Burgundy striped wallpaper offers a unique way to introduce depth and elegance into your living spaces. Unlike more muted tones, a strong burgundy stripe commands attention, making it ideal for accent walls or entire rooms where you want to create a focal point.
Choosing the right burgundy stripe
The visual impact of burgundy striped wallpaper depends heavily on the stripe’s width, spacing, and the surrounding colors. Consider the following:
- Stripe width: Thin, pinstripe-like burgundy lines can offer a subtle texture and a more formal feel, often seen in traditional or classic designs. Wider stripes create a bolder, more contemporary statement.
- Spacing: The distance between stripes affects the overall pattern density. Closely spaced stripes can make a room feel more enclosed, while wider spacing can open up the space.
- Color variations: Burgundy itself is a spectrum. Some wallpapers feature a deep, wine-red hue, while others lean towards a more muted, almost brownish-red. Consider how the specific shade will interact with your existing decor and natural light.
- Pattern scale: Beyond stripes, some wallpapers incorporate subtle damask or floral elements within or alongside the burgundy lines. Ensure the scale of these secondary patterns complements your room’s furnishings.
Material types for burgundy striped wallpaper
The material of your wallpaper significantly impacts its durability, ease of installation, and final appearance. Here are the most common types:
1. Vinyl-coated wallpaper
This is a popular choice for its durability and washability. The vinyl coating makes it resistant to moisture and stains, which is excellent for high-traffic areas like hallways or even kitchens and bathrooms. The vinyl also makes it easier to clean with a damp cloth. Installation is generally straightforward, as it’s often strippable when wet.
2. Non-woven wallpaper
Made from a blend of synthetic fibers and paper, non-woven wallpaper is breathable, durable, and resistant to shrinking or expanding with humidity changes. It’s considered eco-friendly and is known for its ease of installation and removal. The ‘paste-the-wall’ method is typically used, which can speed up the hanging process.
3. Peel-and-stick wallpaper
This option is ideal for renters or those who like to change their decor frequently. It comes with an adhesive backing, eliminating the need for paste. Burgundy striped peel-and-stick wallpaper can be repositioned during application, making it forgiving for DIYers. While convenient, ensure the surface is clean and smooth for best adhesion, and be aware that it may not be as durable or long-lasting as traditional options.
4. Traditional paper wallpaper
While less common for bold patterns like burgundy stripes due to potential durability issues, traditional paper wallpaper is still available. It requires paste for application and can be more challenging to clean. It’s generally the most budget-friendly option but may not be suitable for areas prone to moisture or heavy wear.
Installation guide for burgundy striped wallpaper
Proper installation is key to achieving a professional finish. Follow these steps:
1. Preparation is crucial
- Clean the walls: Ensure walls are clean, dry, and free from dust, grease, or old adhesive. Wash them with a mild detergent and water, then rinse and let them dry completely.
- Repair imperfections: Fill any holes or cracks with spackle and sand smooth. Minor imperfections can show through thin wallpaper.
- Prime the walls: Applying a wallpaper primer seals the surface, making it easier to slide the paper into place and ensuring better adhesion. It also prevents the wall’s color from bleeding through.
- Mark your guidelines: Use a plumb bob or a laser level to draw a perfectly vertical line down the wall. This will be your starting point for the first strip, ensuring it’s straight.
2. Cutting the wallpaper
- Measure the height of your wall from ceiling to baseboard and add 4-6 inches for trimming at the top and bottom.
- Cut your strips, ensuring you align the stripe pattern on each subsequent strip before cutting.
- If your wallpaper has a pattern repeat, account for that when cutting.
3. Applying the wallpaper
- Paste-the-wall (for non-woven): Apply an even coat of wallpaper paste directly to the wall for one strip at a time, following the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Paste-the-paper (for traditional/vinyl-coated): Apply paste evenly to the back of the wallpaper strip, letting it ‘book’ (fold over itself) for a few minutes as per the instructions to allow the paste to activate.
- Hang the first strip: Align the edge of the first strip with your vertical guideline. Smooth out any air bubbles or wrinkles using a wallpaper brush or smoothing tool, working from the center outwards.
- Hang subsequent strips: Butt the edges of each strip together. Avoid overlapping unless specifically instructed, as this can create visible seams. Continue smoothing out bubbles as you go.
4. Trimming
- Once a strip is in place and smoothed, use a sharp utility knife and a straight edge (like a metal ruler) to trim the excess wallpaper at the ceiling and baseboard. Change blades frequently for clean cuts.
Common mistakes to avoid
Several errors can undermine the look of your burgundy striped wallpaper:
- Not cleaning walls: Dirt and grease prevent proper adhesion, leading to peeling.
- Skipping primer: This can result in the wallpaper sticking too permanently or not at all, and can cause issues when you decide to redecorate later.
- Uneven application of paste: This leads to bubbles and seams that are difficult to correct.
- Not using a plumb line: Hanging the first strip crookedly will make the entire pattern look off, no matter how carefully you hang the rest.
- Overlapping seams: On most wallpapers, overlapping creates a raised line that attracts dirt and looks unprofessional. Always butt seams together.
- Using a dull blade for trimming: This will tear the wallpaper rather than cut it cleanly, leaving a ragged edge.
Burgundy striped wallpaper can transform a room, adding a sense of warmth, luxury, and personality. Whether you opt for a subtle pinstripe or a bold, wide band, careful selection and installation will ensure a stunning result. For more ideas on creating impactful walls, explore timeless striped wallpaper designs.