Five things to know before choosing a wallpaper

By IMAGE Interiors & Living
20th Mar 2024

Five things to know before choosing a wallpaper

There is nothing worse than making a hasty decision that you come to regret a few months down the line. Here is how to pick wallpaper you'll really love.

Not to frighten you, but the wallpaper you decide on for your house will have a significant impact on everything from your choice of furniture to the lighting. So it’s important to know the different options available before you splash it around.

Before you even start shopping, make sure you understand the ambience you wish your home to bring – different patterns and colours speak volumes regardless of the furniture you choose. Here, fabric and print designer Vanessa Arbuthnott takes us through seven things you need to be aware of ahead of making the final decision.

1. Don’t rush! Keep your options open

Just because you love the sample that you found, it doesn’t mean that you must apply it to every room in your house. It will make a difference in the long term to consider all your options, this can be done easily by purchasing a removable wallpaper or vinyl. They easily hang and can be removed without any damage to your walls, even better if you are the type that gets easily bored and would like to add flair to your rooms every few months – reusable and removable wallpapers might be the way to go!

2. Always consider the style of your room

It’s important to understand the different atmospheres your room can convey depending on the wallpaper. If you prefer to go casual then floral designs are a must as they give the room an organic ambience and a relaxed feel. For a contemporary feel, consider bold geometrics, high gloss or metallic accents which can create a dramatic feel. If you are heading down the traditional route, be sure to stick to intricate detailing and stripes, which look chic alongside traditional furnishings. Always remember to be consistent and choose a pattern that works best with your bricks and mortar.

3. Kid-proof

If you have kids, you may worry about the state of your wallpaper after time. An option you can consider is wallpaper coverings, they are made from a fabric and paper mix and work by simply brushing the paste onto the wall and then placing the wall covering onto it but the golden benefit is that they are washable. No more crayon marks or sticky fingers!

4. Have a feature wall

If you want to go bold but not over the top, consider a feature wall. By choosing a dramatic pattern you can highlight an area of a room such as behind a sofa, adding an extra dimension to that space.

5. Low ceilings sorted

If you have rooms with low ceilings you can accentuate them by choosing dip-dyed wallpapers. This design is a popular interior home trend. They have intense colour at the bottom and then fade out to beige or neutrals at the top, giving the illusion of taller walls. Another trick is to incorporate stripes. In terms of the ceiling itself, use white or another pale colour such as blue for added height.

This article was originally published in February 2023.