How to choose wallpaper

This comprehensive guide on how to choose wallpaper delves into the aesthetic and practical considerations crucial in selecting the perfect wallpaper. We will offer other helpful tips and highlight common mistakes to avoid. Whatever room it is that you’re planning to decorate, this article will equip you with the knowledge and confidence to transform your space with the right wallpaper.

 

Aesthetic considerations

When it comes to choosing wallpaper, aesthetics play a central role in defining the character and feel of a space. From color and lighting to space patterns and architectural elements, this section will guide you through various artistic aspects to consider. By focusing on these elements, you can achieve a cohesive design that resonates with your style and complements your room's features.

 

Color

Choosing the right colors for your wallpaper can profoundly impact a room's ambiance and emotional resonance. Here's a breakdown of common color categories and how they can influence the mood of your space:

•  Cool colors: These colors, including blue, green, and purple, often evoke calmness, relaxation, and serenity. They are ideal for areas where you want to feel relaxed.

•  Warm colors: Known for their energizing and stimulating effects, warm colors like red, orange, and yellow can help inspire social interaction and creativity. 

•  Neutral colors: Neutral tones, such as white, gray, and brown, can provide balance and versatility. They often create a sophisticated backdrop that allows other colors and design elements to shine.

•  Bold colors: Using bold colors, like deep blues, rich reds, and vibrant greens, can make a strong statement and define the character of a space. They can evoke specific emotions, such as passion with red or creativity with purple.

•  Pastel colors: Pastels, such as soft pink, pale blue, and light yellow, are associated with freshness, softness, and innocence. They are often used in children's rooms or spaces aiming for a gentle and nurturing ambiance.

 

Lighting consideration

Lighting plays an essential role in how your wallpaper looks and feels in your space, and it's a factor that must be considered when selecting wallpaper. For rooms with abundant natural light, you may want to consider how the sunlight interacts with the wallpaper color and textures. The bright sunlight might amplify bold colors or create reflections on metallic or glossy finishes, while softer, indirect light might enhance the subtleness of pastel or neutral tones.

Conversely, choosing bulbs and fixtures will affect perception in spaces relying on artificial light. LEDs or fluorescent lights may cast cooler tones, influencing some colors, while warmer incandescent lighting can emphasize richness in darker wallpapers.

The careful consideration of this interplay ensures your choice maintains its appearance under varying lighting conditions. Testing wallpaper samples in the actual room and observing them at different times and under different lighting conditions can provide invaluable insights, helping you choose the best fit for your space. So, discover the easiest way to order wallpaper samples here: How to request wallpaper samples

 

Considering the space and patterns

•  Small spaces: Choosing wallpaper for smaller spaces requires a keen eye for detail. Lighter colors and simple patterns can create an illusion of openness, making the room more expansive. Horizontal lines can extend the perceived width, while vertical patterns can add a sense of height. 

•  Large spaces: Unlike smaller areas, larger rooms offer more freedom to experiment with bold patterns and complex designs that might overwhelm a compact space. You can use these to create focal points or visually divide the space, transforming a substantial room into an engaging and dynamic environment.

•  Pattern scale: The pattern's scale should also harmonize with the room's furnishings. Delicate patterns complement fine or smaller furniture, while more robust patterns can accommodate larger or heavier pieces. This ensures a consistent visual flow throughout the room, enhancing its appeal.

•  Repetition and rhythm: The repetition and rhythm of a pattern can influence the room's energy and flow. Consistent, regular patterns provide a sense of calm and order, whereas more erratic or asymmetrical designs can inject dynamism and excitement. These subtleties in design add character to the space.

 

Architectural elements and materials

Choosing wallpaper with respect to the architectural elements and materials in your space is a vital aspect of the design process. Your room's existing features, such as moldings, columns, or fireplace mantels, should guide your wallpaper selection. For instance, a geometric pattern might highlight the straight lines of modern architecture, while a floral design might soften more rigid structures.

Furthermore, joining different materials in a room, like wood, stone, or metal, requires thoughtful coordination with the wallpaper. You might choose a wallpaper with natural textures and earthy colors to complement wooden beams or a metallic-toned pattern to accentuate steel fixtures. Another approach could be to select wallpaper with a repeating motif that echoes a stone or tile pattern elsewhere in the room. These strategies create a cohesive look that unifies the various elements of the space and provides a pleasing visual flow.

 

Furniture coordination

Coordinating wallpaper with furniture is integral to creating a harmonious interior design. When selecting wallpaper, consider the existing furniture's style, color, and materials to ensure a cohesive look. Here's how you can achieve that:

•  Matching styles: If your furniture follows a particular style, such as mid-century modern or classic Victorian, choose a wallpaper that echoes that theme. For instance, sleek and minimalist furniture might pair well with a simple geometric pattern, while ornate, classic furniture could complement a more intricate floral design.

