These unlikely polka-dot finds illustrate just how popular this whimsical print really is. From architecture to utensils, the possibilities for this understated design are unlimited.
Decidedly cute and typically seen in fashion, the polka dot is an undeniably likable design, reminiscent of happy times and lightheartedness. Often offering a cheery feel to wherever it's found, it's no surprise that designers love to integrate this pattern into whatever they can think of. The dots are sometimes used to illustrate pixelation, and offer a more dynamic look to wherever they may be featured. Because of their well-established place in fashion and their relatively straightforward design, the pattern keeps making comebacks no matter the decade.
Adorable, chic and uncomplicated, polka dots are popular for good reason, and these finds clearly illustrate why this is true.
22 Unlikely Polka-Dot Finds
From Speckled Superstructures to Pretty Patterned Utensils:
Courtney Scharf — Jun 4, 2012 — Art & Design
22
Dotted Eyeliner
'Colorized' by Laura Vanagaityte Shakes Up Your Standard Beauty Routine
21
Dotted Artistry
Patience is a Definite Virtue for the Human Printer
20
Absurd Apocalyptic Artwork
Angie Wang Captures Excitement and Danger in Her Illustrations
19
Flirty Duo Desserts
These Heart Polka Dot Macaron Cupcakes Are Deliciously Girly
18
Polka-Dotted Ceilings
The 'Final Departure Lounge' by SPACE Architects Combines Work and Play
17
Haute Hoot Manicures
The Cute Owl Nail Art by Cutepolish is Ready for Spring
16
Communicative Coffee Cups
Grisha Sorokin Creates Expressive Containers for a Russian Cafe
15
Cinematic Lomography Cameras
The Lomokino ‘Mubi Edition’ Analogue Movie Maker is a Hyb
14
Dotty Artist-Designer Collabs
Louis Vuitton and Yayoi Kusama Team Up To Create New Line
13
Wild Window Storefronts
The Louis Vuitton Ostrich Displays are Beckoning People Inside
12
Pretty Patterned Utensils
Laser Engraved Cutlery by Hiroki Yoshitomi Makes Eating Interesting
11
Polka-Dotted Trash Bags
Street Art for Awareness
10
Polka-Dot Egg Beaters
'Mini Mix' Mixers Combines Cuteness & Comfort for Curious Fingers
9
Polka-Dotted Rooftop Gardens
The Vacarisses Waste Treatment Facility is Sustainably Designed
8
Chic Canine Collars
Mod Cloth Offers Fabulous and Fashion Collars for Your Pooch
7
Comical Home Furnishings
These Roy Lichtenstein Home Accessories Will Have You Seeing Spots
6
Speckled Superstructures
The Polka-Dotted Lightmos Thonglor by Architectkidd
5
Polka Dot Wall Clocks
Ryan Bardsley Creates a Unique Series of Dot Array Timepieces
4
Fashion-Conscious Axes
The Winter 2010 Collection Axes by Best Made
3
Discriminatory Wall Clocks
'The Clock I Can't See' from sonodesign Collection
2
Illuminated Polka-Dot Courtyards
The Städel Museum Extension Fuses Traditional and Modern
1
Glamorous Plastic Cups
Make What You Drink Out of the Life of the Party
Related Ideas
Spring-Ready Cookware Capsules
Le Creuset Launches its New Spring Collection with Seasonal Motifs
Colorful Gelatin Dessert-Inspired Furniture
JELL-O Debuts The Jelly Collection of Inflatables
Show-Inspired Miniature Toy Sets
The Stranger Things Polly Pocket is an Adorable Playset
Pleated Designer Dog Houses
The Issey Miyappy Tessellations Dog House Can Be Collapsed for Storage
Couture Color Palettes
Pantone 'Dualities' Was Unveiled at New York Fashion Week 2024
Bubble-Inspired Pendant Lights
The Conceptual 'Bubbles' Lighting Design by Begüm Kılınç is Playful
Playful Designer Knitwear Series
UNIQLO Partners with Anya Hindmarch for Winter Comfort Essentials
Cat-Inspired Camera Collections
Hello Kitty's Strawberry Kawaii Collection is Nostalgic and Fresh
Pink-Hued Shipping Container Homes
These Pink Shipping Container Homes by Ishita Ganguly are Chic
Whimsical Spring Apparel
Anna Sui's Spring/Summer 2025 Collection is the Definition of Demure
Cartoon-Inspired Children's Fashion
