Swatch
A swatch is a sample of different design variations of colour, fabric, metal, vinyl, wallpaper etc – that are grouped together to facilitate selection for a particular application. They are used by designers, and individuals (when undertaking home improvements) and are useful when planning an interior design.
A colour swatch contains different colour shades for the purpose of colour matching. A fabric swatch contains different styles of fabric, while a wallpaper swatch has different wallpaper designs.
A paint manufacturer may group its many colours in a colour swatch that will contain all the available colours on thin cards, one colour per card, bound at one point to allow the cards to form a circular fan, thereby aiding colour comparisons. A fabric swatch will have samples that are bound together on one side, thereby allowing them to be viewed like a book.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
Featured articles and news
Wellbeing in Buildings TG 10/2025
BSRIA topic guide updates.
With brief background and WELL v2™.
From studies, to books to a new project, with founder Emma Walshaw.
Types of drawings for building design
Still one of the most popular articles the A-Z of drawings.
Who, or What Does the Building Safety Act Apply To?
From compliance to competence in brief.
The remarkable story of a Highland architect.
Commissioning Responsibilities Framework BG 88/2025
BSRIA guidance on establishing clear roles and responsibilities for commissioning tasks.
An architectural movement to love or hate.
Don’t take British stone for granted
It won’t survive on supplying the heritage sector alone.
The Constructing Excellence Value Toolkit
Driving value-based decision making in construction.
Meet CIOB event in Northern Ireland
Inspiring the next generation of construction talent.
Reasons for using MVHR systems
6 reasons for a whole-house approach to ventilation.
Supplementary Planning Documents, a reminder
As used by the City of London to introduce a Retrofit first policy.
The what, how, why and when of deposit return schemes
Circular economy steps for plastic bottles and cans in England and Northern Ireland draws.
Join forces and share Building Safety knowledge in 2025
Why and how to contribute to the Building Safety Wiki.
Reporting on Payment Practices and Performance Regs
Approved amendment coming into effect 1 March 2025.