Stripes are a timeless design element that can add a touch of sophistication, playfulness, or drama to any interior space. From bold and energetic to subtle and elegant, their versatility makes them a powerful tool for interior design. But how do you use them effectively? Let’s explore the wonderful world of stripes and how you can incorporate them into your home with style and confidence.

A Guide to Stripe Patterns

Stripes are unsung heroes of great interiors. In a world full of organic shapes and flowing lines, they introduce a sense of order and clean structure. They provide a visual anchor, grounding a space and giving it a polished, intentional feel. Stripes are also highly adaptable and come in an endless variety of forms, allowing them to fit into any design style you can imagine. Consider timeless ticking stripes, pinstripes and muted wide stripes to evoke classic or country charm, opt for a quintessentially coastal scheme with relaxed wide, nautical-inspired stripes in white, red and navy, or create a modern, energetic and playful statement with graphic, high-contrast stripes in vibrant tones. Alternatively, stripes don’t always have to be about colour. Using different textures like alternating matte and gloss finishes or a striped fabric with a raised weave can create a subtle, sophisticated pattern that adds depth without overwhelming the space.

Stripes are the ultimate layering tool, playing well with other designs. They provide a solid foundation that can be layered with more intricate patterns like florals, plaids, or animal prints, acting as a unifying element to pull different designs together into a cohesive whole. They are also masters of optical illusion and can manipulate the perception of a room’s dimensions. The visual impact of different stripe patterns varies depending on orientation and thickness:

• Vertical Stripes: These create a sense of height and formality. They can make a low ceiling appear higher and a narrow room feel more expansive. Think of them as an elegant, elongating force.
• Horizontal Stripes: These create a sense of width and grounding. They can make a small room feel wider and a high ceiling feel cosier. Horizontal stripes are often associated with a relaxed, coastal vibe.
• Thin Stripes: Delicate pinstripes or ticking stripes add subtle texture and a classic, understated elegance. They work well in traditional or minimalist spaces.
• Thick Stripes: Bold, wide stripes create a more dramatic, modern, or even playful statement. They are perfect for making a focal point or adding a pop of energy.
• Varying Stripes: Combining stripes of different widths can add visual interest and a more dynamic, bohemian feel.

Sanderson have also launched a selection of gorgeous stripes to co-ordinate effortlessly with their fabric portfolio. The recent Highgrove Stripes collection features luxury, heavyweight designs beautifully woven for classic and timeless appeal. For a uniquely decorative take on the stripe pattern, you could also consider the ornate Rose Pergola and Pergola Embroidery from the Sanderson Highgrove collection, both adorned with floral detail for added depth and interest. The Sanderson Lymington Sorilla Stripe is another stunning example with its linen cotton blend stripe pattern and stitch effect running throughout.

Other superb collections abundant with stripes include the Edgeworth (see image 1 below), Whitworth and Evora ranges from Clarke & Clarke, and the Jersey, Malta and Lomond collections from Prestigious Textiles. We also love the casual-natured Flamborough, Whitby and Filey fabrics from the Warwick Scarborough Fair collection, exuding effortless sophistication and charm. Alternatively, for a more playful and energetic take on the theme, you could experiment with a vibrant option from the Sophie Robinson for Harlequin collaboration or children’s-inspired Book of Little Treasures collection by Harlequin. You can also extend the stripe theme to your outdoor spaces with the stunning Clarke & Clarke Alfresco Indoor Outdoor Weaves Waikiki fabric (image 2 below), the Morris & Co. Indoor Outdoor Hammersmith Woven Stripe fabric, or a gorgeous design from the Harlequin Indoor Outdoor Weaves II collection.

We are also pleased to offer an exciting choice of striped sheers for a delicate and airy aesthetic. Blending the elegance of sheer materials with the visual interest of a linear pattern, these fabrics are perfect for light filtering curtains or roman blinds. Clarke & Clarke’s Levanto (image 3 below) and Vardo Sheers are some stunning examples, as are the stripes in the contemporary Harlequin Sheers 1 collection. Shop our full online range of stripe fabrics here.

