How to Select William Morris Framed Prints That Transform Your Space

William Morris prints have a way of making any room feel instantly more interesting. Those intricate florals and intertwining leaves bring warmth and character that flat, modern graphics simply can't replicate.

The trick is knowing which pattern, size, and frame will actually work in your space. This guide walks you through choosing a Morris print that fits your room's mood, matching colors to your existing decor, and styling your new art so it looks like it's always belonged there.

Why William Morris prints feel fresh in any home

To choose the perfect William Morris print, start by identifying the mood you want for your room—calm, vibrant, or romantic—and pick a design that genuinely draws you in. Classic patterns like Strawberry Thief or Willow Boughs work beautifully in both traditional and contemporary spaces. From there, match colors to your room's existing scheme by pulling out two or three key tones from the print.

William Morris created his iconic patterns in the late 1800s as part of the Arts and Crafts movement. His philosophy was straightforward: surround yourself with things that are both useful and beautiful. That idea feels more relevant now than ever.

What makes Morris prints work in modern homes is their organic complexity. Intertwining leaves, birds, and florals create visual depth without feeling busy. A single Morris print can bring warmth to a minimalist space or hold its own in a maximalist one.

• Timeless appeal: Rich florals and organic motifs that never look dated
• Versatility: Works equally well with mid-century furniture, Scandi simplicity, or eclectic gallery walls
• Instant character: Adds the kind of depth that makes a room feel collected rather than decorated

How to choose a William Morris print you will love

Match the pattern to your color palette

Morris worked with nature-inspired palettes that translate surprisingly well to contemporary interiors. Deep forest greens, earthy blues, warm terracotta, and soft sage appear throughout his designs.

Start by looking at your existing room and identifying one dominant color. Then find a Morris print that features that tone prominently. You don't want an exact match—that looks too coordinated. Instead, aim for prints that share the same color family while introducing complementary accents.

If your space feels neutral, a Morris print offers an opportunity to add richness without committing to painted walls. A single print with deep jewel tones can anchor an otherwise understated room.

Consider the scale of the design

Pattern scale affects how a print feels in your space more than you might expect. Large, bold repeats like Acanthus or Pimpernel create drama and work beautifully on spacious walls where the pattern can breathe.

Smaller, more intricate patterns suit cozy spaces or gallery wall arrangements. Detailed designs reward closer viewing and don't overwhelm compact rooms.

Think about viewing distance too. A print you'll see from across the room benefits from bolder patterns. Something hung in a hallway or reading nook can handle finer detail since you'll be standing closer.

Trust your instinct and start with one

Here's the thing about Morris prints: they're all beautiful, and overthinking the choice often leads to decision paralysis. If a particular design catches your eye—whether it's the lush drama of Strawberry Thief or the structured elegance of Willow Boughs—that's your answer.

You can always build a collection over time. Starting with one piece you genuinely love beats waiting for the "perfect" combination to reveal itself.

The best William Morris prints for every room

Living room

Statement pieces shine in living rooms. Look for prints with rich, dramatic patterns that can anchor the space above a sofa or fireplace. Designs like Forest or Acanthus have the visual weight to work as focal points.

Living rooms also tend to accommodate larger sizes well. A single oversized Morris print often creates more impact than several smaller pieces competing for attention.

Bedroom

Softer, calming florals work beautifully in bedrooms. Willow Boughs, Jasmine, and Larkspur all have a restful quality that suits spaces meant for unwinding.

Muted colorways—sage greens, dusty blues, soft creams—help maintain a peaceful atmosphere. Save the bold reds and deep teals for rooms where you want more energy.

Bathroom

Smaller prints add unexpected charm to bathrooms, transforming often-sterile spaces into something with personality. Nature motifs bring organic warmth that complements tile and porcelain.

Prints with botanical elements or bird designs feel appropriate near water and greenery without being too literal.

Kitchen

Fruit and botanical prints like Orchard or Fruit complement the room's purpose naturally. The designs feel vibrant without overwhelming a space that's already full of visual activity.

Kitchens often have smaller wall spaces between cabinets and windows, making them ideal for medium or small prints that add character without demanding too much attention.

Home office

Structured, symmetrical designs can help create a focused atmosphere. Patterns with clear visual rhythm—like the geometric precision of Marigold or the balanced repeats of Chrysanthemum—work well behind a desk.

Morris prints provide visual interest during long work sessions without becoming distracting. The natural motifs also offer a welcome contrast to screens and technology.

