An accent wall is the quickest way to inject personality into a room, and wallpaper is one of the most impactful ways to achieve it. When selecting accent wallpapers, consider the scale of the pattern relative to the room size and furniture. Large, bold patterns can overwhelm small spaces, while subtle designs might get lost in a grand room.
Understanding wallpaper materials
The material of your accent wallpaper dictates its durability, ease of installation, and how it looks. Here are the most common types:
Paper-backed (Traditional) wallpaper
This is the most basic type, consisting of a printed paper layer. It’s often the most budget-friendly option but also the least forgiving. It can tear easily during application and is susceptible to moisture damage. If you choose this, ensure your wall surface is perfectly smooth and dry. It’s best suited for low-traffic areas like guest bedrooms or formal dining rooms where it won’t be subjected to wear and tear.
Vinyl wallpaper
Vinyl wallpapers offer a significant upgrade in durability and cleanability. The vinyl coating makes them resistant to moisture and stains, perfect for kitchens, bathrooms, or even kids’ rooms. They are generally easier to hang than traditional paper and can often be wiped clean with a damp cloth. Look for options with a good weight and a clear, even coating. This type is a solid choice for most areas of the house.
Non-woven wallpaper
Non-woven, or ‘paste-the-wall,’ wallpaper is made from a blend of synthetic fibers and paper. This material is breathable, more durable than traditional paper, and significantly easier to hang and remove. You apply the adhesive directly to the wall, not the paper, which simplifies the process and reduces the risk of stretching or tearing. It’s also more forgiving of minor wall imperfections. Non-woven wallpapers are excellent for high-traffic areas and are a favorite among DIYers.
Textured wallpapers
These can be made from various materials, including grasscloth, linen, cork, or even embossed vinyl. Textured wallpapers add depth and a tactile element to your accent wall. Grasscloth and natural fiber wallpapers offer an organic, sophisticated look, but they are more delicate and require careful handling during installation. Embossed vinyl wallpapers can mimic the look of more expensive materials like silk or damask at a lower cost and with greater durability. These are great for creating a rich, layered feel.
Peel-and-stick wallpaper
Peel-and-stick is a modern solution gaining popularity for its DIY-friendliness. It has a self-adhesive backing, making installation straightforward – you simply peel off the backing and apply. This makes it ideal for renters or for those who like to change their decor frequently. While convenient, ensure you clean the wall thoroughly before application, as dust and debris can compromise adhesion. The quality can vary greatly; opt for thicker, higher-quality vinyl-based peel-and-stick options for better durability and a less ‘plastic-y’ look.
Choosing the right style for your accent wall
The style of your accent wallpaper should complement your existing decor and the room’s function. Consider these popular options:
Geometric patterns
From chevrons and stripes to more complex abstract designs, geometric wallpapers add a modern, graphic punch. They work well in contemporary, mid-century modern, and even eclectic spaces. Use bold geometrics on a single wall to create a focal point without overwhelming the room. Ensure the scale of the geometric pattern is appropriate for the room’s size. For example, large, interlocking shapes might be best for larger rooms, while smaller, repeating motifs can work in tighter spaces.
Floral and botanical prints
These can range from delicate, vintage-inspired blossoms to dramatic, oversized tropical leaves. Floral and botanical wallpapers bring a touch of nature indoors and can create a calming or vibrant atmosphere depending on the design. Large-scale floral prints can serve as a dramatic statement, while daintier patterns offer a softer, more traditional feel. Consider linking your floral accent wall to other decor elements, like in our guide to plum accent pillows to tie the room together.
Stripes
Stripes are a versatile choice that can alter the perception of a room’s dimensions. Vertical stripes can make ceilings appear higher, while horizontal stripes can make a room feel wider. Bold, contrasting stripes create a dynamic look, while subtle, tone-on-tone stripes offer a more understated elegance. Classic navy and white or black and white stripes are timeless, but don’t shy away from more colorful options for a bolder statement.
