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If you think wallpaper is an outdated trend from the 70’s, then we’ve got news for you: wallpaper is back in a big way.
The use of wallpaper in contemporary interior décor is about adding dimension, drama, and even texture in a way that paint simply cannot. Whether your cover the entire room or stick to an accent wall, wallpaper can have a major impact on a room.
With so many types of paper to choose from—damask, stripes, floral, graphic—the possibilities are endless. If you’re ready to fall back in love with wallpaper, you’ll want to check out these seven decorating tips.
Small Spaces Approved
Many people worry that the use of wallpaper in a smaller room will overwhelm the space. You might be surprised to find out that it can have the opposite effect. Using wallpaper in a small room allows you to give the room a personality of its own—something that is not always easy to achieve in a tiny space.
Stick to a larger scale print to avoid that claustrophobic feeling. Wallpaper can balance out a small room with high ceilings, and lighten up a room that feels boxed in.
Install With Care
Installing wallpaper is best done with the help of a friend. Be sure to work with strips that are taller than your room: it’s better to trim off a little extra than to have too-short pieces. Finally, this might seem obvious, but always double-check that you are applying the pattern the right side up!
Mix and Match
Mixing patterns is more than okay—it can give a space dimension, and can help you highlight an accent wall or area. Choose a luxurious textured paper for the accent area, and find a less expensive pattern that compliments it to cover the rest of the room (try a simpler pattern in the same color family).
Play With Shapes
The revival of wallpaper brings with it a whole new set of trends, like cutting shapes out of beautiful wallpaper patterns to create silhouettes and illusion accents.
For instance, if your bed does not have a headboard, try cutting out wallpaper in the shape of an intricate headboard and applying it behind your bed. Voila: a faux headboard. This is a great way to add visual interest to a room when you haven’t got much space to add extra furniture.
Pair Paper With Paint
If you want try decorating with wallpaper but are a little reluctant to paper the entire house, try mixing a papered accent wall with regular painted walls. For instance, cover one wall in the bedroom (the one that is behind the head of your bed), and paint the rest of the walls to compliment the paper.
Think Beyond the Wall
Wallpapers patterns and design are more beautiful than ever before: some look more like pieces of art than wall coverings. If that’s the case, then don’t be afraid to look beyond wallpaper’s traditional use. Try covering a lampshade, lining a drawer, or even framing a square of the paper and hanging it on the wall.
Have Some Fun
Wallpaper can add life to boring spaces that are sometimes neglected in homes: think hallways, bathrooms (with good ventilation), and the insides of closets. These areas offer the perfect opportunity to play with some more dramatic wallpaper. So go ahead, have fun with it!
