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How to Decorate with Wallpaper Accents

Are you looking for a way to inject personality, texture, and visual interest into your home without committing to wallpapering an entire room? Then look no further! Using wallpaper accents is a fantastic way to create a focal point, define a space, or simply add a touch of artistry to your walls. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know to successfully incorporate wallpaper accents into your interior design, transforming your house into a home that reflects your unique style.

Why Choose Wallpaper Accents?

Before we dive into the how-to, let’s explore why wallpaper accents are such a popular and effective decorating choice. There are numerous benefits to choosing this approach over full-room wallpapering or simply painting.

• Cost-Effective Transformation: Wallpapering an entire room can be expensive. Wallpaper accents allow you to achieve a high-impact look without breaking the bank. You only need to purchase a roll or two of your chosen wallpaper, significantly reducing material costs.
• Less Commitment: Changing your mind about a full room of wallpaper can be a daunting and costly task. Wallpaper accents offer a less permanent solution. If you tire of the design, it’s much easier and cheaper to replace a single accent wall or smaller area.
• Emphasis and Focal Points: A strategically placed wallpaper accent can draw the eye to a specific area, like a headboard wall in a bedroom, a fireplace in the living room, or the back of a bookcase. It can create a visually stunning focal point that enhances the overall design of the room.
• Adds Texture and Depth: Wallpaper comes in a vast array of textures and patterns, from subtle grasscloth to bold geometric designs. Incorporating a textured wallpaper accent can add depth and dimension to a room, making it feel more inviting and luxurious.
• Easy DIY Project: While wallpapering an entire room can be challenging for beginners, installing wallpaper accents is often a manageable DIY project. With careful planning and a few basic tools, you can achieve professional-looking results.
• Showcase Your Style: Wallpaper accents offer a unique opportunity to showcase your personal style and creativity. You can choose patterns and colors that reflect your personality and create a space that truly feels like your own. Consider using bold colors for a vibrant statement or subtle patterns for a more sophisticated and calming ambiance.

Planning Your Wallpaper Accent Project

Success with wallpaper accents depends on careful planning. Before you even think about buying wallpaper, consider these factors:

1. Choosing the Right Wall

The first step is to select the wall you want to feature. Consider these guidelines:

• Focal Point Potential: Choose a wall that naturally draws the eye, such as the wall behind your bed, the wall opposite the entrance to the room, or a wall with a fireplace or large window.
• Size and Proportion: The size of the wall should be proportional to the size of the room. A large, bold pattern might overwhelm a small room, while a delicate pattern might get lost in a large space.
• Avoid Obstructions: Consider any existing furniture or architectural features that might obstruct the wallpaper. Avoid walls with too many windows, doors, or built-in shelves, as these can make the installation process more difficult and disrupt the flow of the pattern.
• Lighting: Consider how the light will affect the wallpaper. Darker colors can make a room feel smaller, while lighter colors can brighten it up. Also, consider the direction of the light and how it will highlight the texture and pattern of the wallpaper.

2. Selecting the Perfect Wallpaper

Choosing the right wallpaper is crucial. Consider these factors:

• Style and Aesthetic: Choose a wallpaper that complements your existing décor and reflects your personal style. Do you prefer a modern, minimalist look, or a more traditional, ornate style? Consider the colors, patterns, and textures that you are drawn to.
• Pattern and Scale: Consider the scale of the pattern in relation to the size of the wall and the room. Large-scale patterns can make a small room feel even smaller, while small-scale patterns can get lost in a large room. Geometric patterns, floral patterns, and abstract patterns are all popular choices.
• Color Palette: Choose colors that complement your existing furniture and accessories. Consider the overall color scheme of the room and how the wallpaper will fit into it. You can choose a wallpaper that matches the colors in your furniture, or you can choose a wallpaper that provides a contrast.
• Material and Texture: Wallpaper comes in a variety of materials, including paper, vinyl, and fabric. Consider the durability and maintenance requirements of each material. Vinyl wallpaper is generally more durable and easier to clean than paper wallpaper. Consider textured wallpapers like grasscloth or embossed wallpaper to add depth.
• Ease of Installation: Some wallpapers are easier to install than others. Peel-and-stick wallpaper is a great option for beginners, as it requires no paste and is easy to reposition.
• Durability: Consider the location of the accent wall. In high-traffic areas like hallways or kitchens, choose a durable, scrubbable wallpaper. For bathrooms, choose a moisture-resistant wallpaper.
• Consider samples: Always order samples before committing to a full roll. This allows you to see the wallpaper in your space and how it interacts with the light and other elements of the room.