The PAW Patrol x PatPat Line Presents an Exciting Collab
Minimalist Monochromatic Glasses
Kilne's New Everyday Glasses Set are Practical and Sleek
Vibrant Retro Tech Collections
The Retrospekt x Miffy Collection Features Illustrious Devices
Inconspicuous Pet Furniture
Pilar Pirez Manfredi Designs the TAIPEI Pet Furniture Collection
Ethereal Scandinavian Fashion Collections
Acne Studio Emphasizes a Bright Color Palette for SS24
Retro Vibrant Furniture Series
IKEA Unveils the Nytillverkad Collection Nodding to its Past
Playful Sponge Holders
OTOTO Boasts Cheeky Designs for the Kitchen Setting
Soda-Branded Sweatsuit Merch Lines
poppi Launched a Stunningly Playful & Stylish Sweatsuit Line
Colorful 3D-Printed Portable Lamps
Crème Atelier Designs the Portable Soft Serve Lamp
Comfort-Focused Stylish Jumpsuits
Popilush Has Unveiled a New Collection of Jumpsuits
Posh Pet-Friendly Chair Designs
The Conceptual 'Quella' Chair by Dhiraj Choudhari is Plywood-Made
Consumption-Inspired Fashion Capsules
LOUTRE snd Dover Street Market Work on a New Capsule
Stunningly Bold Mirror Designs
The Aesthetic of Hogai’s Mirrors is Eye-Catching
Fashion-Branded Coffee Carriers
The Barbour Tartan Reusable Travel Mugs Come in Two Options
Ultra-Slick Modern Apartment Interiors
Note Design Studio Works on the Cloudy Outlines Project
Multi-Layered Sundae Cups
Dippin' Dots Ice Cream Sundaes Feature Beaded Ice Cream
Patterned Round Shoulder Bags
UNIQLO and Marimekko Join on a New Printed Range of Bags
Colorful Standing Statement Mirrors
Hogai Presents a New Range of Vibrant Statement Mirrors
Splattered Ice Cream Bags
Doublet's Ice Cream Bag is Visually Striking and Packable
Colorful Dog Bed Collections
HAY Dogs and Holly Golightly Join Forces on New Designs
Macaroni-Inspired Tonal Dinnerware
Kraft Heinz Canada Creates the Kraft Dinnerware Collection
Funky Colorful Storage Units
Pavel Vetrov's Funky Storage Units Capture Attention
Macaroni-Colored Kitchenware
KD's KRAFT Dinnerware Collection Sports a Cheesy Golden Hue
Playful Sushi-Inspired Suitcases
These Sushi Suitcases by Yujeong Shin Includes Three Styles
Playful Restaurant Pop-Ups
The Play-Doh Restaurant of Imagination Turns Kids' Creations Edible
Cheeky Lint Roller Designs
Staff Launches a Reusable Lint Roller in Its Whimsical Aesthetic
Japanese Artwork Sneakers
These Converse All-Star Sneakers Come in Two Styles
Glossy Pink Bag Collections
Barbie x Kipling Features Details Inspired by the Fashion Icon
Playful Table Lamp Designs
The Toto Lamp by Fabien Cappello for Hem Makes a Statement
Reimagined Tie Dye Rugs
Reuber Henning Introduces Its New Eye-Catching Tie Dye Collection
Multipurpose Pet-Friendly Furniture
The Wowo Multipurpose Furniture is Colorful and Playful
Snack-Stashing Pullovers
The Pop-Tarts Crunchy Poppers Pullover Features Practical Pockets
Attachable Candy-Shaped Pockets
The Christian Cowan SS 24 Collection Features Oversized Pockets
Paper-Formed Premium Furniture
Emeline Ong Designs the Pastel Tonal Pastille Collection
Patchwork Statement Denim Designs
Frame Unveils a new Range of Denim Pieces for Summer
Memory-Making Retro Camera Concepts
The Polaroid Duo Modular Instant Camera is a Sleek Concept
Coziness-Inspired Interior Design Brands
Ticking Stripe Design Embraces the Cottage Core Category
Food-Hued Serveware
The Pantone x H&M Home Collab Plays with the Colors of Citrus and Peppers
Delicate Monochromatic Glassware
The ARC Contrast Collection by LSA International is Chic
Pop Art Creative Collections
The KAWS + Warhol UT Collection Caters to Art Lovers
Upcycled Circular Design Products
Cyrc Designs Expansive Products with Sustainable Themes
Textured Fluted Light Collections
Claudia Afshar Designs the Dekton Ukiyo Collection for Cosentino
Singer-Inspired Vibrant Footwear
Popcaan and Clarks Originals Join on a Wallabee Iteration
Limited Edition Diaper Prints
The Honest Company Blends Style and Practicality
