Best Wallpaper Choices: Discover the Most Stunning Options
Wallpaper has surged back into interior design relevance, shedding its outdated image and emerging as a powerful tool to completely transform a space. Gone are the days of limited choices and fussy florals. Today, the options are vast, varied, and undeniably stunning. This article delves into the “best” wallpaper choices, not just in terms of aesthetics, but also considering material, application, and room suitability. We’ll help you navigate the exciting world of wallcoverings to find the perfect match for your style and needs.
1. Understanding Wallpaper Materials:
Before diving into styles, understanding the material is crucial for longevity and ease of application/removal:
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Vinyl: The workhorse of the wallpaper world. Vinyl is incredibly durable, washable, and often the most affordable option. It’s perfect for high-traffic areas, bathrooms, and kitchens due to its moisture resistance.
- Solid Vinyl: Extremely durable and scrubbable.
- Vinyl-Coated: Paper base with a vinyl top layer; offers some water resistance but is less durable than solid vinyl.
- Fabric-Backed Vinyl: Vinyl layer bonded to a fabric backing for added strength and dimensional stability. Ideal for covering imperfections in walls.
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Non-Woven: A blend of natural and synthetic fibers, non-woven wallpapers are a game-changer. They are breathable (reducing the risk of mildew), incredibly easy to install (paste-the-wall application), and strip off in full sheets when it’s time for a change. This is often considered the easiest type for DIYers.
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Paper: Traditional paper wallpaper offers beautiful, intricate designs. However, it’s the least durable and can be challenging to install (prone to tearing) and remove (often requires soaking and scraping). Best for low-traffic areas and experienced installers.
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Grasscloth: Made from natural fibers like jute, hemp, or seagrass, grasscloth adds incredible texture and warmth to a room. It’s eco-friendly but can be delicate and difficult to clean. Best for bedrooms, living rooms, or dining rooms where spills are less likely.
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Textile: Silk, linen, velvet, and other fabrics offer a luxurious and sophisticated look. These are typically more expensive and require professional installation. They are also more delicate and less resistant to stains.
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Peel and Stick: A renter’s best friend! Made from vinyl or other materials, peel-and-stick wallpaper has a self-adhesive backing, making it incredibly easy to apply and remove without damaging the wall. Perfect for temporary changes or accent walls.
2. Stunning Style Options and Where to Use Them:
Now for the fun part – the designs! Here are some of the most stunning and popular wallpaper styles, along with suggestions for their best use:
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Bold Geometric Patterns: Think chevrons, hexagons, triangles, and intricate geometric designs. These add a modern and dynamic feel.
- Best For: Feature walls in living rooms, dining rooms, home offices, or powder rooms. Can make a small space feel larger with the right scale.
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Large-Scale Florals & Botanicals: Dramatic and impactful, large-scale floral or botanical prints bring the outdoors in. They range from romantic and vintage to bold and contemporary.
- Best For: Bedrooms, dining rooms, living rooms, or powder rooms. Consider the color palette and scale carefully – too large a print can overwhelm a small space.
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Textured Wallpaper: This encompasses grasscloth, embossed vinyl, flocked wallpaper (with raised velvet patterns), and even 3D designs. Texture adds depth and interest, masking imperfections and creating a tactile experience.
- Best For: Any room! Grasscloth adds warmth, embossed vinyl can mimic brick or stone, and flocked wallpaper adds a touch of luxury.
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Metallic Accents: Gold, silver, copper, or bronze accents add a touch of glamour and sophistication. These can be subtle shimmer or bold, reflective designs.
- Best For: Dining rooms, living rooms, bedrooms, or powder rooms. Can be used to create a focal point or add a touch of luxury.
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Murals: Custom or pre-printed murals can create a truly unique and stunning statement. They can depict landscapes, cityscapes, abstract art, or anything you can imagine.
- Best For: Feature walls in any room. Consider the size of the room and the mural’s design to ensure it complements the space.
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Chinoiserie: This classic style features intricate, often hand-painted, scenes inspired by East Asian art and design, typically depicting birds, flowers, and landscapes.
- Best For: Dining rooms, bedrooms, or living rooms. Adds a touch of timeless elegance.
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Tropical Prints: Palm leaves, exotic flowers, and vibrant colors create a lively and energetic atmosphere.
- Best for: Bathrooms, sunrooms, or any space where you want to evoke a sense of vacation and relaxation.
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Toile de Jouy: Classic, elegant, and often monochromatic, Toile de Jouy depicts pastoral scenes in a single color (traditionally blue, red, or black) on a white or cream background.
- Best For: Bedrooms, dining rooms, or bathrooms. Provides a timeless and sophisticated look.
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Damask: A traditional pattern featuring a woven design, often with a floral or scroll motif. Damask can be subtle or bold, depending on the color contrast.
- Best For: Living rooms, dining rooms, or bedrooms. Creates a formal and elegant atmosphere.
3. Choosing the “Best” Wallpaper for Your Space:
The “best” wallpaper is subjective and depends entirely on your personal style, the room’s function, and your budget. Here’s a quick guide to help you narrow down your choices:
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Consider the Room’s Purpose: High-traffic areas (hallways, kitchens) need durable, washable options like vinyl. Bathrooms require moisture-resistant materials. Bedrooms can handle more delicate options like paper or textile.
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Think About Lighting: Dark rooms benefit from lighter-colored wallpaper or those with metallic accents to reflect light. Bright rooms can handle darker or bolder patterns.
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Scale Matters: Large-scale patterns can make a small room feel cramped, while small-scale patterns can get lost in a large room.
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Color Palette: Choose colors that complement your existing furniture and decor. Consider the overall mood you want to create – calm and serene, or bold and energetic?
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Don’t Be Afraid to Mix and Match: You can use different wallpapers in the same room to create zones or highlight architectural features.
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Order Samples: Always order samples before committing to a full roll. This allows you to see the color and texture in your space and under your lighting conditions.
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Consider Professional Installation: For intricate patterns, delicate materials, or large areas, professional installation is often recommended to ensure a flawless finish.
By understanding the different materials, exploring the vast array of styles, and considering your specific needs, you can confidently choose the “best” wallpaper to create a stunning and personalized space that reflects your unique taste and style. Happy decorating!