The visual weight of thick stripes on wallpaper can dramatically alter the perception of a room. Unlike their thinner counterparts, bold stripes command attention, influencing everything from perceived ceiling height to wall width. Choosing the right thick striped wallpaper means understanding this impact and aligning it with your design goals.
Understanding stripe thickness and its effect
When we talk about ‘thick’ stripes, we’re generally referring to bands of color that are 2 inches (5 cm) or wider. The effect of these stripes depends heavily on their color contrast, spacing, and orientation. Vertically oriented thick stripes draw the eye upward, creating an illusion of greater ceiling height. This can be particularly effective in rooms with lower ceilings, making them feel more expansive. Horizontally oriented thick stripes, on the other hand, can make a narrow room feel wider, though they can also make a ceiling feel lower. This effect is more pronounced with high contrast colors.
The contrast between the stripe colors is another critical factor. High-contrast stripes, like black and white or navy and cream, create a very strong, graphic look. They are excellent for making a statement in a hallway, a powder room, or as an accent wall. Low-contrast stripes, such as varying shades of beige or soft blues, offer a more subtle texture and can be used more broadly across larger spaces without overwhelming them. The spacing between stripes also plays a role; evenly spaced thick stripes offer a classic, balanced look, while varying widths or irregular spacing can introduce a more contemporary or eclectic feel.
Consider the material of the wallpaper itself. Thick vinyl stripes, often found on heavy-duty vinyl or non-woven papers, offer durability and are usually scrubbable, making them suitable for high-traffic areas like kitchens and playrooms. Textured thick stripes, perhaps with a raised pattern or a fabric-like finish, add another layer of sensory appeal and can help to mask minor imperfections in the wall surface.
Types of thick striped wallpaper materials
The material of your thick striped wallpaper dictates its durability, ease of installation, and suitability for different environments. Here’s a breakdown of common options:
- Vinyl Wallpaper: This is a popular choice for its durability and washability. Thick vinyl stripes are excellent for kitchens, bathrooms, and kids’ rooms where resistance to moisture and stains is important. It’s relatively easy to clean with a damp cloth.
- Non-Woven (Esprit) Wallpaper: Made from a blend of natural and synthetic fibers, non-woven wallpaper is breathable, durable, and easier to remove than traditional paper. It’s also less likely to shrink or expand with humidity changes. Many modern thick striped designs are printed on this substrate.
- Textured Wallpaper: This category includes papers with raised patterns, fabric textures (like linen or grasscloth), or embossed finishes. Thick stripes in a textured finish can add depth and visual interest, helping to camouflage minor wall imperfections. Linen striped wallpaper, for example, offers a natural, sophisticated look. Linen striped wallpaper: A practical guide provides more details on this specific type.
- Peel-and-Stick Wallpaper: While often thinner, some peel-and-stick options now come with thicker, more robust materials. These are ideal for renters or for temporary decorative solutions as they are easy to apply and remove without damaging the underlying wall.
Choosing the right thick striped wallpaper for your space
Selecting the perfect thick striped wallpaper involves considering the room’s size, existing decor, and desired atmosphere. Here are key factors to evaluate:
Scale and proportion
The size of the stripes should be proportionate to the room. In a small powder room, large, bold stripes can make a dramatic statement without overwhelming the space. In a large living room, however, very thick stripes might feel too dominant unless used as an accent wall. Conversely, in a vast room, thinner stripes might get lost, making thick stripes a better choice to add presence. Always consider how the stripe width will interact with the dimensions of your walls and furniture.
Color palette
The color combination of the stripes is paramount. High-contrast pairs like black and white, navy and cream, or deep red and gold create a strong visual impact. These are excellent for creating focal points or defining a specific style, such as a modern or graphic look. For a softer, more sophisticated feel, opt for tone-on-tone stripes or colors with low contrast, such as various shades of gray, beige, or muted blues. These are often better suited for larger areas or for creating a calming ambiance. Explore timeless striped wallpaper designs for inspiration on color pairings that endure.
