Can you put wallpaper in a living room? Absolutely! Wallpaper can transform your living room into a stylish and inviting space. It’s a fantastic way to express your personality and create a unique atmosphere.
Choosing the right wallpaper for your living room is a big decision. It sets the tone for the entire room and can make a significant impact on its overall feel. But with so many options available, how do you know where to start? This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know to make the perfect choice.
Image Source: paulwaldeninteriors.com
Deciphering Your Style: Finding the Right Wallpaper Styles for Living Rooms
Your living room is a reflection of you. Before you dive into patterns and colors, take a moment to think about your personal style and the vibe you want to create. Are you drawn to the clean lines of modern design, the cozy charm of traditional decor, or perhaps the eclectic mix of bohemian chic?
Here are some popular wallpaper styles for living rooms to consider:
- Traditional: Think classic damasks, florals, and subtle stripes. These designs often evoke a sense of timeless elegance and sophistication.
- Modern: Geometric patterns, abstract art, and minimalist designs are hallmarks of modern wallpaper. They create a clean, contemporary look.
- Farmhouse/Rustic: Natural textures, subtle wood grains, and simple botanical prints fit perfectly into a farmhouse aesthetic. These often bring a warm, inviting feel.
- Bohemian: Eclectic patterns, global-inspired motifs, and vibrant colors define bohemian wallpaper. It’s about individuality and a relaxed, artistic vibe.
- Mid-Century Modern: Retro patterns, organic shapes, and muted color palettes are characteristic of this popular style.
- Art Deco: Bold geometric patterns, metallic accents, and luxurious textures define Art Deco. It’s glamorous and eye-catching.
Fathoming Your Living Room Wallpaper Ideas: A Creative Journey
It’s not just about the style; it’s about the feeling. What do you want your living room to say? Do you want it to feel like a cozy retreat, a sophisticated entertaining space, or a vibrant hub for family life?
Consider these living room wallpaper ideas:
- Statement Wall: Choose a bold, eye-catching wallpaper for one wall to create a focal point. This is great for adding drama without overwhelming the space.
- Subtle Elegance: Opt for a textured wallpaper or a design with a muted color palette for a sophisticated, understated look.
- Playful and Whimsical: If your living room is a family gathering space, consider playful patterns or murals that add a touch of fun.
- Nature-Inspired: Bring the outdoors in with botanical prints, landscapes, or subtle nature motifs. These can create a calming and refreshing atmosphere.
- Geometric Charm: Clean geometric patterns can add visual interest and a modern touch.
Choosing Living Room Wallpaper Patterns: More Than Just Pretty Pictures
The pattern on your wallpaper can dramatically alter the perception of your living room. It can make a small room feel larger, a large room feel cozier, or simply add a desired aesthetic. When choosing living room wallpaper patterns, think about the scale of the pattern and how it relates to the size of your room and your furniture.
Here’s how to approach picking patterns:
- Large-Scale Patterns: These can make a small room feel more intimate or create a dramatic focal point. However, in a very small room, they can sometimes overwhelm the space if not used carefully.
- Small-Scale Patterns: These can add texture and visual interest without being too overpowering. They are a safe bet for most rooms and can make a space feel larger.
- Stripes: Vertical stripes can make ceilings appear higher, while horizontal stripes can make a room feel wider.
- Florals: From delicate sprigs to bold blooms, florals can add romance and charm. Consider the color palette and the size of the flowers.
- Geometrics: These can range from subtle textures to bold, statement designs. They are excellent for adding a modern or contemporary feel.
- Abstract: Abstract patterns offer a unique and artistic touch, allowing for a lot of personality.
- Textured Patterns: These mimic materials like grasscloth, linen, or even metallic finishes. They add depth and sophistication without a busy pattern.
How to Pick Living Room Wallpaper: Key Considerations
Beyond style and pattern, several other factors are crucial when learning how to pick living room wallpaper.
1. Room Size and Light:
- Small Rooms: Lighter colors and smaller, more subtle patterns can make a room feel more spacious. Avoid very dark colors or large, busy patterns that can make the room feel closed in.
- Large Rooms: Darker colors and bolder, larger-scale patterns can help to make a large room feel cozier and more inviting. You can also use wallpaper on an accent wall to break up a large space.
- Light: Consider the natural light your living room receives. A room with lots of natural light can handle bolder colors and patterns. A room with less light might benefit from lighter, brighter wallpapers.
