Give Your Accent Wall A Dreamy Touch With Scenic Wallpaper

We may receive a commission on purchases made from links.

Have you ever returned home from vacation and immediately wished you could head back out the door again? The good news is you can recreate those dreamy vacation vibes easily simply by updating your accent wall with some scenic wallpaper. Inspired by the chic panoramic wallpapers of the 1800s, scenic wallpaper is essentially comprised of wall-sized murals divided up into multiple panels that are pieced together to create the overall look. These pieces are great for accent walls because they add interest and, because they're typically made up of panels, can also be easily customized to fit any size wall. 

Plus, stunning scenic wallpaper, like the Hazy Forest Wall Mural Wallpaper or a coastal scene like this one on Etsy, brings a sense of calm without overwhelming a space. If you're wondering how to choose an accent wall for your home, first look for a wall with interesting features that already stands out due to your home's flow or one that's next to a piece of statement furniture, such as a couch or dining room table. Take cues from the space and current decor. This will help simplify choosing the right wallpaper for your accent wall because you'll know which tones and colors will look best in your existing space.

Once you've picked your accent wall, measure it properly to find out how much wallpaper you need. Determine the height and width of the space, and then add at least two inches to each number for a buffer. Next, multiply the two numbers to get the total footage in inches and divide by 144 to get the square footage. Once you've got your wallpaper, unroll it and let it lie flat for a few hours. While it's uncurling, take a moment to follow this simple tip to wallpaper your home like a professional: Repair, clean, and thoroughly dry the wall. This will ensure that your scenic wallpaper adheres evenly and securely, giving you the best look.

For peel-and-stick wallpaper, use a piece of painter's tape to tack the first panel to the wall. Take a step back to make sure the panel is straight before you start. Peel back some of the backing and smooth it onto the wall with even pressure. Remove more backing and repeat until the whole panel is attached, then do the same with the remaining panels. For regular wallpaper, evenly apply wallpaper glue to the panel's back with a roller. 

Fold the ends of the panel towards the middle so the adhesive is covered and let it rest for 10 minutes. Then lift the top portion of the folded panel and press against the wall. Unfold the rest of the panel and smooth onto the wall, then use a smoother, like the Art3d Smoothing Tool Kit, to adhere. Repeat with other panels until all are installed.

Got your scenic wallpaper up? Now it's time for the fun part: decorating. Before you get started, here are a few general directions to help guide you: use the colors in your wallpaper to help select accents, lean into neutral textiles or furniture to ground the accent wall, and plants are always a good idea. Okay, that one is more of a recommendation, but trust us — plants can help lower stress and boost joy, plus they help you achieve that sense of peace you're likely seeking through your accent wall.

Let's say you added a dreamy pastoral scenic wallpaper to your accent wall. What colors stand out to you? Maybe the soft, light gray of the clouds, the brown of the tree trunks, and the green of the meadows. To style, you could choose a statement chair in that light gray and add a throw in a slightly darker shade or the green of the grass. Bring in a small wood side table, maybe with gold cabinet pulls for a bit of glimmer and texture, and place a plant on top (bonus points if it's similar to one shown in the wallpaper) to complete the look.

The same principles apply if you have a beach wallpaper. In that case, try swapping out the grays for a bright white or light sand Turkish towel throw and a sea blue statement chair (or vice versa!). A glass jar of shells, driftwood, coastal air plants, and a neutral vase full of pampas grass can bring the whole look together to create a dreamy retreat right in your home.