I didn’t expect to fall for tennis-core, but this summer it’s completely taken over my decor mood board. There’s something about the crisp whites, grassy greens, and that mix of sporty polish with timeless prep that feels so fresh and fun.
Even if you’ve never picked up a racket, this aesthetic brings major summer charm, like your home just stepped out of a country club, minus the membership fee.
I’ve been sprinkling in subtle nods to the court, and it instantly makes everything feel more pulled together. If you love clean lines and classic style, this one’s a total ace.
1. Striped Green And White Wallpaper
Nothing says ‘game, set, match’ quite like bold green and white stripes adorning your walls. This classic pattern mimics the fresh-cut grass of Wimbledon while bringing an energetic pop to any room.
The vertical stripes can make ceilings appear higher, perfect for smaller spaces needing a visual lift. Try it in a powder room for unexpected fun or as an accent wall in a sunroom.
Pro tip: Pair with solid white furniture to keep the space from feeling too busy. The result? A room that feels like summer all year round!
2. Wicker Or Rattan Furniture
Lounging between matches calls for the perfect courtside seating! Wicker and rattan pieces bring that country club vibe straight to your living room with their airy, natural texture.
Light-colored wicker chairs or a statement rattan sofa instantly transport you to the golden age of tennis. Add some plush cushions in tennis whites or grass greens for extra comfort and theme coordination.
The beauty of these materials? They work indoors and out, so you can create a cohesive flow from your sunroom to the patio.
3. Grass-Green Area Rugs
Roll out the green carpet and transform your floor into center court! A lush grass-green area rug anchors your tennis-core aesthetic while adding warmth underfoot.
Look for solid greens or subtle patterns that won’t compete with other preppy elements in your space. Wool blends offer durability while maintaining that plush feeling of walking across freshly mowed tennis lawns.
For a fun twist, find rugs with tiny tennis racket motifs woven into the border—subtle enough for grown-ups but playful enough to make guests smile!
4. Vintage Tennis Racket Wall Art
Wooden rackets from yesteryear make smashing wall decorations! Hunt down these retro gems at thrift stores or online marketplaces—the more worn, the better for that authentic vintage charm.
Arrange them in a fan pattern above a sofa or line them up horizontally in a hallway. The natural wood tones and unique shapes create instant conversation pieces that celebrate the sport’s rich heritage.
Some folks even paint the frames in pastel colors for a more playful, contemporary take. Talk about love-all for stylish wall decor!
5. Pleated Fabric Lampshades
Serving up some serious style points, pleated lampshades echo the crisp tennis skirts that bounce across the court. These textured beauties cast a soft, diffused light that creates cozy ambiance in any room.
White pleats are classic, but pale greens or navy blue options can complement your tennis-core color scheme beautifully. Table lamps with brass or rattan bases pair perfectly with these preppy toppers.
For extra flair, look for lampshades with ribbon trim or tennis-inspired details—they’re like jewelry for your lighting!
6. White Lacquered Wood Accents
Glossy white furniture pieces score big in the tennis-core playbook! Think gleaming coffee tables, side tables with clean lines, or bookcase frames that shine like freshly polished trophies.
The high-gloss finish reflects light beautifully, making spaces feel brighter and more open. These pieces provide the perfect backdrop for colorful tennis memorabilia or green plants that pop against the pristine surface.
Mix lacquered items with matte finishes to create depth and avoid that ‘too perfect’ look. Game, set, match for sophisticated style!
7. Trophy Shelf Or Display
Channel your inner champion with a dedicated spot for shiny trophies, whether they’re actual tennis victories or vintage finds that capture the winning spirit. A floating shelf in white or dark wood creates the perfect stage for these metallic beauties.
Mix in some tennis balls, small rackets, or framed photos of famous matches to create visual interest. The varying heights and textures make for an eye-catching vignette that celebrates the sport’s competitive legacy.
Even if you’ve never won Roland Garros, these displays add a touch of victory to any room!
8. Monogrammed Throw Pillows
Nothing says ‘country club chic’ quite like your initials emblazoned on plush pillows! These personalized accents bring that members-only feeling right to your sofa or bed.
Classic combinations include navy backgrounds with white lettering or crisp white pillows with green or navy monograms. Square pillows work beautifully, but don’t overlook tennis ball-shaped round options for a playful twist.
Arrange them alongside solid-colored cushions in your tennis palette for a look that’s put-together without trying too hard. Very Ralph Lauren, very ace!