•  Color coordination: Analyze the dominant colors in your furniture and look for wallpaper that either matches these hues or offers a pleasing contrast. For example, dark wooden furniture may be enhanced by wallpaper in a lighter shade of the same color or a contrasting pastel.

•  Material reflection: Consider the material composition of your furniture. Leather or metal elements can be echoed in the wallpaper’s texture or pattern, creating a consistent thematic appearance. A wallpaper with a subtle metallic sheen might enhance chrome-finished furniture, while a tactile, textured wallpaper might resonate with upholstered items.

•  Scale and proportion: The size and layout of the furniture also matter. Large furniture items may require a more subtle wallpaper pattern so as not to overwhelm, while smaller, delicate furniture might allow for bold and intricate wallpaper designs.

 

Adherence to style or theme

Choosing the right wallpaper can enhance the room's style or theme, but it's all about personal interpretation. Here are some suggestions that may inspire you:

•  Minimalist theme: If you prefer minimalism, you may opt for simple, clean lines and neutral tones like whites, greys, and beige. Subtle textures and unobtrusive patterns could enhance a minimalist space's uncluttered and sleek ambiance.

•  Vintage Theme: For vintage, consider floral patterns, classic motifs, black-and-white photo wall murals, or wall murals featuring sepia photography. These designs might evoke a sense of nostalgia and elegance, perfect for a vintage-themed room.

•  Bohemian Theme: Freestyle patterns, bold colors, eclectic themes, and ethnic-inspired art and designs might resonate with the artistic and free-spirited nature of this theme. Think globally inspired motifs or handmade textile patterns.

•  Coastal Theme: Soft blues, sandy tones, wave patterns, or wall murals featuring beaches could capture the serene atmosphere of the coast. Images of lighthouses, seashells, or sailboats might also complement this theme.

•  Industrial Theme: Raw textures, metallic accents, exposed bricks, or concrete textures might bolster the rugged appeal of industrial space. Consider wallpaper with a weathered wood or metal appearance for a more authentic feel.

•  Country House Theme: Floral prints, checkered patterns, or pastoral scenes might add a rustic and homey touch. Wallpapers with images of farm animals, barns, or rolling hills could enhance this comforting style.

•  Scandinavian Theme: Soft pastels, simple geometries, and nature-inspired designs could create a cozy, fresh ambiance typical of Nordic interiors. Consider light and airy patterns that evoke a sense of openness and simplicity.

Photowall can cater to every aesthetic consideration mentioned above with its 30,000 designs. When it comes to colors, they have a wide-ranging palette, from a welcoming, vibrant ambiance achieved with warm hues to a tranquil environment induced by cool tones. As for pattern selection, the company’s spectrum of designs ranges from subtle, intricate patterns for a sophisticated aura to bold, large-scale motifs that serve as statement pieces. Regardless of your room's design theme— be it vintage, minimalist, Scandinavian, industrial, classical, retro, luxurious, rustic, or anything else— Photowall stands ready with a diverse wall mural collection.

 

Practical considerations

Practical considerations play a crucial role in the wallpaper selection process. In this section, we'll explore factors that address functionality and ease of use, such as installation, removal, cleaning, calculation, durability, and budget considerations, helping you find a wallpaper that fits your aesthetic preferences and lifestyle needs.

 

Easy to install

 

Choosing wallpaper that is easy to install can be a vital consideration for both time and cost efficiency in your redecoration project. Whether you're a DIY enthusiast or simply looking to save on professional installation costs, selecting a wallpaper that is simple to install can make the entire redecorating process smoother.

Photowall stands out as an excellent choice for those who prioritize easy installation. Equipped with non-woven wallpapers for cleaner application and peel-and-stick options for quick and easy installation, the process is designed to be simple. Also, they meticulously organize your wallpaper order in sequentially labeled strips for easier assembly. These features provide an efficient experience, perfect for DIY enthusiasts. A complete guide on installing wallpaper is available here: How to install wallpaper

 

Easy to remove

 

Considering how easy it is to remove wallpaper is a practical aspect that should not be overlooked, particularly if you enjoy changing décor frequently or are decorating a rented space. Selecting a wallpaper that's easy to remove ensures that future updates will be hassle-free, making it a wise consideration for those who value flexibility in their design choices.