Orientation: vertical vs. horizontal
As mentioned, vertical stripes visually lengthen walls and can make a room feel taller. This is a classic choice for dining rooms, bedrooms, and entryways. Horizontal stripes can visually widen a space, making it feel more expansive. They are often used in hallways or smaller rooms where width is desired. Be mindful that horizontal stripes can also make a ceiling feel lower, so they are best used when ceiling height is not a primary concern or is already generous.
Pattern repeat
While many striped wallpapers have a simple, repeating pattern, some might have a more complex repeat, especially if they incorporate additional elements. Understanding the pattern repeat is crucial for calculating how much wallpaper you need and for ensuring that the stripes align correctly when joining different rolls. A large pattern repeat means you’ll need more wallpaper and more careful planning for matching.
Timeless blue interiors
Blue is a color that evokes calmness and serenity, making it a perennial favorite in interior design. Thick striped wallpaper in shades of blue offers a versatile way to incorporate this soothing hue. Navy and white stripes create a crisp, classic nautical or preppy look, ideal for bedrooms or living areas. Lighter blues, like sky blue or periwinkle, paired with cream or off-white, can lend a softer, more airy feel to a space. For a sophisticated and modern aesthetic, consider deep teal or indigo stripes. These blues can add depth and richness, especially when paired with metallic accents. Explore how timeless striped wallpaper designs for inspiration on incorporating blues and other classic colors.
Other patterns
While stripes are the focus, it’s worth noting how thick striped wallpaper can coexist with or complement other patterns. For instance, a room with thick striped wallpaper on one wall could feature a subtle damask or floral pattern on another wall or in the soft furnishings. The key is to ensure that the scale and color palette of the secondary pattern do not clash with the stripes. A common strategy is to pick a color from the stripe and use it in a smaller scale in another pattern. For example, if you have blue and white thick stripes, you might use a small blue floral print in your curtains. This creates visual harmony. Alternatively, consider mixing different types of stripes, such as thick stripes on one wall and thin pinstripes on cushions.
How to install thick striped wallpaper
Installing thick striped wallpaper requires careful preparation and execution to ensure a professional finish. The process is similar to installing other types of wallpaper, but the visual impact of thick stripes means any mistakes will be more noticeable.
Preparation is key
Before you begin, ensure your walls are clean, dry, and smooth. Any holes or cracks should be filled and sanded. If your walls are glossy, a light sanding may be necessary to help the adhesive grip. For most non-woven wallpapers, priming the walls with a wallpaper primer is recommended. This not only helps with adhesion but also makes future removal easier. Measure your walls accurately, adding about 10-15% extra to account for pattern matching and potential mistakes. For thick striped patterns, the pattern repeat is especially important to factor in.
Cutting the wallpaper
Using a sharp utility knife and a straight edge, cut your wallpaper into lengths. Each length should be about 4-6 inches longer than the height of your wall to allow for trimming at the ceiling and baseboard. If your wallpaper has a pattern repeat, ensure you align the stripes correctly on each subsequent strip before cutting. This is critical for thick stripes where misalignments are very apparent.
Applying the wallpaper
- For paste-the-wall wallpaper (most non-woven): Apply a generous, even coat of wallpaper adhesive to the wall for the first strip, extending slightly beyond the width of the strip. Then, place the wallpaper strip onto the pasted section, aligning it with a plumb line (use a spirit level or laser level to ensure it’s perfectly vertical). Smooth the paper from the center outwards using a wallpaper brush or smoother, pushing out any air bubbles.
- For paste-the-paper wallpaper: Apply adhesive to the back of the wallpaper strip, following the manufacturer’s instructions. Allow it to ‘book’ (sit for a few minutes) so the adhesive can penetrate the paper. Then, hang the strip on the wall, aligning with your plumb line and smoothing as above.
- For peel-and-stick wallpaper: Simply peel off the backing a few inches at a time and carefully align the edge with your starting point (usually a corner or a plumb line). Smooth the paper onto the wall as you go, using a smoother to press out air bubbles and ensure good adhesion.
