Guest Picks: Chic vs. Criminal: Black and White Stripes in Home Decor
Black and white stripes are popping up all over the place these days. There are ways to incorporate them into your decor to a chic effect, but too many can be overwhelming. Here are some of my favorite ways to add pops of this pattern to your space. — Heidi from Hands Occupied
Photos & Products
Home Decor Print Fabric, Finnigan Tuxedo - $34.99
On a budget? Using upholstery fabric is a fantastic way to bring in stripes with DIY curtains or throw pillows.
Sundial Chair, Black/Ivory Awning Stripe - $1,850
When incorporating black and white stripes into home decor, the key is being judicious in how much you incorporate. Dropping in a couple of these vertically striped chairs, for instance, might be all you need to keep your home looking chic and not criminal.
Especial Vase, Black, Striped - $120
A large ceramic vase filled with vibrant blooms can add huge personality to a space. I tend towards the simple and solid when I style my entryway, but toss in one of these, and you've got a conversation starter.
Black and White Stripe Hat Box, Medium - $29
In need of storage? The classic hatbox is always something to keep in mind. Not only do they store tons of items out of the way, but they are stackable too.
Pagoda 8-1/2-foot Patio Umbrella by California Umbrella - $469.99
Any fans of Audrey Hepburn's My Fair Lady will recognize the silhouette of this gorgeous outdoor umbrella and the inward-tapering stripes from the film's uber-upper-crust horse racing scene. Elements that inspire daydreams about vintage films are super appealing in decor, particularly for the outdoors.
Black Horizontal Stripe Giclée Shade, Spider - $59.99
The horse-racing scene again rears its head when I look at this lampshade. That scene is probably most famous for the incredible hats donned by the ladies, and looking at all of these stripes makes me want to top every lamp I find in something like this.
Awntech Projection Black/White Striped Slope Patio Retractable Manual Awning - $751.62
While a black and white striped house might be a little unusual, a striped awning is a good way to add a different kind of element outside. This one is also retractable for cloudier days or days you want to embrace the sun.
Boots & Barkley Patterned Litter Mat, Black/White Stripe
There's no need for household pet items to detract from your decor. Buying your furry friends a striped food mat will keep their less-than-fancy feasts contained. And bonus: They'll match the rest of place!
JinStyles Cotton Canvas Chevron Striped Accent Decorative Throw Pillow Cover - $17
Turn the black and white stripe trend on its head and throw in chevron stripes. They will add some visual variety to a stripes-only space.
Eivor Throw, Black/White - $19.99
You can never go wrong with a bold throw. Never, ever.
Black and White Vertical Stripes Coffee Tray by Inspirationz Store - $59.50
I love that the stripes on this don't reach the edges of the tray. I often overlook trays when decorating a room, but they always prove themselves practical when entertaining.
Striped Kitchen Jar, Sugar, Black - $32
Who says black and white stripes need to be repeating in your decor? Not I! The single black stripe on this jar and lid is really working for me here. I want to store all of my baking goodies in jars like this.
Zigzag Floor Pouf - $249
If you live or entertain in a modest-sized space (like I do), you're always looking for flexible and storable seating ideas. Why not make that seating pop with a bold black and white chevron pattern?
Olin Black Striped Cotton Dhurrie 2'x6' Rug Runner
This 2-by-6-foot table runner from West Elm is a must for a dining room in need of black and white stripes. I like to keep a runner on hand for matching the table with the room when company comes over, particularly if it's not just for dinner.
Black and White Striped Duvet Cover Bedding Set - $82
Taking it to the boudoir: Simply selecting a boldly striped duvet cover and one or two other similarly striped items can really take a room's decor to the next level.
Canopy High Arch Nail Button Headboard - $399
You may want to avoid coupling a striped headboard with a striped duvet set. However, pairing a striped headboard and an exciting rug could be the perfect combo for your master bedroom.
Artistic Abstract Retro Stripes Lines White/Black Mouse Pad - $12.95
The visual impact of any black and white stripe is going to be big, so something as small and simple as a mouse pad will be noticeable.
Courtly Stripe Console Table - $3,700
I realize that this table is not for everyone, but the multiple patterns draw me in to a fantastical result. Someone with bold taste who's looking to add a lot of texture with just one item might consider this for their black and white decor.
War Craft Coffee Table Wearing Dazzle
I can't get over how much I'm into this table. The wood legs, multiple levels and stripes at varying angles are really working for me. I happen to be married to someone who hates rugs, so this could be a cool alternative for adding a pop to the center of a living space.
Black and White Two-drawer Cabinet - $278
Here's a more subtle take on a black and white striped table. I envision a pair of these alongside a bed in a master suite.
Black and White Stripe French Chair - AUD 790
I'm envisioning this as a dining chair, a living room chair or an accent chair for a bedroom. The silhouette is simple enough to offset the potentially overwhelming striped upholstery.
Black and White Stripe Dhurrie Rug - $129.99
I could stare at this rug all day. The offset stripes take it from being too much to just right. I want it in my living room.
Hand-painted Distressed Black and White Striped Accent Chest - $749.99
The curved bracket shape on the bottom and the curve of the legs make this dresser so fun! It's both stylish and highly functional.
White & Black Zigzag Stripe Modern Art Decorative Pillow Case - $18.99
I love that this throw pillow offers an alternative to both simple black and white stripes and a full-on repeating chevron pattern. The single chevrons add just a little texture, but not so much that they seem incongruous in a room exclusively full of stripes.
Next: 5 Smashing Black and White Homes
Next: 5 Smashing Black and White Homes