Ideas for Striped Walls
- If you like the idea of using stripes on your wall but are worried about them overwhelming the space, choose a subtle two-tone effect. Begin with a paint color of your choosing, and select a second shade that is from the same color family but slightly lighter or darker. Cover the wall with the lighter shade and, once it is dry, use painter's tape to mark where you would like the stripes to be. Place the darker shade between the marked-off areas. The finished wall will have a subtle stripe effect that adds dimension to the room.
- For an even more subtle striped look on your walls, select a paint color that fits the rest of the room's décor, and use it in two different finishes. A satin finish formula and one with a semi-gloss finish are an ideal pairing, but you can use any two formulas that you prefer. Apply the formula that has the least sheen first, and use tape to create stripes with the sheen finish formula when the first coat of paint is dry. The stripe effect is understated, but when the light hits the wall, the difference between the two stripes is apparent. For a more dramatic look, use a darker color in matte and metallic finishes for a stripe effect that is more obvious.
- To give your room a truly dramatic look, create stripes on your wall with two highly contrasting colors. This look typically works best in large rooms because it may be too busy for a smaller space. Black and white is the boldest pairing, but you can pair any dark and light shade. Red and white stripes may be a good fit for a children's room with a circus theme while blue and yellow are an attractive combination if you want to give a room a beach-like feel. Play around with color pairings to see which one best matches the look that you have in mind.
- When adding stripes to your wall, you will likely choose between using a vertical or horizontal pattern. However, for a funky, modern look, mix vertical and horizontal stripes in your home. You can use striped wallpaper in both spaces and simply apply the paper in a different direction to wind up with both types of stripes. Because dealing with the seams is difficult, if you use vertical and horizontal wallpaper on walls next to each other, use one pattern inside a room and the other pattern in the hallway outside. Pairing the vertical and horizontal stripes creates a dramatic contrast that fits well with contemporary décor.