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Wallpaper is so backwards – but don’t make these 7 mistakes when using it, according to interior designers
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Wallpaper is so backwards – but don’t make these 7 mistakes when using it, according to interior designers

  • asked Business Insider interior designers about mistakes to avoid while using wallpaper.

  • Not choosing the right type of wallpaper for a room can backfire.

  • When you plan the color palette for a roomit is important to start with the wallpaper.

The days of white walls are gone and wallpaper is making a comeback.

Whether you opt for bold florals, elegant geometric patterns or textured neutrals, wallpaper easily adds personality and color for any room. However, using it effectively requires careful planning.

That’s why Business Insider asked two interior designers—TC Chou, an architect, interior designer, and company founder. Determination of the Projectand Angeline Guido Hall, Dallas-based principal designer and owner Angeline Guido Design — about the top wallpaper mistakes I see people making.

From application mistakes to aesthetic faux pas, here’s what they had to say.

Not choosing the right type of wallpaper for the room can backfire.

Wallpaper with large orange and brown dots in different shades in a bathroom.

Using paper-backed wallpaper in the bathroom can lead to moisture damage.Sheila Say/Shutterstock

Chou said that when choosing wallpaper for areas that see a lot of moisture — like a bathroom or powder room — it’s important to choose one with the right substrate or backing.

He recommends avoiding paper wallpapers, as their delicate nature can cause moisture to deteriorate quickly and peel them off quickly.

“Instead, opt for vinyl wallpaper, which is specially designed to resist moisture,” he said.

Vinyl resists moisture and is easy to clean and maintain, making it the ideal choice for these spaces.

Many people don’t think outside the box when it comes to using wallpaper.

Three sections of rectangular shaped wallpaper. The walls and moldings are painted blue.

Wallpaper can be used in many ways.Paige DiFiore

Hall told BI that she used wallpaper in bold patterns on the ceilings to draw attention upwards, on the back of the bookcase to add depth and dimension, and on the inside of the cabinet doors to make a subtle statement.

“Wallpaper isn’t just for walls,” she said.

Large patterns can make a small room seem even smaller.

A bed with a white headboard and pink bedding and two white bedside tables with lamps in front of wallpaper with a large floral pattern.

Large patterns can overwhelm a small room.John Keeble/Getty Images

Chou told BI that using a large wallpaper with repeating patterns in a small room can create a sense of isolation rather than spaciousness.

“Expansive design can become fragmented, losing its visual impact and aesthetic appeal,” he said. “Consider smaller patterns or solid colors that increase the dimensions of the room and create a more harmonious atmosphere.”

Don’t forget to plan your plan ahead of time.

A chair, a floor lamp and a side table in a corner where both walls are covered with the same wallpaper.

It is important that the pattern fits from wall to wall. Vostok/Getty Images

Hall recommends being specific about which corner you start applying patterned wallpaper.

“If you plan to paper all four walls in the room, as the pattern match moves from wall to wall, you’ll almost always inevitably end up with the mismatched pattern in the last corner,” she says. “The best place for this to happen is in the corner that is not as visible from the entrance of the room.”

Chou said this kind of careful planning is even more important when working with non-repeating designs. Before setting up, he suggests mapping out the placement of furniture and decor make sure the desired image is fully displayed.

Colors that are too bright can make a room feel less serene.

A room with decorative table, chair, hanging lamp, painting and textured green wallpaper.

Natural colors can help maintain a calming atmosphere.Boris SV/Getty Images

If you prefer a textured look for your walls, Chao recommends using natural colors to maintain a calm and serene atmosphere.

“Subtle shades allow the texture of the wallpaper to stand out without overwhelming the space. By choosing soft, faded tones, you can create a sophisticated background that invites relaxation, while still showcasing the unique qualities of the surface,” he said.

This approach enhances the overall design without detracting from the quietness of the room.

Start with wallpaper when planning your color palette.

A bedroom that has a floral wallpaper wall with a mint green background, a white wall, teal curtains and a bed with grey, white and green bedding.

Starting with wallpaper makes creating a color palette much easier. Kanok Sulaiman/Getty Images

To create a cohesive and sophisticated color scheme in a roomChao suggests starting with wallpaper and rugs before selecting paint colors.

“Wallpapers often feature a rich array of colors and patterns that can inspire your overall palette. By matching the paint to the wallpaper instead of the other way around, you can ensure a more coordinated and visually pleasing result,” he said.

Stop worrying about reselling when you choose the right model for you.

A bedroom with gray and beige patterned wallpaper, a bed, a window with solid and patterned curtains and two bedside tables with lamps above.

You will never regret choosing a model you love.Rebeccalu/Getty Images/iStockphoto

Hall told BI that the potential for selling your house in the future it shouldn’t stop you from being creative with your wallpaper.

“If it brings you joy, pick the wild pattern you’ve been chasing,” she said. “Wallpaper is not a cheap investment and you’ll never regret the choice if it’s something you love.”

Read the original article on Business Insider