Enhancing Interiors with Stripes: 15 Stylish Ideas for a Striped Room

Stripes have long been a popular choice in interior design, offering a versatile way to add structure and visual interest to any room. From subtle pinstripes to bold, broad lines, stripes can bring order, elegance, and a touch of sophistication to your space. Here, we explore 15 inspiring ideas for incorporating stripes into your home décor.

Stripes are renowned for their ability to create a sense of order within a space, guiding the eye and enhancing the overall design. When used thoughtfully, stripes can introduce a layer of understated sophistication to any room. By layering stripes with other patterns and colours, you can create a dynamic and visually appealing environment.

Initially favoured in high-traffic areas like staircases due to their dirt-defying nature, stripes have since gained wider popularity. Flooring, in particular, now offers a broad range of striped designs inspired by fabrics, making it easier than ever to incorporate this trend into your home. Below are some of the most effective ways to use stripes in interior design:

1. Create a Grander Space with Narrow Stripes: Narrow stripes can make a room appear taller and more spacious. For a serene and monochromatic bedroom, soft, textural striped wallpaper can enhance the room’s verticality and contribute to a light, airy atmosphere.
   
   
   

2. Mix Stripes with Florals and Graphics: Bold stripes can be successfully combined with other patterns, such as florals or graphics. The key is to balance the design by featuring one dominant print while allowing others to serve as subtle background elements.
   
   
   

3. Incorporate Kilim Stripes for Added Character: Stripes inspired by antique kilims can add texture and rich colours to upholstery, such as headboards or cushions, creating a tailored yet relaxed look.
   
   
   

4. Experiment with Unique Stripe Designs: Stripes don’t have to be traditional. Consider using embellished or irregular stripe patterns to create visual interest and highlight architectural features like tall windows.
   
   
   

5. Layer Stripes for a Bold Statement: For a playful and dramatic effect, layer stripes of varying sizes and colours within the same space. This approach can add depth and a sense of whimsy to the room.
   
   
   

6. Enhance a Room with a Striped Rug: Striped rugs are a simple yet impactful way to add colour and personality to a living room. They can also create the illusion of a wider or longer space.
   
   
   

7. Combine Stripes of Different Sizes: Layering stripes of different proportions can create a harmonious and visually interesting space, especially when using a coordinated colour palette.

8. Design a Striped Kitchen Splashback: Horizontal stripes in a kitchen splashback can add a playful touch while also helping to visually expand the space. Choose colours that complement your overall kitchen design.
   
   
   

9. Use Striped Flooring for Visual Impact: Striped flooring, whether in carpets or rugs, can elongate and widen a room. A bold colour combination like black and white can add a striking contrast to the space.
   
   
   

10. Make a Staircase Feel Larger with Stripes: Striped carpeting on stairs can make a bold design statement while also enhancing the perception of space, making the staircase appear wider and longer.
    
    
    

11. Decorate Bedroom Walls with Stripes: Vertical stripes on bedroom walls can exaggerate the room's height, making it feel more spacious. Horizontal stripes, on the other hand, can make the room appear wider.
    
    
    

12. Choose Complementary Colours for Stripes: When combining stripes with other patterns, select colours that harmonise with one another. Soft, pretty shades work particularly well in bedrooms, creating a calming and classic atmosphere.
    
    
    

13. Make Upholstery the Focal Point: Striped upholstery, such as armchairs or sofas, can serve as the main focal point in a room. Pairing stripes with checks or other patterns can add depth and interest.
    
    
    

14. Opt for Monochrome Stripes for Impact: Monochrome stripes, especially in black and white, can create a dramatic yet timeless look. Mixing different scales of stripes and checks adds further visual interest.

15. Incorporate Stripes into the Bathroom: Stripes can add an elegant touch to bathrooms, particularly when contrasting different stripe styles and colours within a limited palette.
    
    
    

Tips for Decorating with Stripes:

When decorating with stripes, consider the colour palette rather than the stripe width. Limiting your design to three colours—one main colour and two accents—ensures that the stripes remain the focal point without overwhelming the space. Stripes can also create the illusion of more space, with vertical stripes making rooms appear taller and horizontal stripes making them feel wider.

Incorporating stripes with other patterns is a versatile option, as long as the colours complement each other. Stripes pair particularly well with checks and florals, offering endless possibilities for a cohesive and stylish design.