Striped wallpaper can transform any space, adding depth, character, and a touch of sophistication.
Whether you’re looking to create a bold statement wall with vivid stripes or an elegant backdrop for your room with neutral lines, learning how to hang and style striped wallpaper is essential to achieve a sophisticated look.
Follow our step-by-step process to hang striped wallpaper like a professional and our creative styling tips to elevate your interior design game.
Table of Contents
- What are the different types of striped wallpaper?
- Should striped wallpaper be vertical or horizontal?
- How to hang striped wallpaper
- Hanging striped wallpaper horizontally
- How to style striped wallpaper
What are the different types of striped wallpaper?
Classic Stripes
Classic stripes are the most versatile, coming in thin, medium or thick stripes. From classic and traditional to modern and contemporary, they can suit a wide range of styles.
Multi-striped
Multi-striped wallpaper features a range of different-sized stripes and is a great way to incorporate different colours of stripes into the wallpaper.
Chevron
Chevron wallpaper features a zigzag pattern, which can create a dynamic and modern look in any room. It adds depth and energy to rejuvenate your style.
Painted Stripes
Painted striped wallpaper combines the charm of classic stripes with the artistic flair of hand-painted details. It offers a unique way to add character to your home.
Should striped wallpaper be vertical or horizontal?
Stripes bring both movement and structure into a space and, depending on whether they are horizontal or vertical stripes, can be used to create different illusions of height and width.
Vertical stripes draw the eyes up, making the ceiling appear higher, which can be transformative in rooms with low ceilings. Diagonal stripes also draw the eye up and create movement in a room.
Horizontal stripes, on the other hand, draw the eye across to make it seem wider. This is perfect for smaller rooms to give the illusion of space.
How to hang striped wallpaper
- Ensure the wall is clean and smooth by filling in any holes or imperfections with filler, sanding them down and wiping over the wall with a dry cloth to remove the dust.
- Use a spirit level to draw a vertical line on the wall as a guide to ensure the wallpaper is straight.
- Measure from the ceiling to the floor and add a few extra cm to trim your wallpaper neatly when hung.
- Unroll your striped wallpaper, measure the correct length and cut the strips you’ll need. Be sure to match the pattern if it’s a repeating stripe.
- Mix your wallpaper paste, following the manufacturer’s instructions and mix thoroughly. The method and paste you’ll use will depend on whether the wallpaper is paste-the-wall or paste-the-paper.
Apply to the wall
Use a brush or roller to apply the paste to the wall. Be sure to paste over the edges of where the wallpaper will be to ensure it adheres properly.
Apply to the paper
Use a brush or roller to apply the paste to the wallpaper. Leave it for the recommended soak time, and then carefully hang it on the wall.
6. Use a seam roller to push out any air bubbles and smooth the paper down onto the wall.
7. Use your spirit level again to check that the stripes on the wallpaper are level. Don’t be afraid to carefully reposition the wallpaper to get it into the best position.
8. Trim any excess wallpaper at the top and bottom for a smooth finish.
Top Tip: “If wallpaper is already on the wall, you can apply the striped wallpaper over the top, but ensure it’s firmly attached for the best results.”
Read more in our full handy guide on how to hang wallpaper.
Hanging striped wallpaper horizontally
One alternative way to use striped wallpaper is to hang it horizontally when you like the style of stripe but want it going in a different direction. This is best used for wood plank style wallpapers that give a rustic feel and wide striped wallpaper for a contemporary look.
It may be worth pinning the wallpaper on the wall first to test the look before you commit to pasting it to the wall, and you’ll need two people to do the task justice.
The best type of wallpaper to choose is non-woven paste-the-wall options that will make it much easier to hang.
- Use a spirit level to draw a horizontal line where the wallpaper will go.
- Cut the first piece according to the width of the wall, allowing a margin at both ends of the strip for trimming, and roll it up.
- Apply the paste to the wall.
- Line up the first stripe across the straight line you’ve drawn before and carefully unroll the stripe of wallpaper, pressing it softly against the wall.
- Smooth the paper down and trim the ends.
How to style striped wallpaper
Now we’ve been through hanging up your striped wallpaper like an expert, let’s delve into style tips to get the most out of your new wallpaper.
For a minimalist look
- Balance the room with solid-coloured furniture pieces. Neutral or coordinating colours work well to create visual harmony.
- Match the colours in your striped wallpaper with other elements in the room, such as throw pillows, curtains, or rugs. This helps create a cohesive and harmonious space.
- If you’re using striped wallpaper as an accent wall, balance it with neutral walls in the rest of the room. This keeps the space from feeling overwhelming.
- Mirrors can complement striped wallpaper by reflecting the pattern and making the room appear larger and brighter.
- If your wallpaper is busy, consider solid-coloured floorings, such as hardwood or neutral carpeting.
For a maximalist look
- If you want to mix patterns, ensure they complement rather than clash with the stripes. For instance, you could combine floral patterns with subtle striped wallpaper for an eclectic look.
- Use contrasting colours to make the stripes stand out. For example, consider adding red or yellow accents to create visual interest if you have blue and white stripes.
- Hang artwork or decorative items that complement the colour scheme and style of the wallpaper. Ensure they don’t compete with the stripes but enhance the overall look.
- A patterned rug can work well with striped wallpaper if it complements the colour scheme and doesn’t clash with the stripes.
Shop our selection of striped wallpaper
Striped wallpaper is a fantastic way to add character and style to your home. Transform your space into a stunning and inviting environment by adding the right types of stripes and styling your wallpaper like an expert.
Whether you opt for classic elegance or contemporary flair, striped wallpaper offers endless design possibilities. Shop all the possibilities at Wallpaper Shop.
Be sure to check out our Instagram page for more inspiration.
Related
How to Hang Patterned Wallpaper
A Comprehensive Guide on How to Hang 3D Wallpaper
Different Types of Wallpaper Coverings and the Best to Choose