When selecting blue striped wallpaper, understanding the different styles and their impact on your space is crucial. The width and spacing of the stripes, along with the color combination, can make a room feel larger, cozier, or more formal. For instance, vertical stripes, especially thinner ones like pinstripes, create an illusion of height, making lower ceilings appear taller. Horizontal stripes, conversely, can make a narrow room feel wider. The bolder and wider the stripes, the more of a statement they make, often lending themselves to more casual or maximalist decor styles.
Choosing the right shade and stripe pattern
The ‘blue’ in blue striped wallpaper is a broad spectrum. Think about whether you want a calming navy and white striped wallpaper, a vibrant royal blue and green striped wallpaper, or a sophisticated blue and grey striped wallpaper. Each combination evokes a different feeling. Navy and white is classic, crisp, and nautical or traditional. Blue and grey offers a modern, serene, and sometimes industrial feel. Blue and green can be refreshing, reminiscent of nature, or quite bold depending on the specific hues.
Consider the scale of the stripes relative to your room. Small, intricate stripes can add texture and subtle pattern without overwhelming a small space. Large, bold stripes are best suited for larger rooms or as accent walls where they can become a focal point without dominating the entire area. For a classic look, consider blue and white striped wallpaper; it’s versatile and works in almost any setting, from a child’s room to a formal living area.
Understanding different types of blue striped wallpaper
The construction and material of striped wallpaper significantly influence its durability, ease of installation, and final appearance. You’ll encounter several types:
1. Traditional or peel-and-stick vinyl wallpaper
Traditional vinyl wallpaper is durable and often washable, making it suitable for high-traffic areas like hallways or kitchens. It requires paste for application. Peel-and-stick vinyl wallpaper, on the other hand, is designed for easier application and removal, ideal for renters or those who like to change their decor frequently. It adheres directly to the wall without paste. When looking at blue striped wallpaper, ensure the vinyl is of good quality to avoid bubbling or tearing during installation.
2. Non-woven (paste-the-wall) wallpaper
Non-woven wallpaper is made from a blend of natural and synthetic fibers. It’s breathable, washable, and generally easier to hang than traditional paper. With paste-the-wall types, you apply the paste directly to the wall, not the paper, which can speed up the process and reduce mess. These are a good option for most rooms, offering a good balance of durability and ease of use. For a sophisticated look, consider a subtle blue grey striped wallpaper in a non-woven material.
3. Textured striped wallpaper
Textured wallpapers, such as grasscloth or embossed vinyl, can add a tactile dimension to your walls. A blue striped grasscloth wallpaper offers a natural, organic feel, while an embossed vinyl might mimic the look of fabric or raised patterns. These can be excellent for adding depth and interest, especially in living rooms or dining rooms. However, textured wallpapers can sometimes be more challenging to hang perfectly, as imperfections in the wall may show through more readily.
4. Metallic or high-gloss finishes
Some blue striped wallpapers incorporate metallic threads or a high-gloss finish. These can catch the light beautifully, adding a touch of glamour and sophistication. A navy and white striped wallpaper with subtle metallic accents can elevate a space, making it feel more luxurious. Be aware that high-gloss finishes can highlight wall imperfections, so proper wall preparation is even more critical.
Where to use blue striped wallpaper
The application of blue striped wallpaper is versatile, but the stripe pattern and color choice should align with the room’s function and your aesthetic goals.
Living rooms and dining rooms
For a living room, consider a classic navy and white striped wallpaper for a preppy or coastal vibe, or a more muted blue and grey striped wallpaper for a contemporary, calm atmosphere. In a dining room, bolder stripes, perhaps a wide blue and white striped wallpaper, can create a dramatic backdrop for entertaining. You might also explore striped wallpaper designs that feature a mix of blues and perhaps other complementary colors like beige or cream.
Bedrooms
Bedrooms often benefit from calming colors and patterns. A soft blue and grey striped wallpaper or a subtle pinstripe in shades of blue can promote relaxation. For a child’s room, a brighter, more playful blue striped wallpaper might be suitable. Ensure the material is washable, especially in nurseries or children’s rooms.
Hallways and entryways
Hallways are high-traffic areas and can benefit from durable, washable wallpaper. A vertical blue striped wallpaper can make a narrow hallway feel more spacious. Consider patterns that are visually interesting but not too busy, as these areas are often seen in passing. A classic blue and white striped wallpaper offers a welcoming, timeless feel.
