Big, Bold Buffalo Check Is Everywhere

This season you cannot escape the buffalo check craze.  It is absolutely everywhere.

This bold pattern is popping up in all forms from linens and wall decor to backsplashes and upholstery.

There are so many great examples of how to incorporate this home decor trend into our rooms, where do we begin?

Let’s start by defining buffalo check.

What Is Buffalo Check?

So, what is buffalo check?  Although the term is often used interchangeably with plain, it is, in fact, a different pattern.

It is a check pattern most often consisting of only two colors.  The wide uniform stripes intersect one another to make a large square pattern that repeats itself.

The squares do not vary in width like other plaid patterns.  The most commonly seen buffalo check color combinations are black and white or black and red.

For more information on how to discern the difference between plaid, tartan, and buffalo check read the post “Pattern Primer: Plaid vs. Checks” at Pottery Barn.

Another great resource is “Tartan vs Plaid vs Check” from Greenhouse Fabrics.

How to Use Buffalo Check

Now that we know what it is, how can we use it in our rooms?  The answer is, any way you’d like.

There are so many different opportunities to incorporate the pattern into your home.

The key, however, is moderation.  This is a bold pattern and it is easy to go overboard.

You’ll want to use it as a piece of visual interest.  Something your eye lands on that makes you say, “ohh that’s nice!”.

If you overdo it with this pattern like a fully upholstered sofa with matching love seat and chair, your mind is going to say, “WHOAH!”.

The best approach is to stick to accent pieces such as pillows, napkins, dish towels, and curtains.  This will allow you to move the pattern in and out of your space easily from season to season.

You may want a black and white buffalo check in the winter, but not in the summer.  If you bring in pieces of furniture or other large items adorned in the pattern, it’s harder to switch up your style on a whim.

Linens are easily changed and appear in just about every room of your home.

For example, if you’re ready for a change in your window treatments, you can swap out the white sheers you hung for the summer with a black and white check curtain.

Or, you can swap out your Thanksgiving-themed kitchen towels for a red and black buffalo check pattern for Christmas.

Buffalo Check Inspiration

I’ve compiled a few examples of how to mix this bold pattern into your room design.

1. Entryway Inspiration

In this first image, the buffalo check cubes are the perfect bold accent to this entryway.

The coordination of the black and white cubes with the black mirror frame and table is lovely.

2. Fall Tablescape

This gorgeous fall tablescape adds just a splash of the pattern in its napkins.  The balance on this table is great.

By placing the napkins under the appetizer plate instead of on top, it allows the cotton stem centerpiece to remain the focal point of the table.

3. Curtains

In this third example, the kitchen curtains make a beautiful statement piece.  The patterned window treatment really anchors the room and brings a cozy, inviting feeling to your space.

Conclusion

I’d love to hear about how you use buffalo check in your home.  Let me know in the comments below.  If you enjoyed this post please share it with a friend and follow Dianne Decor on Bloglovin’.