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An easy guide to decorating with stripes
Simple ideas to bring this timeless pattern into your home
Whether you’re looking to bring a whole new look to your bedroom walls or simply want to update your bathroom with a new accessory or two, look no further than the humble stripe. A design classic for a reason, this graphic pattern is a versatile option that is perfect for decorating any space – it can make a real statement or be a subtle addition to your scheme. Stripes are a great update for spring and summer, too.
In the timeless shades of coastal blue and lighthouse red, stripes take on a nautical vibe while other colours can make the print feel relaxed or even look playful. Don’t be afraid of having fun with colour combinations. Why not opt for a gelato-hued pink and pistachio green stripe, or a sophisticated navy blue with terracotta orange? Choosing a colour other than white for your backdrop will open up a world of decorative possibilities.
Horizontal stripes can make a room feel wider, while vertical stripes are more likely to make walls feel taller and therefore the ceilings seem higher. Wide, thick stripes are ideal for creating maximum impact in your space and work best in bigger rooms. Consider using these on walls or for blinds and curtains, where the large surface area will allow the pattern to really take centre stage. Tighter, narrow stripes are ideal for accessories such as cushions or towels as well as on walls in smaller rooms (as they won’t overwhelm the eyes).
Browse our gallery packed full of ideas to bring stripes into every room of your house…
Create a welcoming look with wallpaper
A classic blue stripe can create an uplifting look, especially when matched with accents in the same shade. As narrow versions of the pattern can be forgiving (stripes can tolerate the odd scuff or scratch better than some other prints), this wallpaper is a perfect option for a high-traffic hallway.
Shop this Laura Ashley wallpaper here
Re-upholster existing furniture
If you’d like to bring a new look to your space, don’t underestimate the power of fabric. Many different striped textiles are available to shop by the metre, and work well on sofas, armchairs and beyond. This banquette cushion has been given a contemporary upgrade with trendy-toned stripes.
Use wall paint to create a focal point
Apply your backdrop colour to the wall first. For vertical stripes, measure equal widths on your wall and mark with a dot or a small line. Then use a laser level to draw a perfectly straight line with a pencil, covering these with painter’s tape. To prevent the new colour bleeding through, seal the edges of the tape with the backdrop colour before applying paint for each stripe.
Buy Annie Sloan's Piranesi Pink here
Embrace stripes all over
Who says you can’t have more than one stripe in a room? As this sitting room shows, the pattern can take on a playful twist when different widths, colours and styles are mixed and matched. A new rug is a simple update that will make a big difference in your space, so consider starting from the ground up.
Treat yourself to new towels
Sometimes it’s the little things that make all the difference. In the bathroom, a new set of towels can instantly refresh the space with a splash of colour or pattern. A striped set is on our springtime wish list, but we’re opting for green and grey designs (rather than the more predictable blue) to keep things interesting.
Shop these John Lewis & Partners towels here
Get creative with tiles
Tiles are a clever way to create a ‘moment’ out of a small area that goes beyond a fresh lick of paint but isn’t as much upheaval as a full-on renovation. Transform the wall behind the bathroom sink, say, or even a chimneypiece, by using two of the same tiles in contrasting shades.
Have sweet dreams with stripes
Whether you opt for classic seersucker sheets or choose a set with a more colourful pattern, stripes are the perfect motif in the bedroom. Although they’re uniform they still tend to feel relaxed, making them a clever way to bring a print into the space without dominating your senses.
Invest in this set of Dunelm bedding here
Draw the eye outwards
The bolder your curtains or blinds, the more of a statement they’ll make in your space. They also make a feature of the vista beyond – if you’re lucky enough to enjoy a particularly beautiful view, consider framing it with an eye-catching stripe. A natural shade like sunshine yellow will brighten up inside and out.
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