Ticking stripes have long been a decorating staple, bringing texture, dimension, and visual interest to any space. Though humble in appearance, these simple stripes can transform a room, adding warmth, character and charm. When thoughtfully incorporated, ticking stripes exemplify the power of classic motifs to make decor proud.
The Timeless Appeal of Ticking Stripes
Ticking stripes have decorated American furniture and textiles for over 200 years. The thin stripes are typically found on mattress and pillow ticking, lending a casual, homespun feel. Today, ticking stripes are commonly seen on upholstered furniture, pillows, drapes and bedding. Their timeless appeal stems from their:
- Versatility – Ticking stripes work with traditional, country, coastal, farmhouse and eclectic decors. They provide a neutral backdrop that allows bolder patterns and colors to take center stage.
- Nostalgia – Nothing evokes nostalgia for simpler times quite like ticking stripes. The familiar stripes recall cottage bedrooms and country home decors of yesteryear.
- Comfort – Visually, ticking stripes have a soft, approachable feel that brings comfort to a space. The stripes seem to relax and calm.
- Texture – The delicate striping adds beautiful texture and dimension. Light plays across the subtle ridges, creating visual interest.
- Simplicity – In a sea of complex patterns and busy prints, ticking offers simplicity. Their humble stripes bring balance and allow the beauty of other elements to shine.
Mixing Ticking Stripes in Decor
Humble ticking stripes may appear too plain on their own, but thoughtfully mixed and matched, they make decor proud. Consider these tips for effectively working them into a space:
Pair Ticking with Tone-on-Tone Prints
Ticking acts as a neutral base that allows bolder prints to take center stage. Pair it with subtle tone-on-tone patterns like houndstooth and herringbone to create a visually cohesive, polished look. The ticking grounding prevents these patterns from overwhelming a space.
Layer Different Scales of Ticking
Varying the widths of ticking stripes adds dimension and depth to a space. Consider layering a large-scale ticking on drapes with a small-scale ticking on throw pillows. Mixing fine stripe upholstery with a duvet in a dramatic broad stripe creates exciting contrast.
Use Ticking Stripes Sparingly as Accents
A little ticking goes a long way. Use ticking in small doses to add character without overwhelm. Add ticking toss pillows to a plain sofa, or ticking lampshade trim to an eclectic table lamp. Opt for ticking fabric on a pair of dining chairs around a solid table. Crown beds with ticking shams for a touch of Americana.
Choose Versatile Neutral Coloring
Stick to classic, light neutral ticking that can work anywhere throughout the home. Creamy ivories, pale blues and greys will complement surrounding colors and patterns. Avoid bright colored or oversized ticking stripes, which tends to cheapen the look. Muted colors keep ticking sophisticated.
Contrast with Texture and Sheen
Pairing ticking stripes with contrasting textures and sheens helps ticking stand out. For example, add ticking pillows to a velvet sofa or tufted headboard. Choose ticking drapes and sham paired with a silk duvet. The more texture and sheen to contrast with, the crisper the ticking will appear.
Humble Ticking Stripes Make Rustic Farmhouse Decor Proud
No decor embraces the charms of ticking quite like classic farmhouse style. Ticking stripes epitomize the casual simplicity, comfort and nostalgia characteristic of farmhouse rooms. Consider these farmhouse ticking stripe ideas:
- Upholster a sofa or armchair in ticking stripe linen or cotton for the ultimate farmhouse lounge space.
- Make a wood dining table inviting with ticking stripe table linens paired with antique china.
- Create a cozy reading nook with ticking pillows and a soft ticking quilt draped over a slipcovered chair.
- Craft charming cottage window treatments using neutral ticking stripe drapes.
- Add ticking shams and Euro pillows to a metal or wood bedframe to soften the look.
- Display beloved family memories in vintage ticking stripe frames on whitewashed walls.
- Design a timeless mudroom around lockers or a bench upholstered in durable ticking fabric.
Humble Ticking Stripes Make Coastal Decor Proud
With their casual, breezy vibe, ticking stripes are the perfect partner for coastal decors. Paired with weathered woods, sea-inspired hues and vintage nautical elements, ticking helps achieve the relaxed charm of a seaside cottage or beach home. Try these stylish ways to work ticking stripes into coastal rooms:
- Make ticking drapes the backdrop for large seascapes and vintage maps.
- Upholster a whitewashed wicker sofa or chair in tropical ticking fabrics.
- Choose Sailor stripe ticking for pillows, bolsters and window valences.
- Create a headboard from reclaimed barnwood planks and ticking stripe upholstery.
- Freshen all-white bedding with the addition of striped maritime ticking shams and pillows.
- Use ticking runners and placemats on driftwood dining tables layered with shells, starfish and distressed woods.
Conclusion
Don’t underestimate the potential of humble ticking stripes to transform your home’s decor. Though basic in form, these timeless stripes bring texture, comfort, and vintage Americana style to both classic and modern spaces. Ticking acts as a versatile neutral that allows bolder colors and prints to shine. Layering ticking thoughtfully with varying scale and texture unlocks its full potential to make decor proud. Whatever your preferred interior style, embrace the charm of ticking to add character and warmth throughout your home.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ticking Stripes in Decor
What colors and patterns work well with ticking stripes?
Ticking pairs beautifully with nautical patterns like anchors and navy stripes, as well as floral prints and plaids in reds, blues, greens, and yellows. Neutrals like denim, tan, cream and black complement ticking’s casual vibe.
What rooms are best for adding ticking stripes?
Ticking works in any room but is most popular in bedrooms, especially for headboards. It also commonly appears in living rooms on sofas and drapes. You’ll also see ticking in kitchens and bathrooms on cafe curtains and towels.
What fabrics are ticking stripes usually made of?
Traditionally ticking was made from linen or cotton. Today you’ll also find ticking stripes on polyester and cotton blends. For bedding linen and cotton ticking offer the most breathability.
What is the difference between ticking and pinstripes?
Ticking refers to very finely spaced stripes, usually 1/4″ or less between stripes. Pinstriping has stripes set further apart, from 1/2″ to 1″ between stripes. Pinstripes give a more formal look than the casual country vibe of ticking.
How do I use ticking in a small space?
When using ticking in a small space, stick to small-scale ticking on pillows, throws and accent chairs. Avoid ticking on large furniture or drapes which can overwhelm. Add ticking in tiny doses as just the right touch in a tight space.
