Why not have a little fun with wallpaper? Whether used in small amounts (for example, on the ceiling or in a powder bath) or incorporated on all four walls of a room, printed papers never fail to make an impact. If you’re new to working with wallpaper and feel a bit intimidated by the trend, don’t fret—we spoke with interior designers who weighed in with plenty of helpful hints for covering those walls.
01. Create a Jewel-Box Bathroom
Don’t shy away from a quirky print if you find one that speaks to you. The powder room is an excellent place to incorporate a pattern you wouldn’t normally choose, given that you can easily shut the door to section it off from the rest of the home. Not sure how much wallpaper to purchase? We’re here to help with a simple calculator that will do the hard work for you.
02. Cover Your Bookcases
Add some zing to your built-ins with pretty paper. It’s totally fine to choose a solid colored option here, given that your books and decor will serve as the main attraction.
03. Go Somewhere Unexpected
Yes, you can most definitely use wallpaper behind closed doors—it always makes for a fun surprise. “Some of the best ways to use wallpaper in unexpected ways are in closets and drawers,” designer Liz Caan says. “Sometimes I will use a floral in a guest bedroom and then a sweet ticking stripe in the closet.” Putting away clothes just got way more fun. Another fun place to add wallpaper? The fifth wall! Wallpapering the ceiling is unexpected and allows you to add a pattern without becoming a distraction to the other design elements in the room.
04. Make an Accent Wall Shine
If you’re not ready to commit to wallpapering an entire room, start small with an accent wall. Choose a single wall—behind the bed, the sofa, or in a hallway niche—and let it steal the show with a striking pattern or texture. Accent walls are a great way to highlight architectural details or create a focal point without overwhelming the room. For a cohesive finish, pull colors from your wallpaper into nearby textiles or decor pieces to tie the space together.
Ready to get started? Note that evaluating wallpaper swatches in person is a great way to determine just exactly which prints will look best in your home before making a major commitment. Grab a few of your top picks and go to town!
