Wallpaper Dos and Don’ts: Useful Tips for Your Home

Wallpaper is making a comeback in a big way. Over the years, it’s been a favorite decorating tool for many due to its ability to bring color, texture and patterns to completely transform a room. It can make a small space feel bigger or make a large space feel cozier, but this isn’t your grandma’s wallpaper.

Today, wallpapers come in new designs, textures and finishes available that can be a beautiful addition to any room in your home. Whether you’re thinking of wallpapering the whole room or just a wall, there are some dos and don’ts to make sure you get the most out of this decorating trend.

Unlike paint, wallpaper stays on once you put it on and can last for a long time. It doesn’t mean that it has to be scary. In this post, we share some helpful tips for selecting and installing wallpaper in your home, especially if this is your first time working with it.

Start with a plan

Like with any other home project, planning is critical. Spending time on careful selection and preparation will help you avoid making costly mistakes. Determine how much wallpaper you need and add a little extra to ensure you have enough when the rolls don’t match up with each other.  

Wallpaper can be a small or a big DIY job, depending on the area you are applying it to and your experience. There are many tutorials out there to help you get started. You also need appropriate tools and materials to prep your wall and apply the wallpaper.

Do: Buy all the wallpaper at once and check that the rolls come from the same batch to ensure consistent color matching.

Do: Measure and cut all the stips before you start applying the wallpaper and practice lining up patterns on the floor.

Don’t: YouTube videos make it look easy, but you shouldn’t apply wallpaper without first practicing on a smaller surface.

Don’t: Never install wallpaper without first reading the instructions and prepping the walls. This will help the wallpaper stick and last much longer.

Choose a style that suits you and your home

You should also consider your existing decor and how the new wallpaper complements other furniture and accessories in the room. You don’t want to apply the wallpaper and then realize that you have to change everything else in the room when you’re done.

There are many varieties of wallpaper to choose from that make it easy to adapt to existing styles. You can opt for damask or floral prints for more traditional styles and modern geometric patterns for an updated mid-century or Art Deco style. Textured wallpapers are great for adding interest to minimalistic design.

Do: Choose a wallpaper that matches your style.

Do: Compare your wallpaper with the carpets, tiles and large furniture before applying it to the walls to ensure it fits with what you already have.

Do: Apply strips of wallpaper with a pin or masking tape to the wall to see how you feel about it in a few days.

Don't: Use complicated patterns with small details that make it more challenging to line up the stips correctly.

Don’t: Use busy wallpapers that can detract from the rest of the room.

Don’t: Choose patterns that are too big or too small for the room as they can skew scale and proportion.

Start small and be selective

When you find that wallpaper pattern you absolutely love, it’s tempting to want it everywhere. However, if you’re new to the world of wallpaper, it’s better to side on the side of caution. Start with small spaces, like a bookshelf, a nook or a powder room. It’s a great way to practice your skills and an opportunity to decide whether you’re ready for more wallpaper.

Accent walls are also a great way to make a statement, so why not do it with wallpaper? Patterns draw attention, while textures add dimension and create a refined appearance. Use bold, bright colors and creative designs to add a focal point to your room.

Do: Make sure that the pattern matches the scale of your room. You don’t want to overwhelm or make anyone dizzy when they walk into the room.

Do: Use wallpaper to define your space and create separation between designated areas.

Do: Ask for help or hire a professional if you’re not feeling confident in doing it yourself. There is nothing wrong with that.

Don’t: Be afraid to mix and match patterns. A little bit of contrast can go a long way.

Don’t: Overlook off-the-wall ideas - wallpaper ceiling is a great way to add drama and sophistication to your room.

Don’t: Buy wallpaper simply because it’s on sale. While it might be tempting, only buy wallpaper that you love and will match your decor.

Wallpaper is a great way to add personality and liven up your space. It’s also a fun and creative way to add dimension to your home. We hope our tips have addressed some of your concerns and will help you incorporate wallpaper in your home. Remember, have fun with it and enjoy the process.