Handy Hints

Border Brilliance Handy Hints How Many Rolls Problems Solved Step One Preparation Step Two Hanging the Paper

Here are a few key questions to ask yourself when decorating with wallpaper.

How good are the walls?

If the walls are perfect, a flat finish wallpaper will be alright, or a silk/shimmer effect. If the walls are less than perfect, then look for a paper with an embossed or expanded surface texture.

Areas that have a lot of use (e.g. hallways)

Remember, a very plain finish will show marks. A textured / patterned surface is a little more forgiving.

Do you want the same wall finish throughout the whole house or do you want to personalise the rooms?

Border / friezes are one way to add personality to a room whilst maintaining continuity to the walls.

How much light do you get in the room?

Remember, light colours reflect light, dark colours absorb light - BUT don't be frightened of stronger colours, they can be very expressive and add "depth" to a room.
Colours affect your mood - so think about the mood you want to create. Greens are restful. Reds are stimulating. Yellows are happy. Blues are cooling. Think about your own colour preferences, the colours you select for your clothes. Do you want your home to be tranquil and peaceful or to be exciting and vibrant. Whatever the mood it should reflect something of your personality.

Have fun with wallpaper

If you really want to express yourself with wallpaper, here are a few ideas.
Wallpaper the ceiling - Why not the same pattern as the walls or a co-ordinating story? A little floral on the ceiling of a bedroom could look really super.
Borders / friezes - There are some wonderful borders / friezes available to co-ordinate your wallpaper. Borders can be used in many ways.

Here are a few ideas:

Run a border at ceiling height.

Create a split wall with a border at chair rail height - a darker paper below and a light co-ordinate above.

Create a "deep frieze" effect - run wallpaper horizontally (one full width) up to ceiling. Edge with a border and use a co-ordinated (lighter) wallpaper below.

Create a panel in the centre of a wall with a border edging mitred on the corners - a patterned wallpaper inset with a co-ordinated plain paper surround.

Borders can be used around architectural features such as doors and windows.

Use more than one border, they are available wide and narrow (colour co-ordinated).

Run a border at skirting level and one at ceiling level.


Before you go shopping for wallpaper

Write yourself a checklist. There are thousands of wallpapers available and selection can be difficult.

Here are the KEY POINTS again:

How good are my walls?
Do the walls take a lot of scuffing?
How much light do I get in the room?
What mood do I want to create?
What is my own colour preference?
Do I want to add personality to the scheme?