Picking wallpaper shouldn’t feel like rocket science. Yet, standing in front of countless patterns, materials, and finishes can quickly become overwhelming. I’ve been there too.
In this guide, I’ll explain exactly how to choose the perfect wallpaper for your space—from measuring your walls to selecting patterns that match your style. You’ll learn which materials work best in different rooms and how to avoid the most common wallpaper mistakes.
After decorating hundreds of homes and helping countless homeowners, I’ve learned what works and what doesn’t. The techniques I’m sharing have transformed blank walls into stunning focal points for families just like yours.
Whether you’re wallpapering your first room or looking to refresh an outdated space, this step-by-step approach will help you make choices you’ll love for years to come.
Designer-Approved Tips for Choosing the Perfect Wallpaper
I’ve spent years helping people transform their spaces with wallpaper. Finding the perfect pattern isn’t just about what looks pretty – it’s about creating a room that feels like you.
Let me share some simple tips that will make your decision easier.
Balance Matters
Your wallpaper should work with what you already have. Too much pattern can make a room feel smaller. Too little might leave it boring.
Look at your furniture, art, and other items.
Ask yourself: Will this wallpaper compete with or complement them?
Busy patterns work best in rooms where you don’t spend hours, like hallways or powder rooms. Subtle patterns are better for bedrooms and living spaces.
Personal Style Is Everything
Your home tells your story. Choose wallpaper that makes you smile every time you see it.
Do you love:
- Clean, modern lines?
- Vintage charm?
- Bold statements?
- Subtle textures?
The right wallpaper reflects who you are.
Expert Decision-Making Tips
- Order samples first. What looks good online might look different in your space.
- Consider lighting. Patterns look different in natural light versus lamp light.
- Think about permanence. How long do you want this wallpaper to last?
- Start small if you’re unsure. Try wallpaper in a closet or small bathroom before doing a whole room.
- Take your time. The right choice is worth waiting for.
Remember – there are no strict rules. Trust your gut feeling. If a pattern speaks to you, that’s often the best sign you’ve found your perfect match.
Tips on How to Choose Wallpaper
Selecting the perfect wallpaper can transform your space from ordinary to extraordinary. Here are practical steps and insights to help you make the best choice for your home, whether you’re new to decorating or have experience with interior design.
Key Steps to Guide Your Selection Process
1. Assess your space first
- Consider the room’s size, lighting, and existing decor
- Determine which walls you want to cover (accent wall vs. full room)
- Measure your walls accurately before purchasing
2. Define your purpose
- Are you trying to make the space feel larger, cozier, or more dramatic?
- Will this be a long-term investment or a temporary style change?
- Consider how the room is used (high-traffic areas need durable wallpaper)
3. Choose the right material
- Vinyl: Durable and washable, great for kitchens and bathrooms
- Non-woven: Easy to hang and remove, environmentally friendly
- Grasscloth: Natural texture, but more challenging to maintain
- Peel-and-stick: Perfect for renters or those who like to change decor frequently
4. Select patterns thoughtfully
- Vertical stripes can make ceilings appear higher
- Horizontal patterns can make narrow rooms feel wider
- Large patterns work best in spacious rooms
- Small patterns are ideal for creating subtle texture in smaller spaces
5. Sample before committing
- Order samples and view them in your space at different times of day
- Place samples against furniture and flooring to ensure cohesion
Tips for Beginners
- Start with a smaller project like a powder room or accent wall
- Consider peel-and-stick options for easier application and removal
- Solid textures or subtle patterns are more forgiving for first-timers
- Watch installation tutorials before beginning
For Experienced Decorators
- Experiment with pattern mixing (different wallpapers in connecting spaces)
- Consider custom wallpaper for truly unique spaces
- Try unexpected applications like ceiling coverings or inside bookcases
- Layer wallpaper with molding or other architectural elements for sophisticated depth
Remember, wallpaper is an opportunity to express your personality and style. Take your time with the selection process, and don’t hesitate to seek professional advice if you’re tackling a complex space or pattern.
Identifying the Type of Project
Understanding exactly what kind of wallpaper project you’re undertaking helps ensure successful results. Different scopes require different approaches, materials, and sometimes different skill levels.
