When enlarged, a classic pattern looks anything but traditional. This round rug makes a cheerful anchor to a cluster of damask-upholstered chairs. Show off the pattern in a surprising, modern way by covering some seats entirely with a damask fabric and others with just a stripe of it.

Thomas Paul rug,  chandrarugs.com. Babyblue brocade, classical gold brocade (on pillow), and olive floral damask (on chair at right), moodfabrics.com. Sidonie damask (on middle chair), in Royal Rust, wolfhome-ny.com. Wedgwood Jasper Conran teacup, creamer, teapot, and sugar bowl; conranusa.com. Throw, michelevarian.com.

Two disparate pieces -- a cabinet and a desk -- become one, thanks to the clever use of wallpaper. The sophisticated pattern makes a beautiful backdrop for a collection of glasses. To get this look, adhere a wallpaper panel above the desk and mount the cabinet. Remove cabinet shelves, and line the back with wallpaper; be sure to line up the center of the cabinet panel with the center of the wall panel below.

Luxembourg damask wallpaper, thibautdesign.com.

Unexpected pairings often have stunning results. With a stenciled damask pattern, a basic bureau takes a glamorous turn, while a wallpaper-covered shade gives the lamp a bold new glow. To stencil a chest, remove the hardware and drawers, and then paint the frame and the drawers. Once the pieces are dry, replace the drawers, and stencil on your design, working from the center outward. For the lamp, lay the shade on a wallpaper strip, and trace its outline, rolling the shade slowly as you draw. Cut out paper and glue to shade; then fold and glue linen tape or fabric trim over the edges.

Niche 3-drawer dresser, westelm.com. Martha Stewart Living Paint, in Bedford Gray and Nasturtium, homedepot.com. Small ribbon damask stencil, royaldesignstudio.com. Ucello wallpaper, in Stone, from fschumacher.com. Tissue-box lampshade, justshadesny.com. Broad oaks table lamp, circalighting.com. Gilded pear pewter box, michelevarian.com.

A blend of wool and silk gives these floor coverings a luxurious feel; the raised pile adds another rich dimension.

Bhutan Collection rug, to the trade only, starkcarpet.com.

Bhutan Collection carpet (center), to the trade only, starkcarpet.com.

Pearl Collection Exuberance carpet, in Soft Taupe (near left) and Sand, taipingcarpets.com.

These papers imitate traditional damask patterns on a grander scale. Use them as accents and show off their textural, subtly reflective qualities.

Ucello wallpaper (top), in Stone, fschumacher.com.

Taddington wallpaper, in Aqua on Metallic (center), thibautdesign.com.

Symphony Damask wallpaper, in Aqua, thibautdesign.com.

Drexel wallpaper, in Metallic Silver on Aqua (center), thibautdesign.com.

Roma wallpaper, in Pink on Pearl (center), thibautdesign.com.

Luxembourg wallpaper, in Metallic on Aqua (center roll), thibautdesign.com.

Mumford wallpaper, in Pearl on Rust (lower right), thibautdesign.com.

Even in small doses, these bold silks and blends command attention.

Floral damask cotton and lurex blend fabric, in Metallic Silver and Soft Gold, moodfabrics.com.

Lucienne silk and polyester blend fabric, in Peony (center), fschumacher.com.

Anita linen and cotton fabric, in Green (center), thibautdesign.com.

Classical Brocade lurex and polyester blend fabric, in Soft Gold (center), moodfabrics.com.

Italian Damask cotton and rayon blend fabric, in Gold (center), sheilasdecorating.com.

Dusty Rose Damask polyester and cotton blend fabric, zarinfabrics.com.

Mikail damask silk fabric, in Parchment, wolfhome-ny.com.

Damask polyester, viscose, and cotton blend fabric, in Puddy and Gold, zarinfabrics.com.