![Hand applying a vertical stripe of painter's tape to wall Hand applying a vertical stripe of painter's tape to wall](https://contentgrid.homedepot-static.com/hdus/en_US/DTCCOMNEW/Articles/how-to-paint-vertical-stripes-hero.jpg)
Difficulty
Beginner
Duration
Over 1 day
If you're looking for creative wall painting ideas, consider taking your decorating to the next level by painting stripes on your walls. High-contrast straight lines will elevate the look of a room and is an easy paint design for walls that DIYers of any skill level can tackle. Use this guide gives you step-by-step instructions on how to paint your walls with vertical or horizontal stripes.
Plan Your Striped Accent Wall
![Painter's tape, brush and roller laying on a table. Painter's tape, brush and roller laying on a table.](https://contentgrid.homedepot-static.com/hdus/en_US/DTCCOMNEW/Articles/how-to-paint-vertical-stripes-prep.jpg)
Stripes are relatively easy paint designs for walls. It takes only a day or two to create vertical striped walls. Follow these steps to prepare for your project:
- Plan out your look. Need a dramatic focal point? Go with vertical striped walls in simple black and white. Want a tight space to feel spacious? Try wide, neutral-colored horizontal stripes.
- Gather your wall paint colors, painter's tape, a small paint roller and a few paint rags.
- Prepare your walls with paint primer.
Measure Your Walls
![Hand using pencil and tape measure to mark and measure wall. Hand using pencil and tape measure to mark and measure wall.](https://contentgrid.homedepot-static.com/hdus/en_US/DTCCOMNEW/Articles/how-to-paint-vertical-stripes-step-1.jpg)
- Measure the width of your wall and find a stripe width that can be divided into this number
- Moving horizontally, use a tape measure and a colored pencil to place a mark every five to 12 inches. The width will depend on how narrow or wide you want your stripes.
- Start measuring opposite the least-seen corner and continue around the room.
- Allow the stripe to fold around the corner or adjust your measurements as necessary to end with a stripe in the corner.
Draw Straight Lines
![Hand using a level and pencil to mark a wall. Hand using a level and pencil to mark a wall.](https://contentgrid.homedepot-static.com/hdus/en_US/DTCCOMNEW/Articles/how-to-paint-vertical-stripes-step-2.jpg)
Place a level on the wall using the marks you have created. Use the colored pencil against the level and draw a stripe line straight down toward the floor. To make it easier, draw your line as level and straight as possible.
Apply Painter's Tape
![Hands applying painter's tape vertically to a wall. Hands applying painter's tape vertically to a wall.](https://contentgrid.homedepot-static.com/hdus/en_US/DTCCOMNEW/Articles/how-to-paint-vertical-stripes-step-3.jpg)
It’s important to place painter's tape correctly to create precise stripes. Carefully apply your painter's tape along the outside edge of each pencil mark. Press down firmly on the inner edges of the tape to create crisp, clean lines.
Paint the Base Color
![A woman's hand using a roller to paint a stripe. A woman's hand using a roller to paint a stripe.](https://contentgrid.homedepot-static.com/hdus/en_US/DTCCOMNEW/Articles/how-to-paint-vertical-stripes-step-4.jpg)
Paint the wider stripe of the two stripes you marked off with your base paint color. Make sure to overlap your painting onto the painter’s tape. This prevents your accent stripe color from bleeding underneath the tape.
Tip: Make a light "X" on the stripes that should be painted over with the accent color to help you keep track, or mark arrows on the painter's tape.
Paint the Accent Stripe
![Pink and white stripes painted on a wall. Pink and white stripes painted on a wall.](https://contentgrid.homedepot-static.com/hdus/en_US/DTCCOMNEW/Articles/how-to-paint-vertical-stripes-step-5.jpg)
- Apply a second coat if needed.
- Remove tape while accent paint is wet.
- Continue making stripes and carefully removing tape until the last accent stripe is made.
How to Paint Horizontal Stripes on a Wall
![A living room featuring a horizontal blue stripe. A living room featuring a horizontal blue stripe.](https://contentgrid.homedepot-static.com/hdus/en_US/DTCCOMNEW/Articles/how-to-paint-stripes-on-wall-2023-step-7.jpg)
Follow these steps to paint horizontal stripes on a wall:
- Measure the height of your wall and find a stripe width that can be divided into this number.
- Starting from the top down to the floor, use a measuring tape and a colored pencil to mark off how wide your horizontal stripes will be.
- Use a level to draw a straight horizontal line at the top and bottom of each stripe.
- Follow steps 4 through 6 above.
Tip: If you want the wall stripe at the top and bottom of your wall to be the same color, measure out an odd number of stripes.
Painting stripes on your wall is an easy way to elevate your space. By following simple steps, you’ll have a fun accent wall in no time. Whether you’re shopping for paint, brushes or other materials, Home Depot has the supplies you need for your next painting project. Use the Home Depot Mobile App to locate products and check inventory. We’ll take you to the exact aisle and bay.