Stylish Pet Pads
PUPIBOO's Pee Pads are Style-Conscious and Washable
Camouflage-Print Technical Fashion
Arc'teryx Introduces a New Capsule Highlighting the Grottoflage
Cookie Tin Beauty Palettes
Kara Beauty's Creative Beauty Palette is Styled Like a Sewing Kit
Easy-to-Install Outlet Covers
Anthropologie's Dotted Ames Switch Plate Set is Renter-Friendly
Peach-Tonal Cookware Capsules
Le Creuset Unveils the Pêche Colorway for Spring Celebrations
80s-Inspired 16-Bit Display Devices
Ahmed Esmael Designs a New Range of Retro Device Concepts
Turntable-Inspired Palettes
SHEGLAM's Vinyl Pop Color Palette is Made for Mixing and Matching
Character Graphic Collaborative Apparel
UNIQLO Presents an Adorable Hello Kitty Capsule
Collaborative Patterned Lifestyle Sneakers
Tulie Yaito Joins Forces with adidas on the Forum Hi
Branded Bubble Gum Paints
Behr Dropped a Playful, Nostalgic Hubba Bubba Pink Paint Color
Stylish Soda Pop-Ups
Poppi World Enticed Health-Conscious, Fashionable Visitors During NYFW
Polka-Dotted Collaborative Sneakers
ASICS Joins Paperboy Paris on the GT-2160 Sneaker Model
Cartoon-Inspired Pizza Merchandise
Disney Launches the New Pizza-Themed Disney Eats Collection
Forward-Thinking Wedding Pop-Ups
Anthropologie Weddings x Pinterest Shares Emerging Styles
Spooky Pastel-Hued Halloween Decor
Michaels Sweet & Spooky Halloween Decor Collection is Playful
Vibrant Food Storage Solutions
Caraway Launches the Summer Food Storage Collection
Renter-Friendly Wallpaper Collections
Otto Studio & Tierney Milne Created Peel-and-Stick Decor
Retro 3D-Printed Bags
Coperni's CD-PLAYER Swipe Bag Resembles a Portable Music Player
Playful Scooter Designs
The Disney x Vespa Collaboration Boasts a Nod to Mickey Mouse
Monochromatic Cartoon-Inspired Kitchen Sets
The New Disney Kitchen Set has a Stealthy Design
Silver Polka Dot Shoes
PAPERGIRL PARIS and BEAMS Re-Imagine the ASICS GT-2160
Expansive Motion-Inspired Furniture Series
Eskayel's Forma Textile Series Explores Linear Shapes
Colorful Kitchen Pop-Ups
Primal Kitchen Partners with Pintrest for a Special Initiative
Café Collaborative Skate Footwear
Vans and PaperGirl Announce Their New Collaboration
Summer-Ready Reusable Kitchen Towels
Cloud Paper's Swish Cloths are Adorable and Functional
Beige-Toned Resin-Coated Footwear
Poliquant Designed Custom Desert Trek and Wallabee
Spiky Palm Tree-Inspired Lamps
Masquespacio Designs the Ceramic Blossom Lamp Series
Dynamic Distinct Blanket Collections
Hogai Presents the Colorful Caregiver Blankets Collection
Sustainable Colorful Multifunctional Furniture
Paolo Cappello Designs the Superpop for Miniforms
British Countryside-Inspired Collections
Pikol x Percival Launch a Cozy Rustic Fashion Collection
Doll-Inspired Kids Collections
The PatPat x Barbie Collection Features About 60 Unique Styles
Cereal-Inspired Accessories
Pebbles Cereal & Susan Alexandra Collaborated on Vibrant Designs
Contemporary Artful Bright Apartments
Butterfly Studios Designs a Bright Krakow Apartment
Artful Soft-Pink Dining Rooms
The Gallery at Sketch in London Boasts Subtle Vintage Touches
Valentine's Family Matching Apparel
These Mother Daughter Matching Outfits from PatPat are Festive
Vibrantly Designed Tea Kettles
MacKenzie-Childs Debuts its Tea Kettle Collective
Embellished Patterned Tile Collections
Tomma Bloom and LiLi Tile Join Forces on a New Collection
Kid-Friendly Customizable Bags
Pop ‘n’ Swop Bags Can Be Decorated with Badges, Handles & More
Girlhood-Inspired Clothing Drops
Peachy Den's 'Sweet Cheeks' Collection Pays Homage to Girlhood
Patterned Sustainable Interior Collections
Cosentino Unveils the Le Chic Collection with Silestone
Magnetic Hand-Holding Socks
These Children's Socks Add a Touch of Whimsy to the Everyday Item
Vibrant Furniture Collections
Unform Studio Unveils Its Inaugural Furniture Collection
Colorful Functional Luggage Designs
