Wallpaper is the perfect tool for reviving or redecorating a space. While a fresh coat of paint can give a room a facelift, wallpaper will add a different dimension to the room.
The advantages of wallpaper are that it can conceal any wall blemishes, smooth out a wall surface, hide holes from hanging up pictures you would like to take down, and mostly, wallpaper is easy to clean.
While wallpaper can be more expensive than paint, and may take a while longer to apply, the aesthetic benefits of a design on a flat surface are exponential. But don’t be fooled… wallpapering is a big commitment and needs to be maintained properly to ensure the wall remains intact and undamaged.
Some things to consider:
When choosing a pattern, it’s important to consider its visual effect. The pattern may make the room appear bigger, but it can also have the opposite effect. To get this right, you need to consider the size of the room, the wall space you want to cover and the furnishings.
Light colours will open up a space and vertical stripes will add height to a wall. Pastel colours can have the effect of widening a wall. If the room is small, however, a bold print design could stifle the space. Similarly, a small print can become lost in a big room and might not make much difference at all.
It’s about achieving balance, and accentuating parts of the room that could add dimension and character. Irregular walls covered in stripes or shapes can further highlight imbalances, so try to avoid this.
Before you get set on a pattern, you need to decide which walls need papering. You can opt for all four, or just the ceiling. You can also select one wall as a feature. A bold print will draw the eye, but remember to select carefully when going bold. In a few months, you might feel overpowered by this choice.
Also, the furnishing and surrounding feel of the room should fit in with the design. If you are going bold, the environment should be more neutral, to allow the dramatic effect to be achieved without making the space feel claustrophobic. Floral patterns are great for a more romantic feel, while metallics and stripes keep things more contemporary. Lighter tones give a room a sense of calm, while dark colours create drama and complement decorative pieces or paintings.
Your best bet would be to purchase a few samples before committing to a wallpaper. Once you feel confident about your choice, you can then measure the wall/walls, minus windows or doors. Remember to buy one more roll than you measured in case measuring wasn’t accurate or there was a problem assembling the paper onto the wall and a piece got damaged.
Leave a Comment