Wallpaper has been a popular choice in home design for decades, and it's not hard to see why. From bold patterns to subtle textures, wallpaper can add depth, color, and interest to any room in your home. But it's not just for covering entire walls - there are many creative ways to use wallpaper in your decor that you might not have considered. In this post, we'll explore 10 different ways to use wallpaper in unexpected and eye-catching ways, from statement walls to DIY projects. Whether you're a design enthusiast or just looking to spruce up your space, these ideas are sure to inspire you to think outside the box when it comes to wallpaper in your home.
Statement Walls
One of the most common ways to use wallpaper in home decor is to create a statement wall. This is a wall in a room that features a bold, eye-catching pattern or texture, and is often used to draw attention to a particular area or highlight an architectural feature. Statement walls can be used in any room of the house, from bedrooms to living rooms to dining rooms.
When selecting wallpaper for a statement wall, it's important to consider the overall design aesthetic of the room. You'll want to choose a pattern or texture that complements the existing decor, without overwhelming it. Some popular choices for statement walls include geometric patterns, floral motifs, and textured designs like grasscloth or metallic finishes.
To create a statement wall, simply select the wall you want to feature and apply the wallpaper according to the manufacturer's instructions. Be sure to measure carefully and use a level to ensure the pattern lines up properly. If you're using a bold pattern, you may want to keep the rest of the decor more subdued to avoid a cluttered or overwhelming look.
With a statement wall, the rest of the room's decor can be kept relatively simple to allow the wallpaper to shine. Consider adding a few coordinating accessories, like throw pillows or curtains, to tie the look together.
By creating a statement wall with wallpaper, you can add a pop of color, texture, or pattern to any room in your home, and create a striking focal point that will impress your guests.
Wallpapered Ceilings
When most people think of wallpaper, they think of applying it to walls. However, wallpaper can also be used to add interest and depth to ceilings. Wallpapered ceilings are a unique and unexpected design element that can create a dramatic effect in any room of the house.
When selecting wallpaper for a ceiling application, it's important to choose a pattern or texture that is appropriate for the space. Consider the height of the ceiling, the existing decor, and the amount of natural light in the room. Some popular choices for wallpapered ceilings include subtle metallic finishes, soft pastel shades, and textured designs like grasscloth or linen.
To wallpaper a ceiling, start by measuring the length and width of the ceiling and selecting enough wallpaper to cover the area. Apply the wallpaper according to the manufacturer's instructions, using a ladder and a helper if needed. Be sure to smooth out any bubbles or creases in the paper to ensure a clean, polished look.
Wallpapered ceilings can be used in any room of the house, from bedrooms to dining rooms to bathrooms. They work particularly well in rooms with high ceilings or with architectural details like crown molding. To complement a wallpapered ceiling, consider using coordinating decor elements like patterned throw pillows or a textured rug.
By wallpapering a ceiling, you can add a new dimension of color, pattern, and texture to your decor, and create a striking visual element that will elevate any room in your home.
Unexpected Applications
While wallpaper is most commonly used to cover entire walls or create statement walls, there are many unexpected and creative ways to incorporate it into your home decor. Here are just a few ideas to get you inspired:
- Kitchen backsplash: Instead of using traditional tile or stone, consider using wallpaper to create a unique and eye-catching backsplash in your kitchen. Choose a design that complements your cabinets and countertops for a cohesive look.
- Bookcase or cabinet backing: Add some interest to a bookcase or built-in cabinet by wallpapering the back panel. This is a great way to create a focal point and draw attention to your favorite decorative items.
- Dresser or furniture drawer fronts: Transform a plain dresser or set of drawers into a statement piece by covering the front panels with wallpaper. This is a fun and easy DIY project that can be completed in an afternoon.
- Stair risers: Add a pop of color and pattern to your stairs by wallpapering the risers. This unexpected application is sure to impress your guests and create a fun design element in your home.
- Closet or pantry doors: Give your closet or pantry doors some personality by covering them with wallpaper. This is a great way to add interest to a small space and make a big impact.
When using wallpaper in unexpected applications, it's important to choose the right type of wallpaper for the job. Consider using a durable and washable wallpaper in high-traffic areas, and always follow the manufacturer's instructions for installation and care.
By using wallpaper in unexpected applications, you can add a touch of personality and whimsy to your home decor, and create a look that is uniquely yours.
Wallpapered Doors
Another unexpected and creative way to use wallpaper in your home decor is to cover doors with it. Whether you choose to cover the entire door or just a portion of it, using wallpaper in this way can add a fun and unexpected design element to any room in your home.
When selecting wallpaper for a door application, consider the existing decor of the room and choose a pattern or texture that complements it. For example, if the room features bold colors, a more subdued wallpaper pattern may work best, while a neutral room may benefit from a brighter or more colorful pattern.
To wallpaper a door, start by removing any hardware and cleaning the surface thoroughly. Measure the area you want to cover and cut the wallpaper to size, leaving a little extra around the edges to allow for trimming. Apply the wallpaper to the door, smoothing out any bubbles or creases as you go. Once the wallpaper is in place, use a sharp blade to trim the excess around the edges.
