Make Statement Wallpapers Work in Any Room

Wallpaper has made a comeback so why not go bold this fall with a statement wallpaper. Designer Cathy Hobbs shares how to make statement wallpapers work in any room.

By: Erin Gifford

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Photo By: 2lgstudio.com (interior design) / Megan Taylor (photography)

Photo By: Wallsauce.com

Photo By: Sean Mills ©Sean Mills

Photo By: Wallsauce.com

Photo By: Cathy Hobbs

Wallpaper as Art

A fun design trick, and a cost savings over buying framed prints to decorate a room, is to cut large pieces of colorful wallpapers and frame them as art. For larger spaces, like living rooms, hang multiple pieces of wallpaper as a series of two or three frames. This is a good option for those new to statement wallpapers and eager to explore bold and playful designs.

Accent Walls

Small spaces, like powder rooms and offices, can feel naturally closed in by dark hues and overwhelming patterns. Instead, use statement wallpaper sparingly in these rooms as an accent wall to complement fixtures and furnishings.

Go Metallic

Don’t shy from statement wallpapers that incorporate metallic elements, like silver, gold and copper, which can add a warm glow to your home. Work metallics into any room of the house for a touch of glamour and elegance. It’s a good choice for spaces where you entertain guests.

Think Overscale

When you really want to make a statement with a wallpaper, look to large or overscale patterns that make a bold design statement and quickly capture attention. Colorful made-to-measure wallpaper murals, like those from Wallsauce.com, are a great option for accent walls. Even better, they are peel and stick, making it quick and easy to switch up the look of the space.

Work With What You Have

One of the biggest (and easiest) mistakes to make when it comes to wallpaper is to introduce a statement wallpaper that does not work with the design scheme or color palette of the room. Instead, choose a wallpaper that serves as a unifier and helps to keep your room décor cohesive.

Identify Your "Color Story"

If you’re eager for a whole new look for a room, start with a statement wallpaper and use the pattern as the inspiration for your own personal "color story." Choose a color from the wallpaper as the foundation color for the room, then add furnishings and decorative elements that complement the wallpaper’s color palette.

Consider Texture

Statement wallpapers can be rich with bold patterns and colors, but consider texture as well. Today’s wallpapers can incorporate tactile elements, like beading and fabric, even semi-precious stones. It’s okay to apply these specialty wallpapers more generously across family rooms or home offices given they often trade rich colors and patterns for a unique three-dimensional look.