Wallpapering an Entire Room vs. Creating an Accent Wall
Full Room Considerations
- Creates a cohesive, immersive environment
- Requires more careful pattern selection—overly bold patterns may feel overwhelming when covering all walls
- Pattern scale matters more (smaller patterns often work better in full rooms)
- Higher material costs and longer installation time
- Greater impact on room acoustics and perceived space size
Accent Wall Benefits
- It makes a strong visual statement with less commitment
- Perfect for showcasing luxury or higher-priced wallpapers
- Allows for bolder patterns or colors that might overwhelm a full room
- Serves as a focal point to highlight architectural features or furniture
- A budget-friendly option that still dramatically transforms a space
- Easier entry point for DIY beginners
When deciding between a full room or an accent wall, consider the room’s function, existing décor, and the pattern’s visual weight.
Bedrooms and offices often benefit from full wallpaper treatment, while living spaces and dining rooms can shine with strategic accent walls.
Temporary vs. Permanent Wallpaper Options
Temporary Solutions for Renters
- Peel-and-stick wallpaper: Removes cleanly without damaging walls
- Fabric wallcoverings: Some can be installed with liquid starch for damage-free removal
- Repositionable wallpaper: Allows for adjustments during and after installation
- Wallpaper panels: Can be mounted on lightweight frames instead of directly on walls
Permanent Options for Homeowners
- Traditional paste-applied wallpaper: A great variety of designs and textures
- Non-woven wallpaper: This modern option that’s durable and easier to remove than older paper types
- Vinyl wallcoverings: Highly durable for high-traffic areas and moisture-prone spaces
- Grasscloth and specialty textiles: Create rich texture and natural variation
Select materials based on how long you intend to keep the wallpaper and your living situation. Temporary options have improved dramatically in recent years, offering renters sophisticated design possibilities without risking security deposits.
DIY vs. Professional Installation: Factors to Consider
DIY May Work Well If
- You have patience and basic handyman skills
- The room has standard rectangular walls with few obstacles
- You’re working with beginner-friendly wallpapers (peel-and-stick or non-woven)
- The pattern has a small repeat or is forgiving of slight misalignments
- You have the proper tools and workspace for cutting and preparation
- Time constraints aren’t an issue
Professional Installation Is Recommended When
- Walls have imperfections that require preparation
- The room has many corners, cutouts, and architectural details
- You’re using expensive or delicate materials
- The pattern requires precise matching or has a large repeat
- The ceiling height makes installation challenging
- The project has a tight deadline
- You’re using specialty papers like grasscloth, silk, or hand-printed designs.
Professional installation typically costs $2-$7 per square foot beyond material costs but can save significant stress and potential waste from mistakes.
For intricate patterns or specialty wallpapers, professional expertise often pays for itself.
When deciding between DIY and professional installation, consider your timeline, budget, skill level, and project complexity.
Even experienced DIYers sometimes opt for professional help with particularly challenging spaces or materials.
Determine Your Project Scope
The size and complexity of your wallpaper project significantly impact your approach:
- Single accent wall: This is perfect for making a statement without overwhelming a space. Accent walls work well behind beds, in dining rooms, or as focal points in living areas.
- Feature area: For unexpected visual interest, consider wallpapering alcoves, the backs of bookcases, or the risers on stairs.
- Full room: Creating a cohesive look throughout a space requires careful pattern selection to avoid overwhelming the design.
- Multiple connected rooms: When wallpapering adjoining spaces, consider how patterns will transition from one area to another.
Start by asking yourself: What impact do I want the wallpaper to have? Do I want it to be the star of the show or a subtle background element?
How Project Type Influences Wallpaper Choice
For Small Projects and Accent Walls
- Bold is beautiful: Smaller areas can handle more dramatic patterns and colors.
- Premium materials: Luxury wallpapers with higher price points become more affordable when covering less square footage
- Complexity works: Intricate designs that might overwhelm a full room can shine on an accent wall.
- DIY-friendly: Smaller projects are ideal for beginners and typically manageable as weekend projects.
