Wallpaper can change how a room feels. But picking the right one is hard. There are so many colors, patterns, and materials. Every option looks good on its own. It is tough to know how it will look in your home. If you live near Mount Pleasant, SC or the greater Charleston area, you may have felt this in a showroom. At deGuise Interiors, we help homeowners with these choices every day. This guide breaks the process into simple steps. You will learn how to pick a type, a material, a color, and a pattern. You will also learn how to plan for your walls and your budget.
Quick Takeaways: How to Choose Wallpaper
| Step | Quick Takeaway |
|---|---|
| 1. Room use | Think about traffic, moisture, and sunlight first. A busy room needs a tougher wallpaper. |
| 2. Type | Pick peel-and-stick, pre-pasted, non-pasted, vinyl, or grasscloth based on your install plan. |
| 3. Walls | Check if your walls are smooth or textured. Texture can limit your choices. |
| 4. Install | Peel-and-stick is easiest. Hire a pro for stripes, large patterns, and grasscloth. |
| 5. Material | Choose vinyl for kitchens, baths, and hallways. Save delicate materials for low-traffic rooms. |
| 6. Budget | Add up the wallpaper, the extra rolls, and the install. Ask for the price per roll and the coverage per roll. |
| 7. Color | Light colors open a room. Dark colors make it cozy. Check every color in your own light. |
| 8. Pattern | Match the pattern size to the room size. Check the repeat before you order. |
| 9. Samples | Always test a sample on your wall. View it in daylight and at night. |
| 10. Order | Order extra for pattern matching. Make sure all rolls come from the same batch. |
Table of Contents
- Start With How You Use the Room
- Choose a Wallpaper Type
- Pros and Cons of Wallpaper
- Check Your Wall Surface First
- Easiest Wallpaper to Install
- Choose the Right Material and Finish
- Set a Wallpaper Budget
- Match Wallpaper to Your Style and Mood
- Choose the Right Wallpaper Color
- Choose a Wallpaper Pattern
- Decide Where to Use Wallpaper
- Match Wallpaper With Your Decor
- Test Samples Before You Buy
- Measure and Order the Right Amount
- Care, Cleaning, and Future Changes
- Best Wallpaper for Each Room
- Get Wallpaper Help at deGuise Interiors
- Conclusion
- Frequently Asked Questions About Choosing Wallpaper
Start With How You Use the Room
Think about the room before you think about the pattern. Ask how people use it every day. A busy family room needs a tougher wallpaper than a quiet guest bedroom. Hallways, kitchens, and kids’ rooms see the most wear. Kitchens and bathrooms also deal with moisture. Bedrooms and formal rooms can use softer materials.
Look at the Size, Shape, and Ceiling Height
Small rooms look best with light colors and small patterns. Large rooms can handle bold designs. Low ceilings look taller with vertical stripes or tall botanical prints. High ceilings feel cozier with a larger pattern or a deeper color.
Check the Light Through the Day
Natural light changes how a color looks. View your options in the room at different times of day. Sunny rooms can handle cooler shades. Rooms with little sun often look better with warmer tones.
Note Windows, Doors, and Fixed Features
Windows, doors, and built-in shelves take up wall space. They also cut into the pattern. Measure around them before you plan. This shows you how much wall you can really cover.
Choose a Wallpaper Type
The type of wallpaper decides three things. It decides how hard it is to hang. It decides how long it lasts. It decides how easy it is to remove. Many people pick a pattern first. Then they find out it does not fit their walls. Pick the type first to avoid that problem. Use the table below to compare your options.
| Wallpaper Type | Best For | Durability | DIY Ease | Watch Out For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Peel-and-stick | Rentals, bedrooms, living rooms | Lower to medium | Easiest | Needs smooth walls. Best in dry rooms. Fewer pattern choices. |
| Pre-pasted | Bedrooms, hallways, powder rooms | Medium | Moderate | Less mess, but you must line up the pattern with care. |
| Non-pasted (paper or non-woven) | Living rooms, dining rooms, long-term installs | Medium to high | Harder | Needs paste and skill. Non-woven is often easier to remove. |
| Vinyl or vinyl-coated | Kitchens, bathrooms, hallways, family rooms | High | Moderate | Needs good airflow in damp rooms. |
| Natural grasscloth | Dining rooms, offices, low-traffic bedrooms | Lower | Hardest | Not washable. Stains easily. Seams and glue marks can show. |
| Faux grasscloth (vinyl) | Rooms that want the look with easier care | High | Moderate | Looks like natural fiber but wipes clean. |
A Quick Look at Each Type
Peel-and-stick wallpaper has a sticky back. You peel off the paper and press it on the wall. Renters like it because it comes off easily. It works best in dry rooms like bedrooms and living rooms.
