How to Use Striped Fabric

In their simplest form, striped designs are narrow, medium or thick bands of colour against white or in two-tone varieties. These classic stripes are the most adaptable. They work well in virtually any space, from the grandest of houses to the quirkiest of modern builds.

Pinstripe fabric features thin lines, usually positioned close to one another, and often associated with men’s pinstripe suits. Their smartness and subtlety make them a popular choice for formal rooms such as studies and hallways.

Multi-stripe patterns incorporate bands of colour in varying thicknesses, with a large or small repeat. Opting for a multi-stripe in multicolour adds an element of fun to any room, and will stand the test of time in infant and teenage bedrooms.

Stripes do not always come in the form of crisp lines or neat bands. This classic motif has been reimagined in new and exciting ways to produce a modern version. These use fantastical tones, different materials or employ chevrons and horizontal brushstrokes for a strong statement.

Striped fabric does not have a pattern repeat that needs to be worried about when making furnishings. You can turn them either way and easily align them for lovely results. Vertical and horizontal stripes can even be mixed and matched.

There are, however, railroaded materials, which are designed as a striped upholstery fabric. Railroaded fabric refers to the way a fabric's pattern or design is oriented on the roll. Typically, fabric patterns run “up the roll,” meaning the pattern flows from top to bottom, parallel with the selvage edges. With railroaded fabric, however, the pattern runs across the roll, going from selvage edge to selvage edge. This production method allows the roll of material to be used horizontally. It means joins can be avoided across your furniture.

Wide-width striped fabric, on the other hand, often has vertical stripes. These are ideal for creating curtains and avoiding making any joins in the completed drapery.

Either way, the aim is to create seamless results to have your striped fabric looking its best.

This nice, big living room with a corner sofa, seating cubes and a large buttoned stool, all in fresh blues, white, greys and turquoise, is the perfect coastal colour palette to feature beach-style stripes. We've shopped the whole scheme for you if you want to recreate the look at home.

Stripes can grab our attention or provide subtle interest, which is why they are such a popular choice when it comes to adding pattern to interiors. One of the best ways to do this is through the use of striped wallpaper. Take a look at the different styles and how to incorporate them...