Using Wallpaper As a Room Decoration

Wallpaper is a versatile room decoration that comes in many different styles, colors and textures. The right choice can be a perfect complement to your home’s furniture, accessories and existing décor or can create a focal point that adds interest and drama to the room. There are also several types of wallpaper materials, including vinyl, fabric and paper, so it’s important to choose the type that best matches your personal style.

The most popular types of wallpaper are pre-pasted and vinyl-coated, which make it easy to install and resistant to tears. A primer or bonding agent is applied to the wall before applying the wallpaper, which helps the paper adhere and provides a smooth surface for hanging. The wallpaper can be removed without tearing and is easy to clean, making it an excellent option for areas that get a lot of use.

For more durability, heavy-weight wallpapers are recommended for rooms that receive a lot of traffic or where moisture is a concern. It’s important to measure the area of each wall, excluding baseboards or crown molding, to calculate how much wallpaper is needed. This will help ensure that the pattern is repeated in the proper proportion throughout the room, eliminating unsightly gaps at corners or where walls meet each other. It’s a good idea to allow for 5% extra material for waste as well.

If you’re concerned that a large pattern will look too busy, opt for one that has a smaller scale or a more neutral color scheme to keep it looking sleek and contemporary. You can also use a more traditional pattern in an unexpected way, such as lining the inside of drawers to give them a pop of color that’s only visible when the drawers are opened.

Embossed wallpapers are another great alternative to traditional woven papers. They can provide texture and dimension to a space, with some even resembling leather or tin ceilings. However, they are not as washable and may require a special clear paste for installation.

Another great use of wallpaper is to highlight a specific architectural detail, such as a fireplace or built-in bookshelves. The patterned wall draws the eye to that feature and accentuates it, making it the center of attention in the room. If you have a statement piece of artwork or a collection of decorative objects, hang them on the same side as the wallpaper to create a harmonious balance.

When choosing a color of wallpaper, it’s important to purchase rolls that carry the same dye lot or run number. This will ensure that the ink color is consistent between each roll and doesn’t vary significantly. Mixing different lots can cause noticeable color variations on the finished product.