For Full Rooms
- Consider livability: Patterns you’ll see daily should pass the “Will I still love this in five years?” test
- Scale matters: Large-scale patterns can make small rooms feel smaller; subtle patterns often work better for entire rooms
- Calculate carefully: Full rooms require precise measurements and pattern-matching
- Budget implications: Material costs and installation fees increase with square footage
DIY vs. Professional Installation
Suitable for DIY
- Peel-and-stick wallpapers designed for easy application
- Small, straightforward spaces with few obstacles
- Rooms with standard rectangular walls and minimal cutouts
- Projects using forgiving patterns that don’t require precise matching
Consider Professional Help For
- Expensive or delicate wallpapers where mistakes would be costly
- Complex rooms with many corners, cutouts, or architectural features
- Pattern-matching traditional wallpapers with large repeats
- Textured or specialty wallpapers requiring specific techniques
- High ceilings or difficult-to-reach areas
- Heritage homes where walls may not be perfectly straight
Remember that properly assessing your project scope before beginning will save time, money, and potential frustration. Be realistic about your DIY skills and the complexity of your space when deciding whether to hire professional help.
Choosing a Style for the Space
Selecting the right wallpaper style creates the foundation for your room’s entire aesthetic. The perfect wallpaper complements your existing elements while introducing personality and visual interest to your space.
Popular Wallpaper Styles
Classic/Traditional
- Damask patterns, toile scenes, and floral designs
- Rich textures like grasscloth and silk
- Subdued color palettes with occasional jewel tones
- Often features symmetrical designs with historical references
- Creates timeless, elegant environments that age gracefully
Modern/Contemporary
- Clean lines, geometric patterns, and abstract designs
- Bold color blocks or monochromatic schemes
- Emphasis on texture rather than ornate detailing
- Minimalist approach with strategic visual impact
- Creates fresh, uncluttered spaces with artistic elements
Eclectic
- Unexpected color combinations and pattern mixing
- Global influences from various cultures and periods
- Whimsical motifs and conversation-starting imagery
- Varied textures, from rough to refined
- Creates personal, collected spaces that tell a story
Industrial
- Concrete, brick, and metal textures
- Weathered finishes and distressed effects
- Neutral color palettes with occasional rust or metallic accents
- Blueprint or architectural drawing motifs
- Creates urban, loft-like environments with raw appeal
Bohemian
- Nature-inspired patterns and botanical illustrations
- Global textiles and patterns from diverse cultures
- Rich, layered color palettes with earthy undertones
- Painterly techniques and handcrafted appearances
- Creates relaxed, free-spirited spaces with artistic flair
Scandinavian
- Simple geometric patterns and subtle textures
- Light, airy color palettes with emphasis on whites and neutrals
- Nature motifs like birch trees, mountains, or abstract landscapes
- Clean, unfussy designs with breathing room
- Creates bright, open-feeling spaces with calming effects
Matching Wallpaper with Existing Décor and Furniture
When Integrating Wallpaper with Your Current Elements
- Identify the dominant colors in your existing furniture and pull complementary shades for your wallpaper
- Consider the weight of your furniture—heavier pieces can balance bolder patterns
- Match the undertones between your wallpaper and wood finishes (warm or cool)
- Echo existing shapes from furniture in your wallpaper pattern for subtle cohesion
- Balance pattern scales—if you have patterned furniture, choose wallpaper with a distinctly different scale (larger or smaller)
- Find connecting elements like a color that appears in both your furniture and the wallpaper
For Transitional Spaces that Blend Styles
- Look for wallpapers that incorporate elements from both your existing style and the direction you’re moving toward
- Choose patterns that feel timeless rather than trendy if you expect your furnishings to change.
Finding Inspiration
Online Resources
- Pinterest and Instagram: Search specific hashtags like #wallpaperinspo or #accentwall
- Houzz: Browse photos of completed rooms filtered by style
- Wallpaper manufacturer websites: Many offer room visualizers to see patterns in context
- Design blogs: Offer curated selections and real-world applications
Interior Design Magazines
- Architectural Digest: High-end applications and designer insights
- Elle Decor: Trend-forward pattern applications
- House Beautiful: Accessible ideas for various styles
- Domino: Youthful, modern approaches to wallpaper
Physical Resources
- Wallpaper showrooms: See full pattern repeats and touch actual materials
- Design centers: Often open to the public with designer collections
- Home improvement stores: Many now offer designer wallpaper books for browsing
- Model homes: See wallpaper applications in completed spaces
When gathering inspiration, collect samples or images of wallpapers you’re drawn to, then analyze what they have in common.
This reveals your authentic preferences and helps narrow options within your chosen style category.
