Consider the scale of your room and the pattern’s repeat before committing to wallpaper. A large, bold pattern can overpower a small space, making it feel even more cramped, while a tiny, intricate design might get lost in a grand room. Always check the pattern repeat – the distance before the design starts over. A larger repeat means you’ll need more paper and more careful alignment during installation, which can increase waste and labor costs. For busy rooms like a kitchen or hallway, opt for durable, scrubbable options. Vinyl-coated wallpapers are excellent for these areas as they resist moisture and can be wiped clean.
Choosing wallpaper for different rooms
When selecting wallpaper for interior design, think about the room’s function and the mood you want to create. For a bedroom, softer, more muted patterns or textures can promote relaxation. Consider a subtle grasscloth for a natural, calming effect or a floral design with a soft color palette. In a living room, you have more freedom to experiment with bolder patterns or statement walls. Geometric prints can add a modern edge, while damask or toile patterns offer a more traditional feel. For a home office, a subtle stripe or a minimalist pattern can provide a professional backdrop without being distracting. Ensure the wallpaper complements your existing furniture and decor.
The ‘painter’s glasshouse’ aesthetic often calls for light, airy patterns with botanical or nature-inspired motifs. Think delicate ferns, subtle floral sprigs, or abstract watercolors that mimic natural light. These designs work best when they don’t overwhelm the space, allowing architectural features and furnishings to shine. Colors tend to be soft greens, blues, and muted earth tones, creating a serene and sophisticated atmosphere. Avoid overly busy or dark patterns that would contradict this style.
Understanding wallpaper materials and types
The material of your wallpaper significantly impacts its look, feel, durability, and ease of installation. Here’s a breakdown:
- Vinyl wallpaper: Highly durable, water-resistant, and scrubbable, making it ideal for kitchens, bathrooms, and high-traffic areas. It’s often used for practical applications like commercial spaces or playrooms.
- Non-woven wallpaper: Made from a blend of natural and synthetic fibers, this type is breathable, easy to hang, and can be removed easily by peeling it dry from the wall. It’s a popular choice for DIYers.
- Paper wallpaper: The most traditional type, usually made from pulp. It’s less durable, prone to tearing, and can be damaged by moisture. Best suited for low-traffic areas like bedrooms or formal living rooms where it won’t be exposed to heavy wear.
- Textured wallpaper: Includes materials like grasscloth, linen, cork, or embossed patterns. These add depth and tactile interest to walls. Grasscloth, for instance, offers a natural, organic look but can be more challenging to clean and may show seams more prominently.
- Peel-and-stick wallpaper: A modern, temporary solution. It adheres directly to the wall without paste and can be repositioned or removed without damaging the surface. Great for renters or for experimenting with trends, though durability can vary.
- Fabric-backed wallpaper: Offers a luxurious feel and added insulation. These can be more expensive and may require professional installation due to their weight and texture.
When considering ‘poodle & blonde’ inspired interior design wallpaper, think playful yet sophisticated. This might translate to wallpapers with whimsical animal prints (not necessarily poodles, but in that spirit), abstract patterns with a soft, almost fluffy texture, or designs featuring pastel color palettes with a touch of retro charm. These wallpapers are best used to create a focal point or in rooms where you want to inject personality and a sense of fun, like a nursery, a powder room, or a creative studio.
How to measure and calculate wallpaper needs
Accurate measurement is crucial to avoid ordering too much or too little wallpaper. You’ll need a measuring tape, a pencil, and a calculator. First, measure the height of the wall from the ceiling to the baseboard. Then, measure the width of each wall. Add these widths together to get the total linear footage of your walls. Most wallpaper is sold in rolls that cover a specific width and length (e.g., 20.5 inches wide by 33 feet long). You’ll need to divide the total wall width by the width of the wallpaper roll to determine how many strips you’ll get from a single roll. Then, divide the total wall height by the width of the roll to find out how many strips you can cut from the length of the roll. Always factor in pattern repeat – a larger repeat will mean fewer strips per roll. It’s generally recommended to buy an extra roll to account for mistakes, pattern matching, and future repairs. Online calculators are readily available and can simplify this process, but understanding the manual calculation helps verify the results.
Popular wallpaper styles for interior design
The world of interior design wallpaper offers an incredible range of styles to suit any taste. Here are some popular choices:
- Geometric: From sharp chevrons and bold hexagons to subtle damask-like patterns, geometric wallpapers add structure and visual interest. They can make a room feel more modern or add a classic touch depending on the specific design and colorway.
- Floral: Ranging from delicate, small-scale blooms to large, dramatic botanical prints, floral wallpapers bring nature indoors. They can create a romantic, traditional, or even a contemporary vibe, depending on the scale and color palette. Consider exploring our stunning peacock wallpaper designs for a bold, nature-inspired statement.
- Stripes: Classic and versatile, stripes can make a room feel taller (vertical stripes) or wider (horizontal stripes). Pinstripes offer a subtle, sophisticated look, while bolder stripes can create a dramatic effect.
