Stripes 101

Stripes and more stripes - see source data

I seem to be adding a lot of striped pieces to my refurbished furniture collection lately - I am clearly drawn to stripes of all types and sizes. This posting highlights some of those pieces and provides a little wisdom about using stripes in home decor.

Great striped chair in beachy setting - high contrast stripes - see source data

Stripes 101

Whether traditional or unconventional, stripes—especially on walls and floors—promote order. They have an almost architectural power to redirect the eye and reshape a space. In smaller doses, like on furniture or accessories, they’re “the neutral of the pattern world,” says New York City interior designer Elaine Griffin, as they are low-risk and easy to incorporate into any type of room.


3 Expert Decorating Tricks

1. Use high-contrast stripes in unexpected spots. For powder rooms and foyers (spaces where people don’t linger), strong stripes can be charming. “I love a brilliant stripe in a closet,” says Darryl Carter, a designer in Washington, D.C. “It’s like the lining on a fine coat.”



2. Match the size of the stripes to the size of the room. In general, the larger the space, the wider wall stripes should be, because thin stripes in a big expanse can look like mere texture from far away. And in a small room broad, bold stripes can feel jarring.



I love these horizontal stripes - see source data

3. Blend striped, floral, and solid accessories. A foolproof recipe for throw pillows: Put together three or four designs that are clearly distinct but share a palette. Try a wide stripe, a narrow stripe, a dainty paisley, and a solid. The effect is cohesive, with just enough randomness to feel homey. source - Real Simple

This settee is charming - I must remember to do one like this - see source data

Here are some recent striped additions to my collection and a collage of prior year favorites.

I found this chair on craigslist and had it recovered in a great heavy upholstery weight fabric - the stripes were purposefully done in a differentiated style. The legs were refinished in Annie Sloan Chalk Paint.

Another craigslist buy - this set was originally upholstered in a leather that had seen better days. I love the stripe!

This great chair was a Goodwill Industries purchase (wonderful brand) and the fabric was an estate sale buy - great combination! 

This craigslist set is one of my all-time favorites. I have not previously found this height set - made by North Hickory of Hickory, NC (no longer in business)!

And here are some of my prior year favorites in stripes - I just cannot get enough of this look!

Great chairs - all!