From whimsical to artistic and modern, the wallpaper of today is gaining popularity in the design world.
From trendy geometrics like chevron to handmade varieties that resemble fine art and everything in between, wallpaper is experiencing a bona fide renaissance in the design world — so why the fuss all of a sudden?
It turns out wallpaper is a much more dramatic way to express yourself that than say, paint.
Once you’ve decided to play with wallpaper, choosing the right one is easier than you think. Narrow your choices to a handful or less, then consider the following questions until you’ve met the right match for your home:
What is the room used for?
From trendy geometrics to handmade varieties that resemble fine art, wallpaper is experiencing a bona fide renaissance in the design world.
Most people prefer pacific patterns and quiet shades in bedrooms but embrace color in kitchens, living rooms and entertaining spaces, where the energy is lively. Considering a room’s use will also help ensure your choice has the right amount of durability. A teenager’s room may not be the place for the more fragile paper options, but a guest bedroom probably is, for example.
For maximum durability, today’s vinyl varieties look as good as the real thing for a lot less money. These are great for both high-traffic and high-moisture areas, like steamy bathrooms and kitchens, in part because they’re easy to clean. In most cases you just wipe and go.
What’s the scale of the space?
A long, vertical pattern like Fern Living’s Family Tree wallpaper looks great on high walls, but not necessarily when ceilings are low.
How bright is the room?
A dark, busy choice might make an already small room look cramped, but if it’s a pass-through space like a hallway or foyer, it can dazzle you with a wow factor from the moment you walk in or through it.
How much square footage are you planning to wrap?
The general rule of thumb is that oversized patterns will overpower a room, but like all good rules, this one can be broken — and often is. In fact if you have a preference for bold drama, big patterns in dark shades might be your thing.
How often do you like to redecorate?
If the answer is anything less than every two or three years, you might want to opt for the new removable varieties that look exactly like the real thing. One of the most recent trends in wallpaper, these draw people who don’t want to commit to just one look forever because they easily peel off the wall, leaving nary a mark.
How big of a statement do you want to make?
If the idea of wallpapering still makes you nervous, try putting it on half a wall with beadboard or paint on the other half. Go for light, simple patterns, so you can warm up to the idea.
But if you really want to get a conversation going at your next dinner party, consider removable wallpaper on surfaces other than walls, like kitchen backsplashes. Some folks use it to cover the tops of old coffee tables or to jazz up drawer fronts.
Can I do it myself?
The removable kind is extremely easy to apply yourself. In most cases you don’t need to put down glue — just peel and stick. For anything else, you will not regret calling a professional. Working with traditional wallpaper can be a nightmare for a rookie, and once something goes wrong, it’s hard to get the project on track without starting over. Many work for hourly fees.
Whether you want wallpaper that’s easy to remove, or don’t feel that’s necessary, you can always find a great selection of beautiful wallpaper and decor at low prices at DecoratorsBest.
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