3. Measuring and Calculating Wallpaper Needs

Accurate measurements are essential to avoid running out of wallpaper or wasting material.

• Measure the Wall: Measure the height and width of the wall you plan to wallpaper. If the wall has any irregularities, such as windows or doors, measure around them.
• Calculate the Square Footage: Multiply the height by the width to determine the square footage of the wall.
• Factor in Waste: Add extra wallpaper to account for pattern matching and waste. A general rule is to add 10-15% extra, especially for patterns with a large repeat.
• Check Wallpaper Roll Dimensions: Note the dimensions of the wallpaper roll you plan to purchase. Most rolls are approximately 20.5 inches wide and 33 feet long.
• Use Online Calculators: Many online wallpaper calculators can help you determine how many rolls you need based on your wall dimensions and the wallpaper roll size.

Wallpaper Accent Ideas for Every Room

Now that you’ve done the planning, let’s explore some inspiring ideas for incorporating wallpaper accents in different rooms of your home.

Living Room

• Fireplace Feature Wall: Wallpapering the wall behind your fireplace can create a dramatic focal point. Choose a bold pattern or a textured wallpaper to add warmth and character.
• Behind the Sofa: Create a defined seating area by wallpapering the wall behind your sofa. A subtle geometric pattern or a calming color can create a relaxing atmosphere.
• Alcove Accent: If your living room has an alcove or niche, consider wallpapering it to create a visually interesting space. This is a great way to highlight architectural details.

Bedroom

• Headboard Wall: Wallpapering the wall behind your bed is a classic way to create a focal point in the bedroom. Choose a calming pattern or a luxurious texture to create a restful atmosphere. Floral wallpaper is a popular choice.
• Dresser or Vanity Backdrop: Create a stylish dressing area by wallpapering the wall behind your dresser or vanity. A glamorous pattern or a metallic wallpaper can add a touch of luxury.
• Walk-in Closet: Add a touch of personality to your walk-in closet by wallpapering one wall. This is a great way to make a small space feel more special.

Bathroom

• Vanity Wall: Wallpapering the wall behind your vanity can create a stylish and sophisticated bathroom. Choose a moisture-resistant wallpaper in a bold pattern or a calming color.
• Accent Wall in a Powder Room: A small powder room is a perfect place to experiment with a bold and dramatic wallpaper. Choose a statement pattern to create a memorable space.
• Behind the Tub: If you have a freestanding tub, consider wallpapering the wall behind it to create a spa-like atmosphere.

Kitchen

• Backsplash Alternative: Use wallpaper as a backsplash alternative in the kitchen. Choose a durable, washable wallpaper that can withstand splashes and spills. Vinyl wallpaper is a good option.
• Accent Wall Near the Dining Area: Create a defined dining area by wallpapering the wall behind your table. A sophisticated pattern or a bold color can create a welcoming atmosphere.
• Inside Cabinets: Line the back of glass-front cabinets with wallpaper to add a pop of color and pattern.

Hallway

• Create a Gallery Wall Effect: Wallpaper a hallway wall and then hang framed artwork over it. This creates a cohesive and stylish gallery wall.
• Define a Nook: If you have a small reading nook or seating area in your hallway, use wallpaper to visually separate it from the rest of the space.
• Brighten a Dark Hallway: Use a wallpaper with a light and reflective pattern to brighten up a dark or narrow hallway.

