A designer wallpaper placed in a bedroom, the wallpaper design have a oil painting vibe to it and gave a farmhouse charm to the bedroom

Wallpaper shopping is a beautiful experience. You visit the shops, you feel the fabric, and the salesperson gives you reassuring information about the design and motif. They can even give you a realistic idea of how the wallpaper will look in your desired room. But shopping online? That's a whole new story. You have to rely on the information displayed on the product page and the images behind your screen to make your decision.

a living room that is well decorated with a blue accent and a wallpaper with a goose flying over a mountain

Well, this guide / article will help you determine whether that wallpaper you are shopping for is a great choice for you or not. We're not just going to talk about materials and colors, but we will also discuss the goal of that wallpaper and where it's going to be placed. For example, getting wallpaper to hide imperfections on the wall is not like getting wallpaper to paste behind a bathroom sink, and it's not like getting wallpaper to place behind your bed. And it's also not like getting wallpaper to be pasted in a living room, kitchen, etc. So, let's begin!!

⛔ NOTE: We Are not going to include a sizing guide just because every manufacturer has it's own size chart - PS: Check for Width x Height + Thickness Size

1- Wallpaper Materials & Placements:

The First thing when you go online you'll notice is that there are so many options out there, it can make your head spin! But worry none!! I'm here to break it down for you, i'm going to discuss the most common wallpaper types and their ideal placements:

  • Classic Wallpaper made with non woven fabric - Wallpaper - Roses and Hydrangeas - ArtfulPrivacy

    Vinyl Wallpapers

    These are the most common types of wallpapers, your go-to for high-traffic areas. Kitchens, bathrooms, kids' rooms, you name it! It's durable, washable, and can handle a lot of wear and tear. Perfect for hiding those little imperfections on the walls too!

  • a marbled non woven wallpaper in a living room

    Non-woven Wallpapers

    If you're looking for something breathable and easy to install (or remove!), this is your guy. It's also great for covering large areas because it comes in wider rolls. Think bedrooms, living rooms, dining rooms – places where you want more elegance.

  • Natural Wallpaper style in a living room

    Natural Wallpapers

    Now we're talking luxury! Grass cloth, bamboo, cork – these materials bring a touch of nature and texture to your walls. They're a bit more delicate, though, so maybe not the best choice for behind the kitchen sink! Think bedrooms, accent walls, or formal spaces where you want to make a statement.

  • embossed wallpaper in a bedroom

    Embossed Wallpapers

    These have raised patterns that add dimension and visual interest! They are perfect for making a room feel extra special, like a fancy living room, a classy dining room, or even a bedroom that feels like a royal suite.

  • a metallic wallpaper with gold color and texture effect in a living room

    Metallic Wallpapers

    Think shimmer and shine! Great for adding a touch of glam to your space. Metallic wallpapers (not actually made of metals) can make a small room feel bigger and brighter, and they're perfect for adding a touch of luxury, like you're living in a palace.

  • Flock Wallpaper vintage style in a living room

    Flock Wallpapers

    These have a velvet-like texture. Super luxurious and perfect for a bedroom or a formal dining room. They're great for creating a vintage vibe, like something out of an old movie, or a romantic atmosphere, like you're in a love story.

a wonderful floral wallpaper in a living room and a woman checking her ipad for her next yoga move

1.3- Recommendations:

  • If you're looking for a durable and washable wallpaper for high-traffic areas, get vinyl.
  • If you're aiming for elegance and ease of installation in your living spaces, get non-woven.
  • For a touch of natural luxury and texture, go for grass cloth, bamboo, or cork wallpapers.
  • To add depth and visual interest, embossed wallpapers are your best bet.
  • If you're all about glamour and sparkle, metallic wallpapers will bring the bling.
  • And for a soft, luxurious, and inviting feel, choose flock wallpapers.
  • a white husky dog in a living room, the dog is standing over a black couch and there's a gray non woven wallpaper in the back wall of this living room

    The Living Room:

    This is the place to make a statement! you'll want a durable wallpaper:

    • Non-woven wallpapers are great for a classy, elegant vibe. Think subtle textures or bold patterns, depending on your style.
    • Embossed wallpapers can add a touch of luxury and create a stunning focal point. Imagine a beautiful damask pattern behind your sofa, making it look extra fancy!
    • Metallic wallpapers can add some sparkle and make the room feel bigger and brighter. A shimmering accent wall behind the fireplace? Oh la la!
  • a leaf with line art decor style wallpaper in a cozy bedroom

    The Bedroom:

    Our bedroom should feel like a peaceful retreat, a place to relax and recharge, choice of materials and design will make it play here:

    • Natural wallpapers, like grass cloth or bamboo, can create a calming and zen-like atmosphere.
    • Flock wallpapers add a touch of warmth and softness, perfect for a cozy and inviting feel. Imagine a luxurious velvet-like texture behind your bed – pure bliss!
    • Non woven accent style wallpapers with delicate patterns can create a romantic and dreamy vibe.
  • a wallpaper in a kitchen, the wallpaper have a design of black coffee beans and a cup next to cinnamon roll

