Stripes are a timeless element in home decor and they offer a unique way to infuse personality into any space.
I am pretty sure that if you have lived as long as I have you have notice that stripes don’t ever go away. The type and colour combo however, can adapt as we go and depending of it, can change from a contemporary to a traditional look.
Whether painted on walls, incorporated into fabric designs, or used in accessories, stripes can dramatically alter the ambiance of a room. They have the power to make a small room feel larger, a narrow room appear wider, and a low ceiling seem higher.
By choosing the right type, colour, and orientation, stripes can transform a mundane space into a visually intriguing and stylish area.
how to choose your stripes
Vertical, horizontal, thick, thin, colorful, or muted—and each style has a unique effect on a room’s appearance.
For instance, vertical stripes can draw the eye upward, making ceilings appear higher, which is especially beneficial in rooms with limited space.
![](https://www.byfrenchmango.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Lust-Home-Signature-Stripe-Wallpaper-in-Candy-Floss-and-Cinnamon-50-8125759-scaled.jpg)
Conversely, horizontal stripes can make a room seem wider, creating a sense of expansiveness.
![](https://www.byfrenchmango.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Ohpopsi-Bloc-Stripe-Rich-Teal-48-8118762-1024x1024.jpg)
Using these visual tricks wisely and strategically will enhance your living environments, making them not only more attractive but also more functionally appealing.
How to incorporate stripes in various areas of your house
→ In the living room
Consider striped wallpaper as a bold statement wall or more subtly behind shelves or as a border.
![](https://www.byfrenchmango.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/BlueSimpleStripeWallpaperR7981-1_1800x1800.webp)
Striped curtains can add vertical lines that elongate the walls, especially useful in rooms with lower ceilings.
![](https://www.byfrenchmango.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Colours-of-Arley-Colours-Of-Arley-Magnolia-Pine-75-Per-Metre-75-7692465-scaled.jpg)
For furniture, a striped sofa or armchairs can become a charming focal point.
![](https://www.byfrenchmango.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Colours-of-Arley-Colours-of-Arley-x-Jess-AlaviEllis-The-Vintage-Drop-20-Diamond-Postbox-Sofa-1850-1850-8135742-scaled.jpg)
When selecting stripes for the living room, consider the size and color carefully: wider stripes can make a bold statement, while thinner stripes offer a more understated elegance. Neutral colors tend to blend seamlessly, while brighter stripes can add a pop of energy and fun.
→ In the Bedroom
In the bedroom, stripes can help create a calm or vibrant sanctuary depending on the chosen colors and patterns.
Striped bed linens are an easy way to introduce this pattern without commitment, suitable for duvet covers, pillowcases, and throw blankets.
![](https://www.byfrenchmango.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Prestigious-Textiles-Vintage-Weaves-46.8-7767385-scaled.jpg)
A striped rug can anchor the room and add coziness.
![](https://www.byfrenchmango.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/polperro-coral-bedroom.jpg)
→ In the Kitchen and Dining Area
Stripes can add a fresh and lively touch to kitchens and dining areas.
Consider striped tablecloths or chair covers for an immediate visual uplift that can easily be changed according to seasons or occasions.
![](https://www.byfrenchmango.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Colours-of-Arley-Colours-Of-Arley-Bespoke-Stripe-Fabric-75pm-75-8123366-scaled.jpg)
In the kitchen, a striped backsplash can serve as a modern and stylish statement. Horizontal stripes might be used to widen a narrow kitchen visually, while vertical lines can complement high ceilings.
![](https://www.byfrenchmango.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/NINACAMPBELL_RIVAGE_RS3_-_Website_Product_Pages_3-1024x1024.webp)
Choosing colors that match or complement existing cabinetry and countertops ensures a cohesive and inviting look.
![](https://www.byfrenchmango.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Colours-of-Arley-Colours-Of-Arley-Lizard-And-Satsuma-Stripe-75-Per-Metre-75-7657418.jpg)
Do’s and Dont’s when decorating with stripes
When decorating with stripes, it’s important to strike the right balance to ensure they enhance rather than overwhelm your space.
- Do use stripes to create optical illusions; vertical stripes can make a room appear taller, and horizontal stripes can make it seem wider.
- Do consider the scale and color of your stripes; larger, bolder stripes make a dramatic statement, while smaller, lighter stripes can add texture without dominating.
- Don’t overdo it with multiple striped patterns in the same room, as this can lead to a cluttered and chaotic appearance.
- Don’t use stripes on every surface; instead, choose one or two focal elements for striping, and let them stand out against more neutral backgrounds. Keeping these tips in mind will help you utilize stripes effectively and tastefully in your home decor.
Accessorise your home with stripes
![](https://www.byfrenchmango.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/The-Stripes-Edit.jpeg)
More Decor inspiration from Pinterest
Here are some more Striped Home Decor ideas that I hope can inspire you to add more them to your home.
Ah, coincidence: I bought a Weaver Green rug two years ago at a garden shop in London. Somehow we rolled it and stuffed it in a suitcase! It’s an all cotton: very washable and I love it.
Just want to wish you a wonderful holiday! I travelled so many times with my daughter, beginning when she was about 14, and she is my favorite travel companion (next to my husband but he doesn’t really like it any more….). Does he speak fluent French? maybe?
I am loving your blog and posts: I know how much work it takes, but do keep at it.