How to Decorate with Stripes

While it’s hard to remember a time when we didn’t love stripes, the bold linear pattern is certainly back in a big way. Thick or thin, vertical or horizontal, in living color or in black and white, stripes are like a magnet for the eyes, becoming an instant focal point. Which is why decorating with stripes can be intimidating. But have no fear. With smart styling, you can add them to your decor without conjuring Beetlejuice. Try out one or more of our tricks below.

1. Start Small

Adding stripes in small doses is a low-commitment way to get the look. Think of them as a decorating tool: use stripes to tie together your room’s color palette, anchor the room or bring in some texture. In the room above, we added striped pillows to the sofa, threw down a subtly striped rug and set out a couple of striped baskets. All small touches that make a big impact. Just remember, contrasting colors can add a fun pop of color, narrow stripes can energize a room and monochromatic stripes can add subtle pattern without  distraction.

2. Stick to the Classics

There are lots of brights and multicolored stripes out there, but you can never go wrong with a crisp, classic stripe. For example, we used navy and white stripes in our living room to help create a nautical-inspired vibe, a refreshing look for summer. And in our bedroom above, the ticking stripe comforter adds a sense of calm and orderliness. Both patterns have a go-anywhere versatility and timeless appeal that outlasts any trend, making them safe bets in any decor.

3. Repeat, Repeat, Repeat

If you find a striped pattern you love, really commit to it. Repeating the same pattern throughout your space on multiple pieces not only provides much-needed continuity and flow, it also adds a major wow factor. Here, we kept everything else relatively neutral and let our sharp, sophisticated stripes take center stage. Notice the striped motif is also repeated in the artwork and lamp shade in the same colorway.

4. Consider Stripes a Neutral

Choosing an upholstered piece with stripes may seem like living life on the edge to you, but it’s really not. Just think of a striped ottoman, chair or sofa as you would your favorite pair of jeans or khakis — the perfect neutral that looks good with anything. Stripes play surprisingly well with a variety of prints, from leopard to florals, so you still have the freedom to change up your curtains, rugs and pillows. The trick is in choosing muted stripes with a neutral hue, so you get the pattern without too much punch.

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