Pre-pasted wallpaper has glue on the back already. You wet it to activate the glue. It sits between peel-and-stick and traditional wallpaper.
Non-pasted wallpaper is the traditional choice. You add paste to the paper or to the wall. It has the widest range of patterns and materials.
Vinyl wallpaper has a coated surface. It resists scuffs, moisture, and wear. It is the best choice for high-traffic rooms.
Grasscloth is made from natural fibers like jute or sisal. It adds rich texture. It is delicate, so keep it to low-traffic rooms.
Pros and Cons of Wallpaper
Wallpaper is not right for every wall. Here is a fair look at both sides. Use it to decide if wallpaper fits your project.
Pros
- It adds pattern, texture, and color that paint cannot match.
- It can last 10 to 15 years with good installation and care.
- Washable and moisture-resistant types handle busy rooms.
- You can use it on one accent wall or a whole room.
- Removable types are a low-risk way to try a bold look.
Cons
- It costs more upfront than paint.
- It needs smooth, clean walls for the best result.
- Some types are hard to remove.
- Detailed patterns are tricky to hang without practice.
- Delicate materials like grasscloth need gentle care.
Check Your Wall Surface First
Your walls can limit which wallpaper you can use. Many people skip this step. It is a common reason a project goes wrong. Check your walls before you fall in love with a design. Here is what to look for.
- Smooth walls: These work with almost every wallpaper type.
- Textured walls: Orange peel, knockdown, and popcorn textures can stop peel-and-stick and pre-pasted wallpaper from sticking well. Even light texture can cause bubbles and lifting. These walls may need to be smoothed and primed first.
- Fresh paint: Let new paint dry fully before you hang wallpaper. Glossy paint may need primer so the wallpaper can grip.
- Cracks, nail holes, and uneven spots: Fix these first. Wallpaper shows flaws more than it hides them.
If you are not sure about your wall surface, ask a designer or installer to check it before you order.
Easiest Wallpaper to Install
Worried about installation? You have options. Some types are much easier to hang than others. This list goes from easiest to hardest.
- Peel-and-stick: The most forgiving for beginners. Your walls must be smooth.
- Pre-pasted: Less mess. You need patience to line up the pattern.
- Vinyl and non-woven, paste-the-wall: Often forgiving once you get the hang of it. Faux vinyl grasscloth is known for being easy to hang.
- Traditional non-pasted paper: Needs paste, good timing, and a steady hand.
- Natural grasscloth: The least forgiving. It can stain and show seams.
Pick a Forgiving Pattern
Small all-over patterns hide small mistakes. Textured wallpapers hide them too. Stripes and large motifs must line up perfectly. Every mistake shows on those.
When to Hire a Pro
Hire an installer for large rooms, stripes, and large repeats. Hire one for grasscloth, high ceilings, and stairwells. Call a pro if your walls need smoothing first. A pro also wastes less material. They know how to plan the cuts and the pattern match.
Choose the Right Material and Finish
The material changes how wallpaper looks and how long it lasts. Two wallpapers can look the same in a photo. On your wall, they can act very differently. Learn the basics before you pick a design.
Know the Common Materials
Vinyl, non-woven, and paper wallpaper each work differently. Vinyl holds up best in busy rooms. It resists scuffs, moisture, and wear. Non-woven is often easier to remove later. It tends to peel off in full sheets and leaves little residue. Paper has a soft, classic look. It needs more care and is not ideal for busy or damp rooms.
Use Washable Wallpaper in Busy Areas
Walls in hallways, kitchens, and family rooms get touched a lot. Kids and pets leave marks. Washable wallpaper lets you wipe off smudges and small spills. Look for wallpaper labeled washable or scrubbable. Ask how much cleaning it can handle.
Use Moisture-Resistant Wallpaper in Kitchens and Bathrooms
Steam from showers and stoves can damage the wrong wallpaper. You may see bubbles and curling edges. Mold can even grow behind the paper. Moisture-resistant wallpaper helps prevent this. Run a bath fan or open a window to keep air moving.
