Choosing wallpaper involves considering several key factors about your space and desired aesthetic. It's a process of matching your vision with practical considerations.
To choose wallpaper effectively, follow these key steps:
- Determine the mood you wish to set.
- Consider the function of the space.
- Think about the existing lighting.
- Keep the scale of the pattern relative to the room's size in mind.
- Look to the colors already present in the room.
- Be mindful of the room's layout.
- Don't be afraid to be a bit daring with your selection.
Let's explore these points in more detail.
Key Considerations for Choosing Wallpaper
Selecting the right wallpaper can transform a room. Here are the essential elements to guide your decision:
1. Determine the Mood You Wish to Set
The patterns, colors, and textures of wallpaper significantly influence the feeling of a room.
- Calm & Relaxing: Soft colors, subtle textures, or nature-inspired patterns.
- Energetic & Lively: Bold colors, geometric patterns, or dynamic motifs.
- Sophisticated & Formal: Damasks, metallics, or deep, rich colors.
- Cozy & Intimate: Warm colors, tactile textures like grasscloth, or small-scale patterns.
Think about how you want the room to feel when you and others are in it.
2. Consider a Space's Function
The purpose of the room dictates practical needs for wallpaper.
- High-Traffic Areas (Hallways, Kitchens, Bathrooms): Opt for durable, washable, and perhaps moisture-resistant wallpapers (like vinyl or non-woven types).
- Low-Traffic Areas (Bedrooms, Living Rooms): You have more flexibility with delicate textures or less durable materials.
- Workspaces: Patterns that are not too distracting might be preferred.
The function helps narrow down material types and patterns.
3. Think About Lighting
Both natural and artificial light sources interact with wallpaper, affecting its appearance.
- Light Reflectivity: Lighter colors and papers with metallic or pearlescent finishes can brighten a dark room by reflecting light.
- Light Absorption: Darker colors and highly textured papers tend to absorb light, making a large room feel cozier but potentially making a small, dark room feel smaller.
- Shadows: The direction and intensity of light will highlight or soften textures and patterns.
Consider samples in the actual space at different times of day.
4. Keep Scale Top of Mind
The size of the wallpaper pattern should relate to the size of the room and other furnishings.
- Large Patterns: Can make a statement and work well in spacious rooms or on a single accent wall. In a small room, a large pattern can sometimes feel overwhelming or, conversely, make the walls recede, creating an illusion of space.
- Small Patterns: Tend to work well in smaller rooms or when you want a subtle backdrop. They can add visual interest without dominating the space.
- Medium Patterns: Versatile and can suit various room sizes.
Consider how much of the pattern you'll actually see once furniture is in place.
5. Look to the Existing Colors at Play
Your wallpaper should harmonize with other colors in the room, including furniture, textiles, flooring, trim, and artwork.
- Coordinate: Choose a wallpaper that includes or complements colors already present.
- Contrast: Use wallpaper to introduce a bold contrast color or pattern that still works within the overall palette.
- Highlight: Select a wallpaper that emphasizes a specific color you love in a rug or piece of art.
Bringing swatches of existing colors and the wallpaper sample together is crucial.
6. Be Mindful of Layout
Consider how you plan to use the wallpaper within the room's architecture and layout.
- All Walls: Creates an immersive experience. Requires careful consideration of pattern repeat and potential overwhelm.
- Accent Wall: Highlights a specific architectural feature (like a fireplace wall) or zone (behind a bed or sofa). Allows for bolder choices in small doses.
- Inside Niches or on Ceilings: Unexpected placement for a pop of pattern or texture.
- Below a Chair Rail: Adds visual interest to the lower half of a wall.
Think about the room's shape, windows, doors, and how furniture will be arranged against the walls.
7. Don't Be Afraid to Be a Bit Daring
Wallpaper offers a fantastic opportunity to inject personality and creativity into your home.
- Try a bold pattern or color you love, perhaps on an accent wall if you're hesitant to commit to the whole room.
- Experiment with texture.
- View wallpaper as an art piece for your walls.
Sometimes the most exciting choices are the ones that push you slightly outside your comfort zone.
By carefully considering these factors, you can choose a wallpaper that not only looks beautiful but also enhances the mood and function of your space.
