered.

Let Texture Do the Work

Even when you’re staying within one color palette, texture keeps things interesting. A cotton gingham bow feels soft and traditional, while a cotton-poly bow offers structure and outdoor durability. Use that difference to your advantage—mix materials to build depth and keep your decor from feeling flat.

Create Repetition for a Cohesive Look

Repetition is one of design’s most powerful tools. Try placing bows of the same color family in multiple areas. This repetition ties your whole exterior together, making the space feel intentional and curated rather than pieced together.

Make It Yours

At the end of the day, decorating is about joy. Maybe you love the cheer of a Pink Gingham Bow in December or the understated elegance of a Cream Linen Bow in midsummer. The beauty of bows is that they’re temporary yet transformative—you can change them out as easily as your mood or the weather.

Don’t be afraid to experiment; some of the most memorable looks come from mixing the unexpected.

In Closing

Learning how to style bows like a designer isn’t about strict rules—it’s about finding your rhythm of color, pattern, and balance. Whether you love gingham, solids, or a playful mix of both, a well-chosen bow instantly tells guests that your home is cared for and full of personality.

Because at A Bow or Two, we believe great design starts with one beautiful, intentional detail—and often, that’s a bow.