Stripes have been used in interior design for centuries and remain a timelessly chic pattern, whether thick or thin, bold, or subtle, vertical, or horizontal; stripes add a graphic punch and visual interest to any space.
From crisp bed linens to textural rugs and everything in between, stripes bring classic style to a sleeping space. Their clean lines pair nicely with distressed woods, cosy textures, sleek metallics, and various colour palettes. This versatility helps explain why stripes remain a perpetual trend.
Stripes for All Design Styles
From farmhouse to mid-century modern, coastal to boho chic, stripes seamlessly fit into an array of aesthetic styles. Their versatility stems from varying stripe widths and colour combinations that can be tailored to your interior theme.
Thinner pinstripes with muted neutrals convey understated elegance, befitting traditional bedroom spaces. Bolder candy stripes and contrasting black and white make more of a statement for contemporary bedrooms. Warm wood tones and varying stripe orientations add bright coastal flair.
Bed Frames for Showcasing Stripes
Wood Platform Beds
A simple, low-profile wooden bed lets striped bedding take the spotlight. The wood’s natural grain and tone play well with bold and subtle striped linens. Go for a light wood finish or grey-washed wood to accentuate colourful stripes.
Pictured: Julian Bowen Pickwick 4FT 6 Double Pine Bed Frame. Priced £219. Available from Bedstar.
Metal and Brass Beds
Sleek metal bed frames and brass beds lend an elegant, almost modern edge to striped bedding. Metallic finishes like polished brass, antique bronze, and powder-coated steel contrast beautifully with graphic black and white or vivid candy stripes.
Four Poster Beds
Draw attention upward and highlight high ceilings with a canopy bed draped in striped fabric. The height and drama of the canopy prevent stripes from feeling overly dominant – layer in stripes with both the canopy and bed linens.
Pictured: Birlea Darwin 4FT 6 Double Four Poster Bed – White. Priced £369. Available from Bedstar.
Using Stripes in Décor and Furnishings
Play with Striped Bedding
Mix and match striped duvet covers, shams, sheets, and pillowcases in beds. Vary the stripe widths and orientations to create visual interest. Include stripes in secondary blankets and a bed skirt for a pulled-together look.
Incorporate Striped Curtain Panels
For significant impact, hang curtain panels or a valance in bold stripes over the window. For a playful look, opt for colourful candy stripes or black and white.
For a more tailored aesthetic, choose thin pinstripes in neutral hues. Draw the stripes up to the ceiling with extra-long panels.
Cover Furniture in Stripes
Upholster the headboard, bench at the foot of the bed, chair, or chaise lounge in striped fabric. Customising stripes on furniture frames it as a focal point.
Tailor stripe colours and widths to your overall aesthetic – bold and contrasting or quiet and tonal. Mix striped upholstery with other patterns and solids.
Layer in Cozy Textiles
Pairing stripes with natural linens, chunky knits, nubby wools, and other textural fabrics keeps the room casually collected.
Drape linen or a wool throw blanket at the foot of the bed to ground striped linens with organic texture. Top a bench or ottoman with a cosy striped blanket.
Incorporate Tactile Accents
Bring visual depth to your stripes with colourful ceramics, rattan accents, and wood elements. Hang a handwoven rattan pendant light to diffuse soft lighting. Install whitewashed wood nightstands to contrast bold striped walls.
Pictured: Birlea Berwick 4FT 6 Double Wooden Bed Frame. Priced £479. Available from Bedstar.
Show Off Sheepskins and Furs
Luxurious sheepskin and faux fur throw, rugs, and pillows make a plush pairing with graphic stripes. The play between softness and linear pattern creates a compelling contrast. Drape a sheepskin rug alongside the bed or use it as a focal point in a reading nook.
Explore Unexpected Touches
Feel free to get creative with textures that offer subtle patterns for pairing with bold stripes. Laser-cut metal screens, concrete decorative bowls, hammered copper vases, and leather pouffes lend artisanal texture.