Available in a plethora of textures, colors, and patterns, wallpaper packs creative punch in a range of applications. Keep these 10 tips in mind when decorating with this versatile element.
1. Drop any preconceived notions. There are numerous designs available, both classic and new. You are sure to find a style that appeals to you and meshes with your interiors.
2. Don't be afraid to incorporate additional patterns into wallpapered rooms. Upholstery and window treatments are fair game, but be judicious -- you don't want the room to hit pattern overload.
3. Wallpaper can help establish a feeling of age and history in a new house. Classic patterns are especially effective.
4. It's often appropriate to cover walls and ceilings in a single print. If a room has architectural challenges, wallpaper's unifying properties can erase the weird angles.
5. Textured papers lend a layered look to walls and an overall perception of depth to rooms.
6. Paintings and prints hung on wallpaper can add visual energy and create new planes of interest. Just be sure to plan your groupings carefully -- "oops" holes in paper can be difficult to conceal.
7. If your room needs a little boost, consider framing panels or hanging wallpaper in bookshelves. This way you can minimize the commitment but still bring in color and pattern.
8. Patterned wallpaper tends to be busy. To make the most of its impact, use it in low-traffic rooms such as entries, powder rooms, and dining rooms.
9. There is an art to hanging wallpaper. If you plan to install it yourself, do a little homework and get the process down in advance. There is nothing worse than mismatched panels or puckered paper.
10. Think outside the box. Everyone expects to see striped paper placed vertically, for example. Consider hanging it horizontally instead.
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