There’s no doubt that wallpaper patterns make a serious decorative statement, whether it’s applied on a small or large scale, so it makes sense that people are often so hesistant to take the plunge. With these handy tips, you’ll be wondering why you didn’t decorate with wallpaper sooner.


Image courtesy of Kravet/Lee Jofa Canada, www.kravetcanada.com

Where to use wallpaper
While I think wallpaper works in just about any room, I love to put it up in the dining room, the powder room and the bedroom. If you’re looking for less commitment, try it on just one feature wall. Even less? How about papering a small area surrounded by a dado rail or lining the back of your bookshelves. The options are endless, but the first step is deciding what’s the best look for your space.

Image courtesy of Farrow & Ball

Types of wallpaper application
1 SELF-ADHESIVE (easy): A basic peel-and-stick paper that adheres to any clean, dry surface. Self-adhesives are easy to remove and reposition if mistakes are made during application.

2 PRE-PASTED (intermediate): The backs of papers have an adhesive coating, which requires water or an activator to activate and stick.

3 NON-PASTED (pro): No adhesive or paste is on the back of the paper. The manufacturer should recommend a type of adhesive or paste required for hanging.

Tip: Before you buy, decide how many rolls you'll need. Wallpaper is typically sold in either single or double rolls. A standard double roll measures 20-1/2 inches wide and 33 feet long, covering about 56 square feet. When calculating quantity, it’s always good to factor in an extra roll just in case.

Photography by Ryan Brook/TC Media

Wallpaper options: Flora and fauna
(From top to bottom)

1 Timorous Beasties Pheasant wallpaper in Blues on Cream. The Cross Decor & Design, $265 per single roll.

2 Nina Campbell through Osborne & Little Paradiso wallpaper in 01. Primavera, $196 per double roll.

3 Christian Lacroix through Designers Guild Carnets Andalous Collection Butterfly Parade wallpaper in Multicolore. Primavera, $206 per double roll.
Photography by Ryan Brook/TC Media

Wallpaper options: Traditional
(From top to bottom)

1 St Antoine Wallpaper in BP 942. Farrow & Ball, $285 per single roll.

2 Designers Guild Contarini Portia wallpaper in Dove. Primavera, $390 per double roll.

3 Silvergate Wallpaper in BP 803. Farrow & Ball, $285 per single roll.
Photography by Ryan Brook/TC Media

Wallpaper options: Geometric
(From top to bottom)

1 Steve Leung Ling wallpaper in Green. Graham & Brown, $85 per double roll.

2 Harlequin Momentum Wallcoverings Vol 2 Array allpaper in Navy/Coral/Tangerine/Aubergine. Örling & Wu, $220 per double roll.

3 Tessella wallpaper in BP 3605. Farrow & Ball, $255 per single roll.