Photowall stands out in its commitment to offering easy removal options. Their non-woven wallpapers utilize a paste-the-wall technique, simplifying the removal process. These wallpapers can be dry-stripped from the wall without inflicting damage. Moreover, Photowall’s peel-and-stick wallpapers offer another great alternative. These can be removed without leaving behind any residue, making them ideal for renters or individuals who enjoy frequently changing their decor. The most comprehensive guide on how to remove wallpaper is available here: How to remove wallpaper

 

Easy to clean

 

When choosing wallpaper, considering how easy it is to clean can be essential for maintaining the appearance and longevity of the design. This factor refers to the wallpaper's ability to withstand regular cleaning without fading or deteriorating, especially in areas prone to stains or high traffic. Opting for a wallpaper that is easy to clean helps preserve the aesthetic appeal and freshness of the room.

For this, non-woven wallpapers, which can be wiped clean with a damp cloth, are a popular choice. If you use Photowall premium wallpapers, you’d have another advantage as they are suitable for cleaning products. Their peel-and-stick wallpapers are also wipeable and resistant to surface stains. Ultimately, their non-woven and peel-and-stick wallpapers are easy to maintain, ensuring your room looks neat. For more information on cleaning wallpapers, check here: How to clean wallpaper

 

Simple to calculate

 

Calculating how much wallpaper you need can be complex and time-consuming. It involves understanding roll dimensions, accounting for pattern repeats, and estimating the number of strips. Missteps can lead to wallpaper excess or shortage, disrupting decorating and causing waste or additional costs. That's why choosing a wallpaper that's easy to calculate can make your interior decorating process smoother. But, with Photowall, this process is simplified. Just provide your wall's dimensions, choose your design, crop your motif, and Photowall will create a customized wallpaper for your uniquely shaped room. Learn more about calculating your wallpaper needs here: How much wallpaper do I need

 

Budget-friendly

 

Choosing budget-friendly wallpaper involves considering several factors: the ability to install it without professional skills, thus avoiding labor costs; affordable tools or materials for installation; free or low-cost shipping fees; and selecting a high-quality product to avoid future expenses. These considerations make budget-friendly wallpaper more than just the initial price.

Opting for Photowall allows for DIY installation because their non-woven and peel-and-stick wallpapers can be easily applied— eliminating the need for expensive professional labor. They also provide free wallpaper glue for non-woven wallpaper orders and an affordable assembly kit with everything you need for efficient installation. Coupled with free shipping within many locations, these factors solidify Photowall as a budget-friendly choice. For a better understanding of how you can choose a budget-friendly but high-quality wallpaper, check this article: How much does wallpaper cost

 

Durable

Durability in wallpaper selection pertains to how well the wallpaper withstands wear and tear over time. Whether in a family room bustling with activity, a sun-exposed room, a busy hallway, a child's playroom, or an office setting, durability is essential in maintaining the wallpaper's integrity and appearance.

Photowall's standard non-woven wallpapers are fire-rated and don't fade in sunlight, ensuring longevity and a sustained appearance. Their premium non-woven options further add scrape resistance and suitability for cleaning products, enhancing their durability for demanding environments. Meanwhile, the peel-and-stick wallpapers, made of high-quality self-adhesive and non-woven material, feature a smooth satin finish that's wipeable, maintaining their aesthetic appeal over time. 

 

Common mistakes when choosing wallpaper

These common mistakes highlight the significance of aligning wallpaper choices with room function, aesthetics, and overall home theme. Considering these factors across all rooms ensures a harmonious result that caters to visual pleasure and practicality.

•  Ignoring room function and activities: A common mistake is choosing wallpaper solely based on its look without considering the activities that the room will host. Select patterns and materials that support the activities in the room, whether it's a play area, work area, or relaxation space.

•  Choosing style over durability: While aesthetics are important, the importance of durability must not be forgotten. In any high-traffic area within the home, the wallpaper should withstand everyday wear and tear. Opt for wallpapers that balance style and durability, such as those offered by Photowall.

•  Overlooking room harmony: Avoid clashing with the existing decor; harmony is key. Ensure your wallpaper choice blends with the color scheme, furniture, and other room elements.

• Overlooking architectural details: Don't neglect unique architectural features. Pick wallpaper that complements and enhances details like moldings or archways rather than clashing with them.

•  Neglecting the overall home theme: Every room should reflect a cohesive introduction to the rest of your home. Assess the overall theme of your home before choosing your wallpaper. Ensure a seamless transition from one room to another, adhering to the underlying theme.

Finding the perfect wallpaper is an exciting journey. Nevertheless, if you want specific suggestions or are open to exploring fresh design concepts, check out Photowall's inspiration page: Inspiration. There, you'll find a diverse blend of stunning designs from their client’s homes and designers mixed with their favorite looks. For even more tailored guidance, refer to their room guide, which offers hundreds of suggestions categorized by room type, including living rooms, bedrooms, hallways, kids' rooms, offices, and more.