1. Use Removable Wallpaper

Removable wallpaper has made it easier than ever to experiment with patterns and prints. Many removable papers act like giant stickers, peeling off cleanly when it’s time for a change. Opt for temporary wallpaper in spaces where you expect to refresh your look frequently, like in a rental apartment or a child’s bedroom. Just ensure the adhesive won’t damage existing paint.

2. Choose Peel-and-Stick Wallpaper Panels

Peel-and-stick wallpaper panels allow you to cover sections of a wall, rather than decorating from floor to ceiling. Mix and match panels to create an eclectic gallery wall or make a bold statement over the bed or sofa. Many companies sell removable wallpaper sheets in standard sizes like 12″ x 18″ to make project planning easy.

3. Wallpaper Just One Accent Wall

Why not dip your toes in the water by only wallpapering one accent wall? This technique allows you to experience the look of wallpaper without overpowering the whole room. Try showcasing a chic print behind the bed or bringing drama to the space above your sofa. An accent wall is a great way to create a focal point without breaking the bank.

4. Use Wallpaper on Furniture

Give dated furniture new life with a splash of wallpaper. The inside of a cabinet or drawer instantly becomes more exciting when lined with fabric. For a bolder look, try adhering removable wallpaper directly onto a small side table, console, or dresser. This is a fun way to change up thrift store finds or upcycle flea market treasures.

5. Frame Wallpaper Samples

Frame swatches of your favorite wallpapers to enjoy the look without making a big commitment. Group coordinating samples together in eclectic frames for an artsy accent wall. Or pick a special print to display alone above the bed or buffet. This is an inexpensive way to rotate patterns seasonally.

6. Decorate With Decoupage

Unleash your crafty side and mod podge wallpaper scraps onto trays, coasters, vases, storage boxes, and more. Decoupage with wallpaper is an easy DIY project for beginners that transforms ordinary items with a burst of color and style. Lean into the retro decoupage trend and give unwanted china new life.

7. Use Wallpaper Borders

Wallpaper borders present another option for small-scale experimentation. Borders let you sample a pattern while limiting it to one spot, like along the top of a wall or under a chair rail molding. Slim borders look charming in powder rooms, nurseries, and other petite spaces. Or make a bigger impact by choosing a wide border in a bold motif.

8. Decorate Storage Boxes

Give everyday storage boxes a quick makeover by covering the exterior with wallpaper. This is an easy way to camouflage unsightly clutter while showing off your favorite designs. Try wrapping shoeboxes, craft supply storage, desktop organizers, and even moving boxes with pages from wallpaper sample books or wallpaper scraps.

9. Create One-of-a-Kind Wrapping Paper

Want to give gifts an extra creative flair this year? Make custom wrapping paper using scrap wallpaper, pages from magazines, or even old maps. For a perfectly sized sheet, use bags intended for gift bags. For a freeform look, cut wrapping paper to size as you go. One-of-a-kind paper makes your packages stand out under the tree.

Wallpaper no longer means a full-scale, long-term commitment to a pattern or color palette. With so many low-risk ways to try out wallpaper, it’s easy to have fun and express your personal style! Start slowly by papering a small surface, framing a favorite print, or upcycling unwanted furniture. Once you get a feel for working with wallpaper, you can decide if you’re ready to decorate an entire room. Don’t be afraid to dip your toe in—you just may get hooked on wallpaper design.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q: What are some easy ways to try out wallpaper without fully committing?

A: Some easy ways to test wallpaper include using removable/peel-and-stick wallpaper, wallpapering just one accent wall, using wallpaper on furniture or storage boxes, framing wallpaper samples, doing decoupage projects, using wallpaper borders, or making custom gift wrap. These low commitment approaches let you sample wallpaper looks without overhauling an entire room.

Q: What’s a quick way to use wallpaper to give furniture a makeover?

A: An easy furniture makeover is to apply peel-and-stick wallpaper directly onto the surface of an older side table, dresser, cabinet, or drawer. The adhesive backing makes it simple to add a colorful or patterned paper that gives worn items new life. This is perfect for rental spaces where painting isn’t an option.

Q: Where are some strategic places to use wallpaper borders?

A: Wallpaper borders are great for small spaces like powder rooms, nurseries, and hallways. Try positioning borders along the top of walls, on ceilings, or under chair rail moldings. Borders add impact while limiting the pattern to one area instead of floor-to-ceiling.

Q: How does decoupage with wallpaper work?

A: With decoupage, you use a sealant like mod podge to adhere wallpaper snippets to objects like trays, vases, coasters, and furniture. Layer sealant between each wallpaper piece for a smooth finish. Decoupage is an easy craft project that gives new purpose to sample scraps or pages from old wallpaper sample books.

Q: What are some tips for wallpapering an accent wall?

A: When wallpapering one accent wall, choose a focal point wall like behind the bed or sofa. Select a fun print that plays off the room’s existing color scheme. Use a removable wallpaper for lower commitment. Check the wall for damage/imperfections before applying paper. Take time prepping the wall surface for best adhesion.

Q: How do you turn wallpaper samples into artwork?

A: To turn wallpaper swatches into art, select your favorite prints and frame pieces of them individually or group coordinating colors/patterns for an eclectic gallery wall look. Use thrifted picture frames to keep costs low. Change out the samples seasonally to refresh your accent wall. Get creative with frame shapes and sizes.

Conclusion

Wallpaper offers endless opportunities to inject color, texture, and creativity into your space. While full wallpaper treatments have traditionally been reserved for seasoned pros, new removable papers and clever alternatives like framed samples, decoupage, and wallpapered accessories allow you to experiment with patterns on a budget and smaller scale. So don’t be afraid to sample wallpapering—with so many easy entry points, you can explore this fun decorating dimension without the long-term commitment. Whether you’re a renter, homeowner, design pro or novice, there are clever ways to ease gently into the exciting world of wallpaper.