Think About Texture and Fade Resistance
Textured wallpaper adds depth to a room. Check how it holds up to sun and daily wear. Some materials fade faster than others. If a room gets strong sun, ask about fade-resistant options. This keeps your wallpaper looking fresh for years.
Choose the Right Finish for the Light
The finish changes how a room feels. Glossy and metallic finishes bounce light around. They can brighten a dim room. Matte and textured finishes soften a sunny room. Shiny finishes also show wall flaws and seams more. Use them on smooth, well-prepared walls.
Choose Removable Wallpaper for Temporary Spaces
Removable wallpaper suits rentals and nurseries. It also suits any space you may change later. It peels off cleanly without hurting the wall. It is a safe way to try a bold color or pattern.
How to Pick High-Quality Wallpaper
Use this checklist when you compare samples.
- Cleaning rating: Is it washable or scrubbable?
- Material and backing: Is it vinyl, non-woven, paper, or natural fiber? Does that fit the room?
- Thickness: Thicker wallpaper usually hides small wall flaws better.
- Fade resistance: This matters in sunny rooms.
- Repeat and match: The listing should state both clearly.
- Batch number: All rolls for one room should match.
- Care instructions: Know how to clean it before you buy.
Set a Wallpaper Budget
Wallpaper cost has three parts. The first is the wallpaper itself. The second is the extra rolls for pattern matching. The third is installation. Material and design drive most of the price. Peel-and-stick often costs less to install because many people hang it themselves. It may not last as long, though. Natural fibers and designer patterns often cost more to buy and to install. Here are ways to keep your budget on track.
- Ask for the price per roll and the coverage per roll. Rolls are sold as single or double rolls. Compare coverage, not just price.
- Plan for pattern waste. Larger repeats need more wallpaper.
- Try an accent wall. You get the look at a lower cost.
- Spend more where wear is high. A tough material in a hallway saves money later.
- Add installation to the total. A pro costs more, but they protect your investment.
Match Wallpaper to Your Style and Mood
Wallpaper should feel like part of your home. It should not look like an add-on. Start with your style. Then think about the mood. Last, make sure it fits your decor.
Find Your Design Style
Look at the decor you already love. It may be traditional, coastal, modern, or a mix. Let that guide your wallpaper choice. Not sure of your style? Look at the pieces you have kept the longest. Look at the rooms where you feel most at ease. These show your taste better than trends do.
Pick the Mood You Want
Soft colors feel calm. Rich tones and bold patterns bring energy and drama. A home office works well with a calm, focused mood. A dining room for guests can handle something bolder.
Choose the Right Wallpaper Color
Color is the first thing people notice. The right color ties a room together. The wrong one can make a nice room feel off. Take your time here. Do not rush to pick your favorite shade.
So, What Color Wallpaper Is Best?
There is no single best color. It depends on the light and the mood you want. Soft blues, greens, and warm neutrals suit bedrooms. Warm, welcoming tones work well in living rooms. Deep shades like navy, forest green, and charcoal make dining rooms and dens feel rich and cozy. Always check a color in your own light.
Build on Colors You Already Have
Pull a color from a rug or a piece of art. Your eye connects colors that repeat in a room. A soft blue from a pillow can show up in the wallpaper. The room then feels planned. You do not need an exact match. A close shade works well and looks less matchy.
Use Light and Dark Colors Well
Light colors open up a space and reflect light. They work well in small rooms, hallways, and dim rooms. Dark colors add warmth and a cozy feel. They work best in larger rooms and evening spaces like a den. The same color looks different in a bright room than in a dim one. Think about both size and light.
Use Contrast With Care
A little contrast makes a room more interesting. Too much feels busy and tiring. Pick one main color for the wallpaper. Keep trim, curtains, and decor a little quieter. This makes the contrast look planned.
Keep Colors Flowing Between Rooms
In an open layout, you can see one room from another. So the colors should connect. Keep at least one shared color or undertone in connected rooms. This makes the move from room to room feel smooth.
Choose a Wallpaper Pattern
Pattern can make or break a room. Give it as much thought as color. Use these tips to narrow your choices.
- Match the scale to the room. Large patterns can overwhelm a small room. Tiny patterns get lost in a large one.
- Match your style. A pattern that suits a traditional home may look odd in a modern one.
- Think about the motif. Stripes make ceilings feel taller. Florals add softness. Geometric patterns feel modern.
