9 Tips for Choosing the Perfect Wallpaper for your Home

Wallpaper is a powerful tool that can transform the look and feel of your home in an instant. Whether you’re looking to add a touch of elegance, create a cozy atmosphere, or showcase your personality, selecting the right wallpaper is crucial.

With countless designs, patterns, and materials to choose from, finding the perfect fit can be overwhelming. Which is exactly why we’ve lived in our hour for 3 years and I’m finally getting around to making a decision. Wallpaper can feel so permanent, so taking some time to figure out what’s best for your home and your personal style is important so that you’ll love it for a long time!

In this guide, I’ll walk you through the steps to help you pick the best wallpaper for your home that aligns with your style and enhances your living space and share a few of the samples that we’re looking at for some spaces in our home.

9 Tips for Choosing the Perfect Wallpaper for your Home

1. Understand Your Style

Before diving into the world of wallpaper options, take some time to understand your personal style and the ambiance you want to create. Are you drawn to minimalistic, modern designs, or do you lean towards traditional and intricate patterns? Identifying your preferences will narrow down your choices and make the selection process much smoother.

2. Consider the Room’s Purpose

Each room in your home serves a different purpose, and the wallpaper you choose should reflect that. For instance, a vibrant and playful pattern might work well in a children’s playroom, but it might not be suitable for a serene bedroom. Consider the function of the room and the mood you want to convey before making a decision.

3. Take the Lighting into Account

Lighting plays a significant role in how wallpaper appears in a space. Natural light and artificial lighting can influence how colors and patterns are perceived. To get an accurate sense of how the wallpaper will look, bring home samples and hang them up on the wall.

Observe them in different lighting conditions throughout the day for a few days (or even weeks) to make sure you really love it! The good news is that most samples are cheap, around $6, so it’s not a big upfront investment.

4. Sample the Selection

Never skip the sampling step. Most wallpaper retailers offer samples that you can take home and test out. Apply these samples to your walls and observe them for a few days. This will give you a better understanding of how the wallpaper interacts with your existing décor and furnishings.

I ordered mine for $6 a sample online and they showed up within a few days.

5. Size of the Space

The scale of the pattern matters when choosing wallpaper. In larger rooms, you can get away with larger patterns, while smaller patterns work best in more confined spaces. Be cautious with overly busy patterns in small rooms, as they might make the space feel cramped.

I also love wallpaper in smaller spaces like bathrooms, powder rooms and offices to add a fun, pop of pattern and color without being overwhelming.

6. Coordinate with Existing Décor

Your new wallpaper should harmonize with your existing décor, including furniture, flooring, and accessories—unless you’re starting completely over. Consider whether the colors and patterns of the wallpaper complement or clash with your current setup. A cohesive design ensures a polished and unified look.

7. Material Matters

Wallpapers come in a variety of materials, each with its own set of characteristics. Vinyl wallpapers are durable and easy to clean, making them ideal for high-traffic areas like kitchens and bathrooms. Textured wallpapers can add depth and dimension, while fabric wallpapers provide a luxurious feel. Choose a material that not only suits your style but also aligns with the practical needs of the space.

8. Longevity and Trends

While it’s tempting to follow the latest trends, keep in mind that wallpaper is a long-term investment. It’s not cheap and it’s not cheap to install, so making sure you’re not just picking something trendy that you might hate in a year is so important.

Opt for designs that you can envision enjoying for years to come. If you’re unsure, consider classic patterns or neutral colors that offer versatility. I also like to take into consideration the style of your home when picking your wallpaper.

9. Professional Installation

Unless you’re experienced in wallpaper installation, hiring a professional is recommended. I told my dad I was doing wallpaper and he tried to encourage me to do it, but when I’m spending the money for expensive paper, I want it done right!

Proper installation ensures that the final result looks seamless and polished. The cost of installation is a small price to pay for achieving the desired outcome. Before settling on someone to hang your wallpaper, I recommend getting several quotes and recommendations from friends.

Samples I Chose

I looked at a lot of different options and colors and eventually found several I loved from Sandberg Wallpapers. Our home has a cottage-style architecture and is generally more traditional. I loved that these wallpapers really leaned into that timeless traditional design with a modern touch. I can’t wait to finish the space and share the details with you!

Here’s what I picked for samples:

Linnea Misty Blue: This is what I ended up choosing for my office. I love the color and the paper has a cool sheen to it that looks really pretty in the light. I can’t wait to get it hung!

Ava Classic Blue: A bigger pattern that I love and plan to use in our downstairs powder bathroom where we have board and batten on the lower half.

Fig Garden Misty Blue: This was another option for my office and it was so cute, but ultimately, I like the other blue one better for my space.

Olof Terracotta: I ADORE this color and pattern and currently have the sample hanging in our primary bathroom. I plan on doing this eventually, but as I mentioned earlier, wallpaper isn’t cheap! So, I’m saving up for this one.

Choosing the right wallpaper for your home is a creative and exciting process. It can also totally change the vibe of a room and really make your home feel your own with unique spaces.

By considering your style, the room’s purpose, lighting, and existing décor, you can make an informed decision that enhances the aesthetics and atmosphere of your living space.

Remember that your choice of wallpaper should not only reflect your personality but also stand the test of time. With the right considerations and a bit of patience, you’ll be well on your way to creating a stunning backdrop that truly elevates your home.

I hope these tips help you make a great decision for your home!

BTW, how to hang curtains properly, and 9 beautiful fall table decor ideas.