Choosing Paint Colors For Stripes
Choosing paint colors for stripes in a room is just like
picking out colors for any interior project. Your main goal is to
plan out the decorating scheme and what exactly you want the end
result to be. Stripes don't have to be that difficult to do. There are
a few simple steps and items to consider. Here are a few basic tips
for you before you start to paint stripes in a room.
Materials Needed
- Roller and brushes
- Plastic to protect floor
- Ladder
- Painting tape
- Clean up rags
- Level
- Plastic edger for around baseboard and floors
- Two colors of paint and two painting sticks to stir
Balance is the key to using any color when decorating. When choosing colors to paint stripes
think about the overall feel you want for the room. Do you want to make a bold statement? Do you
want to create a warm and soothing look by using
neutral tones?
Think about the primary color wheel and how you can take lighter or darker shades off of a couple of the primary
colors. Let's walk through a couple of techniques for you to think about when painting stripes in a room.
One of the first steps after choosing your paint colors, is to decide how large you want your stripes to be. There
is no set standard on how wipe the stripe show be. If you want to go real funky, you can make the stripes larger. For
a more relaxed look, create your stripes about two to three inches wide. Also decide how many walls you want to
paint with stripes. Do you want the stripes to go all the way up and down a wall or walls? You have the option of painting
the bottom part or top part with the stripes. If you do this you can wallpaper or paint the other rest of it.
I do recommend with an eight foot ceiling to go either 3 feet with one and five feet with the other. This once
again creates a great visual and a solid balanced look.
This simple illustration shows you a full wall done in stripes. One lighter tone in the purple family and one bolder tone. With colors
like this you can have the options of making a statement by doing all four walls. If you want a soft look, do just one wall in stripes
and the rest in paint. Use your accents and accessories to bring in one or two more complimentary colors. Off white furniture, stark white
for a crisp look, or wood would look nice. Hard wood floors or a plush matching carpet would send this room into a new dimension. Whatever
you decide with these options, make sure the entire room blends well and also compliments in colors other rooms nearby.
This illustration gives you an idea of doing part of the wall or walls in solid paint and part in stripes. Of course you can match any colors
to use, but these colors can be used if
choosing a theme also.
I really don't have a preference to using stripes on the top or on the bottom. I feel the choice is yours but if you can try and visualize
the entire room once it is done before you get started. Many times I will suggest if you are using darker colors, paint the bottom with
the darker tone and soften up the top with the lighter shade.
One of the most imporatant aspects of painting a room in stripes is to use the level and tape to make sure your stripes are even all
the way across. Painting tape is designed to be easily applied and removed. Most chain stores or paint stores carry this type of tape.
Measure your entire room first before painting. Lay out your plan of action before you begin. You not the rule, measure twice, cut one.
This applies to painting stripes as well as many other interior projects.
Choosing your paint colors begins with what colors you like. In the
color wheel section,
I have pages for you to see some of the colors that blend well together. Deciding on doing a wall or all walls with stripes is a
great option for a child's or game room. Commercial buildings such as a
city restaurant.
or a
family owned restaurant,
can consider painting with stripes. Let your imagination go with the possibility of painting with stripes. If you need any help with
deciding on how to paint with stripes or what colors, feel free to contact me on the contact page or go to the decorating tips and questions
and ask live. I have a feeling there are other designers out there that would be happy to help you out. Hope you have gotten a couple of
tips on this page on painting with stripes and how to choose colors.
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