Decorating & Design

How To Make Stripes Work In Your Home

How To Make Stripes Work In Your Home

Photography, @archdigest, Instagram

Decorating & Design

How To Make Stripes Work In Your Home

Stripes are a versatile and timeless pattern but can still breathe new life into any room, infusing it with energy, elegance, or a touch of whimsy.

They’re both bold and subtle, making them a favourite choice among interior designers. 


Here’s how to effectively incorporate stripes into your home decor.


Versatility

One of the greatest strengths of stripes lies in their versatility. They can adapt to various styles, spaces and moods. Wide stripes create a bold statement. Use them for feature walls in living rooms or bedrooms, where they can serve as a focal point and make a room appear more expansive. Narrow stripes offer a subtler, more textured look, ideal for smaller rooms or even entire spaces for a gentle, sophisticated ambiance.

 


The direction of the stripes also plays a crucial role in how you’ll perceive a room. Vertical stripes can make ceilings look higher, adding a sense of openness and airiness, which is particularly beneficial for small rooms or spaces with low ceilings. Horizontal stripes can widen a room, creating a cozy and inviting atmosphere—ideal for living areas and bedrooms.


Timelessness

Stripes have a timeless appeal that transcends trends. They can be bold with bright, contrasting colours that make a room pop or elegant with soft, neutral tones that add a layer of sophistication. 

 


Incorporating stripes in monochromatic schemes can enhance their timeless appeal. Varying shades of a single colour can create depth and interest without overwhelming the senses, making this approach perfect for those who prefer a more understated aesthetic.


Simple vs. Statement

Deciding between making a simple or a statement addition with stripes depends on your personal style and the room’s function.


Simple

For a subtle touch, consider adding stripes through accessories and textiles. Striped pillows, rugs, or curtains can introduce the pattern without dominating the room. Go this route if you’re hesitant about committing to stripes on walls or large furniture pieces. It’s an easy, low-risk way to experiment with stripes and can be changed seasonally or whenever you feel like updating your decor.

 


Statement

If you love making bold design choices, use stripes to create dramatic feature walls or even cover all the walls in a room. A single wall with wide, horizontal stripes can serve as a striking focal point, especially in living rooms and bedrooms. Stripes on all four walls can make a dramatic impact, but it’s wise to stick to a simple colour palette to avoid overwhelming the space.

 


Another way to make a statement is by incorporating stripes on the ceiling, an approach that draws the eye upward and adds unexpected interest to the room. This technique works well in dining rooms or entryways where you want to create a lasting impression.


Application Techniques

You can use a few different methods to apply stripes depending on what look you’re going for. Painting is a classic method that offers complete control over colour and stripe width. Use painter’s tape to achieve clean, crisp lines and ensure the walls are smooth and well-prepared.

 


Striped wallpaper is available in various designs and textures. Peel-and-stick wallpapers are easy to use and removable, which is useful  for renters or those who like to change their decor frequently.

Incorporating stripes through textiles—such as striped upholstery, area rugs, or bed linens—is a less permanent way to add the pattern to your home. You can easily swap out pieces as your tastes or the seasons change.

 

 

 

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Decorating & Design

How To Make Stripes Work In Your Home