Wallpapered doors work well in any room of the house, from bedrooms to bathrooms to closets. They can be used to add interest to a plain or utilitarian door, or to highlight a unique architectural feature like a panel or inset.
To complement a wallpapered door, consider using coordinating decor elements like throw pillows, curtains, or a rug. With a wallpapered door, you can add a touch of personality and whimsy to your home decor, and create a fun design element that is sure to impress your guests.
Wallpapered Stair Risers
Staircases are often a forgotten design element in homes, but they can be an opportunity to add some interest and personality to your space. One creative way to do this is by wallpapering the stair risers. This unexpected design element can add a pop of color, pattern, and texture to an otherwise plain staircase.
When selecting wallpaper for a stair riser application, consider the existing decor of the room and choose a pattern or texture that complements it. You may also want to choose a wallpaper that is durable and washable, as stair risers are a high-traffic area that can experience a lot of wear and tear.
To wallpaper a stair riser, start by cleaning the surface thoroughly and measuring the area you want to cover. Cut the wallpaper to size, leaving a little extra around the edges to allow for trimming. Apply the wallpaper to the stair riser, smoothing out any bubbles or creases as you go. Once the wallpaper is in place, use a sharp blade to trim the excess around the edges.
Wallpapered stair risers can add a fun and unexpected design element to any staircase. They work well in both traditional and modern spaces, and can be used to create a cohesive look with other decor elements like throw pillows or curtains.
To complement a wallpapered stair riser, consider coordinating the colors and patterns with other elements in the room. For example, if the room features a bold patterned wallpaper, consider using a more subtle pattern for the stair riser.
By wallpapering your stair risers, you can add a fun and unexpected design element to your home decor, and create a unique and eye-catching staircase that is sure to impress your guests.
Wallpapered Bookshelves
Bookshelves are a great way to add storage and display space to a room, but they can often be overlooked as a design element. One way to add interest and depth to your bookshelves is by wallpapering the back panel. This can create a beautiful backdrop for your favorite books and decorative items.
When selecting wallpaper for a bookshelf application, consider the existing decor of the room and choose a pattern or texture that complements it. You may also want to choose a wallpaper that is durable and washable, as bookshelves can experience a lot of wear and tear.
To wallpaper a bookshelf, start by removing all the books and other decorative items from the shelves. Measure the area you want to cover and cut the wallpaper to size, leaving a little extra around the edges to allow for trimming. Apply the wallpaper to the back panel of the bookshelf, smoothing out any bubbles or creases as you go. Once the wallpaper is in place, use a sharp blade to trim the excess around the edges.
Wallpapered bookshelves can add a unique and eye-catching design element to any room in the house. They work well in both traditional and modern spaces, and can be used to create a cohesive look with other decor elements like throw pillows or curtains.
To complement a wallpapered bookshelf, consider using coordinating decor elements like vases, picture frames, or other decorative items. This can help tie the look together and create a cohesive and polished look.
By wallpapering the back panel of your bookshelves, you can add interest and depth to your home decor, and create a beautiful backdrop for your favorite books and decorative items.
Wallpapered Room Dividers
Room dividers can be a great way to add privacy and separation to an open-concept living space, but they can also be an opportunity to add some design interest. One way to do this is by wallpapering the room divider. This unexpected design element can create a unique and eye-catching feature in your home decor.
When selecting wallpaper for a room divider application, consider the existing decor of the room and choose a pattern or texture that complements it. You may also want to choose a wallpaper that is durable and washable, as room dividers can experience a lot of wear and tear.
To wallpaper a room divider, start by measuring the area you want to cover and cut the wallpaper to size, leaving a little extra around the edges to allow for trimming. Apply the wallpaper to the room divider, smoothing out any bubbles or creases as you go. Once the wallpaper is in place, use a sharp blade to trim the excess around the edges.
Wallpapered room dividers can add a unique and eye-catching design element to any room in the house. They work well in both traditional and modern spaces, and can be used to create a cohesive look with other decor elements like throw pillows or curtains.
To complement a wallpapered room divider, consider using coordinating decor elements like rugs, vases, or other decorative items. This can help tie the look together and create a cohesive and polished look.
By wallpapering your room divider, you can add a fun and unexpected design element to your home decor, and create a unique and eye-catching feature that is sure to impress your guests.
Conclusion
Wallpaper is a versatile and beautiful design element that can add color, pattern, and texture to any room in your home. While most people think of wallpaper as something that is applied to walls, there are many creative and unexpected ways to incorporate it into your home decor.
In this post, we've explored 10 different ways to use wallpaper in unique and eye-catching ways, from statement walls to unexpected applications like stair risers and room dividers. Whether you're a design enthusiast or just looking to add some personality to your space, these ideas are sure to inspire you to think outside the box when it comes to wallpaper in your home.
When selecting wallpaper for your home decor, it's important to consider the existing design aesthetic and choose a pattern or texture that complements it. You may also want to consider the durability and washability of the wallpaper, especially in high-traffic areas.
By using wallpaper in unexpected and creative ways, you can add interest and personality to your home decor, and create a look that is uniquely yours. So go ahead and get creative with wallpaper - the possibilities are endless!