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  • Writer's pictureHeather Holcombe

The Beauty of Wallpaper

Updated: Jul 16, 2020

What to know about wallpaper


I realized a few weeks ago that I have written in my blog about paints, but I've never written about wallpaper. Well, that's certainly an oversight because I love wallpaper. It can be as transformative in a room as paint can be. So today's topic is no surprise - it's wallpaper!

@thibaut_1886 wallpaper from a project

Why aren't you using wallpaper?


I think people are sometimes reluctant to use wallpaper because they feel it's a big commitment. It's more expensive than paint, and once it's up, it's up. While you can change out wallpaper, it's not as easy as repainting if you don't like it. 


All that said, I think wallpaper can be one of the best methods to enhance the look of a room and, in some cases, disguise certain flaws. If I had to select just one design element that makes a room look professionally decorated, it would probably be wallpaper.


The power of wallpaper:


There are a lot of ways to transform a room, but wallpaper is one of my favorites.

  • It can add interest and warmth to a room, even if it's only used on a single wall. 

  • It serves as a decorative layer to a room, just like color, curtains, or accessories.

  • It's versatile enough that you can use it on ceilings and the back of bookshelves or cabinets.

  • It can add color as well as pattern.

  • If you want to make a statement, wallpaper might be better than paint.

  • Wallpaper can be used as part of a neutral palette.

  • It can be used on angled walls to bring cohesion to a room. (An example: attic bedroom walls.)

@thibaut_1886 from a recent project


Shopping for wallpaper is pretty much like other design elements - you need to consider where it will go. Here are a few other things to consider:


  • Where do you want to wallpaper? How or where you plan to use the wallpaper should factor into your selection. For example, if you're papering an entire room, you probably don't want a bold, large, or busy pattern. It would be too overwhelming. Use it instead as an accent wall, a powder room, or a hallway.

  • Want to make a statement with wallpaper? Then do go with bold patterns or colors. 

  • You might want to coordinate your wallpaper with soft furnishings and other colors already in the room. If you're not changing furniture or soft furnishings in the room, take fabric and color samples with you when you're looking at wallpapers. 

  • What is the style? Consider the style of the space. For example, a very modern print in a very traditional room might not work. It might be too incongruent with the rest of the space. On the other hand, a traditional paper in a modern space might work because it adds contrast. 

  • Do you want wallpaper on the ceiling as an accent "wall"? Consider the furniture in the space and whether you want the wallpaper to cover the entire ceiling or a smaller section, as you might do in a dining room. Typically, if it's only in one section, I recommend a trim to edge the wallpaper and give it a more finished appearance.

  • What is your budget? Wallpaper is available at numerous price points. If there are sheetrock issues or other concerns with the walls, you might need to invest in better quality wallpaper.  

As you can see, wallpaper can be a bit tricky but well worth it. My advice is that you work with an interior designer to select a wallpaper. We can help you to assess the space, colors, and style. I'm always happy to help you with your wallpaper selection! Meanwhile, here are some high-quality papers to consider: Osborne & Little, Scalamndre, Degourney, Schumacher, Thibaut, and Philip Jeffries. 

@osborneandlittle @scalamandre @schumacher1889 @degournay @phillipjeffriesltd @thibaut_1886 

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