Decorate with wallpaper: Choose lighter colours, subtle patterns for small spaces

If you have been thinking about trying something unique and personalised with your indoor space, experimenting with wallpaper can transform your space with minimal hassle.

Wallpapers are no longer just about floral prints and Victorian vibes. Today’s wallpaper designs fit every taste, from bold geometric patterns and subtle textures to natural-inspired prints and everything in between.

Whether you want to create a cozy reading nook, add life to a dark hallway, or make a big statement in your living room, it's essential to choose wisely to get the effect you want. Here's everything you need to know about decorating with wallpaper.

Also read | Everything you need to know about wallpapers but didn’t know whom to ask

Choosing the right wallpaper for small spaces

• If you have small rooms, choosing the right wallpaper can make the room feel bigger and cozier. Light colours like pastels, whites, and creams are great choices for small rooms, as they reflect light and create an open feel.

• Add visual interest by choosing soft patterns in muted tones, which create texture without overwhelming the room.

• Vertical patterns, such as stripes, can also help create the illusion of height, making ceilings appear taller.

• Avoid overly intricate, busy designs in small spaces, as they can make the room feel cluttered. Instead, opt for subtle textures or larger, spaced-out prints to maintain an open feel.

• Highlight a single accent wall with wallpaper to add character without overpowering the entire room, for example use wallpaper behind a bed or TV unit can really centre a room.

Decorating large spaces with wallpaper

• If you are working with bigger rooms, you have more flexibility to be a bit bolder in your choice. Geometric shapes, oversized florals, or abstract patterns can fill large areas beautifully and create visual intrigue.

• Use dark colours like navy, emerald, or charcoal can make big rooms feel cozy and intimate, which can be especially welcoming in living rooms or family rooms.

• Add sophistication and depth and enhancing the sense of luxury by using textured wallpapers like those made with grasscloth, linen, or with metallic finishes.

• If you have an open-plan space, use different wallpaper styles or patterns to define specific zones within the room, such as separating the dining area from the living space.

• Balance bold wallpaper by pairing it with simple, neutral furniture to avoid creating an overwhelming look.

Brightening dark areas with wallpaper

• If you have a dark room that doesn’t get much natural light, wallpaper can help brighten up the space. Choose wallpapers that have a reflective finish, such as those with metallic accents or pearlised surfaces as these will bounce light around and make the room feel brighter.

• Use light, bright colours like yellow, cream, or pale blue to add an airy feel to the room, whereas dark colours will make your space feel even smaller and dimmer.

• Adding subtle patterns in light colours enhances the room without making it feel stark.

• For getting extra light in, place mirrors strategically around the wallpaper to amplify light in dark areas, creating a warm and inviting ambiance.

• Lobbies and entryways are the first area your guests will step into; using eye-catching wallpaper in these areas can especially create a memorable impression.

• Bold, dramatic patterns or rich colours can create an inviting and stylish entryway. Try intricate designs like damask, Moroccan tiles, or nature-inspired prints for a striking effect.

• Textured wallpapers like grasscloth or embossed patterns add warmth and a luxurious feel to lobbies, making them feel more welcoming.

• For smaller entryways, vertical stripes can create a sense of height, while larger lobbies can handle oversized prints for a grand, elegant look.

• Complement bold wallpaper with minimal wall decor, such as a statement mirror or simple artwork, to achieve a cohesive, well-balanced aesthetic.

• To ensure your wallpaper choice works well in your space, order small samples and test them on your walls in different lighting conditions. This will help you see how the pattern and colour look at various times of day.

• For a balanced look, consider mixing and matching wallpaper with solid-coloured paint. For example, wallpapering the upper half of a wall and painting the lower half can add visual interest without overpowering the room.

• Coordinate your wallpaper with your existing furniture and decor; bold patterns pair well with neutral furniture, while colourful furniture suits simpler wallpaper designs. For high-traffic areas like kitchens or kids’ rooms, opt for washable or scrubbable wallpaper to ensure easy maintenance.

• Wallpaper can dramatically transform your home, whether you want to make small spaces feel larger, add coziness to expansive rooms, or brighten dim areas.