How to choose the right wallpaper for your home
Choosing the right wallpaper for your home can be a fun and exciting process, but it can also be overwhelming with so many options available.
Should you add wallpaper with a pattern, a mural, or just make an accent wall?
What colors should you use in a living room, a bedroom, or a kids’ room?
How should you start if you don’t want to be completely overwhelmed by the process?
How to choose the right wallpaper for your home?
I always recommend starting with a color scheme. That makes your life so much easier when you consider the colors you already have in a room (like some furniture or a special rug) and what wall colors will actually fit to the existing colors.
This is an example of a color scheme for a kitchen:
Here are some tips to help you choose the right wallpaper for your home:
What room do you want to update?
Consider the room: The first thing to consider when choosing wallpaper is the room you want to decorate. For example, if you’re decorating a bedroom, you may want a more soothing and calming design, while a living room might be better suited for a bolder and more colorful pattern.
What is your color scheme?
Consider the colors. Think about the colors you already have in the room, including the furniture, accessories, and flooring. Choose a wallpaper that complements and enhances these colors, rather than clashes with them.
Choose a pattern
Decide on the type of pattern you want, whether it’s a bold geometric print or a subtle floral design. Remember to take into account the size of the room and the amount of natural light it receives when selecting a pattern. Don’t forget to look at the style of your furniture also.
Consider the texture:
Wallpaper can come in a variety of textures, from smooth to textured to embossed. Think about the overall feel you want to create in the room and choose a texture that complements it.
Take samples home:
Always take samples of your chosen wallpaper home before making a final decision. This will give you a chance to see how the wallpaper looks in the room’s lighting and how it interacts with the other elements in the space.
DIY or hire a professional
If you’re not confident in your ability to hang wallpaper, consider hiring a professional to do it for you. A professional will ensure that the wallpaper is hung properly, which will help it look its best and last longer.
But, it is not very hard to learn how to hang wallpaper. Especially if you choose a wallpaper without a pattern repeat.
Do you want to start slow with adding wallpaper in a room?
Maybe consider only adding a panel of wallpaper to see how you actually like the color and the design. How does the pattern change the atmosphere of your room? How do you like the furniture and the wallpaper together?
This is what I did in my kitchen/breakfast area. I wanted to add a pattern, but not too much. I wanted to add color, but not too much. So this is the compromise, I just added one panel of wallpaper I love:
How to choose the right wallpaper for your home – Frequently asked questions:
Can you have paint on one side and wallpaper on the other side of the room?
Yes, you can. It is definitely possible to make an accent wall by using wallpaper and painting the rest of the room in a neutral color.
I added a mural to one of my bedroom walls and painted the rest of the room in a light grey.
If you want to know how to install a mural, I made a video for you that breaks it down step-by-step:
How do you harmonize your chosen wallpaper with colors, fabrics, and decor that is already in the room?
I love to mix and match patterns and colors and fabrics. Nothing is more boring to me than a perfectly styled room.
Mixing and matching patterns and colors can be a fun and creative way to express your personal style. Here are some tips to get you started:
- Start with a neutral base: Begin by choosing a neutral base color such as white, beige, gray, or black. This will serve as a backdrop for your patterns and colors.
- Choose a color scheme: Decide on a color scheme that you want to use. You can go for complementary colors (colors opposite each other on the color wheel) or analogous colors (colors that are adjacent on the color wheel).
- Pick your patterns: When selecting patterns, choose prints that share at least one color in common. For example, if you are going for a floral and stripe combination, make sure that both prints have a similar color in them. (See the picture below).
- Vary the scale of patterns: Mixing patterns of different scales adds depth and interest to your outfit. For example, pairing a large floral print with a smaller polka dot pattern can create a playful contrast.
- Use solids to break up patterns: Use solid-colored pieces to break up patterns and provide some visual rest.
- Accessorize wisely: When it comes to accessories, choose items that complement your outfit without overpowering it. A simple statement necklace or a belt can add some interest without competing with your patterns and colors.
How to choose different styles of patterns or wallpapers for your room
Remember, there are no hard and fast rules when it comes to mixing and matching patterns and colors. Have fun and experiment with different combinations until you find a look that feels uniquely you!
What are the patterns that work in every room?
Here are some wallpaper patterns that probably go in every room and with every style of furniture:
Also, read How to Install Wallpaper in Your RV and 22 Best Peel and stick wallpaper
Disclosure: This article contains affiliate links. When you click these links I may get a small commission. It won’t cost you anything, but it helps me to run this site. I only promote products and services that I think are great and helpful. Also, read my disclosure policy.
Summary of How to choose the right wallpaper for your home
Remember to have fun with the process and choose a wallpaper that reflects your personal style and the overall aesthetic of your home.
Always start with your color scheme and test out different styles and patterns. It is not hard if you start slow with an easy pattern. And then add to it. You will soon become addicted to adding wallpaper in every room – like me.
Want to remember How to choose the right wallpaper for your home?
Just pin this image to your favorite Pinterest board:
