The entryway is the first space guests see when entering your home, so it’s important to make a great first impression. Choosing the right wallpaper for your entryway can completely transform the look and feel of the space, ushering in elegance and style. As interior design experts, we’re going to explore the power of entryway wallpaper and provide tips on selecting the perfect patterns and colors to suit your home’s aesthetic.
Why Use Wallpaper in Entryways
Wallpaper is an impactful design element that immediately catches the eye. It allows you to make a bold statement and set the tone for the rest of your home’s decor. Here are some of the top reasons to consider wallpapering your entryway:
Makes a Strong First Impression
The entryway wallpaper will be the first thing guests notice when coming into your home, so take advantage of this prime decor real estate. Choose a style that conveys your personal taste and leaves a lasting impression.
Defines the Space
Entryways are often small, narrow spaces that can feel cramped or undefined. Wallpaper helps carve out the entryway by distinguishing it from adjoining rooms.
Adds Visual Interest
Plain entryway walls tend to look boring and uninspired. Wallpaper adds eye-catching flair with color, prints, textures and dimensional designs.
Complements Your Style
From traditional damasks to modern geometrics, there’s a wallpaper to match every decor style. It seamlessly brings cohesion to your entryway design.
Conceals Flaws
Wallpaper camouflages imperfect walls and architecture quirks like uneven surfaces or strange angles. It gives a flawless, polished look.
Affordable Updating
Compared to remodeling, wallpaper is an easy and affordable way to update the space. Refreshing the look yearly is simple and cost-effective.
Makes a Statement
Entryway wallpaper conveys your personality and sets the aesthetic tone for your home. It shows guests your style sensibilities from the moment they walk in.
Adds Color
Inject color into neutral entryways with vibrant wallpaper prints and patterns. It creates an energizing pop of color.
Tips for Selecting Entryway Wallpaper
Picking the perfect wallpaper design for your entryway requires consideration of style, color, and practical factors. Here are our top tips for selecting wallpaper that checks all the boxes:
Complement Architecture and Furnishings
Match the wallpaper style to your entryway’s architectural details and existing furnishings. For contemporary spaces, choose modern graphic prints. Traditional entryways look best with classic damasks or floral designs.
Consider Durability
Entryways tend to get a lot of wear-and-tear from people brushing past the walls. Look for durable vinyl or acrylic-coated papers that can withstand occasional bumps and scrapes. Washable wallpaper is also a smart option.
Check Lighting Conditions
Notice how much natural and artificial light your entryway gets. Bold patterns show up better in well-lit spaces. For dim hallways, go for metallic or shimmering wallpapers that catch and reflect the light.
Calculate the Scale
The scale of the wallpaper print needs to fit the size of your entryway. A large-scale damask can overwhelm a narrow hallway. Conversely, a tiny floral looks lost on a grand foyer wall.
Visualize Traffic Patterns
Map out where people walk through or pause in your entryway. Busy traffic areas are best suited for subtle textures or tone-on-tone prints. Save bold graphics and contrasting colors for less-trafficked walls.
Select Colors Strategically
Consider the wall colors of adjoining rooms and how the entryway wallpaper color will coordinate. Neutral palettes give you the most flexibility, while vibrant hues make the biggest impact.
Mind the Ceiling Height
A tall ceiling can handle an oversized motif, while a lower ceiling benefits from smaller scale prints. Vertical stripes help draw the eye up in lower spaces.
Check Lighting Fixtures
Notice where sconces, pendants or artwork will be hung on the wall. Look for wallpaper designs where fixtures won’t compete or clash with the print.
Order Extra Rolls
Have 10-20% extra wallpaper on hand for future repairs or replacement since entryway wallpaper sees so much use. Store extra rolls properly to avoid fading or creasing.
Entryway Wallpaper Ideas
Now let’s explore some inspiring wallpaper ideas perfect for entryways:
Damask Wallpaper
Classic damask wallpaper ushers in elegance. TheRepeated patterns and subtle sheen add just enough ornate detailing without overpowering the small space. Stick to low-contrast damasks or tone-on-tone for a refined look.
Grasscloth or Jute Wallpaper
Natural fiber wallpapers like grasscloth and jute add organic texture. Modern interpretations in neutral colors feel fresh yet grounded. Tip: Grasscloth can show rubbed areas, so avoid placing on frequently touched entryway walls.
Faux Brick or Wood Wallpaper
These realistic “faux finish” wallpapers mimic textures like brick, wood plank, or stone. Entryways gain cozy visual interest. Faux wallpaper is also great for covering flawed or damaged existing walls.
Mural Wallpaper
Make the entryway wallpaper the main event with a large-scale mural. Try panoramic landscapes, black and white cityscapes, or artsy abstract prints. Murals work well on large bare entry walls or as a bold accent wall.
Metallic or Foil Wallpaper
Shimmering metallic wallpaper catches the light beautifully in entryways. Gold, silver, bronze and other metalized finishes add glamour. Pair metallics with sleek modern decor or use it as an accent wall.
Geometric and Graphic Prints
Bold geometric shapes and graphic stripes or patterns make a modern statement. Sophisticated black-and-white prints look sharp and elegant in minimalist entryways.
