What Type of Border Coordinates With a Horizontal Striped Wall?

General Influences

• The style of border may be influenced by patterns in your upholstery, the style of your furnishings and architectural detail. Choose a design element from your upholstery or cushions, and look for a pattern that complements it. If you have ceiling medallions or crown molding, look for a pattern that will enhance the design. Another factor in choosing your border will be the width of the horizontal stripe. A small narrow stripe will look best if the border has a larger pattern with perhaps some curvilinear shapes to provide visual relief and contrast. A wide stripe will give more options because the larger space will not present a visual conflict with the border.

Cultural Influences

• Make an ethnic or cultural statement by examining iconic and traditional design elements from regional art and architecture. For a room with Asian influences, choose an Asian medallion pattern with a geometric design. For a Greek, Roman or Mediterranean Neoclassical style, pick a Greek Key, Ionic capital or sea shell scallop. If your style is African, select a stylized vertical tropical leaf, Egyptian tomb icon or a block fabric pattern. The classic fleur-de-lis or harlequin diamond pattern is a good choice for a French flavor. The flag of a region is also a good resource for finding images and patterns.

Art Movement Influences

• Pop art, art deco and art nouveau are decorative art movements that can be used as influences. These styles lend themselves well to the clean structure of a horizontal stripe. Art deco has strong, geometric, symmetrical shapes. Sunbursts, arches, circles, squares, streamlined and stylized shapes are the best patterns for an art deco border. Art nouveau is characterized by long whiplash lines and organic shapes. Select design elements from nature such as blades of grass, flowers, vines and spirals. Pop art relies heavily on strong line and vivid colors; visual movement and optical illusion are key elements. A tightly spaced vertical line or dots that gradually become more widely spaced would be the ideal pop art border.

Repeating Patterns

• Repeating patterns of any type work well with horizontal stripes. Consider the width of the stripe, and contrast the size of the border pattern. For a narrow stripe, choose a larger more widely spaced border pattern, and for a wide stripe choose a smaller, more tightly spaced border pattern. Standard repeating patterns include circles, checkerboard, stars, numbers, text and letters, vertical stripes, polka dots and spirals. Borders can be purchased, but they can also be hand stamped, stenciled, painted or hand drawn to suit your own style.