10 reasons to love wallpaper

Wallpaper is the ultimate way to transform a room from bland to beautiful. Whatever your style, from Scandi to vintage, Hamptons to industrial, there is sure to be a perfect wallpaper to compliment your home. Here are 10 reasons why we love it and know you will too.

1. Digital designs

In the past few years, the introduction of digitally printed wallpapers has been a total game changer in interior design. You can now have any image you like adorning your walls. Many companies will allow you to upload a photograph, or if you’re a bit creative, your own art or illustration, to create a totally custom wallpaper design. Most digital papers can be easily applied and removed. When you’re ready for a change, depending on which printing method was used, you can either simply peel it from the wall or pre-soak with a damp sponge and remove it in sheets. It won’t damage your walls or leave any sticky residue, so you’re ready to start re-decorating straight away. Prefect for rental properties!

2. Be bold

A bold pattern or dramatic colour can instantly transform an uninteresting room into a modern, eye-catching space. Think geometric shapes, bold lines and a vibrant colour scheme. Just be sure to select wallpaper that works with your décor and not against it. Get samples from your stockist if possible before committing to a bold design.

3. Go green

Botanic is a big trend in home decor at the moment and the perfect way to bring life to any room. From boho style to minimalist, everyone wants more flowers and foliage in their homes. What better way is there to add some greenery than by creating a virtual garden? Give a clean white room a coastal, tropical feel by including a stunning palm leaf feature wall or perhaps this pastel floral wall mural for a little girl’s bedroom or nursery.

4. Paint or paper?

Let’s face it, not many of us are professional painters/decorators and even the steadiest of hands can’t produce a totally clean line without masking tape and a whole lot of time and effort. Why worry about messy paint brushes, spilt tins and wonky edges, when you can apply wallpaper. Most wallpapers are now relatively easy to install and if you have an extra pair of hands to help hold the sheets and your wall has been prepared correctly, then there is no reason you can’t end up with a professional looking finish by yourself. Wallpaper is more durable than paint too, lasting around 10 to 15 years whereas paint requires touch ups every few years to keep it looking fresh.

5. Go large

Large format wall murals can add a real ‘wow factor’ to any room. We love this dreamy night sky as a backdrop for a child’s room or nursery. Murals are not always subtle so make sure you style your room accordingly and don’t overdo it. Simple styling works best with large, colourful wall art. Large designs are also a great way of creating a feeling of space. Perfect for disguising the true scale of a small room.

6. Add texture

When styling a room, adding texture is always an important factor and your walls are no exception. Many traditional style wallpapers have beautiful textures and a lustrous feel to them. Think shiny metallics, soft fabrics and even a vintage style, embossed effect can add a touch of class to your home.

7. Fake it

Who wouldn’t love a solid stone, timber, metal or brick feature wall? You can easily achieve the same look at a fraction of the cost and without getting the builders in! Many wallpaper designs are made to look like various substrates and materials and are available in a range of colours and tones. How about a modern concrete wall look? Team it with a light grey emulsion paint and some clever styling and you have an amazing, industrial style space.

8. Playing it safe

With safety being of major importance when it comes to decorating kids’ bedrooms and nurseries, we need to be sure that the products we are using are not only fun and engaging for the child, but are also safe and non-toxic. For example, this gorgeous baby nursery has been totally revamped by including this digitally printed, snowy mountains wallpaper mural. This design is made from a HP–PVC free material which is not only child safe but environmentally friendly too.

9. Not just for walls

Did you know that most wallpapers can be applied to any flat, clean, dust-free surface? Wardrobes, ceilings, doors and even the front edge of stairs can be given the paper treatment. Search for ideas online. Websites like Pinterest can be very inspirational.

10. Money matters

Costs can certainly vary when it comes to wall coverings. Many factors play a part in determining the overall price. For example, is it a traditional style wallpaper that can be bought in roll form or is it a custom, digital design that is made specifically to your own wall dimensions? You can expect to pay a premium price for a digital design but the result may be quite spectacular. Whatever your paper choice or budget, you can keep costs down by decorating one accent wall and using a coordinating paint colour for the remaining walls. This technique is perfect for all wallpaper designs including geometric patterns, floral, large murals or abstract designs.

So, whether you choose to go for a large wall mural or maybe just a simple geometric pattern paper, know that you’re not limited. With so many different patterns, designs, colours, textures and printing methods out there today, you are free to be creative and think outside the box. The options are almost endless.