- Bold or subtle? Bold patterns make a statement. Subtle textures give you freedom to change your decor often.
- Check the repeat. The repeat is the distance before a pattern starts over. A large repeat looks dramatic. It also needs more wallpaper and more careful hanging.
Decide Where to Use Wallpaper
Wallpaper does not need to cover every wall. One wall can make a big impact. You can also cover a small nook. Pick the option that fits your budget and your room. Use the table below for ideas.
| Placement Option | Best For | Why |
|---|---|---|
| All four walls | Powder rooms, reading nooks | Gives a full, immersive look. Works well in small rooms. |
| Accent wall | Bedrooms, living rooms | Adds personality with less commitment. Often costs less. |
| Small spaces and nooks | Closets, mudrooms, built-in shelves | A great spot to try a bolder wallpaper. |
| Feature wall | Entryways, dining rooms, behind a headboard | Draws the eye as soon as you walk in. |
Match Wallpaper With Your Decor
Wallpaper works best as one part of a bigger picture. Look at the wood tones, metal finishes, and fabric colors in your room. Pick a wallpaper that connects to one or two of them. A bold pattern needs simple decor and solid colors around it. A subtle pattern leaves room for patterned pillows, rugs, or curtains. Texture is another easy way to tie a room together. A textured wallpaper with simple, solid pieces looks rich without adding more color. The goal is simple. Someone walks in and feels that everything belongs.
Test Samples Before You Buy
A little testing saves you from regret. Samples are cheap compared to a full order. Take your time with this step. Follow these tips.
- Order samples and view them in your room. Colors can look different in person than on a screen.
- Check them in different light. Look in daylight and in evening light.
- Hold them near your decor. See how they look with your art, fabrics, and finishes.
- Picture the full wall. A small sample looks different once the pattern repeats across a whole wall.
- Leave the sample up for a few days. Live with it before you decide.
Measure and Order the Right Amount
Good measurements help you order the right amount. They stop you from running short mid-project. Running out is more common than people think. Follow these steps.
- Measure every wall. Write down the width and height of each wall you plan to cover.
- Check how rolls are sold. Rolls come as single or double rolls. Look at the coverage listed for each roll.
- Find the repeat and match type. A straight match lines up across the strip. A drop match shifts the pattern down on each strip. A random match is the most forgiving. A larger repeat means you need more wallpaper.
- Order extra. Extra wallpaper covers trimming and matching. Installers often suggest adding 10 to 15 percent. Ask your designer or installer for a number that fits your wall.
- Match the batch number. Dye lots can vary a little between orders. Rolls for one room should come from the same batch.
Care, Cleaning, and Future Changes
Good care keeps wallpaper looking new. Most wallpaper can be wiped gently. The right method depends on the material. Check the care steps before you buy.
How to Clean Wallpaper
Vinyl and washable wallpapers handle a damp cloth and mild soap. Grasscloth and paper often need only a soft, dry dusting. Cleaning the wrong way can damage the surface. Always test a small, hidden spot first.
Plan for Future Changes
Think about how long you plan to keep the wallpaper. If you redecorate often, choose a neutral pattern or a removable type. If this is a long-term home, a higher quality, classic design may be worth it. That choice can still look right ten years from now.
Best Wallpaper for Each Room
Every room has its own needs. Use this table as a starting point. It shows what works best in each space. The reasons will help you decide.
| Room | Best Wallpaper Choice | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Living room | Bold patterns, an accent wall, or a textured finish | These rooms should feel welcoming. They can handle more visual impact. |
| Bedroom | Soft colors, calm patterns, textured designs | Supports a restful feel in the room where you unwind. |
| Dining room | Rich colors, bold patterns, a feature wall | Used at night and for guests. It can handle drama and deeper tones. |
| Kitchen | Vinyl or washable wallpaper, small to medium patterns | Handles heat, steam, splashes, and daily wiping. |
| Bathroom and powder room | Moisture-resistant vinyl, bold patterns for powder rooms | Handles steam and humidity. Powder rooms are small, so bold works well. |
| Hallway and entryway | Washable wallpaper, light colors, or a feature wall | Gets the most scuffs and touches. Light colors keep narrow spaces open. |
| Home office | Calm colors and subtle texture | Helps you focus. A feature wall behind the desk looks good on video calls. |
| Nursery and kids’ room | Removable or washable wallpaper | Easy to clean now and easy to change as your child grows. |
| Small rooms | Light colors and small patterns | Keeps the room feeling open. An accent wall adds personality in a small dose. |
Get Wallpaper Help at deGuise Interiors
Choosing wallpaper does not need to feel hard. It helps to have guidance from people who do this every day. At deGuise Interiors in Mount Pleasant, SC, our design team can help you choose. We cover the type, the color, and the pattern. We also help you plan for your walls and your budget. We carry one of the largest wallpaper selections in the area. You can see and feel real samples in person. That is better than guessing from a screen. You may want to refresh one accent wall. You may want to plan a full room. Our team can guide you from selection through installation. Visit our showroom or contact deGuise Interiors today to start bringing your vision to life.
