Stripes are making a strong return in bathroom design, but are they a lasting choice? With a wide range of options available, from subtle ticking to bold circus stripes, striped tiles are becoming a statement feature for bathrooms in 2024. Let’s explore how to incorporate striped tile layouts in your bathroom in a way that adds both style and functionality.
Why Stripes Are Trending in Bathroom Design
The influence of fashion on interior design is undeniable, with trends often crossing over from runways to living rooms and bathrooms. This year, stripes are not just a passing trend but a timeless pattern that can elevate your space. Whether you prefer a minimalist approach with subtle stripes or an eye-catching bold design, striped tiles can adapt to suit various design preferences.
Design experts agree that striped tiles offer both versatility and visual appeal. From maximizing space in small bathrooms to creating focal points, there are endless ways to integrate this pattern into your bathroom’s aesthetic.
1. Maximizing Space with Vertical Stripes
In smaller bathrooms, creating the illusion of height is a top priority. Vertical striped tiles are an excellent way to visually elongate the walls, giving the room an airy and open feel. Choosing lighter tones, such as pale blues or soft whites, enhances this effect, making the bathroom feel more spacious. As Louisa Alice from Mosaic Factory explains, vertical stripes not only make a room appear larger but can also continue onto the floor for a cohesive look, especially when combined with other playful tile shapes.
2. Creating Focal Points with Bold Stripes
Stripes can also be used to highlight specific features of the bathroom. Consider incorporating bold, contrasting stripes as a feature wall behind the vanity, shower, or even along the bath panel. This draws attention to key areas and adds a striking visual element. For example, Grazzie Wilson from Ca’ Pietra describes a bathroom with vertically placed striped tiles on the bath panel, making the tub stand out as the centerpiece of the room.
3. Combining Horizontal and Vertical Stripes
For a dynamic design, don’t hesitate to mix horizontal and vertical stripes. The combination of both orientations can alter the perception of space and proportion. Vertical stripes can draw the eye upward, while horizontal stripes can help widen the room. This optical illusion technique is perfect for larger bathrooms or those with a high ceiling, allowing you to create a balanced and stylish look.
As Barrie Cutchie from BC Designs suggests, blending both directions of stripes can add depth to your design, especially when applied strategically on walls and floors. Combining both gives you the flexibility to manipulate the room’s proportions while keeping the design exciting.
4. Subtle Stripes: The Border Approach
If you prefer a more understated approach, using stripes as a border or accent band can add a touch of pattern without overwhelming the space. This approach is perfect for those who want a subtle yet effective design element. You can apply this technique along the shower wall, framing the vanity, or even around mirrors to delineate spaces. By choosing complementary colors or textures, such as pairing matte tiles with glossy finishes, you can create a harmonious and sophisticated look.
5. Combining Stripes with Other Patterns
While stripes can stand alone, they also pair beautifully with other patterns, such as geometric wallpapers or soft florals. The key to a successful combination is to maintain balance between the patterns. As Grazzie Wilson from Ca’ Pietra points out, stripes and bold wallpapers can coexist when their scale and proportion are thoughtfully considered. A mix of large and small patterns can create a lively yet balanced atmosphere.
Stripes in bathroom design are not just a passing trend but a versatile and timeless choice that can be used in various ways. Whether you choose to use vertical stripes to create height, combine horizontal and vertical designs for optical illusions, or add subtle borders for a touch of pattern, striped tiles can enhance your bathroom’s visual appeal. With the right design elements and color choices, stripes can make your bathroom feel spacious, stylish, and uniquely yours.
