Decorator Fabrics Series - Stripes

Woodmark Chairs in Courtship

Striped Wingbacks in Cotton Twill Blue and White

Wingback in Robert Allen Stripe

Hickory Chair Armless Chairs in Gold Stripe

This is the 3rd installment in my series about decorator fabrics with an emphasis not on content (e.g., silk, cotton, linen) but pattern - the overall look of the fabric on a piece of upholstered furniture.   Stripes are an option that can be used in formal and informal settings.  I've used silk stripes on elegant wingback chairs and a coarser cotton twill on similar chairs - both look great and work well.  Stripes can be easily coordinated with larger or smaller patterns as long as the colors are complementary.   The fabric can be used horizontally or vertically - the former is a little more unusual but can be eye-catching.  As with any pattern, it is important that it be carefully matched - a mismatch is very obvious.   The size of the stripe is not as important - a really large-scale stripe can look great on a smaller piece as well as a larger one.  Stripes are universal and do not seem to vary with fashion trends - a safe and exciting choice.