Most of our readership may have some sort of deep-seated PTSD when it comes to wallpaper. You might remember your grandparents’ house having every room covered from head to toe in wallpaper, or you bought your first home circa 1990 and it took you roughly 10 years to remove it all.
Well, that was a rough decade for you, I’m sure, but wallpaper is back. And it’s going to stay a while. Luckily, wallpaper has advanced so much in recent years that it’s no longer a life sentence for your walls.
In one of our previous Interior Design features, we interviewed Jonathan Rachman. When asked if there is something simple that people can do to significantly change their space, he says, “I’m crazy for wallpaper. Wallpaper a room from top to bottom. Put up wallpaper that makes a room just instantly pop. Any pattern you want, anything that speaks to you. It could be a wallpaper of old bugs if that’s what you’re into.”
Here are some quick ideas on how to use wallpaper to enhance your space, and where to get it.
Space. First, decide where you want to wallpaper. Large dining room or a small half bath? Is it a whole room or an accent wall? Depending on the pattern you’re considering, I prefer to do entire rooms with crown moulding, and a bold pattern is always a great accent wall. There are also dynamic wall mural design companies everywhere, with a lot of incredible conversation pieces to offer. Many of these companies offer a layout service to help you envision the finished product, and who doesn’t love a good lay?
Brand. The second thing to consider are the brands you explore. Check out brands like Mind the Gap, Gracie, Graham & Brown and de Gournay. The price tag will be higher, but the quality is top of the line. Looking for something a little less expensive, while also more temporary? Companies like Wayfair and Overstock have fun selections that are often peel-and-stick. You can’t go wrong with an acrylic grasscloth.
Application. This is important. The good news is, that wallpaper application isn’t as intense as you think it might be, but more subtle patterns will often be easier for you to hide seams. You can find countless DIY guides on YouTube that make wallpapering approachable.
YouTube channels from Lowe’s, Wallpaper Direct and B&Q have great “get started” guides to help, specifically designed to help you in tricky areas like around windows and corners. Bolder patterns or murals are certainly a good opportunity to employ a professional, and I’m never opposed to someone experienced helping me cover a wall together.
Curious about wallpaper? Have some great projects of your own to share? Please feel free to share them with me @jedwarddesign and maybe they’ll be featured here in the future.