    The Kitchen:

    In the kitchen, there's a mixture of heat, moist and dirt (whether we like it or not), so we need a wallpaper type that can take these like a champ, so here's my recommendations:

    • Vinyl wallpapers are the kings and queens of the kitchen! They can handle spills, splashes, and all sorts of cooking adventures. Go for fun patterns or bright colors to make your kitchen feel lively and inviting.
    • Non-woven wallpapers: There are so many types of non-woven wallpapers. Look for wallpapers that are self-adhesive and a bit thin, with a weight of no more than 150 g per m2 (or 5.3 oz per 10.8 square feet). (This information should be displayed on any manufacturer's page).
  • a bathroom wallpaper design idea

    The Bathroom:

    Steam, moisture, splashes – bathrooms can be tough on wallpapers! So, let's choose the best wallpaper types for this place:

    • Vinyl wallpapers are your best friends here, too, thanks to their waterproof superpowers, make sure to ask the manufacturer if you can apply the wallpaper in the bathroom, some of the Vinyl wallpapers can deteriorate fairly easy in a bathroom (also make sure to prepare your wall and let it dry before start applying the wallpaper in the bathroom.
    • In a well-ventilated bathroom, washable non-woven wallpapers can be a great option, especially if you're aiming for a more elegant look. However, it's important to choose wallpapers specifically designed for bathrooms. Regular non-woven wallpapers may not be moisture-resistant and could develop mold or mildew.
a wallpaper in a bedroom and there's a cute dog laying on a soft gray rug

1.5- Recommendation:

Let's recap! We've talked about all sorts of amazing wallpapers – vinyl, natural, embossed, metallic, flock – each with its own unique charm. But if you're looking for a versatile winner, a real MVP of the wallpaper world, non-woven is the way to go! It's elegant, easy to install, breathable, and comes in a wide array of styles and patterns. Plus, it can be adapted to most rooms in the house, from your cozy bedroom to your stylish living room. So, if you're feeling a little overwhelmed by all the choices, remember that non-woven wallpaper is a safe bet that will make your walls & your wall paint happy and your decorating dreams come true!

2- Wallpaper Colors & Styles Placements:

We've talked materials, we've talked placement, and now it's time for the fun part – picking the perfect colors and styles for each room! It's like choosing an outfit for your walls – it's gotta match your personality and the vibe you're going for.

Chances are you've already got furniture and decor in the room you want to wallpaper. So, you'll need a mural that accentuates, completes, or even contrasts with the overall design. Imagine a white wallpaper with a white sofa and white table – 🤢! Talk about bland! We want something that brings our decorations to life, something with personality! This section will help you (hopefully!) do just that!!

a man doing yoga in their living room and there's an abstract design wall mural behind the living room wall, the man is standing on a yoga mat

The Main course

2.1- The Living Room:

Colors:

  • For a calming and sophisticated vibe, go for neutral tones like gray, beige, or soft blues and greens. If you want to make a statement, bold jewel tones like emerald green, sapphire blue, or ruby red can add drama and personality.

Styles:

  • Minimalist Decor: Geometric patterns, abstract designs, or subtle textures in neutral colors create a sleek and modern look.
  • Traditional Decor: Classic damask patterns, floral motifs, or toile designs in muted colors add a touch of elegance and sophistication.
  • Bohemian Decor: Eclectic patterns, vibrant colors, and nature-inspired designs create a free-spirited and artistic vibe.
Some Examples for Living rooms
a mom and a sun enjoying their family time, there's a beautiful wallpaper in the bedroom wall

The Special Place

2.2- The Bedroom:

Colors:

  • Soft pastels like blush pink, lavender, or powder blue (pale shade of blue) create a serene and relaxing atmosphere.
  • For a cozy and intimate vibe, opt for warmer tones like deep teal, burgundy, or charcoal gray.

Styles:

  • Romantic Decor: Floral patterns, delicate damask designs, or soft paisley prints in pastel colors add a touch of femininity and charm.
  • Modern Decor: Geometric patterns, abstract designs, or subtle textures in neutral colors create a sleek and sophisticated look.
  • Rustic Decor: Wooden motif wallpapers, nature-inspired designs, or plaid patterns in warm, earthy tones create a cozy and inviting atmosphere.
Some Examples for Bedrooms
a woman enjoying her drink in her kitchen and there's a beautiful wallpaper with botanic design

The Practical Space

2.3- The Kitchen:

Colors:

  • Bright and cheerful colors like yellow, orange, or light green can energize your kitchen and make it feel more inviting.
  • For a more modern look, go for sleek neutrals like gray, white, or black.

