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Posted on: October 12, 2011

A Taste of Chevron

More than just a run-of-the-mill zigzag, the chevron stripe is a popular modern décor trend with vintage roots

By Lindsey Romain
CTW Features

A chevron pattern gives a distinct retro feel to this Lucite tray from tilly | maison. Image courtesy tilly | maison

What’s a way to add a little zig to your home-décor zag? Try a chevron pattern, a repeating V-shaped stripe that has been cropping up in all forms of design, from cushions to runway dresses to wallpaper.

A chevron stripe is a spin on the basic zigzag pattern, taking the classic chevron shape (think of the blue and red double-V Chevron Corp. logo) and elongating it into a multi-purpose design tool. Singular chevrons have been seen on badges and insignias, but the repetition makes it a pattern.

“It’s similar to the square and rectangle discussion: a square is always a rectangle, but a rectangle is not always a square,” says Lisa Lagenhop, marketing manager for Greendale Home Fashions, a cushion company that features chevron stripes on their products. “In the same vein, chevron is always a zigzag, but a zigzag is not always a chevron.”

The versatility of the chevron stripe, and the distinction from traditional zigzag patterns, is most likely responsible for its recent popularity.

“There’s an element of tradition, but it’s still bold, geometric and simplistic,” Lagenhop says. “Chevron brings rhythm and color into your home space without being overwhelming. It’s cool and friendly but fairly tame.”

Lagenhop advises incorporating it into a room in small pops instead of big doses.

“Using it in a throw pillow or a tray is a perfect bit of visual interest in almost any style of décor,” she says.

In turn, designers like chevron for the opportunity it creates to experiment with the traditional zigzag element.

“It’s a classic plain stripe, but just a notch higher on the fun scale,” says Carolyn Tillman, a designer whose shop, tilly | maison, specializes in hand-painted trays and other household items in chevron.

Tillman started her store in the summer of 2010 after searching high and low for a Lucite tray with a chevron stripe. She couldn’t find one, so she created her own and launched a business based on the pattern, which features trays both large and petite in size, and in black or taupe striped with white. “Now, chevron is everywhere,” she says.

Chevron pillows and poufs can add pizzazz to any room. Image courtesy Greendale Home Fashions

Lagenhop traces the popularity to roughly five years ago, when it started appearing in high fashion along with tribal patterns.

“Because chevron has some of the deliciously bold flavors of tribal but none of the wildness, it quickly transitioned into décor for the masses,” she says.

Nowadays, chevron is found at all levels of retail, but traces of it can be found in vintage products, too, like antique rugs and retro lamp shades. The popularity of vintage design is a venue for the stripe, although it isn’t categorized by one particular era.

“There are definitely color palettes that will create a retro feel, but for the most part, using these stripes feels very now,” Tillman says. “Although the beauty of the stripe is that it can also work within vintage style beautifully.”

The pattern has been around for centuries, according to Lagenhop, but its boldness and alternative take on a classic zigzag “makes it a perfect fit for today’s sentiments.”

Just be aware. It’s possible to love the uniqueness of chevron stripes a little too much.

“I have to limit myself,” admits Tillman. “I’m so drawn to the pattern that if I’m not careful, my apartment would end up covered in stripes.”