Want to give your living room a makeover? New wallpaper can transform your living space, adding personality and style to one of the most important rooms in your home — often the place where you relax and make memories with loved ones.
This guide is full of tips and inspiration for choosing the perfect wallpaper for your living room, covering everything from design considerations to material options, plus some practical advice to get you started.
Why choose wallpaper for your living room?
Wallpaper can give your living room a certain something that paint alone can’t achieve. Here’s what wallpaper can do for your space:
Enhancing aesthetics
Wallpaper adds depth, texture, and visual interest to a room. A textured or neutral wallpaper can create a warm, sophisticated atmosphere. Or, if you’re feeling bold, you can paper an accent wall with a vibrant color or pattern.
Expressing personal style
With wallpaper, you’re sure to find a pattern or style that reflects your personality. Whether you prefer a classic or modern aesthetic, you can find wallpaper to suit your taste.
Just remember to consider the existing décor when you’re choosing your wallpaper, and select a wallpaper that complements your furniture, flooring, and accessories.
Types of wallpaper materials
Wallpaper comes in a range of materials. Here are a few of the most popular:
Traditional wallpaper options
- Non-woven wallpaper. This type of wallpaper is known for being durable and easy to put up. It’s also breathable and resistant to mold.
- Vinyl wallpaper. If you’re looking for something moisture-resistant and easy to clean, vinyl wallpaper might be a good choice. It’s suitable for high-traffic areas where the walls tend to get scuffed and dirty.
Peel-and-stick wallpaper
- Peel-and-stick wallpaper. If you’re renting your home, you might want to consider peel-and-stick wallpaper. It’s easy to install and remove without damaging the walls.
- Fabric peel-and-stick wallpaper. Peel-and-stick wallpaper is available in a variety of materials, including vinyl and fabric. Fabric versions can give a space a more luxurious look and feel.
Designing with Wallpaper: Patterns, Colors, and Scale
Once you’ve decided to use wallpaper, the real fun begins! Here are a few things to keep in mind as you’re choosing the right wallcovering for your space:
Choosing the right pattern
Think about the size of your living room. If your space is on the small side, you may want to choose wallpaper with smaller prints in lighter colors, which tend to make a room feel airy and spacious.
To make your walls look taller, consider papering them with vertical stripes. To stretch the length of your living room, try horizontal stripes.
Selecting colors and lighting
Keep in mind that the colors you choose will look different depending on the lighting in your space, so it’s a good idea to test wallpaper samples under a variety of lighting conditions.
Dark colors tend to make rooms feel smaller, since they absorb light. If you’re using dark colors, be sure you have plenty of light in the space.
Accent wall vs. full room
If you’re new to wallpaper, an accent wall can be a simple way to elevate your living room. Consider papering the wall behind the sofa or fireplace to create a focal point.
Papering the entire room can create a cohesive and immersive design, but make sure that’s the right choice based on the size of the room and your existing furniture and decor.
Tips for Choosing and Installing Wallpaper
Picking the right wallpaper and getting it on the wall correctly can make or break the look of your living room. Here are some things to consider:
- Think about the mood. What kind of feeling do you want in the room? Calm? Cheerful? Modern? The wallpaper should help create that atmosphere.
- Test it out first. Before you commit to buying rolls of wallpaper, get some samples. Tape them to the wall and see how the pattern and color look at different times of day and in different lighting conditions.
- Prep the walls. This is key! Make sure the walls are clean, smooth, and primed. Wallpaper sticks best to a surface that’s been properly prepared.
How much does living room wallpaper cost?
The price of wallpaper depends on what it’s made of and the design. Here are some typical costs:
- Peel and stick vinyl wallpaper: $30–$70 per roll
- Fabric peel and stick wallpaper: $50–$100 per roll
- Textured or grasscloth wallpaper: $100–$300 per roll
Remember to include the cost of installation if you plan to hire someone. Doing it yourself will save money, but it can take a lot of time and effort to get it right.
Conclusion
Wallpaper is a great way to add personality and visual interest to a living room. It’s one of the most versatile ways to transform a living room’s appearance and atmosphere.
If you’re thinking about wallpapering your living room, use the tips we’ve shared to help you choose the perfect wallpaper for your space. Keep your personal style, the room’s natural and artificial lighting, and your budget in mind, and you’re sure to create a living room you’ll love for years to come.