When choosing wallpaper, you’ll want to pick a design that will flow with your room’s decor and overall style. But it’s easy to get carried away and end up with wallpaper that isn’t right for your space.
This can be costly, time-consuming, and frustrating to fix later on. That’s why we spoke to designers and wallpaper experts to find out what mistakes to avoid when selecting a new wallcovering.
1. Don’t Go Overboard
Choosing wallpaper is one of the most important things to consider when designing your space. Whether you’re using wallpaper to add color or texture, it can make or break the overall look of your room. It can also be a major investment, so it’s crucial to choose the right design.
Fortunately, there are some helpful tips to keep in mind when it comes to selecting wallpaper. In particular, it is important to avoid going overboard.
First, you should consider the size of the room and what type of wallpaper will work best. For example, a large and open living space can be adorned with bold wallpaper that will draw the eye upward and create a dramatic sense of scale. However, a small bedroom may need less complex patterns to create a more relaxing atmosphere.
Another important factor to consider when choosing wallpaper is the material it’s made from. Certain types of materials may be more abrasive and scratchy than others, so it’s important to understand your specific needs before purchasing any wallpaper.
You should also consider how bright your room is and if it is intended to be used as a bedroom or a dining area. Generally, bedrooms should have softer, serene patterns that will allow you to relax and unwind after a long day. On the other hand, if you’re decorating a kitchen or entertainment room, you can use bold patterns to create a more vibrant feel.
Lastly, it is important to make sure that the wallpaper you purchase complements your existing decor and doesn’t clash with it. This is especially true if you’re going to be pairing wallpaper with the artwork. It’s also a good idea to consider the distance between the art and the wallpaper as this will help create a more visually striking effect.
2. Don’t Go For The Cheapest Option
When it comes to wallpaper, price is usually a consideration, but the quality isn’t necessarily the only factor. Choosing the best material for your space will make for an enjoyable and functional room. However, it’s important to consider your budget and how you plan on using the space before you buy. This will prevent you from wasting your hard-earned cash on something that falls short of the mark. It’s also a good idea to get an experienced opinion from someone who has been there before.
3. Don’t Go For The Delicate Materials
Wallpaper is an easy and cost-effective way to add a little extra pizazz to your walls, but choosing the right one can be a bit of a challenge. There are a few key factors to consider, including the materials you choose and the application you plan to use them on.
Ideally, you should avoid delicate materials when choosing wallpaper. These include lace, silk, and other fabrics that are easily damaged by machine washing.
To get the best outcome, be sure to read the fabric care label carefully and follow its instructions for washing and drying. This will help to ensure that your delicate items last as long as possible and are not damaged by improper use or laundering.
For example, you should only wash silk if it has a delicate symbol on the label. This is because silk will likely shrink if washed and dried in the machine, which can cause damage.
In addition, silk will likely stain if it is exposed to water or soapy water for too long. To ensure your silk stays pristine, dry it in the sun or under a fan rather than in the tumble dryer.
You should also be sure to choose a high-quality wallpaper with a durable adhesive. This will help to protect your investment and keep your wall covering in good shape for years to come. In addition, it will also make it easier to remove any unwanted stains or patches. Lastly, you should also choose a wallpaper that will work with your current color scheme and decor. This is the easiest way to create a look that will be enduring, rather than something that will need replacing in a few short years.
4. Don’t Go For The Simple Patterns
When choosing wallpaper, it is important to choose patterns that are not too simple. This will help to avoid a room from becoming overly busy and unbalanced. You should also consider the scale of the pattern to ensure that it works well in the space you’re decorating. For example, a large, bold floral can create a lively atmosphere in a living room or kitchen, but a small pattern might be more appropriate for a bedroom.
You should also think about how the wallpaper is going to look in natural and artificial light. This will allow you to make sure that it is the right choice for your decor style and your home’s architecture.
Lastly, it is a good idea to get a few samples before committing to the wallpaper. Many companies will provide big samples of their wallpaper so that you can see how it looks in the space you’re decorating. You should also ask for a few repetitions of the design so that you can see how it looks in different lighting.
This is an especially important consideration when selecting wallpaper for a room that will receive frequent use and/or will be messy. It is best to choose a wallpaper that is washable so that you can keep it clean without having to worry about the stains showing through. This is particularly true for rooms that will be occupied by kids or pets, such as bathrooms and kitchens. Fortunately, most wallpapers will come in wipeable varieties.
5. Don’t Go For The High Traffic Areas
When choosing wallpaper, it is important to avoid high-traffic areas. For example, if you choose heavy-duty, textured wallpaper in a restaurant or a dentist’s office waiting room, it won’t be able to stand up to the daily abuse and will likely become damaged and scratched over time. Instead, opt for a light vinyl wallpaper or a durable paper wallpaper that will be easy to replace and won’t damage easily.
You should also consider the decor in the room when choosing wallpaper. Whether you have a Victorian, rustic, country, or mid-century modern style, you should make sure that the new wallpaper will complement your existing furniture, upholstery, and flooring as well as other accents in the space.
Wallpaper is one of the best wall coverings for home decoration as it can be made from a wide variety of materials and finishes. From pearlescent finishes to raised inks, glitter, suede, gels, beads, foils and metallics, embossed silk textures, and natural grasscloth, the options are endless. So don’t be afraid to experiment and try something new if you want to update your home. In addition, if you’re a DIYer, wallpaper is one of the easiest and fastest ways to give your home a new look.