When hanging subsequent strips, ensure the edges butt up tightly against each other, or slightly overlap if recommended by the manufacturer. For thick stripes, maintaining a consistent gap or seam is vital for a seamless look. Pay close attention to the alignment of the stripes between each strip. If you’re using patterned borders, ensure they match the scale and style of your main wallpaper. Striped wallpaper borders: choose the right one can offer guidance on selecting complementary borders.
Trimming and finishing
Once a strip is in place and smoothed, use a sharp blade to trim the excess wallpaper at the ceiling and baseboard. A sharp blade is crucial; a dull one can tear the paper. For corners, carefully fold the wallpaper around the corner and trim, or cut it cleanly at the corner edge depending on whether it’s an inside or outside corner. If you’re working with a particularly bold design, consider the impact of purple striped wallpaper or other strong colors for dramatic effect. For a touch of opulence, consider gold striped wallpaper adds a touch of luxury.
Mistakes to avoid with thick striped wallpaper
The prominent nature of thick stripes means mistakes are easily spotted. Avoiding these common pitfalls will save you time and ensure a professional-looking result.
Improper wall preparation
Hanging wallpaper over unprimed, dirty, or uneven walls is a recipe for disaster. The adhesive may not stick properly, leading to peeling edges, bubbles, or even the wallpaper detaching. Always clean and prime your walls according to the wallpaper manufacturer’s recommendations. For non-woven papers, a primer is almost always recommended and will make future removal much simpler.
Misaligned stripes
This is the most critical error with striped wallpaper, especially thick stripes. Even a slight misalignment between strips will be glaringly obvious. Always use a plumb line for the first strip and ensure subsequent strips match its alignment perfectly. Check the pattern repeat on each strip as you cut and hang.
Using a dull blade for trimming
A dull utility knife blade will snag and tear the wallpaper, leaving ragged edges that are impossible to fix cleanly. Always use a fresh, sharp blade for trimming. Change the blade after every few strips, or as soon as you notice it starting to drag.
Not ordering enough wallpaper
It’s far better to have a little extra wallpaper than to run short. You need to account for the pattern repeat, which can be significant with stripes, as well as potential mistakes or damage. Running short means you might not be able to get an exact match from a later order, as dye lots can vary.
Ignoring the room’s scale
Using very large, high-contrast thick stripes in a tiny room can make it feel claustrophobic. Conversely, very thin stripes might disappear in a large, cavernous space. Always consider the size of the stripes in relation to the dimensions of your room and the furniture within it.
Forgetting about the ceiling height
Vertical stripes can make a room feel taller, which is often desirable. However, in rooms with already very high ceilings, extremely bold vertical stripes could create an overwhelming effect. Horizontal stripes can make a room feel wider but can also visually lower the ceiling, so consider this if you have a low-ceilinged room.
Maintaining your thick striped wallpaper
The longevity and appearance of your thick striped wallpaper depend on proper care. Most modern wallpapers, especially vinyl and non-woven types, are designed for durability and ease of maintenance.
Cleaning
For most vinyl and scrubbable non-woven wallpapers, regular dusting with a soft brush or a vacuum cleaner attachment is sufficient. For tougher marks or stains, use a damp sponge with a mild soap solution. Gently wipe the affected area, rinse with a clean damp cloth, and pat dry. Avoid harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners, as these can damage the surface or color of the wallpaper.
Checking for damage
Periodically inspect your wallpaper, especially in high-traffic areas, for any signs of peeling at the edges or seams, or for any accidental tears or scuffs. Small issues can often be repaired with a bit of wallpaper adhesive applied with a fine brush. If you have textured wallpaper, be gentle to avoid damaging the surface.
Long-term considerations
Thick striped wallpaper, particularly in classic color combinations, can remain stylish for many years. However, trends do change. If you decide to redecorate in the future, the ease of removal will depend on the type of wallpaper and the primer used. Non-woven wallpapers and those applied over a good quality primer are generally the easiest to remove.