Remember that the most successful spaces feel personal rather than perfectly matching a specific style category.
Your wallpaper should reflect your unique aesthetic while still harmonizing with your space’s architecture and existing elements.
Additional Features to Enhance Your Wallpaper Selection
Beyond pattern and color, specialty wallpaper features can add dimension, luxury, and personality to your space.
These enhanced options create visual and tactile experiences that standard wallpapers can’t match.
Adding Texture with Embossed or Fabric-Backed Wallpaper
Textured wallpapers create depth and interest that flat papers can’t achieve:
- Embossed wallpapers feature raised patterns that create shadow and dimension, even in subtle designs. These work particularly well in:
- Formal dining rooms where light from chandeliers highlights the relief patterns
- Hallways and transitional spaces where tactile interest enhances brief encounters
- Traditional settings where textural details reference historical wallpaper techniques
- Fabric-backed options include:
- Grasscloth: Natural fibers create organic, horizontal lines with subtle color variations
- Linen: Provides a fine-woven texture with a sophisticated, tailored appeal
- Burlap: Offers rustic texture perfect for creating warmth in contemporary spaces
- Felt: Creates sound-dampening properties ideal for bedrooms and media rooms
Textured wallpapers excel at:
- Hiding minor wall imperfections
- Creating visual interest even in monochromatic color schemes
- Adding warmth and coziness to spaces that might otherwise feel stark
- Providing a sensory experience beyond just visual impact
When using highly textured wallpapers, consider balancing them with smoother elements elsewhere in the room to create a pleasing contrast.
Metallic Accents for a Touch of Glamour
Metallic elements in wallpaper reflect light and add sophisticated shimmer:
- Gold and brass tones create warm, inviting spaces with a touch of luxury
- Silver and chrome finishes deliver cool, contemporary glamour
- Copper and bronze accents bridge traditional and modern with their warm undertones
- Pearlescent finishes provide subtle iridescence that shifts with changing light
Metallic wallpapers work best in:
- Powder rooms and dining rooms where they create dramatic, jewel-box effects
- Ceilings, where they reflect light downward and create the illusion of height
- North-facing rooms that need additional light reflection
- Evening-use spaces where they glow beautifully under artificial lighting
Design tips for metallic wallpapers:
- Use good lighting to maximize their reflective properties
- Consider scale—all-over metallics work best in small doses or smaller rooms
- Balance with matte finishes elsewhere to prevent overwhelming shine
- Remember that metallics highlight wall imperfections, so proper wall preparation is essential
Custom Prints and Murals for a Unique, Personalized Touch
For truly one-of-a-kind spaces, custom options deliver unmatched personalization:
- Photo murals transform personal images into dramatic wall-sized features
- Custom-colored patterns allow you to match existing décor elements perfectly
- Hand-painted designs bring artisan quality and unique variations to your walls
- Digital customization services can modify the scale, color, and elements of existing patterns
Perfect applications for custom wallpaper include:
- Children’s rooms featuring personalized themes or favorite characters
- Home offices showcasing brand colors or inspirational imagery
- Feature walls displaying meaningful landscapes or cityscape photography
- Dining rooms with custom murals that become instant conversation pieces
When considering custom options:
- Work with reputable companies that provide samples before full production
- Understand lead times, which are typically longer than stock wallpapers
- Ensure digital image resolution is sufficient for your intended wall size
- Consider future adaptability, especially in spaces likely to evolve over time
Whether you choose textural depth, metallic accents, or custom designs, these enhanced wallpaper features elevate your space beyond basic patterns and colors, creating rooms with distinctive personalities and sophisticated impact.
Conclusion
Selecting the perfect wallpaper involves balancing practical considerations with personal style preferences to create spaces that feel both functional and meaningful.
By carefully assessing your space, understanding different wallpaper types, and considering how patterns and textures interact with your existing elements, you can make confident choices that transform your rooms.
Whether you opt for a bold accent wall that makes a statement or an immersive full-room application, the right wallpaper adds depth, personality, and sophistication that paint alone cannot achieve.
Remember that successful wallpaper selection is ultimately about creating spaces that reflect your unique taste while enhancing how you experience and enjoy your home every day.
With thoughtful planning and attention to both technical and aesthetic details, your wallpaper can become the foundation of rooms that tell your story and stand the test of time.