Broad stripes offer a bold visual impact, capable of defining a room’s character instantly. Unlike their thinner counterparts, wide stripes can make a space feel larger or more dramatic, depending on the color contrast and design. When selecting broad striped wallpaper, consider the scale of your room and the desired effect. Very wide, high-contrast stripes can overwhelm a small space, while subtle, tone-on-tone broad stripes can add sophisticated texture and depth.
Choosing the right broad stripe pattern
The effectiveness of broad striped wallpaper hinges on the interplay of color and stripe width. High contrast stripes, like black and white or navy and cream, create a strong graphic statement. These are ideal for accent walls in living rooms, dining rooms, or even entryways to make a powerful first impression. For a more subdued effect, consider broad stripes in similar shades, such as light grey and charcoal, or beige and taupe. These offer a sense of depth and architectural interest without being overpowering, making them suitable for bedrooms or home offices where a calmer atmosphere is preferred.
Think about the orientation of the stripes as well. Vertical broad stripes visually increase ceiling height, a classic trick for making rooms with lower ceilings feel more expansive. Horizontal broad stripes can make a narrow room feel wider, but use them cautiously in rooms with very low ceilings, as they can have the opposite effect. Some patterns incorporate subtle variations within the stripe, like a matte finish against a gloss stripe, adding a layer of sophistication.
Materials and durability
Broad striped wallpapers come in various materials, each with its pros and cons. The most common options include:
- Vinyl wallpaper: Highly durable, scrubbable, and moisture-resistant, making it an excellent choice for high-traffic areas like hallways, kitchens, and bathrooms. Look for heavy-duty vinyl for maximum longevity.
- Non-woven wallpaper: Also known as paste-the-wall or ‘easy-up’ wallpaper, this material is breathable and often strippable. It’s a good all-around option for most rooms. The application process is generally simpler than traditional paper.
- Textured wallpaper: This can include embossed patterns, fabric-backed vinyl, or even natural materials layered onto a paper backing. Textured broad stripes add a tactile dimension and can help conceal minor wall imperfections.
- Peel-and-stick wallpaper: While often thinner, advancements have made some peel-and-stick options suitable for broad stripes. They are perfect for renters or for temporary design changes, as they are easy to apply and remove without damaging walls. Check reviews for durability and adhesion over time.
Consider the weight and thickness of the material. Thicker wallpapers, especially those with a vinyl or fabric backing, tend to be more forgiving during installation and hide wall imperfections better. They also feel more substantial and luxurious.
Calculating how much you need
Accurate measurement is crucial to avoid running out of wallpaper mid-project or having excessive waste. Standard US residential walls are typically 8 feet high. Most wallpaper rolls are 20.5 inches wide and 33 feet long, covering approximately 56 square feet. However, this is a theoretical maximum and doesn’t account for pattern repeat or trimming.
Here’s a simplified calculation:
- Measure the total linear feet of the walls you intend to cover.
- Divide this total by the width of your chosen wallpaper roll (e.g., 20.5 inches or 1.71 feet). This gives you the number of strips needed.
- Measure the height of your walls and add 4-6 inches for trimming at the top and bottom. This is your cut length.
- Divide the total length of the wallpaper roll (33 feet) by your cut length. This tells you how many strips you can get from one roll.
- Divide the total number of strips needed (from step 2) by the number of strips per roll (from step 4). Round up to the nearest whole number to determine the number of rolls required.
Important: Always factor in the pattern repeat. For broad stripes, the repeat might be large. Check the wallpaper specifications for the pattern repeat measurement and adjust your calculations accordingly. It’s always better to buy an extra roll to account for mistakes, future repairs, or to ensure a perfect match if the pattern is discontinued.
Installation tips for broad striped wallpaper
Installing broad striped wallpaper requires precision, especially when aligning the wide stripes. Here are key steps and tips:
Prepare your walls
This is non-negotiable. Walls must be clean, dry, and smooth. Remove old wallpaper, fill any holes or cracks with spackle, and sand smooth. Prime the walls with a wallpaper primer to ensure good adhesion and easier removal later. If your walls are dark, consider a tinted primer that matches the base color of your wallpaper to prevent bleed-through.
Find your starting point
Don’t just start in a corner. Use a level to draw a perfectly vertical plumb line on the wall. This ensures your first strip is straight, and subsequent strips will align correctly. The first strip should be centered on the plumb line.
Apply the wallpaper
For paste-the-wall: Apply an even coat of wallpaper paste to the wall for one strip’s width. Book the wallpaper (fold it onto itself, paste-to-paste) for the manufacturer’s recommended time, then unfurl and apply to the wall, aligning with your plumb line.
For traditional paste-the-paper: Apply paste to the back of the wallpaper strip, book it, and let it soak. Then, unfurl and apply to the wall.
For peel-and-stick: Simply peel off the backing and apply carefully, smoothing out air bubbles as you go.
Trimming and smoothing
Use a sharp utility knife and a straight edge (like a metal ruler or a specialized wallpaper trimming guide) to trim excess paper at the ceiling and baseboard. A plastic smoother or a wallpaper brush is essential for pressing the paper onto the wall, working from the center outwards to push out air bubbles and excess paste. Pay close attention to the edges to ensure they are well-adhered.
Common mistakes to avoid
Not preparing the walls adequately: This is the most common cause of wallpaper failure. Lumps, dirt, or grease on the wall will prevent proper adhesion.
Using a dull blade: A dull knife will tear the paper, leaving ragged edges that are difficult to trim cleanly.
Misaligning the stripes: With broad stripes, even a slight misalignment becomes very noticeable. Take your time, use a level, and double-check your alignment before pressing the paper firmly onto the wall.
Over-pasting or under-pasting: Too much paste can cause the paper to stretch and tear, and can also seep out and be messy. Too little paste means poor adhesion.
Ignoring the pattern repeat: Failing to account for the pattern repeat will result in mismatched stripes between seams, ruining the overall effect.
Styling with broad striped wallpaper
Broad striped wallpaper is versatile. For a modern look, pair high-contrast black and white stripes with minimalist furniture and metallic accents. In a more traditional setting, softer, muted broad stripes can complement classic furniture and richer textures. Consider the existing decor and color palette of your room to ensure the wallpaper enhances, rather than competes with, your furnishings. For inspiration on different striped patterns and how they transform spaces, explore timeless striped wallpaper designs.
If you’re interested in a specific color, such as purple striped wallpaper, remember that the width of the stripe will significantly impact how the color is perceived. A broad purple stripe will be a bold statement, while a thin stripe will be more subtle.
Broad stripes can also be used effectively as striped wallpaper borders, although this application is less common for very wide stripes and often better suited for more moderate widths to avoid overwhelming the space.
For a touch of elegance, consider the impact of metallic broad stripes, such as gold striped wallpaper, which can add significant luxury. If you prefer natural textures, linen striped wallpaper offers a sophisticated, organic feel that works well with broad stripe patterns.
