Wallpaper: Not Just for Walls Anymore

When considering wallpaper, chances are you immediately think of a feature wall in a living room or a cute patterned nook in a bedroom - because naturally, wallpaper is intended to decorate walls, as the name suggests. But wallpaper is capable of much more! Wallpaper is actually used throughout the house, and both designers and homeowners are using it in ever-more-creative ways!

There are so many ways to achieve a chic, modern or artistic effect with wallpaper. There are also endless creative ways to decorate with wallpaper. Wallpaper is arguably one of the most versatile and stylish design elements in various creative applications and it is being used in a multitude of exciting and unexpected ways, from ceilings to stairs (even behind bookshelves). Are you ready to think outside the box and see how wallpaper can redefine your space? Here are a few of our favorite ideas, and how you can make them your own.

Up the Staircase: A Step Above the Ordinary

Who says stairwells have to be ugly, uninteresting things? Wallpaper is one of the simplest ways to add a little excitement to every step, and an exciting staircase design can turn your house from boring to amazing! Consider this example: a Sherman Oaks, California, home created by JWT Associates. Bold, rainbow-colored stripes drastically changed the appearance of their wooden stairs. The end effect is stunning: a reminder of the vibrant, upbeat bursts of colour that make your day every time you pass!

To achieve this look, first pick a color palette, or go bold with contrasting colors for a fun statement. You could use either a single type of patterned wallpaper on each riser for a crisp, cohesive look or mix and match complementary rolls for an eclectic style. Striped wallpaper is nice if you want a playful modern look. No matter if you choose warm tones like oranges and pinks, or cooler hues like blues and purples, we have a striped wallpaper that will complement any color palette.

Need a little help getting started? Check out HGTV’s step-by-step guide for applying wallpaper to stair risers, it’s easier than you think!

Beyond the Bookshelf: Small Space, Big Impact

If you are working with a smaller area or looking for an easy update that creates a big visual change, think about wallpapering the backs of your bookshelves. It is a minor change, but it brings huge personality to any room. One of our favorites is a transitional family room designed by Martha O'Hara Interiors in Minneapolis, where the backs of built-in bookshelves were given a modern geometric wallpaper in shades of gray and white, adding a touch of sophistication and modernity at the same time.

This technique works well when the color techniques are based on decorative art (based around accents). The geometric wallpaper creates an interesting visual background for anything from colorful books to curated home things to a bold piece of furniture like a bright orange leather armchair. Love the look? Check out our large selection of geometric and trellis patterned wallpaper, I am certain you will find more than just visually inventive color techniques that have both structure and imagination to your arrays of shelving!

The best part is that this project is renter-friendly and can be completed in a single weekend! If you're not ready to make a long-term commitment, peel-and-stick wallpaper is a fantastic substitute.

Look Up: The Ceiling as a Canvas

When it comes to interior design, we often overlook ceilings. However, the designer community is increasingly making a case for the consideration of ceilings as the "fifth wall." Wallpaper is a great way to enliven that space. One of our favorite examples of this trend is a traditional nursery by Bravo Interior Design, situated in Austin. Rather than leaving the ceiling exposed, the designers applied a pink damask wallpaper that created a level of depth, warmth and charm that a white ceiling could never provide.

It might sound like a big project to wallpaper your ceiling, but with ample preparation, it’s really not too bad—and the payoff is incredibly rewarding. It adds drama, dimension, and hidden beauty to your room. If imperial pink damask isn't your thing, not to worry. Our selection of wallpaper includes not only damask but also floral and metallic prints and even paintable textures for you to design!

Paint-able wallpaper is very effective on the ceiling. It gives you the option to match the ceiling color to your walls, or provide a contrasting ceiling color, while still adding texture and interest. Our filtering tools on the site allow you to search by style and narrow your search by color, putting you one step closer to your perfect pattern.

Think Outside the Wall: Your Home, Your Style

This is only the tip of the iceberg. Wallpaper is a fantastic way to renovate a home, and there is no reason to limit it to the walls. You could also use wallpaper on closet doors, drawer liners, kitchen islands, or even furniture. Also, whether you are updating a small area, or an entire room, wallpaper will enable you to bring your style statement into every inch of that space.

Additionally, wallpaper allows you to enjoy the elegance of designer textures and patterns without having to deal with paint mess. It's a clever, fashionable way to stand out.

Are you ready to leave the past behind and discover the use of wallpaper? Total Wallcovering has an extensive selection of high-quality made to order designs to make all of your ideas come to life. Whether this is your first time or need expert assistance, we have your back.

Give us a call at 888-366-3199 or shoot us an email at sales@decormail.com. Let’s bring your vision to life, one roll at a time.