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Decorating with stripes: a classic design with modern appeal

Victoria Robinson product manager Author Victoria RobinsonProduct ManagerWritten 22/07/2026

There are lots of reasons why we love using stripes in interiors. One, they’re versatile: from muted ticking stripes to bold bands of colour, there’s a style for every home. Two, they’re a low-risk way to incorporate a touch of pattern and personality. And three, they can enhance your space, making ceilings appear higher or narrow corridors seem wider. Best of all, stripes strike that rare balance between feeling on-trend and timeless. Here’s some inspiration to get you started. 

Duke olive striped roman blinds in light cream bedroom

Match neutral interiors with soft stripes

If you tend to favour neutral tones, a pale-coloured striped blind or curtain will give texture and visual interest without dominating the space.

This calming bedroom is a nice example. Even though the colour palette is very simple, the different textures in the woods and furnishings make it feel homely. The striped Roman blinds subtly draw attention  to the room’s best feature – the two high sash windows – and tie the different tones together. 

Add a little cottagecore charm

Classic stripes, gingham checks and tumbling florals will always look charming as part of a whimsical, cottagecore-style interior.  

Introducing a single item with a stripe pattern is far easier (and quicker) than going for full-on striped wallpaper. In this cosy dining area, the bold striped armchair turns an underused corner into an inviting spot for a morning cup of tea. 

  • “I’ve always been drawn to interiors that are a little bit more ‘out there’, but I think it can be really hard to strike the balance between something interesting that's also still calm and cosy enough to live in.”

    Alicia Murphy, Interiors content creator

Modern dining room with a bright blue striped Roman blind, wooden dining table, cream chairs and bold colourful décor.

Embrace dopamine décor

Then there’s the bolder, more playful end of the spectrum. Wider stripes, and a greater contrast between colours, create a graphic look that can act as more of a focal point.  

Here, the blue and white striped Roman blind (from our collection with Jonathan Adler) makes a fun statement against neutral walls. The large artwork and strong colours make this room feel quite contemporary, but stripes are so classic they earn their place in more traditional homes too.   

Create an optical illusion

There’s another reason why interior designers can’t get enough of stripey décor: depending how you use them, stripes can visually alter the proportions of your room. 

Vertical striped walls, like the ones here, draw the eye upwards and create the illusion of extra height. If you want to make a space feel wider – perhaps a small cloakroom or hallway – choose horizontal stripes. 

It’s also worth remembering this trick if you’re wondering whether to choose horizontal or vertical blinds

Don’t forget to look up

If you really want to make an impact with stripes, look to the so-called ‘fifth wall’. Using striped wallpaper or paint on your ceiling is a really clever decorating trick. As well as adding something unexpected, it also draws attention upwards, making the room feel taller. 

In this quirky children’s room, the ceiling stripes in the bay window create a separate zone that’s ideal for play. Striped décor is lovely for a child’s bedroom or nursery – it’s fun, but won’t date or feel too cutesy when they’re a few years older. 

Take your stripes outside

Garden awnings have become increasingly popular over the last few years – not surprising considering some of the swelteringly hot summer days we’ve had.  

Striped awnings are a classic choice with more than a hint of British seaside charm. Here, the direction of the stripes leads the eye out towards the garden, making the whole outdoor space feel bigger and more inviting. 

Get the light just right

Finally, stripes may be a design staple, but they can have a practical element too.  

Day and Night blinds feature alternating bands of sheer and opaque fabric that create a subtle, tactile stripe. As the name suggests, they give you two looks in one. You can filter the light during the day for a soft, diffused glow, or align the opaque bands for privacy in the evening.  

Our top tips for using stripes in your home

  • A striped blind or curtain is one of the easiest ways to bring a stripe pattern into a room without overwhelming it. 
  • Stripes work in every style of home, from cosy cottagecore to bold, contemporary spaces. 
  • Stripes can change how a room feels. Vertical stripes add height, horizontal stripes add width. 
  • Striped wallpaper or paint on a ceiling is an unexpected way to make an impact. 
  • Stripes can have a practical purpose as well as an aesthetic one. Day and Night blinds use textured stripes to gently filter the light entering your home. 

Stripes for every interior 

Stripes are one of those patterns that genuinely work everywhere. They're easy to live with, surprisingly versatile, and can have a bigger impact on the overall feel of a room than you might imagine. If you've been looking for a simple way to put your stamp on your home, this could be it. 

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