Damask and traditional patterns
For a touch of old-world charm or classic elegance, damask, Toile, or other traditional motifs are excellent choices. These intricate patterns can add a sense of luxury and sophistication. They are particularly effective in formal living rooms, dining rooms, or master bedrooms. If you’re drawn to a more rustic or country aesthetic, explore options that evoke a similar timeless charm, like those discussed in our comprehensive guide to country wallpapers.
Faux finishes
Wallpapers designed to mimic other materials like brick, wood, marble, or concrete can provide the look of an expensive finish without the cost or complexity. Faux brick or wood can add a rustic or industrial feel, while faux marble can lend a luxurious touch. These are often made from durable vinyl, making them practical for various spaces.
Abstract and artistic designs
For a truly unique statement, consider abstract or artistic wallpapers. These can feature painterly strokes, ink splatters, or contemporary graphic art. They are perfect for modern, eclectic, or minimalist interiors where you want the wallpaper to be the main art piece. These designs often serve as conversation starters.
Planning your accent wallpaper installation
Proper planning is crucial for a professional-looking accent wall. Rushing this stage often leads to costly mistakes.
Measure your wall accurately
Calculate the square footage of your accent wall. Measure the height and width, and multiply them. Add at least 10-15% to this total to account for pattern matching, potential mistakes, and future repairs. It’s always better to have a little extra than to run short. For a standard 8-foot ceiling height and a 12-foot wide wall, you’re looking at 96 sq ft. Adding 15% brings that to 110.4 sq ft. Most standard rolls are 56 sq ft (20.5 inches wide by 33 feet long), so you’d need at least 2 rolls.
Prepare the wall surface
This is perhaps the most critical step. The wall must be clean, dry, and smooth. Remove any old wallpaper, paint, or loose material. Fill any holes or cracks with spackle or joint compound, sand them smooth once dry, and wipe away dust. For a seamless finish, especially with lighter-colored or textured wallpapers, priming the wall is highly recommended. Use a quality primer that is compatible with your wallpaper adhesive (if not using peel-and-stick). A uniform surface ensures the best adhesion and prevents the underlying wall color or texture from showing through.
Gather your tools and materials
Having everything ready before you start will make the process much smoother. You’ll need:
- Your chosen accent wallpaper
- Wallpaper adhesive (if not peel-and-stick)
- Primer (recommended)
- Measuring tape
- Pencil
- Level
- Utility knife with extra blades
- Straight edge or ruler
- Smoother or squeegee (plastic or felt)
- Seam roller (for certain materials)
- Bucket for adhesive
- Stepladder
- Drop cloths to protect your floor
Step-by-step installation guide
The exact steps can vary slightly depending on the wallpaper type, but here’s a general process for traditional or non-woven wallpapers:
Step 1: Mark your starting point
Using your level and pencil, draw a plumb (perfectly vertical) line on your wall. This line should be slightly less than the width of your wallpaper roll, starting from a corner or an area that’s easy to hide if there’s a slight error. This line ensures your first strip goes on straight, which is essential for the rest of the installation.
Step 2: Cut your wallpaper strips
Measure the height of your wall and add about 4-6 inches for trimming at the ceiling and baseboard. Cut your first strip. If your wallpaper has a pattern repeat, ensure you align the pattern on subsequent strips before cutting. Lay the strips out in the order you’ll hang them, numbering them lightly on the back.
Step 3: Apply adhesive (if necessary)
For traditional paper-backed wallpaper, you’ll typically book the adhesive by applying it to the back of the paper and letting it soak for a few minutes (follow manufacturer instructions). For non-woven (‘paste-the-wall’) wallpaper, apply the adhesive directly to the wall, covering an area slightly wider than one strip. Ensure even coverage.
