Patterned wallpaper can instantly transform the look and feel of a room. From modern geometric prints to classic floral designs, the options are endless. Here are 13 creative ways to use patterned wallpaper in your home:
1. Accent Wall
One of the most popular uses for patterned wallpaper is on an accent wall. This is when you cover one full wall with a bold print. It immediately draws the eye and creates a dramatic focal point in the room. Choosing a lively print, like stripes, geometrics or abstract shapes, makes the biggest impact. Keep the remaining walls muted with neutral paint colors so the accent wall can really stand out.
2. Focal Point
Draw the eye to a specific part of a room by wallpapering only that section. For example, use patterned wallpaper on the wall behind a bed, sofa or dining table. This highlights these key furniture pieces. Opt for a print that complements the rest of the room’s color scheme. Florals look beautiful behind a bed while graphic prints are striking behind a sofa or chair.
3. Ceiling
For a fun and unexpected look, install patterned wallpaper on the ceiling. It adds interest and gives rooms a whimsical feel. Smaller scale geometric or floral prints work best so they don’t overwhelm the space. Make sure to choose a wallpaper intended for ceilings that can handle the moisture, temperature fluctuations and other conditions.
4. Backsplash
The kitchen backsplash is the perfect place to add a little patterned flair. Choose wallpaper with a wipeable surface that can stand up to splashes and spills. Retro, kitschy prints like fruit, vegetables or diner-style motifs infuse the kitchen with charm. Alternatively, go for something more subtle like Moroccan tiles or tonal geometric patterns.
5. Closet Lining
Organize your closet in style by using wallpaper to line shelves, drawers or other storage areas. Pretty floral prints help conceal clutter while also dressing up plain storage spaces. For a more glamorous effect, try a shimmery or mirrored wallpaper inside closets and wardrobes.
6. Bookshelves
Let your book collection take the spotlight by wallpapering the back of bookshelves. Opt for a library-inspired look with traditional damasks, brocades or herringbone prints. Or create an eye-catching backdrop with bright colors and bold patterns. Be sure to use vinyl-coated wallpaper that’s durable and wipeable.
7. Bathroom Wallpaper
Make a bathroom feel like a relaxing oasis by covering walls with calming prints. Try earthy palms, tropical leaves or zen-like textures, which add natural style without overwhelming a small space. Florals and damasks also bring a sense of tranquility with their soft, curving patterns. Use wallpaper made specifically for high-moisture bathroom conditions.
8. Powder Room
For a small space like a powder room, go bold with the wallpaper! Use this little room to show off your fun, fearless style with daring prints. Try a vibrant hummingbird pattern, pretty chinoiserie motifs or even a retro pineapple design for a tropical punch. Since powder rooms get occasional use, you can be adventurous with your wallpaper choice.
9. Foyer
Make a stellar first impression by wallpapering the entryway to your home. For traditional homes, classic damasks, scrolls and intricate lace prints add a dose of timeless sophistication. Contemporary spaces can handle modern graphic or geometric wallpapers for an instant wow factor. Keep the pattern black and white for maximum contrast.
10. Dining Room
Bring added flair to your dining space with wallpaper behind the eating area. For formal dining rooms, timeless damasks, tone-on-tone stripes or symmetrical motifs complement traditional decor. More casual eating areas can handle fun prints like food motifs or even faux wood panels for rustic character.
11. Staircase
Boost the visual appeal of a staircase by adorning the walls with patterned wallpaper. Long vertical repeats work best on long stairwell walls. Try vertical stripes, trellises and floor-to-ceiling damasks. Keep the pattern consistent from top to bottom for the best flow. For twice the impact, wallpaper both sides of the staircase.
12. Nursery
Delight a little one’s eye with playful prints in the nursery. From polka dots, stripes and whimsical woodland creatures to storybook motifs, there are so many charming options. Wallpaper one wall with an accent pattern, or cover all four walls for an enveloping effect. Just take care to choose non-toxic inks for baby’s health.
13. Home Office
Energize your workspace with uplifting patterns tailored to your style. Floral trellises, geometric shapes and nature motifs all lend a cheerful vibe. Choose colors that are soothing but not too sedate. Let the wallpaper infuse your home office with inspiration as you work.
Now that you have seen some of the diverse ways to use patterned wallpaper, it’s time to choose designs for your home. Here are some tips when selecting prints:
Consider the Scale
The pattern scale refers to the size of the individual design elements. Large scale prints have bigger motifs. Small scale patterns feature tiny repeating elements. For walls, medium to large scale prints tend to work best. Very small designs can make a space feel cluttered.
Mind the Colors
Choose colors in the pattern that coordinate with your room’s existing scheme. If your furnishings are neutral, you can go bold with the wallpaper print. But if your room is already filled with lots of color, stick to wallpaper with similar or more muted tones.
