Choosing the Right Pattern of Wallpaper for Walls

When it comes to transforming the look and feel of your home, few design elements make as much impact as wallpaper. The right pattern can make a small room feel larger, add warmth and texture to a cold space, or turn an ordinary wall into an unforgettable focal point. At Perla Paperhanging, we believe wallpaper is not just a covering, it's a statement of style and personality.

Whether you want your walls to whisper elegance or shout bold creativity, selecting the right pattern is key. With so many choices available today florals, geometrics, stripes, textures, and more it can be challenging to know where to begin. This guide will help you navigate the process so you can select the perfect pattern for your walls and create a space you’ll love for years to come.

1. Start with the Size and Shape of the Room

The first thing to consider when choosing a wallpaper pattern is your room’s size and layout. The wrong scale can make a room feel cramped, while the right one can open it up beautifully.

• For Small Rooms: Choose light colors and smaller-scale patterns. Vertical stripes or subtle textures can create an airy, open feel. For example, a powder room can be instantly elevated with a delicate floral print or fine pinstripe.

• For Large Rooms: You can embrace bold, large-scale designs without overwhelming the space. Oversized florals, dramatic geometrics, or rich damask patterns make an impact and help fill empty expanses of wall.

• For Low Ceilings: Vertical stripes visually elongate the room, making ceilings seem higher.

• For Narrow Spaces: Horizontal stripes can help widen the perception of a tight hallway or narrow living area.

At Perla Paperhanging, our experts can even help you customize pattern scales to perfectly suit your room proportions.

2. Decide on the Mood and Atmosphere

Wallpaper doesn’t just decorate, it sets the emotional tone for your space. Think about how you want the room to feel before you start shopping for patterns.

• Relaxing and Calm: Bedrooms, reading nooks, and meditation spaces benefit from gentle patterns and soft color palettes, think muted botanicals, watercolors, or tonal textures.

• Energizing and Playful: For kitchens, living rooms, and creative spaces, you might prefer bold colors, quirky prints, or modern geometrics.

• Elegant and Luxurious: Dining rooms, formal lounges, and master suites can take on a sophisticated feel with metallic accents, classic damasks, or textured silk wallpapers.

Your walls can be a background or a centerpiece deciding which role they’ll play is a big part of choosing the right pattern.

3. Match the Pattern to Your Interior Style

Your wallpaper should complement your existing furniture, flooring, and overall design aesthetic.

• Traditional Homes: Classic stripes, damask, or toile patterns pair beautifully with antique or vintage-style furniture.

• Modern & Minimalist: Opt for clean lines, abstract geometrics, or monochromatic textured patterns.

• Rustic & Farmhouse: Weathered wood effects, linen textures, and botanical prints blend seamlessly into cozy, country-style spaces.

• Bohemian & Eclectic: Layer bold colors, global-inspired motifs, and nature patterns for a free-spirited, collected-over-time look.

  
  

4. Create Balance Between Wallpaper and Decor

A common mistake is choosing a wallpaper pattern that competes with your furniture and accessories. The key is balance:

• If your furniture and textiles already have strong colors and patterns, choose wallpaper in a more subtle, complementary tone.

• If your furnishings are simple and neutral, you have more freedom to make the walls a focal point with bold wallpaper.

In open-plan areas, consider coordinating wallpapers between connected spaces to maintain visual harmony.

5. Play with Accent Walls vs. Full Coverage

Not every room needs all four walls papered. Sometimes, a single accent wall can make a bigger statement than covering the entire room.

• Accent Walls: Great for bedrooms behind the headboard, living rooms behind the sofa, or dining rooms to frame a table setting.

• Full Coverage: Works beautifully for small powder rooms, cozy studies, or anywhere you want a truly immersive atmosphere.

At Perla Paperhanging, we often recommend starting with an accent wall if you’re hesitant about going bold. It’s a great way to dip your toe into wallpaper without fully committing yet still enjoy the visual impact.

6. Don’t Forget About Lighting

The way a wallpaper looks in the store may not be how it looks in your home. Natural daylight, evening lighting, and artificial bulbs can all change the appearance of colors and patterns.

Before you commit:

• Always order a sample.

• Tape it to your wall and observe it at different times of day.

• Check how it interacts with your existing wall colors, flooring, and furniture.

This step can save you from costly mistakes and ensure your chosen pattern truly works in your space.

7. Trust Expert Installation for a Flawless Finish

Even the most beautiful wallpaper can lose its magic if not installed correctly. Bubbles, misaligned patterns, and visible seams can ruin the effect. Professional installation ensures:

• Perfect pattern alignment

• Smooth, bubble-free application

• Clean trimming around windows, doors, and outlets

• Longevity quality installation helps wallpaper last for years without peeling

At Perla Paperhanging, we pride ourselves on precision craftsmanship. Our team has years of experience with everything from delicate silks to heavy textured vinyls, ensuring your wallpaper not only looks perfect on day one but for many years to come.

Final Thoughts: Your Walls, Your Personality

Choosing the right pattern of wallpaper is both an art and a science. The right choice will make your space feel more inviting, stylish, and uniquely yours. By considering room size, mood, style, and balance and by trusting the professionals at Perla Paperhanging you can achieve walls that inspire and delight every day.

Whether you’re redecorating a single room or transforming your entire home, Perla Paperhanging is here to guide you every step of the way from selecting the perfect pattern to expert installation. Let’s turn your vision into a reality.