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8 practical tips for choosing the perfect wallpaper
Choosing wallpaper is like picking the perfect outfit for your room — it sets the tone, reflects your personality, and pulls everything together. To help you navigate the world of patterns and textures, here are expert tips for making the right wallpaper choice.
1. Light is your best friend (or an enemy)
Light changes how wallpaper colors look on a wall dramatically throughout the day.
- North-facing rooms: Usually have cooler, weaker light. Use warm tones (yellows, pinks, warm beiges) to prevent the room from feeling gloomy.
- South-facing rooms: These get plenty of intense natural light. You can safely experiment with cooler and darker shades (blues, greens, or deep charcoals) without making the space feel cold.
2. Pattern scale and room optics
You can use wallpaper patterns to “cheat” the perceived size of a room:
- Large patterns make a spacious room feel cozier and more intimate, but they can feel overwhelming in a tiny space.
- Small patterns and light colors help a narrow or small room feel more open and airy.
3. Low ceilings? Go for stripes!
This is a classic interior design trick that never fails. Vertical stripes or patterns that draw the eye upward “lift” the ceiling. Conversely, horizontal stripes widen the walls, making a narrow room feel broader (though slightly lower). Check out some seriously striped wallpapers and murals here.
4. Choose the right material (non-woven is the king)
If you aren’t a professional paperhanger, go for non-woven wallpaper.
- Why? It’s breathable, durable, and feels premium. Most importantly, you apply the adhesive directly to the wall, not the paper. It doesn’t stretch or shrink when drying, making it a dream material for DIY enthusiasts.
5. Pattern hides imperfections
If your walls aren’t perfectly smooth, avoid glossy or very plain, light-colored wallpapers—they highlight every bump and crack. Instead, choose a textured or heavily patterned wallpaper to mask minor wall defects. (Though remember: the smoother the wall, the better the final result!)
6. Accent wall vs. full room
Decide whether you want a bold statement or a cohesive backdrop:
- For an accent wall: Choose a bold mural, a large floral print, or a dramatic photo wallpaper.
- For the whole room: Stick to more subtle, repeating patterns or textured plains to avoid visual fatigue.
7. Never skip the sample
Screens can be deceptive. Colors and textures often look completely different in person than they do on a website. Order a sample, tape it to your wall, and observe it in the morning, at noon, and in artificial evening light. Only then will you see the true color.
8. Wallpaper, furniture, and textiles are a team
Wallpaper doesn’t exist in a vacuum; it’s the “final touch” of your interior. Compare your wallpaper sample against your sofa fabric, curtains, and even your flooring. A great wallpaper should harmonize with your existing decor, not fight for attention.
