How to Paint Horizontal Stripes on Walls

Wall painted with horizontal stripes

The effects of painting stripes on a wall can be dramatic. Horizontal stripes can make a room appear wider than it is and add a fresh new look to an old wall. This kind of decor will appeal to children who may want to have a combination of several different bright colors. The same colors that are used on a wall can also appear on accent pillows, area rugs or picture frames.

Things You'll Need

• Wall paint - three colors
• Paint brushes
• Blue painter's tape
• Measuring tape
• Pencil
• Plastic sheet or newspapers (to protect floor)
• Level
• Ladder

Instructions

1. Using a measuring tape, measure the height of the wall to be painted. Decide how wide the stripes will be, such as 10 inches or 15 inches. Then with a pencil, start with the top of one corner of a wall and working down (using a ladder where necessary), mark where each stripe will be. Continue all the way down to the bottom of the wall, or to the top of the baseboard (if there is one). Do the same down the middle of the wall as well as in the opposite corner.

2. Attach blue painter's tape from one end of the wall at a point where a stripe will be painted and stretch it across the wall to the opposite corner. Press it down so that it is level all the way across. Use a level to check for evenness. Make sure the tape is secured to the wall so that sharp stripes can be painted. Continue applying the blue painter's tape across the wall where stripes will be, either on the inside of a stripe where no paint will be applied or on the outside of a stripe where there will be paint applied. Check each application of blue painter's tape with a level for straightness.

3. Paint inside the area where the blue painter's tape has outlined for painting. Do not paint the area between the marked stripes area to remain unpainted. Let dry. In the event this area is to be painted as well, wait until the first set of stripes are completely dry, then apply blue painter's tape along the edges and paint the remaining stripes with a contrasting color.

4. Peel off the blue painter's tape carefully and discard.

Tips & Warnings

• Mark and paint one wall at a time before deciding to do another one. Painting an entire room of four walls with horizontal stripes can be more than a weekend project. Deciding which colors to choose can depend on a focal piece of furniture, draperies or room accessory.