Mistakes to Avoid When Selecting Wallpaper for Your Rooms

Wallpaper is an incredible way to transform a room, adding color, texture, and personality to any space. However, choosing the wrong wallpaper can lead to frustration, wasted time, and costly mistakes. If you’re considering wallpapering your walls, here are some common pitfalls to avoid to ensure a successful and stylish result.

1. Choosing the Wrong Wallpaper for the Space

Each room in your home has different needs, and it’s important to select a wallpaper for walls that complements the purpose and style of the space. For example, bold, patterned wallpaper may work beautifully in a living room but may feel overwhelming in a small bedroom or bathroom. Consider the following:

• Living rooms: Go for medium to large patterns that add depth and character.
• Bedrooms: Soft, calming patterns like pastels or subtle florals often work best to create a relaxing environment.
• Bathrooms: Choose for wallpapers that are moisture-resistant and durable.

If you’re unsure, peel and stick wallpaper is an excellent option for testing different styles and patterns without a permanent commitment.

2. Not Considering the Scale of the Pattern

The size of your room should influence the scale of the wallpaper pattern. Large, bold prints can overpower a small space, while tiny patterns can feel lost in a larger room.

• Small rooms: Lighter colors and smaller patterns work well in compact spaces as they create the illusion of space and airiness.
• Large rooms: You can afford to experiment with larger, bolder patterns as they help fill the space without overwhelming it.

If you're working with a particularly large or small room, choosing a peelable wallpaper can be a flexible way to adjust the aesthetics to suit your room's proportions.

3. Ignoring the Lighting in the Room

Lighting plays a huge role in how wallpaper colors and patterns appear. A wallpaper that looks great in the store may appear completely different in your home depending on whether the room is naturally bright or dim.

• Natural light: If your room gets a lot of natural sunlight, you can afford to choose darker shades or more vibrant colors.
• Artificial lighting: Rooms lit primarily with artificial light may benefit from lighter, warmer tones to make the space feel cozier.

Before committing, take a swatch of your chosen wallpaper and hold it against the wall at different times of the day to see how the light affects it.

4. Forgetting to Test Samples First

Even if you’ve picked a wallpaper you love, always try a sample on your wall before you commit to the full roll. This will give you an idea of how the wallpaper looks with your room’s lighting, furniture, and color scheme. Many retailers offer peel-and-stick wallpaper samples, making it easy to experiment with multiple designs without damaging your walls.

Testing will also give you the opportunity to check the material’s texture and ensure it’s a good fit for the wall surface.

5. Not Considering Maintenance and Durability

While wallpaper can elevate a room's aesthetic, some types require more maintenance than others. Vinyl and peel-and-stick wallpapers are easy to clean and maintain, while others, like fabric or paper wallpapers, may require more care.

• High-traffic areas: Choose a durable, washable wallpaper for spaces like hallways or kids' rooms.
• Bathrooms and kitchens: Go for moisture-resistant wallpapers to prevent peeling and damage.

Peel-and-stick wallpaper is a great low-maintenance choice that can be easily removed and replaced without a lot of hassle.

6. Overlooking the Impact of Wallpaper on Your Home’s Value

While wallpaper can enhance the look of your room, it’s important to consider how it may affect the resale value of your home. Bold, personalized wallpaper may be appealing to you, but potential buyers may find it off-putting. Neutral or timeless designs tend to have broader appeal, making it easier to sell your home later.

If you love a particular bold pattern but are concerned about resale, choose a more neutral wall color for the base and add peel-and-stick wallpaper in an accent wall or smaller spaces to keep the boldness contained.

7. Poor Planning for the Wallpaper’s Placement

It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of choosing a wallpaper, but planning how you’ll apply it is crucial. Make sure to measure your walls accurately and account for any doors, windows, or other features that may affect the amount of wallpaper you need.

If you're new to wallpapering, consider opting for peelable wallpaper. This type of wallpaper is forgiving and can be adjusted easily, which is helpful for those who aren’t experienced with wallpaper application.

8. Forgetting About Seam Placement

If you're installing traditional wallpaper, the placement of seams is critical. A poor seam alignment can lead to noticeable lines or mismatched patterns, which can undermine the entire look. When choosing a wallpaper, think about how the seams will align in the room and whether the pattern matches up well.

Many peel-and-stick wallpapers have easier-to-align patterns, making it simpler for beginners to achieve a seamless look.

9. Overlooking the Importance of Prep Work

Proper preparation of your walls before applying wallpaper is essential. Walls need to be smooth, clean, and free from imperfections to ensure the wallpaper adheres properly. If your walls have texture or bumps, they may cause bubbles or wrinkles in the wallpaper.

If you’re using peel-and-stick wallpaper, the prep work is often less involved. Just ensure the wall is clean and free from dust or debris before application.

10. Not Considering Removal Ease

While wallpaper can be a beautiful and durable option, you also need to think about how easy it will be to remove when the time comes. Traditional wallpaper may require scraping and steaming, which can be a hassle. Removable wallpaper, on the other hand, is designed for easy removal without leaving residue or damaging your walls, making it an excellent choice for renters or anyone who loves frequent design changes.

Conclusion

Choosing the right wallpaper can completely transform a room, but it requires careful consideration. By avoiding these common mistakes, you’ll be able to select wallpaper that enhances your space, suits your needs, and stands the test of time. Whether you opt for bold patterns, soft textures, or peel-and-stick designs, the right wallpaper will create a stylish and functional environment that you can enjoy for years to come.