Think About Texture
Look for wallpapers with different textures for added visual interest. Flock prints add a velvety dimension, while faux wood and grasscloth papers offer organic texture. Metallic and glitter wallpapers add shimmer for a glamorous effect.
Consider the Style
Match the wallpaper print to the overall decorating style you want. Florals, damasks and traditional motifs complement classic spaces. Mid-century modern rooms look great with graphic palm and tropical prints. Contemporary rooms can handle geometric patterns and nature themes.
Order Samples First
Never select a wallpaper solely based on how it looks online. Always order a physical sample to see the scale, colors and texture accurately. Samples also help you make sure the pattern complements existing furnishings.
Check Repeat Size
The wallpaper repeat refers to how often the pattern repeats vertically and horizontally. A large repeat means more space between pattern repeats. A small repeat has fewer inches between repeats. Make sure the repeat suits the proportions of the wall you want to cover.
Calculate Yardage
Use an online calculator to determine how much wallpaper you’ll need. Enter room dimensions, pattern repeat and number of doors and windows to get an accurate yardage amount. Remember to account for matching patterns and cutting around obstacles.
Match the Pattern
Most wallpapers require matching the pattern at seams. Some designs are meant to have the pattern run continuously between panels, while others require alternating layouts. Look at the sample to determine the best way to match the pattern when hanging the wallpaper.
Hanging Wallpaper Tips
Once you’ve selected the perfect print, it’s time to hang it. Use these tips for great results:
- Prep the walls properly by cleaning, repairing imperfections and applying primer. This helps the wallpaper adhere smoothly.
- Gather the right wallpaper hanging tools – smoothing brush, razor knife, sponge, drop cloths, wallpapering table and more.
- Set up proper lighting so you can see the pattern alignment clearly.
- Take time to arrange and pre-cut your panels, allowing for matching repeats and upside-down hanging.
- Apply a clear strippable paste to the back of the paper for easiest hanging and clean removal later.
- Eliminate bubbles and wrinkles as you hang by smoothing gently but firmly. Don’t overwork the paper.
- Use a wallpaper smoother and seam roller to flatten seams between panels.
- At inside and outside corners, carefully cut the wallpaper for a precise fold. Use fresh razor blades.
- Wipe away excess paste along finished seams for a neat look.
- Once the paper is up, run a clean, dry cloth over it to remove any remaining bubbles or paste.
With the right prep work and tools, you can achieve a professional-looking wallpaper installation. Work slowly and smoothly for best results.
Wallpaper Removal Tips
Taking down old wallpaper is a chore, but these tips make it easier:
- Start by scoring the surface with a scoring or perforating tool to allow moisture underneath.
- Mix hot water and fabric softener in a spray bottle. Spray the solution generously on the wallpaper and wait 5-10 minutes.
- Use a putty knife to start gently scraping off the wet wallpaper. Go slow to avoid damaging the drywall underneath.
- For stubborn areas, reapply the hot water and fabric softener and wait longer to penetrate.
- Use a melamine sponge to scrub off any paper or paste residue.
- Once all the old wallpaper is down, clean the walls thoroughly before applying primer and repainting.
With some perseverance, you can successfully remove wallpaper and prepare the walls for fresh paint or new wallpaper. Just be patient and careful as you work.
FAQ About Patterned Wallpaper
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about decorating with patterned wallpaper:
Is wallpaper hard to put up?
Wallpaper installation takes some practice but it is very doable, especially with removable peel-and-stick papers that don’t require pasting. Watch tutorials to learn proper techniques. Go slowly and smooth carefully as you hang. Have a friend help for easier pattern matching.
Should I wallpaper my entire house?
Wallpapering every room tends to look overdone. Use it selectively in 1-3 rooms for best effect. Bathrooms, foyers, dining rooms and accent walls benefit most from wallpaper. Use paint for day-to-day living spaces like bedrooms and family rooms.
Is wallpaper outdated?
Wallpaper is having a major resurgence now, especially peel-and-stick papers. Contemporary prints with geometric patterns, tropical motifs and nature themes keep wallpaper looking fresh and current.
Can you paint over wallpaper?
Sometimes you can paint directly over wallpaper, provided the paper is tightly adhered and not glossy. But for best results, remove old wallpaper before painting. Use a degreasing primer meant for wallpapered surfaces if painting over paper.
Should you remove wallpaper before selling a house?
Removing dated or damaged wallpaper helps attract buyers. Removing wallpaper isn’t an absolute must, but if a home has outdated patterns orbad peeling areas, taking it down can modernize it. Neutral paint has wider appeal.
With some creativity and the right print for your space, patterned wallpaper can make a stylish statement in any room. For a bolder look, don’t be afraid to cover multiple walls or experiment with fun motifs. Wallpaper adds affordable personality that ordinary paint just can’t provide. With so many diverse options, you’re sure to find the perfect lively pattern to transform your home.
