Plaids & Checks: The Fall Moment We’re Loving

As the air turns crisp and the days get shorter, we find ourselves drawn to the timeless comfort of plaids and checks — patterns that feel both familiar and refreshingly new this fall.

Once reserved for cozy cabins and classic tailoring, these motifs are being reimagined across interiors in refined, unexpected ways.

A Modern Take on Tradition

Design houses like Thibaut and Schumacher are leading the charge, introducing updated plaids in sophisticated color palettes — think soft moss, slate, camel, and muted blush. The result feels polished yet approachable, traditional without tipping into nostalgia. When layered thoughtfully, these patterns add rhythm and texture to a space while grounding it in a sense of warmth and heritage.

Pattern Play Underfoot

We’re also seeing Stark Carpet reinterpret checks in bold, graphic ways — from tonal windowpanes to playful gingham-inspired weaves. Used in a hallway runner or as a custom rug, these patterns can anchor a room with quiet structure or make a confident statement, depending on the scale and contrast of the design.

Where to Use Them

Plaids and checks work beautifully as accents — a tailored Roman shade in a small-scale tartan, a pair of armchairs upholstered in a subtle check, or even a crisp wool throw draped over the foot of the bed. For those feeling adventurous, wallpapering a study or mudroom in a woven-inspired grid brings instant warmth and character.

The Feel-Good Factor

At their core, these patterns evoke comfort and craftsmanship — qualities we naturally crave this time of year. Whether you lean into the symmetry of a check or the softness of a plaid, this fall is the perfect time to bring a bit of that structured coziness home.