Patterned sofas have always been popular. Striped sofas are especially elegant. You'll see standard pinstripes and also bold modern stripes. Sometimes the stripes even vary in thickness. Regardless of the configuration, you want your window treatments to complement the sofa. You have several approaches to that end. Consider trying one of the following ideas.

Solid Color

Perhaps the easiest method for matching a striped sofa is to hang solid-colored curtains. In that way, you'll ensure you don't clash patterns. You can choose a color from the stripes to pull through to the curtains. Another option is to choose a complement, such as peach curtains for blue stripes.

A third option is to choose a basic neutral for the curtains. The neutral color should either be the same intensity or the same warmth level of the stripe color. For example, you could match a cool taupe with a warm mustard yellow. Conversely, you can match the same cool taupe with heather gray.

Polka Dots

Stripes and polka dots complement each other. They're both simple, repetitive patterns. What's more, stripes and polka dots tend to have a different intensity factor. Polka dots are often much daintier than stripes.

Typically, the color in the polka dot drapes should match the stripe color. However, you can use the drapes to instill a pop of color. For instance, if your sofa is navy and white, you can have red drapes with white polka dots to highlight the simple lines of the sofa.

More Stripes

A bold method of matching a striped sofa is to hang striped curtain panels. You'll want to get some fabric samples to take a careful approach to this idea, but it can be eye-catching when done right. Typically, you'll vary the size of the stripes while sticking to the same color combinations.

A similar approach uses zebra print, which is another form of stripes. Zebra print is forgiving, though, because it's halfway to being a different pattern. For curtains, consider a faded zebra print to complement a boldly-striped sofa.

Floral

Floral is a completely different style of pattern than stripes. Floral patterns are usually more intricate and feature curves. As such, floral-patterned drapes can soften the geometric look of your striped sofa.

As with polka dots, you typically want to repeat the stripe colors in your floral curtain panels. Unlike with polka dots, though, you shouldn't stray too far into bold colors. If you don't want to match the colors, choose a neutral palette for the floral pattern.

Paisley

Paisley is similar to floral in that it's an intricate pattern with many curves. However, paisley patterns typically feel less formal than floral. Paisley curtains would be a great complement in an eclectic living room.

With this approach, ensure the weight of the paisley is different than the stripes. For instance, if your stripes are narrow, the paisley print should be bold. Likewise, stay away from multi-colored paisley. Look for paisley curtains with two colors.

Toile

Toile is a pastoral pattern. It features scenes from the French countryside. Toile textiles typically feature just two colors, with an occasional third for shadowing. The colors schemes are usually muted.

Toile textiles are classic in French-themed décor. Your living room would take on a French countryside appeal with toile curtains. Match the toile color and intensity to the stripes as much as possible. Don't very the color scheme by adding a new color with the toile fabric.

Neutral Window Treatments

Finally, you can never go wrong with neutrals. You have several options beyond neutral-colored curtain panels. The most obvious is to hang a permanent treatment such as plantation shutters. For most design aesthetics, the shutters should be white.

Stripes also look beautiful juxtaposed with natural fibers. Therefore, matchstick or bamboo blinds would be a beautiful window treatment to hang in your living room. Indeed, the naturalistic draperies would convey a casual appeal to the décor.

Highlight the beauty of your striped sofa with one of the above window treatment approaches. Contact Genie's Drapery Service to explore your options.