Who doesn’t adore the crisp look of stripes? They add visual interest to any room while also pairing famously with florals and solids. Best of all, they are timeless! However many people hold back when it comes to using them out of fear that it will create a clash with the rest of the room.
Photo Credit: UltraScott @ Flickr
Here are 5 Designer Tricks to Effectively Using Stripes
- Choose colors of stripes that are in the same color family as other patterns in the room for a more harmonious look. For instance, mix cushions with side and skinny stripes and throw in paiselys, solids and florals in the same color family for balance.
- Pick a direction for your stripes to run. With curtains and window treatments, it’s generally best to use vertical stripes, which draw the eye upward and make a room seem loftiers. At the same time, horizontal stripes can make a room seem wider.
- Add stripes to unexpected spots such as power rooms, hallways and closets. The visual punch keeps things interesting.
- If you use a bold striped wallpaper stay away from stripped curtains. Too much visual excitement can tire the eye. Alternatively, add stripes to just one wall. When mixing stripe shades use complimentary colors.
- The quickest simplest forumula for painting stripes is to pain the wall in your chosen base color first (the base color is usually the lightest) and then use a roller and painters tape to create stripes in a contrasting shade. For a narrower, pinstripe effect, divide a foam roller into small portions with tape.
Stripes can take on a starring or supporting role – it is your choice. Rooms take on drama when their walls are striped, but they’re effective in small doses too.