The bedroom is a deeply personal space so it’s a great place to embrace bold colour and pattern. A single standout wallpaper can make a huge design impact and transform a cookie cutter room into an individual haven. There are many imaginative ways to use wallpaper, from creating a statement feature wall to incorporating it into your whole room scheme or even extending it up onto the ceiling.
The classic option is to wallpaper just one wall in your bedroom, ideally the wall that’s behind your bed. This creates a focal point for the room and draws the eye up, enhancing the height of your ceiling. To get the best effect from your wallpaper, choose a striking pattern that has plenty of character but isn’t too busy.
It’s important to test your wallpaper in situ, so before you commit to buying a roll or two, stick some to your bedroom wall and live with it for a few weeks. This will give you a feel for how it looks first thing in the morning and last thing at night, and whether it’s really what you want in your bedroom.
A textured wallpaper can add depth and interest to a plain painted wall and can work wonders when used above the headboard, as here in this Brooklyn townhouse by Homepolish. The earthy tone of this wood-effect patterned wallpaper complements the natural colours and textures of the bedroom’s furnishings.
If you like the idea of a statement floral wallpaper but fear the pattern might overwhelm your bedroom, opt for a smaller print that’s more subtle, such as this monochrome pin board style. The small scale of the print means it won’t overpower the room, and you can accessorise with bedding and accessories in coordinating tones for a stylish, co-ordinated look.
There’s no rule saying you can’t use wallpaper on all your bedroom walls, although if you do, it’s important to consider how much light your room gets and the overall tone of your decor. Darker coloured wallpaper can make rooms feel darker and smaller, so it’s worth lightening the rest of the room with brighter paint shades or furniture to offset the effect.
If your bedroom has sloping or angled walls, wallpaper is an easy and cost-effective solution. Here, a panelled wallpaper by Cole and Son in the shade Woods has been used to cleverly mask uneven walls and add depth to this master bedroom by CWB Architects.
Alternatively, you can try a more subtle dimensional wallpaper that looks like timber cladding, as seen in this on-trend bedroom by Interior Designers Studio Madeaux. These types of panels are also available in a range of colours so you can match them to existing furniture and flooring. They’re a good choice for bedrooms that double up as home offices, living spaces or dressing rooms as they’re more practical and durable than traditional wooden boards. There’s no need for hammers or nails, as these wallpaper panels simply peel and stick to the wall. papier peint pour chambre