What size William Morris print works best

Large statement pieces for focal walls

A single bold piece can define a room's entire mood. Above a sofa, the general guideline is choosing art that spans roughly two-thirds of the furniture's width.

Large Morris prints work particularly well because the intricate patterns benefit from scale. Details that might feel cramped in a small print have room to breathe at larger sizes.

Medium prints for balanced spaces

Medium sizes work almost anywhere—bedrooms, entryways, dining areas, hallways. A medium print is substantial enough to make an impact without dominating the room.

Medium prints are also the easiest to move around as your space evolves. If you're unsure about size, medium is usually a safe starting point.

Small prints for gallery walls and nooks

Small Morris prints are perfect for layering multiple designs together. A gallery wall mixing different patterns—unified by consistent framing—creates a collected, curated look.

Small sizes also fill unexpected corners beautifully. That awkward space beside a doorway or above a small console table? A small Morris print transforms it from forgotten to intentional.

How to frame William Morris art prints

Classic black frames

Clean, modern, and endlessly versatile. Black frames let the pattern take center stage without competing for attention.

Black framing works especially well in contemporary and minimalist spaces where you want the art to pop against neutral walls.

Natural wood frames

Oak, walnut, or lighter woods complement the organic, handcrafted feel of Morris designs. There's a natural harmony between nature-inspired patterns and warm wood tones.

Natural frames suit bohemian, Scandi-inspired, or traditional spaces particularly well. Wood softens the overall look while still providing structure.

Gold and brass frames

Gold and brass add warmth and a touch of vintage elegance that pairs beautifully with Morris's rich jewel tones. Deep greens, burgundies, and teals come alive against gold framing.

Brass frames work in both traditional and eclectic settings. They elevate the print without feeling stuffy.

Tip: Fab's prints arrive professionally framed and ready to hang, so you can skip the custom framing process and go straight to enjoying your new art.

Styling Morris prints with modern and traditional decor

The beauty of Morris prints is their ability to bridge different aesthetics. They're formal enough for traditional spaces but organic enough for contemporary ones.

• Modern spaces: A single Morris print adds warmth and texture without clutter
• Traditional interiors: Layer with antique furniture and rich textiles for a cohesive, collected feel
• Eclectic rooms: Mix Morris patterns with other art styles—the intricate designs hold their own alongside abstracts and photography
• Minimalist settings: Let one detailed print become the room's focal point and conversation starter

The key is confidence. Morris prints have enough visual weight to stand alone, so you don't need to surround them with matching elements. Let the print be the statement.

How to care for your framed William Morris prints

Morris prints are designed to last, but a little care keeps them looking their best over time.

• Placement: Avoid direct sunlight to preserve colors
• Cleaning: Dust frames gently with a soft, dry cloth
• Humidity: Keep prints away from steamy bathrooms or consistently damp areas

Quality framing with UV-protective glazing helps preserve prints even in brighter spaces. It's worth considering if you're hanging art near windows.

Find your perfect William Morris print

Choosing art doesn't have to feel overwhelming. Start with what draws you in, consider your room's colors and mood, and trust that Morris's timeless designs will work.

When your print arrives framed and ready to hang, you're minutes away from a transformed space. No trips to the framer, no assembly required—just art that makes your walls feel finished.

Shop William Morris prints at Fab and find the piece that speaks to you.

FAQs about William Morris framed prints

Can I mix William Morris prints with other art styles?

Yes. Morris prints pair beautifully with modern abstracts, vintage posters, and botanical illustrations. The key is maintaining a cohesive color palette or consistent framing across pieces. The intricate patterns actually benefit from contrast—they hold their own alongside simpler designs.

Which William Morris patterns are most popular right now?

Strawberry Thief remains the most iconic, with its charming birds and rich color palette. Willow Boughs and Pimpernel are close seconds, loved for their versatility and calming presence. All three work in virtually any room and complement most color schemes.

Do William Morris prints work in minimalist spaces?

They do, and often beautifully. A single Morris print adds warmth and visual interest to pared-back rooms without overwhelming the space. The organic patterns provide a welcome contrast to clean lines and neutral palettes.

What is the most famous William Morris pattern?

Strawberry Thief is widely considered Morris's most iconic design. Created in 1883, it features thrushes stealing strawberries amid a lush floral backdrop. The pattern's charm lies in its playful narrative and intricate detail—it rewards closer viewing while still making an impact from across the room.