Stripes are a classic pattern that has graced home decor for decades. The timeless look of stripes works in any shade, any space, and mixes easily with other patterns. However, stripes aren’t limited to throw pillow and fabrics anymore. Striped walls are one of the hottest trends in decorating. From big and bold to small and understated, painted stripes can rev up any room.
How To Get The Look
Though the end result looks luxe, the process is actually very simple. For the basic version, follow the DIY Network’s example and start by painting the entire wall in a base color. Then, measure off your desired stripes and apply painter’s tape to the outside edge of the area. Use a level to ensure that your lines are perfectly straight. Then just paint the second color into the marked off sections. For an elegant variation on the typical two-color look, try a tone-on-tone look. Select a flat paint for the first coat and then layer on a semi-gloss in the same color for the stripes. The result is less obvious but even more dramatic.
Go Bold With Chevrons
Chevrons, which are a variation of stripes with regular peaks and valleys, are everywhere right now. Though measuring and painting chevrons is a bit more challenging than their straight counterparts, the final product is undeniably bold. Lowe’s provides an in-depth tutorial and video on how to successfully achieve the look. Create the chevron pattern by marking each top and bottom point and connecting them with painter’s tape. Then, paint between the tape just as you would with any other pattern. Using a small level or a yard stick can help you keep the lines straight.
Painted Curtains
If painting stripes on your walls seems too big, and too permanent, striped curtains are a beautiful alternative. However, it can be difficult to find the perfect shade to match your room, and once you do, the cost may be prohibitive. Infarrantly Creative offers a detailed tutorial on creating your own striped curtains with just a little paint and patience. You’ll start with basic, inexpensive curtains in white or ivory and measure out your stripes, following the same procedure as painting striped walls. Remove the tape immediately to ensure crisp lines. The project might be a bit time consuming, but the result is a custom look that you won’t get from off-the-rack window treatments.
Rules of the Road
No matter which paint stripe project suits you best, you’ll need a handful of tips to find success. First, consider the scale of the room when determining the size of your stripes. Large stripes can shrink an already small room. Conversely, horizontal stripes make ceilings appear taller, and vertical rows visually increase the size of a room. Also, varying the size of the stripes, by randomly mixing large and small stripes, can help to hide imperfections. Achieving sharp, crisp lines, especially on textured walls, depends on getting your painter’s tape to stick well. Try painting a bit of the base color over edge of the tape to seal it in place. You’ll also want to prevent drips by using a small roller and then removing excess paint by running it over scrap cardboard before touching the wall. As Expert Village demonstrates in their video, painter’s tape should be removed before the paint is dry to prevent peeling. Better Homes and Gardens shares even more tips from decorative painter Patty Kramer for painting perfect stripes.
No matter if you choose to deck your whole room in stripes, paint an accent wall or stick to a few accessories, this look makes a big impact.
Do You Love The Stripe Trend?
Do you think stripes are classic accents, or an overdone fad? Have you tackled any of these stripe projects? Tell us all about it in the comments below and head over to our Facebook page to share photos. We can’t wait to see what you have done, or hear what your plans are. It’s always worthwhile to share your ideas so we can all learn from them. Plus, we really do look at your comments and look forward to answering your questions!