Wallpaper is a versatile design element that can go far beyond merely covering walls.
With a range of patterns, textures, and colors available, wallpaper offers endless creative possibilities for enhancing your interior spaces.
Here’s how to think outside the box and use wallpaper in unexpected and innovative ways to elevate your home decor.
On the Ceiling
Turn your ceiling into a statement piece by applying wallpaper overhead.
This can draw the eye upward and add depth and intrigue to any room.
- Pattern and Color: Choose a bold pattern or a bright color to create a striking visual impact. Floral patterns or geometric designs can transform a ceiling into a work of art.
- Application Tip: Since applying wallpaper to a ceiling can be challenging, consider hiring a professional or use peel-and-stick wallpaper for easier installation.
As a Backsplash
Use wallpaper to create a unique backsplash in your kitchen or bathroom.
Make sure it’s covered with a glass or acrylic sheet to protect it from moisture and grease.
- Durability: Choose vinyl wallpaper for moisture resistance, and ensure it’s sealed behind a protective layer.
- Design Choice: Opt for vibrant colors or intricate patterns to add personality to your kitchen or bathroom.
On Furniture
Revamp old furniture or add flair to plain pieces by covering them with wallpaper.
- Drawers and Shelves: Line the inside of drawers or the back of shelves with wallpaper to add a surprise element of design when they’re opened.
- Tabletops and Desks: Apply wallpaper to tabletops and protect it with a glass top. This can turn a simple table into a centerpiece of the room.
As Artwork
Create your own unique artwork by framing sections of wallpaper.
This is an affordable way to fill your walls with beautiful, large-scale art.
- Gallery Wall: Use different patterns of wallpaper within the same color scheme to create a cohesive gallery wall.
- Oversized Frames: For a bold statement, frame a single large piece of wallpaper. This works especially well with abstract or graphic prints.
On Doors
Transform doors into standout features by covering them with wallpaper.
This is particularly effective on sliding closet doors or on the panels of traditional doors.
- Consistency: To maintain a harmonious look, choose wallpaper that complements the color and style of the room.
- Finish: Apply a clear varnish over the wallpaper to protect it from wear and tear.
In Nooks and Small Spaces
Use wallpaper to define or highlight small spaces or nooks within your home.
- Under the Stairs: Wallpaper the wall space under the staircase or line the steps themselves for a pop of pattern every time you climb the stairs.
- Reading Nooks: Create a cozy reading nook by wallpapering the area around a window seat or in a small corner.
As a Room Divider
If you have a large open space, use wallpaper on a movable divider or screen to break up the area and add visual interest.
- Flexibility: Choose a double-sided screen and use different wallpaper designs on each side for versatility.
- Mobility: Ensure the screen is lightweight enough to be moved around as needed to redefine spaces.
Using wallpaper in these unconventional ways can help personalize and enhance your living spaces in both subtle and dramatic ways.
It opens up new dimensions of design possibilities, allowing you to be creative and innovative with how you express style in your home.