How to Spruce Up Your Rooms with Pretty Wallpaper When You’re on a Budget
Wallpaper can be expensive, but fortunately you don’t have to break the bank to enjoy its beauty in your home. Rather than paper an entire room, consider these options for adding pretty wallpaper patterns to smaller areas.
Above, one-third of the wall displays a graphic wallpaper design. The lower half is adorned with board and batten. In the dining room below, The walls are painted below a simple chair rail while the upper two-thirds are papered. Chair rails are super easy to install so this could be a viable option.
Photo by Landy Plante Interiors
Rooms with a lot of windows require less wallpaper, so it’s a bonus if your house has plenty of windows. Of course, that means you have more cutting to do when hanging the paper. I love the dining room below with the trim painted black.
If you prefer softer rooms, there are plenty of pretty wallpaper patterns that will create the look you want.
Photo by Glenna Stone Interior Design
The top portion of this blue and white living room features a pretty floral print which matches the arm chair. The only problem with wallpaper is that there are so many beautiful patterns from which to choose. Before peel and stick paper (which I’ve never used), you’d either apply paste to the paper or you’d wet it if it came pre-pasted.
My dad had a collection of wallpaper boards and tools when he owned a decorating business. He gave all his equipment to me. I papered several rooms in my current home, then later removed it and painted the rooms when wallpaper went out of style. I still have my dad’s wallpaper boards and tools (even his tool belt) and plan to paper the bathroom once the plumbing is updated.
Create wallpaper panels in a room for a unique look. The panels were created using thin strips of molding to create rectangles. This is probably the least expensive way to add paper to interior spaces.
Photo by Holly Phillips @ The English Room
You don’t have to add paper above a chair rail like this Scandinavian style bedroom. You could paper below and apply paint above. Keep in mind how much furniture is in the room though, since it will cover the papered area.
This cute boy’s room enjoys a bit of plaid paper wrapping the top of the wall. Is anyone else concerned about the unattended baby on the changing table? I didn’t notice him at first. I’m sure mom was just out of the camera shot when the photo was snapped.
Photo by Kelly Rogers Interiors
This cute pale green and white paper features a farm scene. Bead board is also fairly easy to install if you want to create a similar look in your home.
William Morris paper, as seen below, is rich in craftsman style and is highly popular right now.
Photo by Jon Eady Photographer LLC
Use wallpaper to add a shot of color to the upper portion of a wall. This gorgeous bathroom feels like spring.
Are you a fan of wallpaper? I love the ideas in these rooms that show how to use it in a more economical way.
As usual, you have given me much to think about regarding wallpaper. Thank you; love the blue chair/wallpaper!
All of these are beautiful. I am really liking the new wallpaper resurgence. Love that dining room with the gingham chair covers and stripe curtains. I could totally copy that!
I love each and every one of the spaces you shared. Such great inspiration and each one beautiful in its own right. I,too, am glad to see wallpaper make a decor resurgence. It makes me feel less crazy for keeping some up in my kitchen and bath areas. I say, do what you LOVE and it will always be “in style.”
Oh my gosh! I love your site and usually don’t leave comments, but boy was I taken aback when you mentioned the baby on the changing table!! I am sure mom was just out of sight!
I do love wallpaper in little areas, it’s so much prettier today than it was 10-15 years ago. I have been thinking about papering a small area, these are some great ideas, thanks.
Such great ideas! xx
Beautiful wallpaper! My favorite was the dining room in light brown and soft cream colors.