Monos is a New Brand of Playful Luggage Designs
Worldly Paint Collections
Dstrezzed x We are WOW Makers Shares Travel-Inspired Hues
Monochrome Pixelated Clothing Collections
LOEWE's Recent Line Boasts 8-Bit Video Game Aesthetics
Tomato-Red Retro Cameras
Retrospekt’s New Hello Kitty 35mm Camera is Inspired by Summer Picnics
Island Print Capsules
Lisou's Spice Island Collection Captures the Essence of Zanzibar
Cat-Themed Apparel Capsules
Whisker Wear Clothing Co. Launches an Exclusive Cat Print Apparel Line
Polka-Dotted Technical Sneakers
New Balance's New 1906R Sneaker Gets a Monochromatic Patterning
Cartoon-Shaped Pastas
Kraft Mac & Cheese Revives SpongeBob SquarePants Shapes Amidst Fan Demand
Kitty-Themed Textile-Focused Apparel
péro is Collaborating with Hello Kitty for Spring/Summer 2025
Bean-Shaped Vibrant Chalks
Areaware Presents the Colorful New Bean Chalks for Imaginative Drawing
Art-Inspired Jigsaw Puzzles
Apostrophe Puzzles' Jigsaw Collection
Eclectic Renovated Polish Apartments
Mistovia Renovates an Apartment in Warsaw, Poland
Uniquely Designed Artistic Wallpapers
Mitchell Black & Blessed Little Bungalow Debut a New Capsule
Ornate Bullion Apparel
Uniqlo Announces New Collaboration with Marimekko for New Collection
Color-Inspired Iconic Instant Film
POLAROID Debuts a Polaroid I-Type Film Pack in Peach Fuzz
Stylishly Luxurious Bath Accessories
Pigeon and Poodle Launches Its 2024 Bath Collection
Ultra-Playful Planner Designs
ban.do Embraces Springtime with Its New Offerings
Dynamically Patterned Portuguese Homes
Fala Atelier Designs the 087 House in Lisbon
Witty Plushie Toys
Punchkins are 'Punny' Collectibles with 3D Details
Bold Patterned Tubular Benches
Rik van Veen Designs the Leopard Bench with a Bright Look
Fashion-Centric Quilted Slippers
Sandy Liang Presents a New Range of Plush Subu Footwear
Vibrantly Colored Retro Houses
Familien Kvistad Designs the Yellow house in Oslo, Norway
Playful Crochet Collections
Hicrochet Brings Together Traditional Craft and Modern Designs
Pink Sushi Boxes
Dept. Sushi Serves Up Sushi in Chic, Vibrant Boxes
Pleats-accented Fashion Collection
Issey Miyake Embraces Pleated Fashion for Spring/Summer 2024
Novelty Gelato Pops
Gelatys Serves Uniquely Shaped Gelato on a Stick
Colorful Geometric Desk Lamps
J Schatz Presents its New Range of Spot On Desk Lamps
Ultra-Stylish Matching Sets
9dcc Offers Minimal Yet Eye-Catching Fashion Essentials
Sophisticated Premium Bedding
Pom Pom at Home Expands Bedding Collection to Meet Growing Demand
Mid-Century Chic Tile Collections
Alex Proba Presents the Aurora Collection of Tiles
Ombre Effect Tile Collections
The Melange Collection of Ceramic Tiles have an Artful Flair
Vibrantly Tonal Dog Collars
Park's Best Creates a New Series of Dog Collars with Graphics
Whimsical Glass Bubbled Lamps
Youngeun Seo Designs the PEEKA Bulbous Lamp with a Playful Influence
Celebratory Odd Designs
Ridiculous Design Celebrates Weird and Wonderful Ideas Within Design
Vintage Graphics-Inspired Tile Collections
Patricia Urquiola's Mater Tiles for Mutina are Stunning
Imaginative Pared-Back Art Supplies
Woset Designs a Range of Stationary and Furniture for Kids
Designer Holiday Homeware
Anthropologie Unveils the New Collection with Catherine Martin
Painting-Inspired Wallpaper Series
MINNA Designs the Portals Collection of Patterned Wallpaper
Seasonal Tonal Acoustic Products
Woven Image Presents a Slew of New Colorway Palettes
Organically Shaped Furniture Capsules
Kelly Wearstler Deisgns the Echo Collection of Furniture
Retro Colorful Furniture Collections
Beeline Design Introduces the Geometrica Collection
Slitted Dynamic Stool Collections
Studio Cohaku Designed the Menow Collection of Furniture
New Orleans Colorful Homes
Office La Designs a Captivating Pink House in New Orleans
Puddle-Imitating Minimal Vessels
Naoki Ono and Yuki Yamamoto Create the Puddle Series