Love Wallpaper but Afraid to Use it? Here’s How to Decorate with Wallpaper
Love Wallpaper but Afraid to Use it? Here’s How to Decorate with Wallpaper
Wallpaper has come and gone with popularity since the 1800s. The latest trend was in the 1980s wallpaper was an “out” trend as paint finishes and textures like stippling and rag-rolling became popular. But I’m happy to say that wallpaper is back and better than ever! When used properly, wallpaper can brighten any room and make the room really come to life.
Angie and I have used wallpaper in various ways and love using wallpaper in powder rooms, wet bars, bedrooms, and dining rooms. Wallpaper can also be unexpected and FUN to use in a hall closet, laundry room, guest bedroom or staircase.
In this article we’ll cover the following: designing with wallpaper, when to use wallpaper, other ways to use wallpaper as art - framing a piece of wallpaper, where to buy wallpaper, and paint vs wallpaper
Designing with Wallpaper and Knowing When to Use Wallpaper
What we love about wallpaper is you can make a statement with a bold wallpaper or you can use a soft, subtle wallpaper in your newborn’s nursery. I find that working with wallpaper is a bit like working with tile in that you can choose how bright and audacious or neutral and peaceful you want the room to feel.
In this bedroom, we used the Serena and Lily Feathered Wallpaper in Denim. https://www.serenaandlily.com/products/feather-wallpaper/774303 This space needed some texture to the room and a statement wallpaper can set the tone for the entire room. It also made the room feel brighter as there isn’t much natural light but this bright and airy wallpaper lightened the space.
For the below small bar area, we used a geometric pattern wallpaper to bring height to the space. It almost looks like tile! It actually has some texture to the paper and although it was expensive, it was a small space so the total cost was affordable.
Geometric Blue Wallpaper for Bar Area
As mentioned above, small spaces can feel larger when using the right wallpaper. If your ceilings are short, then using a wallpaper that has a linear, tall design will give the illusion of a higher ceiling. This can also work with bold patterns just be sure it’s the right pattern and it doesn’t make the room feel tighter. An example would be a powder bath. Rifle Paper Co, Caroline Cecil Textures and Wallpapers to Go have some wonderful wallpapers for small spaces.
Tight on finances but want to freshen up your space? Oftentimes wallpaper can sub as furniture. If you have an empty space that you’re not sure what to do, adding a bold patterned wallpaper can fill the void and you’ll no longer need a piece of furniture in that empty space. An example would be an entryway or a long hallway that feels cold and empty.
PRO TIP: If the wallpaper is a neutral palette then using it on multiple walls is great. However, limit the use of wallpaper to one main wall if the paper is bold with lots of pattern as you don’t want to sensory overload your guests!
Framing Wallpaper as Art
A trick when you’re on a budget or you just weren’t ready to commit to the expensive furniture or artwork is to frame wallpaper. You could also do this with fabric, stationary cards or your kid’s artwork. Ha!
You can look for wallpaper in a color palette that will set the tone for your space. Add in some new throw pillows and this becomes an easy and affordable way to change up the feel of your space without buying new furniture. We love this framed wallpaper look from Aztec Home https://www.astekhome.com and this Serena and Lily wallpaper that sits behind a cool lighting featured by Shining on Design
How to Hang Wallpaper
Scared to hang wallpaper? Yeah, we know the feeling! The charge for installing wallpaper is all over the board, so if you can’t find or if you don’t know someone you love, then try your hand at installing it yourself. Here is a video from Architectural Digest on how to hang wallpaper. Let us know if you do DIY your wallpaper and we’d love to see a picture of your finished wall!
https://www.architecturaldigest.com/story/how-to-hang-wallpaper
Where to Buy Wallpaper:
There are so many places to find wallpaper. I like to see wallpaper in person so I have a few places in Dallas that I go to. But, there are several online stores where you can order samples and that has worked out really well for us too. Below is a list of several wallpaper stores.
Caroline is an excellent designer and has a small but wonderful wallpaper collection. What I love about her designs is they sit as a neutral, almost like a paint but with pizazz! Her geometric wallpaper designs are great for small rooms and short ceilings to make the room feel larger and taller.
www.carolinececiltextiles.com
Rifle Paper Co has such incredible patterned wallpaper. I love their bold designs and bright colors. They have so many options.
https://riflepaperco.com
We love and have used Serena and Lily wallpaper. Their wallpaper is easy to use, fun patterns and has held up beautifully!
Perigold has so much wallpaper to choose from so have fun browsing!
https://www.perigold.com/decor/sb0/wallpaper-c1866887.html
Milton and King is a high end wallpaper designer who has visually stunning paper.
Astek Home is known for their ingenuity in design and exceptional craftsmanshiph. Looking at their wallpaper is like going to a museum.
For a budget conscious wallpaper, check out Wallpaper To Go. They have a great selection at affordable prices.
https://www.wallpaperstogo.com
Have you used wallpaper? What’s your favorite brand? Where did you use the wallpaper? We’d love to hear from you!