Step 4: Hang the first strip
Carefully align the edge of your first strip with the plumb line you drew. Unroll the strip down the wall, leaving the extra length at the top and bottom. Gently smooth the wallpaper onto the wall using your smoother or squeegee, working from the center outwards to eliminate air bubbles. Overlap the edges slightly if you’re working into a corner.
Step 5: Hang subsequent strips
Hang the next strip, butting the edge against the previous strip (do not overlap unless specifically instructed by the manufacturer for a particular type of wallpaper). Carefully match the pattern repeat. Smooth out any air bubbles as you go. Use a seam roller on the seams of vinyl or heavier papers once the adhesive has set slightly, but be gentle with delicate materials.
Step 6: Trim the excess
Once a strip is smoothed and in place, use your utility knife and straight edge to carefully trim the excess wallpaper at the ceiling and baseboard. Use a sharp blade; a dull blade will tear the paper. You may need to change blades frequently.
Step 7: Clean up
Use a damp (not wet) sponge or cloth to wipe away any excess adhesive from the wallpaper surface and seams. This is important to prevent staining or damage, especially with lighter-colored papers.
For Peel-and-Stick Wallpaper:
The process is simpler: measure and cut your strips, peel back a few inches of the backing, align the top edge with your starting point (a level line is still recommended), and smooth the wallpaper onto the wall, gradually peeling off the backing as you go. You can reposition peel-and-stick wallpaper within a short timeframe, which is a huge advantage for beginners. However, ensure good adhesion by pressing firmly, especially along edges.
Common mistakes to avoid
Even with the best intentions, some mistakes can ruin your accent wall. Be mindful of these:
- Skipping wall preparation: Applying wallpaper over an unprimed, dirty, or uneven surface is a recipe for peeling, bubbling, and poor adhesion.
- Not using a level: Hanging the first strip crooked will throw off the entire wall, making pattern matching impossible and the final result look unprofessional.
- Using a dull knife: This leads to jagged, torn edges that are impossible to hide. Always use a sharp blade.
- Over-handling delicate materials: Natural fiber or very thin papers can stretch, tear, or get damaged if you scrub them too hard or try to reposition them too often.
- Washing with too much water: Excessive water can reactivate the adhesive or damage the paper, leading to streaks or bubbling. Use a damp cloth.
- Not accounting for pattern repeat: Underestimating the amount of wallpaper needed due to a complex pattern repeat will leave you short and potentially unable to find a matching dye lot later.
- Applying in extreme temperatures: Very hot or cold rooms can affect adhesive drying times and adhesion. Aim for a moderate room temperature (around 65-75°F or 18-24°C).
Styling your accent wallpaper
Once your accent wall is installed, consider how to best showcase it. The goal is for the wallpaper to be a focal point, not compete with itself.
- Furniture placement: Arrange furniture so it doesn’t completely block the view of the accent wall. You might place a sofa against a different wall, a console table with artwork, or chairs angled towards it.
- Complementary colors: Pull colors from the wallpaper to use in your accessories, textiles, and decor. This creates a cohesive look. For instance, if you have a bold floral wallpaper, pick out one or two accent colors from the print for throw pillows or curtains. If your accent wall is a rich beige, you might want to explore undertones and textures further in our guide to beige accent walls.
- Lighting: Ensure the accent wall is well-lit. Consider accent lighting, such as a spotlight or wall sconces, to highlight the texture and pattern, especially in the evening.
- Keep other elements simple: To let the accent wallpaper shine, keep the other walls and decor relatively neutral or understated. Avoid busy patterns or too many decorative items on the opposite walls.
- Artwork and mirrors: Strategically placed artwork or mirrors can enhance the accent wall. A large mirror can reflect light and the wallpaper’s pattern, making the room feel larger. A piece of art that complements the wallpaper’s theme or color palette can tie the whole design together.
A well-chosen accent wallpaper can dramatically change the feel of a room. By understanding the materials, styles, and installation process, you can confidently create a stunning focal point in your home.