Nautical Stripes: See Why They're Classic for a Reason

Off the boat and into your home, nautical stripes deliver a timeless quality to any room.

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October 03, 2023

By: Chelsey Bowen

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All About Nautical Stripes

Stripes have a rich history in fashion, and they actually started as a fabric worn by outcasts. However, by the mid-14th century, stripes (particularly vertical) had become a sign of aristocracy and by the mid-1800s, stripes were the uniform for French navy seamen (it’s where the Breton stripe top comes from). Soon, seaside towns were bursting with stripes everywhere: umbrellas, bathing suits, beach tents, lounge chairs and more. It’s no wonder the pattern has become such an integral part of coastal design.

From: Chango and Co.

Make a Moment With Stripes

Fresh and bright, the open floor plan living room is mostly white with a few curated pops of color. Navy-and-white striped armchairs and pillows stand out amidst the bleached space. Over the sofa is an aerial view of a day at the beach.

From: Michael Saunders & Company

Try the Reverse

Poolside relaxation made chic. Instead of the traditional vertical stripes down the length of the cushion, these lounge chairs have chunky stripes along each side. Bright yellow umbrellas provide shade when you’re ready to take a break from the pool.

From: Beacham & Company

Opt for Classic Blue and White

The color combo of blue and white is always in style and the quintessential pairing for nautical stripes. A simple wooden armchair is dressed in the timeless stripe, and the walls are painted a light blue. Beadboard and beams add architectural details overhead, whereas, a knotted nubby area rug gives soft texture underfoot.

From: Massucco Warner Interior Design

Take It to the Shore

Not just for French sailors, the Breton stripe finds a home on these beachy dining chairs. The tailored print gives any space a pulled-together look and feels right at home on this seaside porch. Warm wood tones offset the cool hues of the outdoor space.

From: Robin Gannon

Hint With Subtle Colors

Nautical stripes don’t have to be bold, contrasting shades; try a muted combo like these pale pink-and white window shades. Vertical stripes create the illusion of height — perfect for this petite pool house bedroom. When paired with baby blue, the light pink makes for a delightfully pastel retreat.

From: Laura Boyd

Standing On Striped Ground

Grounding the living room of HGTV Dream Home 2021 is a natural fiber rug in blue-and-white stripes. The soaring two-story space has an all-Americana look with deep red walls and a cozy seating area full of comfortable furniture around a sky-high fireplace.

From: Brian Patrick Flynn

Make a Striking Entrance

When guests open the front door to this home, it’s a real wow moment. Inspired by the shade of a life preserver, horizontal coral-and-white stripes are painted to energize the home and widen the entry, a typically small space. The modern door was sprayed to match.

From: Brian Patrick Flynn

Adopt a Less-is-More Sensibility

Soothing neutrals make for a beautifully pulled-together design. To keep a pared-down color palette from feeling cold or boring, layer in different textures, fabrics and shades of neutrals. This beachy living room is both modern and warm with a striped rug defining the seating area.

From: Marie Flanigan Interiors

Bring the Beach Home With You

Even if your home is far away from the sea, nautical stripes bring a touch of beach culture to you. The oblong traditional table is surrounded by chairs reminiscent of seaside loungers. Sitting on a deep teal metal base, the dining chairs are striped in golden yellow and white.

From: Strand Hill Properties

Create Stripes With Tile

Stripes are one way to create a focal point in a room. Gray-and-white subway tiles alternate in the shower and are grounded by a basketweave tile.

From: Windermere Real Estate

Take in the Scene

Inside the HGTV Dream Home 2021’s garage is a spacious hangout area or creative workstation. A blue-and-white striped rug, made from recycled materials, adds color and pattern to the concrete floor. A beautiful mural reflects the home’s Newport, Rhode Island locale.

From: Brian Patrick Flynn

Call All Aboard

Full of nautical inspiration, this bedroom could be a luxe captain’s quarters aboard a mega-yacht. Stripes and shades of blue and white interplay with driftwood, model ships and a nightstand made to look like vintage luggage.

From: Bronwyn Poole

Come On In

An organized mudroom helps corral the clutter after a day at school and work or an afternoon at the beach. Natural fiber runners with narrow blue stripes provide a spot to knock the sand off and add texture to the hardwood floors. Built-ins with benches and cubbies allow for enough storage space to stash everyday essentials.

From: Chango and Co.

Expand Your Walls

Wide stripes elongate the walls in this cozy seating area and make the space feel instantly larger. The bottom half of the wall features glossy wood paneling, a nod to the sailboard inspiration for the room.

From: Dane Austin Design

HGTV Dream Home 2024

Nautical Stripes: See Why They're Classic for a Reason

Related To:

Shop This Look

All About Nautical Stripes

Make a Moment With Stripes

Try the Reverse

Opt for Classic Blue and White

Take It to the Shore

Hint With Subtle Colors

Standing On Striped Ground

Make a Striking Entrance

Adopt a Less-is-More Sensibility

Bring the Beach Home With You

Create Stripes With Tile

Take in the Scene

Call All Aboard

Come On In

Expand Your Walls

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