Innovative Ways To Use Wallpaper In Any Room

Wallpaper is coming back to interior design, but not in ordinary ways. Wallpaper is now finding itself revitalized and paired with bookshelves, drawers, and doors. Wallpaper can deliver a unique home experience since it introduces bold drama and movement to one's living space. According to CB2, decorating with wallpaper is a chance to make a bold statement in a room and try something unexpected.

When planning your project, consider the existing elements in the room. It is essential for new and existing colors to complement one another and for patterns to harmonize. Take it easy and begin wallpapering with neutral designs and hues that you love. As your vision becomes a reality, build upon your inspirations and seek out more dramatic wallpaper patterns. Utilizing wallpaper in your interior designs can transform any space. In many cases, wallpaper is better than painting. Continue reading to help you locate the areas of your home where wallpaper will have an impact in an innovative way — inside drawers, the front of a credenza, or perhaps the ceiling.

Cover the ceiling

It is not uncommon to paint a recessed ceiling in a home or for vaulted ceilings to feature stained wooden beams. The substantial changes one makes to the elevated areas in the home can powerfully impact the interior appearance and elevate its overall grandeur. According to Bob Villa, no rule says you can only wallpaper on walls. Get creative and take it to the ceiling instead.

This location is dramatic, but choosing the correct pattern will bring the space to life. Before wallpapering your ceiling, pay close attention to the wall finish since this will affect your pattern choice. Consider the existing appearance of the wall and note if it has popcorn or a rough texture. This bumpy consistency is essential to notice. You want the area where you apply the wallpaper to be smooth and structurally intact since this will be less likely to show imperfections.

Fill the background of a bookshelf

If you long to add a bit of pattern to your space but cannot commit to wallpapering an entire room, consider sticking your favorite wallpaper pattern to the inside of your bookshelves. According to HGTV, using this wallpaper method in your space will help create a focal point in the room. The contrasting background will capture the eye as it gazes across the shelves, and it allows the accent pieces on the ledges to pop. Just be sure to add books, bowls, and trinkets that add character to the wallpaper without blocking it entirely.

Covering small sections is a more approachable wallpaper application for a home decorator. This beginner-friendly method is perfect for built-in bookcases or stand-alone units, including china cabinets and glass door curios. Use this technique to cover the bookcase background in patterns printed with simple florals, geometric motifs, or neutral damasks. This layer of dimension will let your personality shine in the space.

Stick it inside a dresser

Take something bland and ordinary and make it extraordinary by adding your favorite wallpaper pattern to it. According to the Hallmark Channel on YouTube, a great way to add wallpaper to a space is by adhering it to an existing piece of furniture like a footstool, nightstand, or dresser. Glance around your bedroom and find a furniture item you want to cover. Nightstands and dressers are furnishings with flat surfaces, making them ideal for wallpapering.

Innovative wallpaper placement introduces visual texture to the space for a high impact. You can attach the wallpaper to the front of each dresser drawer, on the sides, around the piece itself, or completely cover it for an elevated appearance. Dry fit the dresser pieces before application to ensure a good fit. Whether you are upcycling a vintage find, covering contemporary furnishing, or simply updating a childhood treasure, consider using wallpaper to add a modern twist to your favorite dresser.

Create an accent wall with playful prints

Covering an entire room in busy wallpaper patterns can seem overwhelming and dated. However, you don't need to avoid wild designs. Use a creative application approach in the space to achieve a more pleasing aesthetic overall. To prevent an old-fashioned aesthetic, consider applying the print of your choice on one accent wall or use wallpaper in an enclosed alcove area.

According to MyMove, a bright and bold accent wall will add charm and character to your space without creating a chaotic environment. Playful prints pasted on walls add depth and dimension, especially when all the walls in the home are the same neutral shade. A floral, striped, or geometric patterned wallpaper can deliver an impactful visual impression. Consider decorating an accent wall with wallpaper from a specific time, such as the Victorian era or a retro '70s look. Use color and pattern to help unify your living space.

Frame it for a gallery wall

Want to find a renter-friendly and budget-conscious option for decorating with wallpaper? Create a gallery wall in a living or dining room. Rather than pasting or sticking the wallpaper directly to the walls in your home, you can add it to frames. This technique allows a decorator to introduce texture into their space inexpensively and practically. According to House Beautiful, one can create a contemporary, old English look by framing portions of an entire wallpaper roll in picture frames. Ditch the glass front for an authentic, tactile feel and mix different styles.

This wallpaper concept is a modern take on old-school wall decor, providing a beautiful wall display — think gallery wall meets wallpaper. You also don't have to use any adhesive on your walls, making this technique attractive for those who want transitional options. The pattern you love will add visual interest to your blank walls uniquely and refreshingly.

Add it to a staircase

An unlikely place to add visual texture to your home is on the staircase if you are lucky enough to have one available to decorate. According to Home Beautiful, stairway risers are perfect for showcasing a single design or creative mix of colors. If you have wood stairs, enhance them with a botanical print, herringbone pattern, or striped wallpaper for a classic and timeless style.

Whimsical designs and contrasting color combinations will turn this ordinary place into a conversation starter for guests and family. As Ruth Mottershead, the Creative Director of Little Greene, said to Homes & Gardens, "stairs are fantastic spaces to create a first impression." Since the eyes naturally move up a staircase, decorating with wallpaper is an art form. Decorate with wallpaper confidently and introduce dimension into a unique part of your home. Add a pattern that complements your staircase and your color palette innovatively.

