Is Wallpaper In or Out?

Wallpaper is definitely "In"! It is important to choose the right wallpaper for the rooms that you have decided to paper and do not over use it. In choosing the correct wallpaper you must consider the scale, pattern, color, texture the durability of the papers and then balance your selections with the other non-papered rooms in the house. Many people consider wallpaper to be "old fashioned". This could not be further from the truth as there are a myriad of new exciting wallpapers on the market now. Choosing a few appropriate wallpapers and coordinating it with the other textiles in your home is crucial to good design.

To begin, do not over use it in your home. Choose some rooms that would benefit from the use of wallpaper, and then consider straight paint and glazed finishes for the other areas. In the 1950's through the 1970's there was an abundance of wallpaper usage and many homes had wallpaper in virtually every room. In the 1980's through the 1990's many homeowners replaced all of there wallpapers with decorative finishes such as ragging, sponging and stippling as will as faux finishes which included faux bois (French for fake wood) and faux marble. In the past decade we have seen a trend towards too much straight paint. The key is to balance the use of wallpaper coordinating them with some straight paint as well as some decorative finishes throughout your home.

It is also important to consider is the scale of the wallpaper print in relation to the space. For instance, in a two-story area, we often choose large-scale patterns to fill the wall space. In smaller areas, such as a powder room, we might opt for small or medium scale prints. Sometimes, however, we select large-scale prints in smaller areas for a more dramatic effect. Selecting the right pattern for a space and varying the patterns throughout your paper selection is imperative. In rooms with low ceilings we tend to select papers that have upward vertical patterns, such as a stripe or a climbing vine, as these patterns add to the illusion of height. In large open areas we often use larger patterns to fill the walls. In smaller area's we usually select a small or mid-scale geometric pattern, or an overall scenic print. In addition, be sure to vary your pattern selection. For example, if you choose a stripe for one area, you might consider using a geometric pattern for another space or an alternative vertical pattern if the space requires the illusion of more height.

Be very careful to select wallpapers that have colors which coordinate well with the other rooms in your home and choose the type of paper based on the room’s usage. We often use wallpaper in an entrance hall as it adds immediate interest and sets the tone for the rest of the house. Since foyers are most often adjacent to the main rooms of the house, it is vital that you choose a color and pattern that will blend well with the colors in the other rooms. Be sure to keep in mind the other textiles and coordinate the wallpapers with the fabrics and rugs throughout your home. Try to vary the textures of the wallpapers that you select for your home and choose them according to the way in which the room will be used. For example, if you have fine smooth wallpaper in one area, you may want to select a highly textured one for another. In large high traffic areas , such as a family room, choose a more durable paper such as grass cloth wallpaper which adds great texture and warmth. For smaller high traffic areas, like a powder room, consider applying the wallpaper above a chair rail to avoid damage to the paper. Finally, when using the finer more delicate papers, apply a coat of Ronan Decorators Varnish in dead flat, which never yellows and helps to protect the paper.

The key to good design with wallpaper is to select the right scale, vary the patterns, choose co-coordinating colors, add some interesting textures, consider the usage of the space and then balance the use of wallpapers with some straight paint, and decorative finishes. You will be amazed how wallpaper can enhance your home when chosen correctly!