Stripe patterns have long been a favorite in interior design, known for their ability to create dynamic visual effects and add texture to any room. Whether you’re in New York City, NY, using stripes to create a modern, sleek aesthetic, Los Angeles, CA, playing with bold contrasts for a lively vibe, or Miami, FL, incorporating soft stripes to add elegance, the right use of this pattern can elevate your space.
From dramatic, wide stripes to subtle, thin ones, mastering the art of incorporating stripes will help you create a unique, personalized space. In this article, we’ll share expert tips and design tricks to help you transform your interiors with stripe patterns.
“Stripes are more than a pattern; they’re a designer’s secret weapon. I once hand-painted wide plaid stripes across the walls and ceiling, transforming the space into a tailored, light-filled jewel box. Don’t be afraid to play with scale, direction, or even finish. Mixing matte and gloss in the same hue can create a subtle, custom look that feels elevated and personal.” – Shannon Love, Principal Designer, Iced Tulips Interiors
Stripes as a statement piece
Stripes, with their timeless appeal and inherent versatility, can make a bold yet balanced statement in interior design. Whether subtle or striking, they draw the eye and create a sense of movement, structure, or playfulness depending on their scale and orientation. As a design element, stripe patterns have the unique ability to blend classic elegance with modern edge, making them a compelling choice for those looking to add visual interest without overwhelming a space.
“As a designer, my go-to pattern is stripes,” says Lisa Jurgensen of Vie Elan Interiors. “Whether the pattern is on a fabric or wallpaper, or even a piece of furniture. Today’s stripe patterns are amazing to work with and so much fun. Stripes always add that interesting “pop” and unexpected statement.”
Create a feeling of luxury with stripe patterns
In luxury interior design, stripes offer a refined way to add depth and sophistication. Their clean lines and rhythmic patterns bring a sense of elegance, subtly elevating the space while maintaining a timeless, curated feel.
“In luxury interiors, the key is to move beyond the ordinary.” Jill Cascio Boullion of Streamline Interiors & More says. “Think wide, tone-on-tone stripes in rich velvets or silks for drapery and upholstery, or hand-painted vertical stripes on walls that draw the eye upward, enhancing the feeling of height and grandeur. Stripes in neutral palettes lend understated elegance, while metallic or high-contrast combinations add modern drama.
Whether it’s a silk stripe on a throw pillow, a bespoke striped wallpaper in a powder room, or a monochromatic striped area rug grounding a formal living room, the pattern adds polish and personality. Luxury is all about the curated details and when it comes to pattern, stripes are the ultimate power move.”
Enhance the rhythm of your interior design
Stripes create rhythm in interior design by guiding the eye and establishing a sense of movement throughout a space. Their repetitive nature brings cohesion and flow, helping to unify elements while adding visual interest.
“Great design has rhythm, and stripes are one of the most timeless ways to create it.” Lavish Raleigh agrees. “You can layer it into textiles, tile, or trim work to bring cohesion to a space. Think about all the stripes in nature that have a sense of quiet continuity.” Whether bold or understated, stripes can subtly structure a room, making it feel more dynamic and thoughtfully composed.
Visually expand your rooms
Stripe patterns can visually expand a room by playing with perception and directing the eye. Horizontal stripes make walls appear wider, while vertical stripes can create the illusion of higher ceilings. This clever use of pattern enhances spatial awareness, making even small or narrow rooms feel more open and airy without any structural changes.
“If you’re looking to visually expand a room, subtle striping can be a powerful tool — drawing the eye upward to create the illusion of height or horizontally to make a space feel wider,” says Christina Colucci, owner and principal designer of Align.
“Remember, stripes don’t need to be bold or obvious to make an impact. Think of horizontal woven grasscloth on an accent wall, vertical beadboard wrapping a cozy nook, or a grand area rug with a soft directional weave. These understated details add texture and movement without overwhelming the space. Take note of any existing stripes — like the direction of your hardwood floors or tile — and decide whether to play them up or break them up for balance. Then, think about placement: long vertical lines, like drapery hung near the ceiling, can elongate a space, while shorter lines tend to feel more compact or blocky. There’s no one-size-fits-all approach — play around, have fun, and trust what feels right for your space.”
Mix stripes with other patterns
Mixing stripes with other patterns adds depth and personality to a space, creating a layered, curated look. When balanced thoughtfully — through color, scale, or texture — stripes can complement florals, geometrics, or abstract prints without overwhelming the design. This blend of patterns brings visual interest and a sense of intentional style, making the space feel dynamic yet cohesive. Design experts share their insights on how to master this artful mix below.
“I prefer mixing geometrics with florals or a curvilinear pattern. This would offset the static nature of a stripe. It’s also quite effective to use a pin stripe everywhere in a bedroom: bed; walls; drapery, or a Roman shade. Compliment that with a welt/ trim of either the exact same color or a contrast. The quieter the color, the more sophisticated the result, in my opinion.” – Mary T. Miller, Abode Home
“Others may say that if you’re going to use stripes, the rest of the space should be minimal to really let the stripes shine…I disagree! I think mixing stripes with other patterns is an easy win. My favorite way to use stripes right now is multiple applications in different scales–large-scale stripes on the upholstery, small-scale on the wallpaper or lamp shade, etc. Stripes are inherently bold so tap into that boldness and go big.” – Sarah Lambert, Lambert Home
English (US) · 