Styles:

  • Farmhouse Decor: Floral patterns, gingham prints, or toile (fancy french word for canvas 😁) designs in warm, earthy tones create a cozy and welcoming atmosphere.
  • Modern Decor: Geometric patterns, abstract designs, or metallic finishes add a touch of sophistication and style.
  • Industrial Decor: Brick motif wallpapers, concrete textures, or metallic accents create a raw and edgy vibe.
Some Ideas For the Kitchen:
a wallpaper in a bathroom and a woman enjoying her time there

The Resting Sanctuary

2.4- The Bathroom:

Colors:

  • Light and airy colors like white, cream, or pale blue can make your bathroom feel more spacious and relaxing.
  • For a bolder look, opt for deep blues, greens, or even black & Deep Gray.

Styles:

  • Coastal Decor: Nautical stripes, seashell motifs, or wave patterns in blue and white tones create a fresh and airy feel.
  • Spa-like Decor: Subtle textures, nature-inspired designs, or stone motifs in calming neutrals like gray, beige, or white create a serene and relaxing atmosphere.
Some Examples For Bathrooms

2.5- Recommendations when choosing Colors & Styles

Wallpaper can be a fantastic way to infuse your space with personality. Floral designs (think blooming roses or delicate vines) create a romantic, traditional, or farmhouse atmosphere. For a modern or minimalist aesthetic, geometric patterns and metallic accents add a touch of sleek sophistication. Craving a rustic vibe? Wooden motifs bring the charm of nature indoors, perfect for farmhouse or cabin-inspired decor. And if you're drawn to an industrial or modern edge, brick motif wallpapers offer a bold statement.

Remember, these are just my personal recommendations! Don't be afraid to break the rules and mix and match patterns, colors, and styles. Create a unique and personalized look that reflects your own taste and personality, after all, Art is Subjective!!

So you've found the perfect wallpaper. The color is fire, the pattern is on point, and you can already picture it on your wall. But hold up! Before you go all-in, there are a few key things to check to avoid a wallpaper disaster.

  • 3.1- Samples Are Your Best Friend!

    Don't skip this step, no matter how impatient you are! Order samples from the manufacturer and see how the wallpaper looks in your actual room. The lighting, the size of the space, the way it interacts with your furniture – all of these things can make a difference. Tape the samples up on your wall for a few days to get a true feel for the color and pattern.

  • 3.2- Get Technical, Get Informed!

    Every wallpaper comes with a technical data sheet, and it's not just for show! This bad boy has all the juicy details about the wallpaper:

    • Material: Vinyl, non-woven, natural – what are you working with? Washability: Can you scrub it down, or will it fall apart? Important for kitchens and bathrooms!
    • Light Fastness: Will the color fade in the sun? Nobody wants a pale, sad wallpaper after a few months! (i know i don't)
    • Fire Rating: Safety first! Make sure it meets safety standards.
    • Pattern Repeat: This tells you how often the pattern repeats. Important for calculating how much wallpaper you need.
  • 3.3- Ask the Experts!

    Don't be afraid to reach out to the manufacturer or retailer with any questions you have. They're the wallpaper gurus! Ask about:

    • Installation: Is it DIY-friendly, or do you need a pro?
    • Matching Batch Numbers: Important for larger projects to ensure all the rolls have the same color.
    • Care and Maintenance: How do you keep your wallpaper looking fresh and clean?
  • 3.4- Measure Twice, Order Once!

    This one's a classic! Carefully measure your walls to calculate how much wallpaper you need. Factor in any doors, windows, or tricky angles. It's better to have a little extra than to run short in the middle of your project!

  • 3.5- Read Customers review (if they exists)

    See what other customers have to say about the wallpaper. Did it meet their expectations? Was it easy to install? Were there any issues? Reviews can give you valuable insights. Check if the manufacturer have read images of videos of the product (Fact: most of the wallpaper images in product pages are made with photo editing software), check the product images and compare them to real images under different lightnings or sizes.

  • 3.6- Pre-Sized Murals for Accent Walls

    Craving a showstopping accent wall without the measuring and multi-roll madness? Pre-sized murals are your answer! Many manufacturers offer gorgeous designs in specific dimensions, perfect for a quick and easy room refresh. Just ensure the mural's size perfectly matches your wall dimensions for a seamless look. Avoid ordering a smaller size, but a mural slightly exceeding your desired dimensions might work (depending on the design – some can't handle trimming a few inches).

Conclusion

There you have it! From materials to placements, colors to styles, and a killer buying guide, we've covered everything you need to conquer the world of wallpaper like a true design champion. Remember, it's your space, your style, your rules! Don't be afraid to experiment, get creative, and trust your gut. Whether you're going for a bold statement wall, a subtle touch of elegance, or a full-on wallpaper extravaganza, the most important thing is to choose something that makes you happy and reflects your unique personality. Now go forth, grab those samples, measure those walls, and get ready to transform your home into a wallpaper wonderland!

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