six expert tips for selecting the perfect wallpaper for your home

Phillip Jeffries Arboretum Wallpaper – The Residences at Seafire by IDG.

Let's talk wallpaper. When most people think of wallpaper, they still associate it with the peeling of paper in their grandmother's house from decades ago. Thankfully, wallpaper has made a comeback, and it's better than ever, with better textures, colors, and designs than ever before. However, choosing a suitable wallpaper for your space can be daunting with so many options available. Thankfully, IDG has compiled six invaluable tips to help you navigate the world of modern wallpaper and find the perfect fit for your home.

Playground Mural Wallpaper by Drop It Modern.

1. ACCENT WALL OR ENTIRE ROOM

When deciding whether to apply wallpaper to an accent wall or the entire room, it's important to consider the overall aesthetic you want to achieve. If you're looking for a design that is more like a piece of art than traditional wallpaper, you may want to choose an accent wall to cover. However, choosing the right wallpaper for all the walls in a room involves a different set of rules. For instance, a busy floral or bold pattern print that works well as an accent wall may appear overpowering if applied to all the walls. To avoid overwhelming the space, consider keeping the pattern to a minimum. This approach creates a subtle backdrop rather than a dominant feature, allowing the wallpaper to complement other elements in the room such as soft furnishings and window dressings.  

Concrete Washi Wallpaper by Phillip Jeffries.

2. TEXTURE VS. FLAT

Enhance your wall with textured wallpaper to effortlessly conceal imperfections and add depth to your space. While repairing wall imperfections is ideal, textured wallpaper provides a convenient alternative by effectively masking any flaws. Additionally, textured wallpaper introduces dimension and character to a room, elevating its visual appeal. On the other hand, flat wallpaper is perfect for creating a detailed and sophisticated look, adding a sense of refinement to any space. It offers a more elegant and angular feel to the room, perfect for those seeking a polished and stylish ambiance.

Beige Line Art Face Wall Mural by Costa Cover.

3. PLAYING WITH ILLUSION

Wallpaper is a powerful tool that can significantly impact the way we perceive space, offering endless creative opportunities in interior design. By skillfully selecting patterns and employing optical illusions, wallpaper has the ability to completely alter the ambiance and visual dimensions of a room. For instance, in smaller spaces, opting for wallpaper with vertical stripes can create the illusion of elongated walls, resulting in the perception of heightened ceilings. Additionally, to impart a sense of coziness and depth to an empty room, consider using large-scale patterns with vibrant hues set against dark backgrounds.

Malvern Neutral Wallpaper Mural by M&L Paint and Paper.

4. DECIDE THE MOOD AND STYLE

Wallpaper has an exceptional ability to establish the desired mood and style for any room, enabling you to craft personalized atmospheres that evoke specific emotions and reflect individual tastes. With an extensive array of options available, from serene and calming designs to vibrant and energetic patterns, there is a wallpaper to match every desired style. For instance, a romantic floral wallpaper would be a perfect fit for a country cottage, but might not be suitable for an industrial-style flat. On the other hand, a soft pastel tone wallpaper would be ideal for creating a tranquil environment.  

Peel & Stick Handloom Wallpaper by Magnolia Home.

5. TEMPORARY OR LONG TERM

If you're considering decorating with wallpaper to easily change the look of your space, it's important to select a wallpaper that is both easy to apply and remove. Opt for wallpaper with a non-woven backing that is fully strippable for effortless application and removal. Alternatively, if you prefer a long-lasting and highly durable option with an extra layer of protection, solid vinyl wallcovering is the ideal choice for your space.

Drop It Modern Wallpaper And Samples.

6. ORDER SAMPLES

All wallpaper vendors and manufacturers are able to send you a good-sized tear sheet (a small sample of wallpaper print). Tape the samples to your wall and keep it there for several days to really get a feel for the pattern or texture. One will stand out as your favorite.

With its endless possibilities, wallpaper allows us to craft unique and inspiring environments that mirror our individuality and enhance our daily lives. If you're embarking on a significant project and need expert guidance in selecting the best wallpaper manufacturers and designs for your space, we're here to help. Contact IDG today, and let's discuss how we can bring your vision to life through the perfect wallpaper choice for your project.