Wallpaper decor for living room: types, styles, and installation tips

The first decision for your living room wallpaper is the material. This dictates durability, ease of installation, and how it will look over time. Forget paper-only options for high-traffic areas; they tear too easily and aren’t washable. You need something more robust.

Vinyl wallpaper: durable and forgiving

Vinyl wallpapers are a workhorse for living rooms. They consist of a paper or fabric base with a vinyl coating. This coating makes them highly resistant to moisture and scrubbing, ideal for homes with kids or pets, or for living rooms that get a lot of use. The vinyl layer also hides minor imperfections on your walls, making them more forgiving during installation than other types.

Types of vinyl wallpaper:

• Solid vinyl: This is the most durable and scrubbable type. It’s great for any living room, especially if you anticipate spills or need frequent cleaning.
• Strippable vinyl: This type has a paper or fabric base with a vinyl coating. It’s easier to remove than solid vinyl, which is a plus if you like to change your decor frequently.
• Removable vinyl: Often found in peel-and-stick formats, this is the easiest to install and remove. It’s perfect for renters or those who want a temporary change. The adhesive is designed to be repositioned and removed without damaging the wall underneath, though heavily textured walls can sometimes pose a challenge.

Pros of vinyl wallpaper:

• Highly durable and scrubbable.
• Water-resistant, suitable for most living room environments.
• Hides minor wall imperfections well.
• Available in a vast range of designs, colors, and textures.

Cons of vinyl wallpaper:

• Can be less breathable than other options, potentially trapping moisture if not properly installed.
• Thicker vinyl can sometimes be harder to handle around corners and trims.
• Peel-and-stick vinyl may not adhere well to heavily textured or glossy surfaces.

Non-woven wallpaper: the modern DIYer’s choice

Non-woven wallpaper is made from a blend of natural and synthetic fibers. It’s breathable, washable, and significantly easier to hang and remove than traditional paper-backed wallpapers. The fibers give it a soft, fabric-like texture that adds a premium feel to your living room.

Installation is straightforward: you typically apply the paste directly to the wall, not the paper. This ‘paste-the-wall’ method means you can hang strips more quickly and efficiently. If you need to reposition a strip, it usually peels off easily without tearing. Removal is also clean; it often comes off in large, dry sheets.

Pros of non-woven wallpaper:

• Easy to install and remove.
• Breathable, reducing the risk of moisture buildup.
• Durable and often washable.
• Offers a slightly textured, premium feel.

Cons of non-woven wallpaper:

• Can be more expensive than basic paper wallpapers.
• May not hide severe wall imperfections as well as thicker vinyls.

Textured wallpapers: adding depth and character

Textured wallpapers go beyond flat patterns to add a tactile dimension to your living room walls. These can be made from various materials, including fabric, grasscloth, cork, or even embossed vinyl.

• Grasscloth: Made from natural plant fibers, grasscloth offers a unique, organic texture. It’s beautiful but delicate; it’s not washable and requires careful handling during installation. Best for low-traffic areas or accent walls where its natural beauty can shine.
• Embossed wallpapers: Often vinyl or non-woven, these have raised patterns created through an embossing process. They can mimic textures like linen, silk, or damask, adding a sophisticated look. Many are washable and durable.
• Fabric-backed vinyl: Combines the durability of vinyl with the soft feel and texture of fabric. These are excellent for adding a luxurious touch to a living room while maintaining practicality.

Pros of textured wallpaper:

• Adds visual interest and depth.
• Can conceal minor wall flaws effectively.
• Offers a wide range of aesthetic possibilities.

Cons of textured wallpaper:

• Some natural textures are difficult to clean and may stain easily.
• Installation can be more challenging, especially with delicate materials like grasscloth.
• Can be more expensive than smooth wallpapers.

Wallpaper murals: statement pieces for your living room

For a dramatic transformation, consider a wallpaper mural. These are large-scale images or scenes printed on wallpaper. They can cover an entire wall or be used as a focal point. You can find murals depicting landscapes, cityscapes, abstract art, or even custom photos.

Types of murals:

• Traditional wallpaper murals: These come in numbered panels that you hang like regular wallpaper, requiring careful alignment.
• Peel-and-stick murals: These are essentially large decals that apply directly to the wall. They are much easier to install and remove, making them a great option for renters or those who enjoy frequent decor changes. Many are custom-sized to fit your specific wall dimensions.

Pros of wallpaper murals:

• Create a stunning focal point and add immense personality.
• Can completely change the mood and perception of a room.
• Available in an incredible variety of designs.

