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
Check out some of the best features and news from Designing Buildings as well as key stories from around the web.
The heritage of nuclear and conventional power stations.
New measures to stop people being ripped off
Government to protect families from cowboy builders and aggressive bailiffs.
New Futurebuild showcase brings an innovation-first approach.
National Planning Policy Framework
Understanding the 2026 changes.
ECA's public affairs priorities
Member consultation opens to shape priorities for 2027 to 2030.
Dutyholder responsibilities from 1 July 2026.
Where performance meets practice
The Building Envelope Stage at UKCW Birmingham.
CIAT publishes briefing on planning reforms.
Leaders in Learning for Practice Network
Call for conservation leaders in learning to register interest in new network.
The importance of early engagement
Construction lessons from the Trillium HealthWorks Experience Centre.
Mayors are to be given planning call in powers
Mayors across England will be able to make the most important planning decisions.
The Master Builder: William Butterfield and his times. Book review.


















