Painting Ombré Stripes on a Wall

Vern Yip showed HGTV Magazine how to paint perfect ombré stripes. Here’s how you can try the trend.
Painted Stripes from Dark to Light

Ombré Stripes by Vern Yip

“Stripes ranging from light to dark give a space amazing energy. And they’re a cinch to paint—even in a bathroom,” says designer Vern Yip. Selecting five happy-together colors is totally foolproof—just pick from the same paint strip. Paint: (from top) Gratifying Green, Bonsai Tint, Haven, Dill, and Greenfield, all by Sherwin-Williams

Photo by: Mark Lund

Mark Lund

“Stripes ranging from light to dark give a space amazing energy. And they’re a cinch to paint—even in a bathroom,” says designer Vern Yip. Selecting five happy-together colors is totally foolproof—just pick from the same paint strip. Paint: (from top) Gratifying Green, Bonsai Tint, Haven, Dill, and Greenfield, all by Sherwin-Williams

Materials Needed:

  • tape measure
  • painter's tape
  • level
  • paint in five shades of green (or your color of choice)
  • paint roller

Step 1

Starting from the ceiling, measure the height of your wall and divide by 5 to figure out how tall each stripe should be. Add a line of tape where the top horizontal stripe will end, using a level.

Step 2

Paint the top stripe the lightest green. Remove the tape at the stripe’s bottom edge while the paint is still wet. Let dry.

Step 3

Apply a new strip of painter’s tape on the lightest stripe, along its bottom edge. Add a second piece of tape where you want your next stripe to end. Paint the second stripe the next darkest shade. Remove both pieces of tape while the paint is still wet. Let dry.

Step 4

Repeat step 3 for the remaining three stripes, ending with the darkest green at the bottom.

Next Up

How to Properly Paint Your Home's Exterior

Give your house a fresh, updated look with exterior paint.

Top 10 Ways to Paint Like a Pro

For a professional-looking paint job, do what the experts do.

How to Paint Wood Furniture

Learn how to strip, sand and paint wood furniture.

Read This Before You Paint Your Front Door

So, you’re ready to paint your front door. Whether it’s just a touchup with a favorite hue or an entirely new shade that will grace your entrance, take note of these helpful hints before you pick up your brush.

Give Your Entryway Design a Bold Makeover Inspired by 'Windy City Rehab'

Take a cue from Windy City Rehab and give your home's entryway a bold makeover with a painted accent wall.

How to Design a Bold Home Bar Inspired by 'Windy City Rehab'

Skip the trip downtown this weekend and build this bold in-home bar inspired by Windy City Rehab instead.

How to Paint Laminate Countertops

New kitchen countertops can be an expensive upgrade. Transform your kitchen without breaking the bank by priming and painting your existing laminate counters.

Block Print Like a Pro: How to Carve Rubber Stamps for Fabric Printing

If you’ve always wanted to create your own T-shirt design, this tutorial by Maine artist Allison McKeen will have you block printing with color in no time. Plus, the tools you need are easy to use and just as easy to find at almost any craft store. Learn how to block print like a pro with this easy beginner’s guide to carving rubber block stamps and using fabric block-printing ink to make your design shine.

The HGTV Stars' Favorite White Paints

Choosing the best white paint for your space can be a challenge. Our experts and designers are here to help.

The Ultimate Guide to White Paint

If you’re painting your walls white, the options are endless. This handbook from HGTV Magazine will help you find the right one.

Go Shopping

Get product recommendations from HGTV editors, plus can’t-miss sales and deals.

Follow Us Everywhere

Join the party! Don't miss HGTV in your favorite social media feeds.