Cons of wallpaper murals:

• Can be expensive, especially custom designs.
• Installation requires precision, particularly for panelled murals.
• If the design is too overpowering, it can make a small living room feel smaller.

For more on this, check out our guide on Transform your living room with a stunning wallpaper mural.

Choosing the right style for your living room

The style of your wallpaper should complement your existing living room furniture and overall aesthetic. Think about the mood you want to create.

• Modern and minimalist: Opt for geometric patterns, subtle textures, or solid colors with a matte finish. Avoid busy or overly ornate designs.
• Traditional and classic: Damask, floral, or paisleys in muted tones or rich jewel colors work well. Consider flocked or embossed finishes for added elegance.
• Bohemian and eclectic: Bold patterns, ethnic motifs, or natural textures like grasscloth can enhance this style. Don’t be afraid of vibrant colors.
• Farmhouse and rustic: Subtle botanical prints, plaid patterns, or wood-look wallpapers can add warmth. Consider matte finishes.
• Mid-century modern: Geometric shapes, atomic patterns, or abstract designs from the era are perfect.

Consider the size of your living room. Large, bold patterns can overwhelm a small space, making it feel even smaller. Conversely, small, delicate patterns might get lost in a very large room. For small living rooms, lighter colors and smaller or more spaced-out patterns are often best. In larger rooms, you have more freedom to experiment with bolder designs and darker colors.

Understanding wallpaper sizing and repeat

When ordering wallpaper, you’ll encounter terms like ‘roll size’ and ‘pattern repeat’. A standard US single roll is typically 20.5 inches wide and 33 feet long, covering about 56 square feet. However, some manufacturers sell ‘double rolls’ which are twice as long.

The pattern repeat is the vertical distance before the pattern starts over. A ‘straight match’ means the pattern on one strip aligns horizontally with the pattern on the next strip. A ‘drop match’ means the pattern on the next strip needs to be offset vertically (e.g., a half-drop match aligns every other strip to the halfway point of the pattern). Drop matches require more paper because you’ll have more waste cutting strips to align the pattern.

Always order at least 10-15% extra wallpaper to account for mistakes, trimming, and future repairs. It’s better to have a little leftover than to run out and find the dye lot has changed in subsequent batches, meaning new rolls won’t perfectly match the old ones.

Preparation is key for a professional finish

Proper wall preparation is non-negotiable. Skipping steps here will lead to peeling, bubbles, and a finish that screams amateur.

1. Clean the walls: Wash down walls to remove any dirt, grease, or old adhesive residue. Use a sugar soap solution or a TSP substitute. Rinse thoroughly.
2. Repair imperfections: Fill any holes or cracks with spackle or joint compound. Sand smooth once dry.
3. Prime the walls: Applying a coat of wallpaper primer is crucial. It seals the surface, making it less porous, which helps the wallpaper adhere better and makes future removal much easier. It also prevents stains from the wall bleeding through lighter wallpapers. Use a primer specifically designed for wallpaper.
4. Remove old wallpaper (if applicable): If you have old wallpaper, remove it completely. Steaming and scoring are common methods. Ensure all traces of adhesive are gone.
5. Check for mold or mildew: If present, treat the area thoroughly before proceeding.
6. Ensure walls are dry: Let primer and any repaired areas dry completely before hanging wallpaper.

Tools and materials you’ll need

Gathering the right tools before you start will make the job much smoother:

• Wallpaper (of course!)
• Wallpaper primer
• Measuring tape
• Pencil
• Level or plumb line
• Utility knife with sharp blades (multiple blades are recommended)
• Straight edge or metal ruler
• Seam roller (for smoothing seams)
• Smoothing brush or plastic smoother
• Paste brush or roller (if not using pre-pasted or paste-the-wall)
• Bucket for paste and water
• Drop cloths to protect floors and furniture
• Sponge and clean water for wiping excess paste
• Ladder or step stool
• Optional: Wallpaper steamer (for removal), screwdriver (to remove outlet covers)

Hanging wallpaper: step-by-step

The exact method varies slightly depending on whether your wallpaper is pre-pasted, unpasted, or peel-and-stick, but the general process for traditional paste-the-wall or paste-the-paper is as follows:

1. Measure and cut your strips: Measure the height of your wall from ceiling to baseboard. Add 4-6 inches to this measurement for trimming at the top and bottom. Cut your first strip. If your wallpaper has a pattern, ensure you