Repeating Patterns: Greek Key
See How to Use This Classic Look on Floors, Borders, Furniture and More
The Greek Key pattern has been around since the time of the ancient Greeks, but has been exploding in popularity over the past few years. It emerged during the Geometric Period in Greek art and was commonly used as a design detail on buildings and urns. As I Wiki-ed around, I found that the Geometric Period goes back as far as 900 B.C. That's almost 3,000 years of popularity – clearly Greek Key is no passing trend. Here it is today:
This oversized Greek Key pattern makes a rug wonderfully modern when blown up to a large scale and repeated.
This roofdeck has a Greek Key "rug" painted on it, defining the dining area and adding the interest via the intricate pattern.
Originally a border used on classic architectural friezes and pottery, today Greek Key makes for a great border on throw pillows.
Greek Key also makes a striking border on drapes. Also, look closely on the yellow chair on the right and you'll see a sneaky way to wow with this detail.
Here's a more classic use of Greek Key, as an oversized border on bedding. I looked at this picture three times before I noticed that this designer cleverly used the pattern on the nightstand as well!
You are probably saying "I don't see any Greek Key pattern here!" Look very closely at the chairs in the foreground; this print can be subtle when you use muted tones with colors that don't have a strong contrast.
Here is a better look at a similar Greek key bedding border.
Here the pattern is part of an intricate hardwood floor inlay, and it creates a border.
This isn't quite Greek Key, it's a bit of Greek Key gone wild.
CERAMIC GREEK COFFEE CUP | We Are Happy To Serve You, Diner Mug
Have you been wondering where you first saw this pattern? Perhaps it was on a classic New York deli take out coffee cup like this one.