2. Existing Decor and Furniture:
Your wallpaper should complement your existing furniture, rugs, and decor.
- Color Palette: If your furniture is neutral, you have more freedom to play with color and pattern in your wallpaper. If your furniture is already colorful, a more subdued wallpaper might be best.
- Style Continuity: Ensure the wallpaper style aligns with your overall decor theme. A very modern wallpaper might clash with antique furniture, for instance.
3. Durability and Practicality:
Living rooms are high-traffic areas, so choosing a durable wallpaper is essential.
- Washability: Look for wallpapers that are washable or scrubbable, especially if you have children or pets. Vinyl wallpapers are generally the most durable and easy to clean.
- Material: Different wallpaper materials offer varying degrees of durability and texture.
4. Your Personal Taste:
Ultimately, the best wallpaper is one that you love. Don’t be afraid to choose something that makes you happy and reflects your unique style.
Wallpaper Color Schemes for Living Rooms: Setting the Mood
Color is a powerful tool in interior design. The right wallpaper color scheme can completely transform the mood and atmosphere of your living room.
Consider these wallpaper color schemes for living rooms:
- Neutrals (Beiges, Grays, Whites): These are timeless and versatile. They create a calm, sophisticated backdrop that allows your furniture and accessories to shine. They are also excellent for making smaller spaces feel larger.
- Blues and Greens: These colors evoke tranquility and nature. They are perfect for creating a serene and relaxing living room. Various shades of blue and green can range from calming pastels to deep, rich tones.
- Warm Tones (Reds, Oranges, Yellows): These colors can create a cozy, energetic, and inviting atmosphere. Use them judiciously, perhaps on an accent wall, to avoid overwhelming the space.
- Earthy Tones (Browns, Terracottas): These colors bring a sense of warmth, grounding, and natural beauty to a room. They pair well with natural materials like wood and plants.
- Bold and Vibrant: For a more dramatic statement, consider bold colors like deep blues, emerald greens, or even pops of bright color. These work best when balanced with more neutral elements in the room.
Living Room Wallpaper Trends: What’s Hot Now
Keeping an eye on living room wallpaper trends can inspire your choices, but remember that personal style should always take precedence.
Current trends include:
- Biophilic Designs: Wallpapers featuring lush botanicals, tropical leaves, and natural scenery are very popular, bringing a sense of nature indoors.
- Textural Interest: wallpapers that mimic natural materials like grasscloth, linen, wood grain, or even cork are in high demand for adding depth and warmth.
- Bold Geometrics: Modern geometric patterns, from sharp lines to abstract shapes, continue to be a strong trend, adding a contemporary edge.
- Artistic Murals: Large-scale murals depicting landscapes, abstract art, or even custom designs are a way to create a truly unique and personal statement wall.
- Subtle Metallics: A hint of metallic sheen can add a touch of luxury and sophistication without being overpowering.
- Pops of Color: Even in neutral schemes, small accents of vibrant color through patterns are a popular way to add personality.
Texture Wallpaper Living Room: Adding Depth and Dimension
Texture wallpaper living room designs are a fantastic way to add visual interest and a tactile element to your space without resorting to busy patterns. These wallpapers often mimic natural materials, adding warmth and sophistication.
Types of texture wallpapers include:
- Grasscloth: Made from natural plant fibers, grasscloth offers a beautiful organic texture. It’s eco-friendly and brings a natural, earthy feel.
- Linen: Mimicking the weave of linen fabric, this wallpaper provides a subtle, elegant texture that is both understated and luxurious.
- Silk: Silk wallpapers offer a smooth, slightly lustrous finish that can catch the light beautifully, adding a touch of opulence.
- Vinyl with Embossed Patterns: Many vinyl wallpapers feature embossed patterns that create a raised texture, giving the illusion of depth and style.
- Faux Finishes: These can mimic materials like wood grain, stone, or even concrete, offering the look without the cost or complexity of the real thing.
When to Choose Texture Wallpaper:
- When you want to add warmth and depth to a room without overwhelming it with pattern.
- For a sophisticated and understated look.
- To create a cozy and inviting atmosphere.
- As a subtle backdrop for more prominent furniture or artwork.
Removable Wallpaper Living Room: A Flexible Solution
For renters, or those who like to redecorate frequently, removable wallpaper living room options are a game-changer. These wallpapers are designed to be peeled off easily without damaging the walls underneath.
