10+ Factors to Consider Before Selecting Wallpaper
Before selecting a design, consider the factors and tips that are critical in shaping the room’s overall look and longevity.
Take a Cue from Colour
If you’re adding wallpaper to an existing space, choose colours that complement the theme and colour palette of the room. Colours can accentuate the mood. Look for cues to your furniture, furnishings, artwork, window treatments, and flooring.
For a calm and peaceful interior, choose cool-coloured wallpapers that reflect light and impart a bright and airy look. These soft hues endure peace and a refreshing vibe. Dark shades and warm colours make the space feel cosy, making them ideal for north-facing rooms, adding excitement and interest.
Play with Light
Observe the direction of the room and the amount of natural light it receives, which can affect your wallpaper decision. In a brighter room, you can opt for darker wall coverings.
However, in dark hallways or windowless spaces, look for wallcoverings that reflect light and create an illusion of space. Patterns with light colours, soft shades, and smooth surfaces reflect maximum light.
Hide Flaws with Texture
Patterns that feature actual or visual textures are excellent for hiding wall flaws or architectural imperfections. Some wallpaper patterns exude physical texture, like grasscloth, string cloth, burlap, or fabrics. Others mimic the appearance of materials like marble, wood, and leather.
These trendy wallcoverings lend a unique touch and spark personality. Additionally, classic patterns that combine different designs, like a monochromatic damask background overlaid with a floral design, ooze a sense of depth and texture.
Create the Aesthetic Mood
Before selecting your desired wallpaper patterns, consider the mood you want to create in your space. Whether you prefer a soothing backdrop in the contemporary living room or want to make a statement in the boho room, wallpapers shape the mood of the space. A textured wallpaper makes the first impression in the living room without overpowering the space, and a romantic tropical design brightens your walls.
Consider Room’s Functionality
As living rooms are medium-traffic areas, choose easy-to-clean wallpapers that are durable and ensure the wear and tear of daily life. Select a wallpaper for the living room that ignites a perfect balance of character and flair.
Create an Optical Illusion
Go for wallpapers with horizontal stripes and other patterns to make a tall space look shorter, while wallpaper with vertical stripes can make the room appear taller and more vital. Always use soft hues of wallpaper in spaces with low ceilings. Moreover, the size and spacing of the varied patterns on wallpapers can make a room appear spacious or compact.
Choose a Design Style
- If you want a formal and sophisticated look, go for damask designs or large-scale patterns.
- Wallpapers with a high-gloss metallic finish can infuse luxury into the space.
- For fun, bright interiors in a children’s room, pick small motifs and prints like polka dots, cheering up the space.
- Textured wallpaper finishes, like grasscloth wallpapers, add depth and a rustic look to interiors. You can opt for faux textures, which are having a moment right now, to suit your theme and space.
- Bold geometric and abstract patterns give contemporary homes a dazzling appearance.
- For an informal and chic look, try pattern wallpapers that transform walls into touchable works of art. Pick a design that fuses with the room’s upholstery and rugs.
- Botanical and floral prints are the most popular designs for living rooms, adding a dynamic aesthetic and inviting appeal.
Design with Room Layout in Mind
Besides considering the existing colour theme, it’s important to think about the other items in the living room that will share wall space with the wallpaper, such as artwork, mirrors, or vents. Choose a design that complements, rather than clashes with, the other elements in the room.
Choose the Right Scale for Impact
The size of the living room plays a crucial factor in selecting the scale of wallpaper print. A large pattern can be overwhelming or disappear on limited wall space in a small living room. On the other hand, a small, intricate geometric pattern might look busy and cluttered in a grand room with high ceilings. Pick the right scale that accentuates the room’s atmosphere and complements the decor.
Mix and Match Wisely
A room without patterns can lack interest, while a room with varied patterns can seem chaotic. When mixing stripes, florals, or plaids in a room, select designs that share similar colours or hues to create a harmonious environment. For example, if you choose a floral pattern with blue and green hues, you might select a stripe or plaid that introduces shades of blue or green, tying the whole look together.
Dare to Be Bold
Selecting wallpaper for your living room is the perfect opportunity to unleash your creativity and express your unique style. While it’s wise to consider classic patterns, minimalist designs and practicality, sometimes the most striking interiors come from daring to defy expectations. Think outside the box and unexpected to make that bold choice.
Why play it safe when your walls can speak volumes? Celebrate unconventional designs, moody patterns, or chic ceiling prints that resonate with your personality and create a dazzling look.
In A Nutshell
Choosing a wallpaper for a living room can be daunting, with plenty of choices. Whether dressing up an accent wall or giving your ceiling a dramatic makeover, the right wallpaper can completely transform your space with character and visual appeal. It’s all about striking a harmonious balance between current trends and timeless styles.
So, don’t shy away from experimenting with unique designs and vibrant colours and let your personality shine. Armed with these tips on how to select wallpaper for the living room, pick a print that speaks volumes of style and captivates the senses.
Need help to design your house or looking for more interesting home decor ideas? Connect with our experts at Interior Company.
*Images used are for illustration purposes only. Interior Company does not hold any copyright to the images unless mentioned explicitly.