- Textured: These wallpapers mimic natural materials like grasscloth, linen, wood grain, or even concrete. They add depth and a tactile element to walls without the need for a busy pattern. They are excellent for creating a serene and sophisticated ambiance.
- Abstract/Artistic: These designs are often bold, expressive, and can act as a piece of art on your walls. They can range from painterly splatters to sophisticated marbled effects. For those seeking unique artistic flair, exploring exquisite designer wallpaper can lead to truly exceptional choices.
- Faux finishes: Mimic the look of other materials like brick, stone, wood paneling, or even metallics. These can add architectural interest or a touch of luxury without the cost or installation complexity of the real thing.
Installation tips for professional results
Achieving a professional finish with wallpaper requires attention to detail. Ensure your walls are clean, dry, and smooth. Fill any holes or cracks and sand them smooth. For most wallpapers (except peel-and-stick), you’ll need to apply a primer to seal the wall and ensure good adhesion. Cut your wallpaper strips longer than the wall height to allow for trimming at the ceiling and baseboard. When applying paste, follow the manufacturer’s instructions – some wallpapers are ‘paste-the-wall,’ while others require ‘paste-the-paper.’ Use a smoothing tool or a clean brush to work out air bubbles, starting from the center and moving outwards. For patterned wallpapers, carefully match the pattern at the seams. This is where having an extra roll is invaluable. If you’re unsure, watching ‘how to hang wallpaper videos’ from reputable sources can provide visual guidance.
Dealing with challenges: corners and outlets
Corners can be tricky. For inside corners, hang the wallpaper so it slightly overlaps the adjacent wall (about 1/2 inch). Then, make a relief cut vertically down the overlap, trim any excess, and smooth it flat. For outside corners, wrap the wallpaper around the corner as far as it will comfortably go, then make a relief cut if necessary to smooth it down. For outlets and switches, turn off the power at the breaker. Hang the wallpaper over the opening, make a diagonal cut from the center of the opening to each corner of the box, and then trim the excess paper around the outlet. Always re-cover the outlet plate before turning the power back on.
For those inspired by the ‘wild at heart’ aesthetic, consider wallpapers that feature lush jungle foliage, exotic animal prints in muted or dramatic tones, or abstract designs that evoke a sense of untamed nature. These can range from sophisticated leopard spots to vibrant, oversized tropical leaves. These designs are perfect for creating a dramatic accent wall or for spaces that aim for a bohemian or adventurous feel.
Maintaining your wallpaper
The longevity of your wallpaper depends on its type and how well it’s maintained. For most washable wallpapers (like vinyl or scrubbable non-wovens), regular dusting with a soft cloth or a feather duster is sufficient. For light stains or marks, you can often use a damp sponge with a mild soap solution. Test a small, inconspicuous area first to ensure the cleaner doesn’t damage the wallpaper. Avoid using abrasive cleaners or excessive water, as this can ruin the finish or cause the paper to peel. For delicate materials like grasscloth or fabric-backed wallpaper, professional cleaning might be recommended.
The ‘curious club’ theme often lends itself to wallpapers with unique, quirky, or vintage-inspired patterns. Think maps, old illustrations, encyclopedic motifs, or even playful, slightly eccentric designs. These wallpapers are excellent for creating a conversation-starting feature wall in a study, library, or even a dining room, adding a layer of intrigue and personality to the space.
When to consider professional installation
While many wallpapers are designed for DIY installation, there are times when hiring a professional is the best choice. If you have intricate patterns with large repeats that require precise matching, or if you’re working with expensive, delicate materials like silk or grasscloth, a professional can ensure a flawless finish. Busy schedules or a lack of confidence in your DIY skills are also valid reasons to seek professional help. Professionals have the tools, experience, and techniques to handle challenging walls, tricky corners, and ensure the wallpaper lasts for years. They can also often work more efficiently, saving you time and potential frustration.
If you’re looking for a specific mood or theme, consider our nautical wallpaper and coastal designs for a fresh, seaside feel. You might also find inspiration in our guide to plain chocolate brown wallpaper, or our selection of Yellowstone wallpaper designs.
Promotions and featured products
Keep an eye out for our regular promotions. These can include discounts on select collections, special offers on featured products, or bundled deals that provide excellent value. Signing up for our newsletter is a great way to stay informed about upcoming sales and new arrivals.
Explore our brands and new collections
We carry a wide range of wallpaper brands, each offering a unique style and quality. Whether you prefer classic designs, contemporary patterns, or something entirely unique, you’re sure to find a brand that resonates with your aesthetic. Our new collections are constantly being updated with the latest trends and innovative designs. From bold statement pieces to subtle, sophisticated textures, these new arrivals offer fresh inspiration for your interior design projects.
Measure up for your project
Before you start browsing, it’s essential to measure your space accurately. Our ‘measure up’ guide provides simple steps to calculate how much wallpaper you’ll need. Correct measurements ensure you order the right amount, minimizing waste and the need for additional purchases. This is a critical step for any successful wallpaper installation.