Kitchens and bathrooms
For kitchens and bathrooms, choose wallpapers specifically designed for these environments, often vinyl or scrubbable options, to withstand moisture and potential splashes. A blue striped wallpaper with a subtle pattern can add character without being overwhelming in smaller spaces. Ensure good ventilation in these rooms if using wallpaper.
Installation considerations for blue striped wallpaper
Proper installation is key to achieving a professional look with any wallpaper, and striped patterns present unique challenges. The alignment of stripes is critical.
Wall preparation
This is non-negotiable. The wall must be clean, dry, smooth, and free of any imperfections. Fill any holes, sand down rough patches, and prime the wall if necessary. For darker or bolder wallpapers, consider using a tinted primer that matches the base color of the wallpaper to prevent the underlying wall color from showing through at the seams.
Measuring and cutting
Measure the height of your wall and add about 4-6 inches for trimming at the top and bottom. When cutting your strips, ensure you maintain the pattern repeat. For striped wallpaper, this means aligning the stripes on each successive strip before cutting. If you’re using a pattern that requires a specific repeat, pay close attention to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Hanging the strips
Start in a corner or near a prominent feature like a window. Use a plumb line or a level to ensure your first strip is perfectly vertical. Subsequent strips should be butted up against each other, not overlapped, unless the wallpaper instructions specifically state otherwise. For striped wallpaper, aligning the stripes precisely between each strip is paramount. A slight misalignment can be very noticeable and detract from the overall effect.
Seams and edges
Use a seam roller to gently press down the seams for a smooth finish, but be careful not to crush textured wallpapers. Trim excess wallpaper at the ceiling and baseboard with a sharp utility knife or a rotary cutter and a straight edge. For a clean finish around outlets and switches, turn off the power, remove the cover plates, and carefully cut the wallpaper to fit the opening.
Dealing with pattern matching
For blue striped wallpaper, pattern matching is primarily about aligning the vertical lines. If you have a complex stripe with multiple colors or varying widths, ensure the pattern flows seamlessly from one strip to the next. It’s often helpful to lay out a few strips side-by-side on the floor to visualize the repeat and how they will align before applying paste and hanging.
Common mistakes to avoid
Several pitfalls can turn a beautiful wallpaper project into a frustrating experience. Be aware of these:
- Inadequate wall preparation: This is the most common mistake and leads to peeling, bubbling, and a poor finish.
- Not checking the dye lot: Wallpaper from different dye lots can have slight color variations. Always ensure all rolls have the same dye lot number.
- Improperly aligning stripes: Even a slight mismatch can be highly visible with striped patterns, making the wallpaper look crooked.
- Using the wrong adhesive: Different wallpaper types require specific adhesives. Using the wrong paste can lead to adhesion problems.
- Over-working the wallpaper: Excessive smoothing or repositioning can damage certain types of wallpaper, especially delicate ones.
- Not allowing for pattern repeat: Failing to account for the pattern repeat can result in misaligned designs, particularly with intricate stripes.
Styling with blue striped wallpaper
Once installed, the styling of your room will bring the blue striped wallpaper to life. Think about how the pattern interacts with your furniture, textiles, and accessories.
Complementary colors
For a classic blue and white striped wallpaper, crisp white furniture and accents work beautifully. For a blue and grey striped wallpaper, consider adding touches of silver, charcoal, or even a soft blush pink for contrast. If you’re using a blue and green striped wallpaper, natural wood tones, cream, or even pops of yellow can complement the scheme.
Furniture and decor
The scale of the stripes should inform your furniture choices. Large, bold stripes can handle larger, more substantial furniture. Smaller, more delicate stripes might be overwhelmed by very heavy furniture. Consider the overall style: nautical stripes pair well with coastal decor, while subtle grey stripes might suit modern or minimalist aesthetics. You can also use the stripes as a jumping-off point for color accents in your decor. For instance, if your blue and grey wallpaper has a hint of teal, incorporate teal cushions or artwork.
Creating visual interest
Striped wallpaper itself adds significant visual interest. To avoid a monotonous look, mix textures in your room. Combine smooth wallpaper with soft fabrics like velvet or linen, or pair a sleek stripe with rustic wood elements. Artwork and mirrors can also break up large expanses of wallpaper and add personality.
For a comprehensive look at how different shades of blue can impact your home, explore blue wallpaper design ideas. If you’re leaning towards a specific, timeless aesthetic, the appeal of solid blue wallpaper can also be explored, offering a different, yet equally impactful, way to use blue in your decor.