Conclusion
Choosing wallpaper comes down to a few things. Know your space. Know your walls. Know your style. Know how the room is used. The right type, color, and pattern can make a room calmer, cozier, or more lively. But they must fit how you live. A pattern that looks great in a photo may clash with your light. It may also not suit your wall surface. Test samples and think about light. Plan for durability and installation too. Then put a sample on your real wall. Look at it in your real light at different times. This one step often separates a choice you regret from one you still love in five or ten years.
Frequently Asked Questions About Choosing Wallpaper
How Do I Choose the Right Wallpaper for My Home?
Start with how the room is used and how much light it gets. Pick a wallpaper type that fits your walls and your install plan. Then choose a color and pattern that suit your style. Test a few samples in the room before you commit.
What Type of Wallpaper Is Best for High-Traffic Areas?
Vinyl or washable wallpaper is best for hallways, kitchens, and family rooms. It resists scuffs, moisture, and wear. You can wipe it clean. Look for wallpaper labeled washable or scrubbable.
What Is the Easiest Wallpaper to Install?
Peel-and-stick is the easiest for beginners. Your walls need to be smooth. Pre-pasted wallpaper is the next easiest. Small all-over patterns are more forgiving than stripes.
Can You Put Wallpaper on Textured Walls?
Sometimes, but it depends on the type. Even light texture can stop peel-and-stick and pre-pasted wallpaper from sticking well. Textured walls often need smoothing and priming first. A designer or installer can check your walls before you order.
What Are Good Alternatives if I Am Worried About Installation?
Peel-and-stick and pre-pasted wallpaper are the simplest to hang. Faux vinyl grasscloth is also forgiving. You can also hire a professional installer. Then you get the look without the stress.
Should Wallpaper Be Lighter or Darker Than the Room?
It depends on the mood you want. Lighter wallpaper opens up a room. It works well in small or dim rooms. Darker wallpaper adds warmth and coziness. It shines in larger rooms and spaces you use at night.
What Color Wallpaper Is Best?
There is no single best color. Soft blues, greens, and warm neutrals suit bedrooms. Deeper shades work well in dining rooms and dens. Always check a color in your own light first.
Is It Better to Wallpaper One Wall or All Four Walls?
Both work well. It depends on how bold you want to go. An accent wall is a softer statement. It is also a good way to test a pattern. All four walls give a fuller look and work well in small rooms like powder rooms.
What Type of Wallpaper Is Best for Bathrooms and Kitchens?
Moisture-resistant and washable wallpaper is best. Vinyl is the most common choice. It handles steam, humidity, and daily wear. Good airflow also helps keep moisture from building up.
How Do I Choose Wallpaper for a Small Room?
Light colors and small patterns work best. They help a small room feel open. Vertical stripes can make it feel taller. Low contrast between the wallpaper and trim helps too.
How Do I Match Wallpaper With My Existing Decor?
Look at the colors and materials already in the room. Choose wallpaper that matches or complements them. If your room already has lots of pattern, choose a simpler wallpaper. That keeps the room balanced.
Is Patterned or Plain Wallpaper Better?
Neither is better overall. It depends on the room and your style. Patterned wallpaper adds personality and works as a focal point. Plain or textured wallpaper is a calm backdrop that is easy to decorate around.
Is Wallpaper Worth It?
For many homeowners, yes. Wallpaper adds color, pattern, and texture that paint cannot. It can last 10 to 15 years. It costs more upfront and needs good wall prep. Match the type to the room and your plans.
How Long Does Wallpaper Usually Last?
Most wallpaper lasts 10 to 15 years with good installation and care. Quality and material change that number. Vinyl and grasscloth tend to last longer than basic paper. Low-traffic rooms keep wallpaper looking good longer than hallways and kitchens.
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