Choosing the right wallpaper to enhance interior spaces
Introducing a wallpaper into your scheme can instantly elevate your interior. Patterned wallpaper can transform your walls with an interesting textural element and an elegant combination of complementary colours.
Discover wallpapers in the Paint & Paper Library collection to suit different rooms and architectural styles.Find guidance on choosing the right wallpaper for your scheme.
How to choose the right wallpaper pattern for your space
When selecting a wallpaper, your own taste and style will be highly influential in your decision making. It is important to choose a design that you feel comfortable with. Doing so will ensure your scheme has longevity, and that you feel relaxed in your living environment.
However, there are other considerations when selecting a wallpaper that truly works for you and your scheme.
1. Consider existing colours in your scheme. If you don’t plan on changing some aspects of your scheme - such as tiles, flooring or statement artwork - it’s important to coordinate them with your chosen wallpaper. Request complimentary samples and view them alongside your existing elements to create a harmonious colour palette.
2. Consider the level of contrast in the design. Although easily overlooked, the contrast level in a wallpaper design affects the impact it will have in your space. If the background colour contrasts with the printed detail, the design will often deliver boldness and vibrancy.
Conversely, if the design features only tonal shades, it will be considerably easier on the eye. As such, tonal coloured wallpaper will often create a gentle interior setting.
3. Consider the scale of the wallpaper. The scale of a wallpaper can also help to determine its impact. However, the level of contrast is often the dominating factor.
To create impact in a large space, large-scale wallpapers and murals will often be more effective. Likewise, wallpapers with intricate, all-over, repeating motifs are useful for creating intimacy in small and large spaces alike.
The direction your room faces and the amount of natural light it receives may also impact the appearance of a wallpaper. Read our guide to choosing wallpaper for different room orientations.
Explore wallpaper patterns for every interior setting
Utilise minimal colour contrast for a restful bedroom
As places of rest and relaxation, bedrooms are excellent rooms to use soft, muted hues. When applied to wallpapers, these gentle shades will provide a soothing atmosphere. If you are considering wallpaper for your bedroom, select a design with very minimal colour contrast to evoke calmness and comfort.
Aeonium – Temple depicts stencil drawings of an elegant floral plant on a gentle pink backdrop. Team with coordinating warm grey neutrals like Quail and Marble II. This combination will deliver a wraparound scheme, with almost no contrasts to draw the eye.
Opt for bright, contrasting colourways for a vibrant scheme
In rooms where you want to add energy and impact, wallpapers that feature stronger colour contrasts are very effective. The large-scale botanical design, Tropicane – Chelsea Green, provides a captivating backdrop in reception rooms or guest rooms. As these rooms may be visited less than others, they are the ideal settings to incorporate stronger colours and patterns into your overall palette.
Consider introducing the vibrant coordinating green, Chelsea Green II, on the lower walls and woodwork too. This classic green paint will accentuate the colour contrast and bring a real sense of liveliness to your scheme.
Explore how to use botanical wall murals to permeate your scheme with tranquillity.
Introduce a statement mural in a spacious dining area
Large-scale mural wallpapers work best in rooms where you can appreciate their full scope. By introducing Aloe Walk – Glass on all walls in a spacious dining room, you will create a striking, panoramic feel. This wall mural is the ideal choice for a space where you will be entertaining guests.
Utilise coordinating shades, Glass I and Glass III, on the ceiling and woodwork to keep the focus on the innate elegance and impact of the wallpaper.
Discover four more mural wallpaper ideas to create a compelling scheme.
Provide a soft, tranquil backdrop with a tonal mural
Don’t feel you must reserve mural wallpapers for spacious reception rooms or sociable living spaces. Embrace the enchanting mural wallpaper, Folia – Teal, in your bedroom to create an intimate oasis. The contemporary ombre background, coupled with leafy silhouettes, creates a space where you can find peacefulness and tranquillity.
This inviting wallpaper features a graduating colour palette of teal colours, from sumptuous deep teal to fresh, gentle mint. This lack of colour contrast outweighs the scale of the wallpaper. The design does not feel overwhelming, but provides an understated textural backdrop, even in smaller rooms.
Create intimacy in your living space with an all-over floral design
With their characteristic beauty, all-over floral wallpapers are accommodating and simple to use. Incorporate florals into your interior design scheme in bedrooms, living rooms and hallways. While these are the perfect wallpaper patterns for small rooms, they can also contribute to a larger room scheme. Using all-over floral wallpaper for large living rooms adds a sense of intimacy to the space.
Feather Flora – Soba is an elegant choice to accompany panelling and woodwork in the rich deep blue, Plimsoll. Introduce colours from the wallpaper in your soft furnishings for a harmonious, coordinated finish.
Choose a large-scale pattern for added impact
A great way to create impact without the use of strong colour contrast is with a large-scale repeating motif. Hardy Palm is a contemporary, botanical wallpaper offered in five colourways, each with different levels of contrast.
Pair the moody Acqua Viva colourway with Pontefract on woodwork to create enveloping warmth and colour in your hallway. In lieu of any significant colour contrast, the bold, striking pattern will draw attention, providing a sense of drama.
Explore the Paint & Paper Library wallpaper collections to inspire your next project. Or browse our image gallery for wallpaper ideas.