Pros of Removable Wallpaper:
- Easy to Install and Remove: Great for DIYers and renters.
- Flexibility: Allows you to change your decor without commitment.
- Less Mess: No harsh chemicals or scraping needed for removal.
- Variety: Available in a wide range of styles, patterns, and textures.
Cons of Removable Wallpaper:
- Durability: May not be as durable or washable as traditional wallpapers.
- Adhesion: Can sometimes be tricky to get a perfect, bubble-free application.
- Wall Preparation: Requires very smooth, clean walls for best adhesion.
Tips for Using Removable Wallpaper:
- Always test a small, inconspicuous area first to ensure it adheres well and removes cleanly.
- Follow the manufacturer’s installation instructions carefully.
- Ensure your walls are clean, dry, and smooth before applying.
Designer Wallpaper Living Room: Elevating Your Space
Investing in designer wallpaper living room collections can elevate your space to a new level of luxury and style. These wallpapers often feature unique patterns, high-quality materials, and the artistry of renowned designers.
What to Expect from Designer Wallpaper:
- Unique and Trendsetting Designs: Designer collections often lead the way in interior design trends.
- High-Quality Materials: Expect premium papers, often with intricate textures and finishes.
- Exclusivity: Many designer wallpapers offer limited-edition or exclusive patterns.
- Higher Price Point: Due to the quality and design, these wallpapers are typically more expensive.
Where to Find Designer Wallpaper:
- Specialty wallpaper stores
- High-end home decor boutiques
- Online design retailers
- Directly from designer showrooms
Practical Tips for Choosing and Applying Wallpaper
Here are some practical tips to make your wallpaper selection and application process smoother.
Measuring Your Walls Accurately
Before you buy, measure your walls precisely.
- Measure the height of each wall: From the ceiling to the baseboard.
- Measure the width of each wall: From corner to corner.
- Subtract the area of windows and doors: Account for these openings to avoid ordering too much or too little.
- Add 10-15% extra: This accounts for pattern matching, mistakes, and future repairs. It’s always better to have a little extra than to run out.
Sample Testing: The Crucial Step
Never buy wallpaper based solely on online images or small swatches.
- Order Samples: Get samples of your top choices and hang them on your walls for a few days.
- Observe in Different Lights: See how the colors and patterns look at different times of day and under your room’s artificial lighting.
- Check Texture: Feel the texture of the sample to ensure it meets your expectations.
Wallpaper Application: DIY vs. Professional
- DIY: If you’re confident with your DIY skills, wallpapering can be a rewarding project. Ensure you have the right tools (paste, brushes, rollers, smoothing tools, utility knife).
- Professional Installer: For intricate patterns, textured wallpapers, or if you want a flawless finish, hiring a professional wallpaper installer is recommended. They have the experience and tools to ensure a perfect result.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: What is the best wallpaper for a living room?
The “best” wallpaper depends on your personal style, the room’s size, the amount of light, and your maintenance preferences. High-quality vinyl or scrubbable papers are durable for high-traffic areas. For a softer look, consider textured papers like grasscloth or linen. For a temporary or easy-change solution, removable wallpaper is excellent.
Q2: Can I use bold patterns in a small living room?
Yes, but with caution. Large, busy patterns can make a small room feel smaller. Consider using a bold pattern on just one accent wall. Lighter colors and smaller, more spaced-out patterns generally work better in small spaces to create a sense of openness.
Q3: How do I match wallpaper patterns?
Pattern matching, or “repeat,” is crucial for a seamless look. Most wallpapers will specify their pattern repeat on the packaging or product description. There are two main types:
* Straight Match: The pattern matches horizontally across the edges of each strip.
* Drop Match: The pattern needs to be aligned vertically from one strip to the next. This often requires more paper and careful planning.
Q4: Is wallpaper still in style?
Yes, wallpaper is very much in style! Trends have moved beyond dated floral prints. Today, you’ll find a vast array of modern, abstract, textured, and artistic designs that can be incredibly stylish and contemporary. It’s a popular way to add personality and depth to interior spaces.
Q5: How long does wallpaper last?
High-quality, well-applied wallpaper can last anywhere from 10 to 15 years, or even longer. Factors like the quality of the material, sun exposure, and how well it’s maintained will affect its lifespan.
By considering these factors, you can confidently choose the perfect wallpaper to bring your living room vision to life. Happy decorating!