9. Wallpaper

I’ve always loved the idea of wallpaper. I mean, it’s so beautiful to me. Whether its pattern on a flat wall, large graphic prints for an accent wall, texture for a hall way, who wouldn’t love the idea of wallpaper?  I’ve never had the opportunity to install wallpaper, but I have removed it, and boy was that a mess!

However, it did not stop me from wanting to use wall paper, one day.

Now wallpaper has come a long way since dusty rose shades of florals you run through a plastic water tray. There are 2 main types when it comes to how they are installed. Pre-pasted wallpaper is the kind that you brush the back with water and apply. Non pasted wallpaper is the kind where the paste (glue) is applied directly to the paper or the wall in some cases.

*read all manufactures instructions and make sure walls are properly prepared before installing

This is definitely the kind of project with a lot of pre planning. You will need to first decide which paper you would prefer to use. Prepare the walls, cleaning and patching any areas that need to be repaired. On average a roll will get you 36 square feet but with cuts and waste you will get closer to 30 square feet a roll. I am a measure once cut twice kind of girl, so make sure you measure twice and cut once or else this could get kind of pricey.

Now there are 4 different kinds of wallpaper when it comes to the image on the paper

1.       Paintable

2.       Textured

3.       Printed

4.       Fabric

Paintable wallpaper is just that, you paint it. Usually paintable wallpaper is textured or has a raised pattern on it which sets it apart from printed wallpaper.

Textured paper could also be the paintable kind but this is referring more to wallpaper that are of the grass cloth nature. These papers come in a variety of colours, not just a shaded of beige anymore.

Printed wallpaper is the kind that most people would think of when they hear wallpaper. An image or images printed on the wallpaper to create a pattern. It can consist of any pattern or print really.

Fabric wallpaper is just like its name, fabric that has been laminated and used as wallpaper. This is probably a more expensive way to go in terms of wallpaper. But I can understand falling in love with a particular fabric and then not being able to find that pattern in a paper form. This might also be best in a low traffic area for longevity.

I am in love with wallpaper. I think it is such a great way to add something different to a space, something a little more than paint can do. I’ve seen wallpaper applied to a whole room and used as an accent. Whatever area you may like to apply it here are some more ideas.

Using wallpaper as an accent wall is a great way to add contrast to a room. In a bedroom on the headboard wall is something I really like for wallpaper.

In a powder room is another place to add some great graphic prints to surprise your guests when they go to use the Loo.

A front entrance could be a great way to add visual interest, being a high traffic area you may want to do a top half installation though with some trim where the paper meets the paint.

I think dining rooms are the most popular place for wallpapers as of late. They are not commonly used rooms but a room you want to add a lot of interest in. Even as an accent wall it will give a really grand feel to the space.

Wall paper could even be installed within a trimmed out space on a wall almost to create an art effect.

Wallpaper can be an inexpensive way to add interest to any of your spaces as well as a decorative contrast that can’t be achieved with paint. Whatever you decide for your space, don’t be afraid to think outside the box and experiment. What’s the worst that could happen?

Come back soon, all I share some more with you!

-AR