Stripes are, of course, the most classic of prints, but they are also getting some extra attention right now, with all the most stylish homeowners incorporating them into their schemes. And I am not just talking about the classic broad stripe you might associate with coastal decor or Hamptons-style interiors (although they are also very on trend right now), stripes are being celebrated in all their forms, from wiggle striped wallpapers to dainty designs painted onto ceramics.
And one room seems to be embracing the stripe more than others – the bathroom. My social media pages are filled with fun, stylish striped bathrooms that are far from characterless, sterile spaces. They are celebrating color and pattern and texture, and because stripe is such a classic print, they all feel classic too, not overly trend-led or at risk of dating any time soon.
Decorating with stripes makes this functional, practical room playful and charming, and there are so many ways to bring this iconic print into your bathroom, from tiles and wallpaper to towels and accessories.
1. Decorate bathroom walls with a stripe wallpaper
Bathroom wallpaper is a great way to bring in a softer texture to your scheme, and it's a perfect way to bring stripes in, too. In this space, a green and white stripe design on the walls instantly frames the bathroom vanity, adding contrast and plenty of personality.
'One of the most effective ways to introduce stripes into a bathroom is through wallpaper or a painted accent wall. Vertical stripes are a popular choice because they draw the eye upward, making ceilings appear taller and the entire space feel more open. A striped feature wall behind a vanity can act as a strong focal point without overpowering the room,' says Sabrina Dylag, lead designer at MDI Luxury Design.
'Beyond their visual charm, stripes can reshape the way a bathroom feels. Vertical stripes elongate walls, creating the impression of height and openness. Horizontal stripes, on the other hand, can widen narrow bathrooms and add balance. In either orientation, stripes provide a sense of structure and direction, which helps keep the space from feeling stagnant or visually flat.'
2. Introduce tonal stripes through tiles
Bathroom tiles are an important part of any scheme to bring in a functional element that is also utterly stylish. And stripe tile layouts are the perfect way to make a statement with this classic design.
'Stripes in a bathroom? They’re here to stay. From fashion to interiors, they’re a forever trend and are set to be bigger and better than ever in 2025,' says Grazzie Wilson, head of creative at Ca’ Pietra. 'Don’t go thinking they’re reserved to ticking stripe curtains and circus stripe cushions, style up your bathroom with striped tiles and you’ll find yourself top of the decor charts,' she adds.
'One of our favorite ways to introduce stripes is exactly like this – using a mix of tonal tiles in a vertical formation across the bath surround. It’s a clever, simple technique that transforms what could be a purely functional feature into a standout design detail,' says Grazzie.
'It works especially well with glazed tiles that have variation in tone and texture, because it adds depth and movement. You can go bold with contrast or keep it tonal and serene. Either way, it’s a look that elevates the room without overwhelming it.'
3. Add stripes in an instant with towels
There are some much smaller, more accessible ways to add stripes into an existing scheme that don't require refinishing the walls. Look to the essentials you use daily – towels are a great place to start.
In this bathroom, stripes are a dominant feature on the shower nook and the surface of the vanity. But a blue and white striped towel has been draped over the rail to add even more texture and color.
This simple addition can add a playful element even if you don't have stripes in your existing scheme. If you have other patterns in your space, pick out the main colors to create cohesion between the different prints.
4. Or, bring in stripes through a shower curtain
If you like the idea of bringing stripes into the bathroom through accessories, why not take it one step further with a window or shower curtain featuring stripes? It's a choice that adds interest and will instantly soften your scheme.
'For a more flexible or low-commitment approach, consider striped shower curtains, floor tiles, or accessories like towels and bath rugs to add pattern without permanence,' suggests Sabrina.
This bathroom is a fun, maximalist example. A strong color palette of green and white has been carried throughout the space, from the floral wallpaper to the shallow wall paneling. The Woven Rugby Stripe curtain ties in perfectly, featuring the same green and white tones in a stripe pattern.
5. Pair wall paneling and striped wallpaper for added interest
A bathroom fully drenched in striped wallpaper might be too much for some tastes, but there are different approaches you can take. 'Stripes can be introduced through the form of the room, whether that’s with bathroom paneling, ribbed glass, or fluted brassware,' says Keeley Sutcliffe, design manager at BC Designs.
'We often use vertical stripes to elongate a space visually, which works particularly well in small bathrooms or spaces with lower ceilings.' In this bathroom design, stripes have been introduced vertically and horizontally for a more dynamic look.
The wallpaper on the upper half of the walls brings in a bolder design, while the traditional wall paneling offers a subtler feature that adds a more calming finish to the bathroom.
Shop striped bathroom decor and accessories
A bath mat is one of the easiest ways to bring stylish stripes into your bathroom. This cotton design features a cream base with yellow stripes, the perfect color combination as we approach summer.
A stylish shower curtain is not only a fun way to introduce stripes, but also color. This design comes in five different color pairings, offering a playful element to bathrooms, especially in rentals.
You don't always have to opt for plain stripes – this bath towel features white and green stripes with a blue edge detail and charming strawberry motifs. The cutest bathroom accessory.
Stripes come in many different styles and designs, including this floral wallpaper. It's the perfect way to blend stripes and florals, and this one is suitable for use in well-ventilated bathrooms.
We often talk about elevating your bathroom accessories, like soap bottles and toothbrush holders, to give your space a more luxurious feel. This set of striped ceramics is a timeless choice.
Fluted finishes are a more subtle way to bring stripe details into your bathroom. For something that feels a bit more luxe, these marble bathroom canisters are great for storing essentials.
There are so many stylish and timeless ways to bring stripes into your bathroom, whether you create a striking tile design or introduce smaller accessories that are easily interchangeable.
'In the end, stripes are a smart and stylish design choice for the bathroom. With thoughtful execution, they add energy, elegance, and even a playful edge. Best of all, their adaptability means they can complement nearly any style – from classic and coastal to sleek and contemporary,' says Sabrina.
Make sure you consider your bathroom color ideas when introducing striped decor – you want the pieces you bring in to feel cohesive with the rest of your design, and perhaps even make your bathroom look more luxurious.
