Wallpaper is once again a very popular choice for home decorating. The options available today are far more varied and easier to use than those from past generations. With so many styles, materials, and themes, it can be helpful to have an overview of what’s out there. This guide walks through some popular styles and practical things to think about, giving you the information you need to get familiar with the world of modern wall coverings.
Choosing a Style That Suits You
The first step is often thinking about the overall feeling you want for your room. Wallpaper can set a mood better than almost any other design element. Whether you like things clean and simple or fun and energetic, there is a style for you.
The Clean Look of Modern Background Wallpaper
For those who appreciate minimalist and contemporary design, a modern background wallpaper is often the right choice. This style is not about loud patterns or bright colors. Instead, it focuses on subtle texture and clean lines. You might see designs that mimic the look of brushed concrete, woven linen, or soft plaster. The effect is a sense of depth and sophistication that you cannot get from a flat coat of paint, all while keeping the room feeling uncluttered and calm.
The Fun of a Retro Style Background
If you want to give a room a lot of personality, a retro style background is a fantastic option. This trend pulls from the design history of the 1950s, 60s, and 70s. You can find papers with the swirling geometric shapes and warm, earthy colors of the 70s, or the atomic-age starbursts and playful patterns of the 50s. Using retro wallpaper is a way to show off your unique taste and give a room a fun, nostalgic quality that makes it feel special.
Wallpaper Inspired by the Real World
Many popular wallpaper designs take their cues from natural and architectural materials. These papers are printed to look like real-world textures and scenes, giving you a certain aesthetic without the cost or difficulty of using the actual material.
A Rustic Touch with Brown Brick Wallpaper
The look of an exposed brick wall is timeless, but getting one is not always practical. A great alternative is brown brick wallpaper. This type of paper is printed with a high-quality image of brickwork, showing the color variations and mortar lines for a realistic appearance. It can give a room a warm, rustic feeling like in a farmhouse, or a cool, industrial feeling like in a city loft. It is a simple way to get textural interest on your walls.
Scenery with Mountain Theme Wallpaper
Another way to get a natural feeling is by using a mountain theme wallpaper. These designs often show wide, panoramic views of mountain ranges or artistic pictures of misty peaks. This kind of imagery can make a room feel very calm and peaceful. Seeing a large, scenic view on a feature wall can also make a space seem more open and expansive. It is a popular choice for bedrooms and living rooms where people want a restful environment.
Practical Considerations for Different Rooms
While style is important, you also have to think about the room’s function. Some areas of the home have more demanding conditions than others, and your wallpaper choice should reflect that.
Selecting Wallpaper for Kitchens
The kitchen is the heart of the home, but it’s also a place with moisture, heat, and potential food splatters. When selecting wallpaper for kitchens, you need a material that is durable enough to handle these conditions. The best options are typically vinyl or non-woven papers that are labeled as washable or scrubbable. This means you can easily wipe them clean without ruining the surface. Style-wise, faux tile patterns, cheerful fruit or botanical prints, and modern geometrics are all popular choices for kitchen spaces.
With a basic understanding of the styles, themes, and practical materials available, you can make a more confident decision for your home. Wallpaper offers a wonderful opportunity to personalize a room in a way that truly reflects who you are.