Step-by-Step Guide to Installing Wallpaper Accents

Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you install your wallpaper accents like a pro:

1. Prepare the Wall: Clean the wall thoroughly with soap and water. Remove any nails, screws, or other hardware. Fill any holes or imperfections with spackle and sand smooth. Prime the wall with a wallpaper primer. This will help the wallpaper adhere properly and make it easier to remove later.
2. Gather Your Supplies: You’ll need wallpaper, a measuring tape, a pencil, a utility knife or scissors, a smoothing tool (such as a plastic smoother or a clean cloth), a plumb bob or level, wallpaper paste (if using non-pasted wallpaper), a paste brush or roller, and a seam roller.
3. Cut the Wallpaper: Measure the height of the wall and add a few inches to the top and bottom for trimming. Cut the wallpaper to size, using a sharp utility knife or scissors. Be sure to match the pattern at the seams.
4. Apply Paste (if necessary): If using non-pasted wallpaper, apply wallpaper paste evenly to the back of the wallpaper, following the manufacturer’s instructions. Book the wallpaper by folding the pasted sides together, paste-to-paste, and let it sit for the recommended time.
5. Apply the Wallpaper: Align the top edge of the wallpaper with the top of the wall, leaving a few inches of overlap. Use a plumb bob or level to ensure that the wallpaper is straight. Smooth the wallpaper onto the wall, working from the center outwards, using a smoothing tool. Be sure to remove any air bubbles.
6. Trim the Excess: Use a utility knife to trim the excess wallpaper at the top and bottom of the wall. Use a seam roller to smooth the seams between the wallpaper panels.
7. Clean Up: Wipe away any excess paste with a damp sponge.

Tips for a Professional Finish

Follow these tips for a flawless wallpaper accent installation:

• Take Your Time: Don’t rush the process. Take your time and pay attention to detail.
• Match the Pattern Carefully: Pattern matching is crucial for a seamless look. Take the time to align the pattern correctly at the seams.
• Use a Sharp Utility Knife: A sharp utility knife will give you clean, precise cuts.
• Smooth Out Air Bubbles: Air bubbles can ruin the look of your wallpaper. Use a smoothing tool to remove them.
• Work in Good Lighting: Good lighting is essential for seeing what you’re doing.
• Consider Hiring a Professional: If you’re not comfortable installing wallpaper yourself, consider hiring a professional.
• Practice on a Smaller Area: If you are using a delicate or expensive wallpaper, practice on a small, inconspicuous area first to get a feel for the material and the installation process.

Troubleshooting Common Wallpaper Problems

Even with careful planning, you might encounter some common wallpaper problems. Here’s how to address them:

• Air Bubbles: If you have air bubbles, try smoothing them out with a smoothing tool. If that doesn’t work, you can use a needle to puncture the bubble and then smooth it out.
• Loose Seams: If the seams are coming loose, apply wallpaper paste to the back of the wallpaper and smooth it back onto the wall.
• Tears: If you tear the wallpaper, you can try patching it with a small piece of wallpaper. Cut a patch slightly larger than the tear and apply wallpaper paste to the back. Smooth the patch onto the wall, aligning the pattern carefully.
• Stains: If you get stains on the wallpaper, try cleaning them with a damp sponge. Be careful not to rub too hard, as this can damage the wallpaper.

Conclusion

Wallpaper accents are a powerful tool for transforming your home and expressing your personal style. By following these wallpaper accent tips, carefully planning your project, and taking your time with the installation, you can create stunning and impactful designs that will enhance the beauty and character of your living spaces. So, go ahead and explore the endless possibilities of wallpaper, and get ready to create a home that truly reflects your unique vision! Don’t be afraid to experiment with different patterns, colors, and textures to find the perfect look for your space.

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