Pivot Point to Pattern or Color
Use a pivot point like wainscoting, chair rail molding or picture ledges to divide the wall into upper and lower halves. Wallpaper the bottom section with colorful patterns, or finish the top portion with a bold print.
Wallpaper Accent Wall
For a budget-friendly pop of style, wallpaper just one entryway wall instead of all four. Choose the wall visitors see head-on as they enter. Mirrors can reflect the paper, making the impact seem doubled.
Wallpaper Border or Columns
Strategically place wallpaper in borders, bands or vertical columns instead of covering the entire wall. This is a nice compromise for people who want just a touch of pattern without going overboard.
Expert Tips for Installing Entryway Wallpaper
Installing wallpaper well is crucial for getting a polished result, especially in an entryway that sees heavy use. Follow these pro tips:
Carefully Prep Walls
Remove any gloss or texture from walls so the paper adheres smoothly. Fill cracks and sand bumps for the flattest surface. Prime any repaired areas.
Set Up Proper Lighting
Task lighting ensures you can see wall imperfections and watch for bubbles during installation.Proper lighting also helps match up repeating patterns.
Use a Specialty Wallpaper Adhesive
Choose an adhesive made specifically for wallpaper rather than multi-purpose glues. Clear adhesives prevent staining light wallpapers.
Take Your Time Hanging
Don’t rush the hanging process. Carefully smooth out bubbles and creases as you go. Allow extra time for intricate aligning of complex patterns.
Use a Wallpaper Smoother
A plastic smoother tool helps apply even pressure to flatten wallpaper against the wall and remove bubbles or wrinkles.
Trim Edges Carefully
Use a sharp razor knife and metal ruler to neatly trim excess wallpaper at ceilings, baseboards, corners and switch plates.
Work From the Middle Outwards
Start applying wallpaper in the center of the wall, smoothing it out towards the outer edges. This prevents gaps at seams.
Watch Lighting at Seams
As you apply the paper, inspect the seams in the same type of lighting that illuminates the room. Seams are less visible this way.
Take Breaks to Prevent Fatigue
Wallpaper installation is taxing. Take regular short breaks to maintain concentration and avoid messy mistakes.
Use Low-Adhesive Tape on Delicate Papers
On easily torn specialty papers, use low-adhesive tape like masking tape to gently hold pieces in place before sticking them.
Common Questions About Entryway Wallpaper
Still have questions about selecting and installing wallpaper in your entryway? Here are answers to some frequently asked questions:
Is wallpaper difficult to install?
Wallpaper installation takes precision and patience but is very doable for DIYers with the proper prep work, tools and technique. Many popular papers today have pre-pasted, peel-and-stick backing for simpler application.
How do I remove existing wallpaper?
Use a perforating tool to score the old wallpaper so removal solution can penetrate. Chemical removers or a steamer help saturate and separate the layers for removal. Take your time removing it thoroughly.
Should I hire a professional?
For intricate wallpaper patterns, challenging room layouts or lack of DIY experience, hiring a professional installer can give you the best result. They have the skills to make the pattern lineup correctly.
How long does wallpaper take to hang?
Plan on wallpaper installation taking 2-3 days for an average entryway. The wall prep work, hanging the paper, smoothing out bubbles and seam trimming is labor-intensive. Give yourself plenty of time.
How do I match up repeat patterns?
Plot out where each wallpaper panel’s pattern will need to align. Use a laser level to draw vertical plumb lines as a guide. Some papers have markings to align the repeats. Take it slow.
Should I wallpaper over wallpaper?
It’s best to remove old wallpaper instead of installing over it. Too many layers can cause adhesion issues down the road. Scrape off any remaining pieces after wallpaper removal.
What’s the best wallpaper for high-humidity?
Vinyl wallpapers resist moisture and humidity best. Avoid paper-backed wallpapers, which can warp or peel. Grasscloth and other natural fibers may discolor or mildew.
How long will wallpaper last?
With proper installation and care, wallpaper should last 5-10 years on average. Pre-pasted papers often have shorter lifespans closer to 3-5 years. Location impacts longevity too.
Get Creative With Entryway Wallpaper
Hopefully we’ve inspired you to liven up your entryway with wallpaper! Used creatively, it makes a memorable stylistic impact. Here are a few final tips for putting your own creative spin on entryway wallpaper:
- Play with colorblocking by framing the wallpaper with painted bands in a contrasting hue.
- Incorporate an artsy mix of patterns for lots of visual interest.
- Wallpaper the ceiling for a surprising and fun whimsical look.
- Use peel-and-stick wallpaper for temporary makeovers and easy changes.
- Experiment with unexpected wall shapes like diamonds, curves or chevrons.
- Layer complimentary patterns in different scales.
- Showcase collections like framed art or plates on the wallpapered accent wall.
With the right wallpaper choice, you can utterly transform the look and feel of your entryway. Follow our design tips to select a style that expresses your personal taste and sets the aesthetic tone for your home. Wallpaper is an easy DIY way to make a memorable first impression!
