Stripes are a wonderfully effective way to introduce colour and pattern into a room. Whether you prefer narrow, delicate lines or something bolder, painted stripes can transform a space without the need for wallpaper. From traditional vertical stripes to playful horizontal and diagonal designs, there are plenty of ways to experiment with this simple decorating technique. Amy Eld, founder of Rock the Heirloom, created a striking striped home office using Edward Bulmer Natural Paint in Fine Green and Spanish White. Here, she shares her approach, alongside some of our favourite examples of striped interiors. Fine Green and Spanish White stripes by @rocktheheirloom. Photography: Cathy Pyle A striped home office in Fine Green and Spanish White When decorating her unusually shaped home office, Amy wanted to create a space that felt both playful and practical. Experimenting with vertical, horizontal and diagonal lines, she chose a classic two-colour combination of Fine Green and Spanish White. Keeping each stripe at a consistent width of 5cm brought a sense of order to the design, even where the lines changed direction. The project took two days to complete, with the finished room complemented by a vintage rug from That Rebel House. Fine Green and Spanish White stripes by @rocktheheirloom. Photography: Cathy Pyle How to paint stripes on a wall Painting stripes requires a little patience and careful measuring, but it’s a manageable DIY project that can make a real difference to a room. What you’ll need Two complementary paint colours Good-quality painter’s tape Tape measure Pencil Spirit level or laser level Paintbrushes and rollers Dust sheets Step 1: Choose your colours Start by selecting two colours that work well together. A softer neutral paired with a stronger shade is an excellent starting point, although contrasting colours can be equally effective. Amy chose Spanish White as her base colour and Fine Green for the stripes. Step 2: Decide on your stripe design Consider whether vertical, horizontal or diagonal stripes will work best in your room. Vertical stripes can draw the eye upwards, while horizontal stripes can emphasise the width of a wall. Mixing directions creates a more playful, graphic effect. Step 3: Measure and plan your stripes Decide how wide you’d like each stripe to be before you begin. Amy used a consistent width of 5cm throughout her home office. Mark out your design carefully, accounting for both colours and the overall dimensions of the wall. Step 4: Mark out your lines Use a spirit level or laser level and a pencil to mark where each stripe will begin and end. Taking time over this stage will help ensure the finished pattern looks neat and consistent. Step 5: Apply painter’s tape Place painter’s tape along the marked lines, keeping it on the outside of the areas you intend to paint. Make sure you’re taping the correct side of each line so your stripes remain the intended width. Step 6: Press down the tape Run your fingers firmly along the edges of the tape to ensure it has adhered properly. Pay particular attention to corners and any areas where the wall surface is uneven. Step 7: Seal the tape edges For especially crisp lines, apply a thin coat of your base wall colour along the edges of the tape. Amy used Spanish White for this stage. If a little paint seeps beneath the tape, it will match the existing wall colour rather than leaving a contrasting mark. Allow this coat to dry according to the paint’s instructions. Step 8: Paint your stripes Apply your second colour to the exposed areas between the tape. Amy used Fine Green, creating a fresh contrast against Spanish White. Apply the recommended number of coats, allowing sufficient drying time between each. Step 9: Carefully remove the tape Once the final coat has set sufficiently, carefully peel away the tape, following the tape manufacturer’s guidance on removal timing. Pull it back slowly at an angle to avoid disturbing the painted edges. Step 10: Make any finishing touches Check the stripes for any uneven edges or small areas that need touching up. Once everything is dry, you can enjoy your newly decorated room. Pea Green dining room at Thyme More striped wall ideas Painted stripes can work in almost any room, from bathrooms and bedrooms to sitting rooms and home offices. The colours you choose can completely change the effect. Persian and Garter Blue: bold bathroom stripes For a more expressive approach, combine Persian and Garter Blue. These two distinctive colours create a striking combination, demonstrating how painted stripes can bring personality to a bathroom. Bathroom in Persian and Garter Blue stripes by @rocktheheirloom. Photography: Cathy Pyle Aquatic and Paris Grey: a softer bedroom scheme For a more restrained look, Aquatic and Paris Grey offer a beautiful pairing. The contrast between these shades creates a gentler striped effect, well suited to a bedroom. Bedroom in Aquatic and Paris Grey stripes by @sarah.corbettwinder. Photography: @aliciawaite Naples Yellow and Whiting: cheerful drawing room stripes Stripes needn’t be limited to blues and greens. Combining Naples Yellow with Whiting creates a fresh, uplifting scheme, with the softer neutral balancing the yellow. It’s a wonderful example of how a relatively simple decorative technique can bring colour and interest to a traditional drawing room. Stripes painted in Naples Yellow and Whiting by Lorfords Why choose painted stripes? One of the advantages of painted stripes is their flexibility. You can choose the exact colours, proportions and arrangement to suit your room, rather than being limited to an existing wallpaper design. It’s also a useful way to make the most of leftover paint, particularly if you’re decorating a smaller area or creating a feature wall. Our natural paints are made using carefully selected earth and mineral pigments, offering a richly coloured alternative to conventional paint. Before beginning, we’d always recommend testing your chosen colours in the room to see how they work together in different lighting conditions. Explore our natural paint colours or browse our Inspiration Gallery for more decorating ideas.
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