Use peel-and-stick wallpaper

Are you looking for an easy way to add character to the walls in your home? Try turning your wallpaper into art. You can use removable peel-and-stick wallpaper options instead of standard wallpaper that requires glue and drying time. The endless patterns, colors, and designs allow you to find the perfect wallpaper to use as art in your home. According to The Spruce, peel-and-stick wallpaper will instantly freshen up your home without the commitment wallpaper typically requires. It takes a couple of hours to add these materials to your walls, and you can remove them instantly if you want to change the look later.

This decorating idea is great for renters or homeowners. A favorite pattern can quickly become a focal point in a room. Whether your favorite design preference is mid-century modern, farmhouse rustic, or traditionally classic, there is a peel-and-stick wallpaper that can become an art form in your home.

Line a lampshade

Have a lamp you love, but the shade is not your style? Then consider adding creative wallpaper to the lampshade to introduce a new mood into the space. According to The Spruce, wallpaper is typically firmer than comparable materials, so it will adhere to and cover lampshades. Create this custom look by attaching your desired peel-and-stick or standard adhesive wallpaper.

Start by picking a wallpaper with your desired design or color scheme in complementary colors to attach to either the interior or exterior sides of the lampshade drum. You can use vintage-inspired patterns or go for solid colors. Give the wallpaper a test with the light turned on and see how the color looks in your space. Ensure the result blends well with other decorative pieces and allow proper dry time after attaching the wallpaper. Enjoy the new look and ambient glow that cascades over the room.

Cut out shapes from multiple patterns

Want to make a creative statement? Look for wallpaper with trimmable details. According to Architectural Digest, you can cut out shapes from wallpaper patterns for a unique look in your home. This personalized design option can be used for walls or furnishings in your home and is suitable for those who cannot choose just one pattern to display. Look for wallpaper with flowers, geometric shapes, crosses, and other visually appealing details.

You can combine scraps, cut out organic textures, grasscloth material, plaid prints, and other designs in the same color range for a complete look on the wall. Rather than cover the entire wall with one wallpaper pattern, take the parts you like the most out of several designs and make a wallpaper mural. Choose wallpaper art that complements your existing wall color. You can cover the whole wall or just one area to create an eye-catching accent.

Paper the inside of drawers

A unique way to use wallpaper in your home is by adding it to items you use every day. For example, drawers are storage places that you and your house guests may use in the kitchen, bathrooms, and bedrooms. There are drawers in dressers, nightstands, and entryway tables that you can line with bright and beautiful wallpaper.

To use wallpaper creatively, consider adding a fun pattern or textured style to the inside of a set of drawers as a lining. According to Spoonflower, drawers on a dresser or in the kitchen are ideal places for wallpaper to make a statement. Plus, it helps protect or cover the surface. You should measure your wallpaper first and attach it to the drawer while wet. Have a guest be pleasantly surprised when they open up a drawer in the kitchen or bathroom. Adding a decorative pattern to dressers and cabinets will instantly elevate your living space.

Don't forget to decorate small details

A great way to add wallpaper into your space is by incorporating the small details of your home. Consider structural wall elements like electrical wall outlets, and imagine the possibilities and texture you can add to your wall space by decorating them. Also known as electrical sockets, these can be commonly found on walls everywhere — sometimes in the worst spots. However, they can blend into the existing wallpaper by wrapping them to match. Alternatively, you can make them stand out with a unique wallpaper pattern.

If it is an element of surprise you are after, consider making the outlets a focal point by changing just the outlet cover or pattern and leaving the wall a neutral shade. According to Fine Homebuilding, wallpaper scraps or samples can help cover these. This technique is ideal for decorators who want a seamless yet functional look.

Layer a portion of the wall

To introduce texture and dimension to your space, try covering half the wall or a specific portion with wallpaper instead of the entire surface. This design technique requires half the time and half the budget since you are decorating half the space.

According to SFGate, it's best to be careful when trimming wallpaper edges for long panels. Consider the design's repetitive pattern and what elements to include when cutting the paper. This concern might be something to keep in mind when buying wallpaper and attaching it to your wall. You want a look that will still be attractive when you cut the pattern to fit the space. The goal should be to create a seamless meeting point between each layer you put on the walls. Check the walls before installing for any imperfections or cracks. Trim the corners for a professional-looking installation as the eye narrows in on design flaws.

Design a backsplash

Do you have a backsplash in your kitchen? If the answer is yes, then this design tip is for you. According to Apartment Therapy, if you want to cover up a backsplash that is currently painted or tiled with a material you dislike, your thoughts may go to tile or marble. However, wallpaper can be an ideal solution for your backsplash. Plus, it's perfect for a renter-friendly kitchen makeover.

Whether you use a traditional paste wallpaper or a peel-and-stick option as a temporary decoration, you can achieve the look you want for a fraction of the price and time. There are marble, tile, and mosaic pattern wallpaper replicas that you can select to create an authentic backsplash in your kitchen remodel. Opt for a colorful geometric or floral print to make a bold statement in the space instead. A bright pattern can instantly create a fun contrast with the other kitchen elements.

Style your doors

If you want to add a bit of pizzazz to your dwelling, consider an enthusiastic approach and cover your interior doors with some of your favorite wallpaper prints. According to Home Beautiful, using wallpaper on your home's interior doors transforms it into a work of art. One could opt to have them all match or mix them up for an eclectic look. You can leave your doors a solid color to complement existing wallpaper or get creative with prints and patterns. Alternatively, you can use wallpaper to spruce up the entire door or a few panel sections for a pop of color.

This decor choice will make your doors the star of the show. They will stand out in a hallway rather than blend in. Wallpaper is trending today for walls, doors, drawers, and art. Use these innovative decorating techniques to dress up your home and let your creativity shine.