9. Framed Tennis Scorecards Or Vintage Posters
Score big style points with framed memorabilia that celebrates tennis history! Hunt down vintage tournament posters from iconic venues like Wimbledon or Forest Hills for instant wall appeal.
Old scorecards—whether they’re your personal match records or vintage finds—look amazing in simple white frames. Group several together for a gallery wall that tells a story and adds authentic character to your space.
The faded colors and retro typography of these pieces bring warmth and soul to contemporary rooms. They’re conversation starters that even non-tennis fans can appreciate!
10. Navy And White Color Palette
The classic combo of navy and white serves as the backbone of tennis-core style. This timeless pairing evokes images of crisp uniforms and traditional club colors that never go out of fashion.
Use navy as your anchor on larger pieces like sofas or walls, then layer in plenty of white through trim, accessories, and accent furniture. The contrast creates a clean, fresh feeling that’s both sophisticated and approachable.
Add pops of grass green or sunny yellow as accent colors to keep the look from feeling too nautical. It’s a color scheme that works year-round but feels especially right in summer!
11. Canvas Or Leather Club Chairs
Picture yourself watching the finals in a chair so comfy you might never leave! Substantial club chairs in canvas or leather bring that exclusive tennis club lounge feeling straight to your living room.
Natural tan leather develops a gorgeous patina over time, while white canvas offers a more casual, summery vibe. Either way, these sturdy seats provide the perfect perch for post-match cocktails or Sunday afternoon reading.
Look for details like rolled arms, brass tack trim, or green piping to enhance the tennis-core aesthetic. These investment pieces will serve your style game for decades!
12. Tennis Ball-Inspired Decor
Bounce some fun into your rooms with decor that nods to the iconic fuzzy yellow ball! Glass jars filled with actual tennis balls make quirky bookends or bathroom containers for cotton balls.
Look for accent pieces in that distinctive optic yellow—think throw pillows, vases, or even kitchen canisters. The bright pop adds energy to more subdued tennis-core elements like navy and white.
For subtle ball texture, find items with that distinctive fuzzy surface or felted wool accessories that mimic the tactile quality of tennis balls. It’s a playful touch that shows you know your sport!
13. Cabana-Striped Curtains
Frame your windows with bold stripes that bring tournament style indoors! Cabana curtains in green and white or navy and white instantly elevate any room with their sporty, structured pattern.
Floor-length panels create drama, while café curtains offer a more casual feel for kitchens or bathrooms. The vertical lines draw the eye upward, making ceilings appear higher and rooms more spacious.
For maximum impact, keep the rest of your window treatment simple—skip the valances and tiebacks in favor of clean, tailored panels that hang crisp and straight like a well-pressed tennis uniform!
14. Checkerboard Tile Flooring
Step onto a winning court with classic checkerboard floors that bring instant tennis club vibes! The alternating squares—typically in black and white or navy and white—create a timeless pattern that’s both sporty and sophisticated.
Perfect for entryways, bathrooms, or sunrooms, these graphic tiles establish a strong foundation for your tennis-core aesthetic. The geometric pattern plays nicely with the stripes and solids found elsewhere in this decorating style.
Modern options include porcelain tiles that mimic the look but offer improved durability and easier maintenance than traditional marble checkerboards. Game point for practical style!
15. Gold-Accented Bar Carts
Celebrate your match victory with a stylish drinks station! A bar cart with gold or brass details brings that trophy-like gleam to your entertaining space while offering practical service for post-game refreshments.
Stock it with glass decanters for spirits, striped paper straws in team colors, and perhaps a shaker for mixing the perfect Pimm’s Cup. The metallic finish catches light beautifully, adding warmth to the cool tennis-core palette.
Roll it wherever the party happens—beside the sofa for movie night or onto the patio for outdoor gatherings. It’s functional decor that keeps the good times flowing!
16. Classic Tennis Sweater Throws
Wrap yourself in winning style with blankets inspired by those iconic V-neck tennis sweaters! These cozy throws feature the distinctive cable knit patterns and contrasting trim that tennis stars have rocked since the 1920s.
Drape them over the arm of a sofa or the foot of a bed for instant preppy appeal. The cream background with navy and red trim is traditional, but modern versions play with green and white for a direct court connection.
They’re not just decorative—these throws provide perfect warmth for chilly evenings watching late-round matches from across the pond!