Wallpaper

If you’d prefer to keep your window dressing plain, why not get creative with a luxury patterned wallpaper that resonates with your style. Wallcoverings are an excellent option for achieving a perfect, consistent stripe pattern and can be used in a variety of different ways to create your desired look. Simply decorate an accent wall to create a real focal point, pair with panelling for timeless sophistication, or paper a whole room including the ceiling for dramatic effect. A vertically striped wall behind your bed can draw the eye upwards and create a sense of grandeur in your bedroom, whilst a horizontally striped wall in your dining room can make the space feel more intimate and inviting.

Little Greene offers a diverse range of striped wallpapers that are historically inspired and known for their high-quality, durable finish. Produced using traditional methods, the collection includes subtle pinstripes through to bold, wide bands, in a wide array of colours, including both classic and contemporary palettes. The Broad Stripe, Cavendish Stripe, Colonial Stripe, Elephant Stripe and Tented Stripe (image 1 below) are some versatile and authentically timeless options for any home.

Alternatively, enliven your walls with a mesmerising Harlequin wallpaper. For a pop of colour, consider Palla and Lacuna Stripe (image 2 below) from the Reflect Wallcoverings 1 collection. The Onburu mural also works well for a real statement, showcasing an organic, ombre stripe of transitional colour drawn from the natural landscape. If you’d prefer an air of understated elegance, you may wish to consider more muted designs from Reflect Wallcoverings 2 such as Sabkha with a metallic or crystallised effect for a soft and subdued look. The Lisle and Perpetua designs from the Textured Walls collection also work well with their tactile charm and luxury appeal.

Shop our full range of stripe wallpapers here, including designs from Sanderson, Laura Ashley, Cath Kidston, Giles Deacon and more.

Homeware

Alternatively, for a more paired back look, you may wish to start small with some beautiful homeware pieces such as cushions, throws, bedding and ready made curtains. These interchangeable details offer a simple way to introduce stripes into your scheme without a huge commitment and can even be swapped out with the seasons. They are also perfect for experimenting with different styles and colours to suit your individual taste.

Tips for Decorating with Stripes

• Start Small: If you’re new to stripes, begin with smaller items such as accent cushions or a single piece of furniture to introduce them gradually.
• Play with Colour: The colour combination of your stripes is just as important as the width. Consider monochromatic or tonal options for an elegant and subtle look, or opt for high-contrast colours for bold and dramatic effect.
• Mix and Match: Don’t be afraid to mix stripes with other patterns such as florals and checks – these work particularly well to offset classic country and floral romantic schemes.
• Balance is Key: In a room with a bold striped element, balancing it with complementing plains and textures can help prevent overwhelm and bring cohesion and flow to the space.
• Consider the Light: The way light hits your stripes can change their appearance. Horizontal stripes can cast more shadows and add a cosy, textured feel, while vertical designs can reflect more light and make a room feel brighter.

The Home Of Interiors Inspiration

Stripes can be used in a variety of ways to create a beautiful and cohesive look. At The Home Of Interiors, we’ve pulled together a classic, stripe-themed mood board with a plethora of textiles and accessories to help inspire your next design project. Discover how you can experiment with different scales, colours, textures and brands to create a harmonious space that exudes character and charm.

Overview

Stripes are a versatile and powerful design tool that can transform any space. Whether you’re aiming for a classic, modern, or eclectic look, there’s a stripe pattern available for everyone.

If you’re embarking on a home project and would like any help, advice or samples sending out, please do get in touch. We offer a complimentary bespoke design service where we can provide fabric, design and paint colour advice to help you pull a full room solution together. We can also make up your perfect window dressings with our bespoke, made to measure curtain and roman blind making service.

Email sales@thehomeofinteriors.co.uk or call us on 01590 615775.

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