Wallpaper is still a major player in the interior design game, and it’s not disappearing anytime soon. Many homeowners opt for wallpaper over paint because it offers a lot of design control without a lot of work. Pretty patterns or artwork can be impossible to create with interior paint, so wallpaper is a great and creative solution. A significant design trend is incorporating accent walls into your space, and using wallpaper on your accent wall can change the whole atmosphere of a room.
Here are some excellent ways to enhance your accent wall with wallpaper and how to do it.
What is an accent wall?
An accent wall is a wall within your room with a different colour, pattern or texture than the rest of the walls. Your accent wall can be the focal point of a room, add a different ambiance, or enhance your furniture. Whatever your reason for wanting to have an accent wall, there are some important considerations.
Why Wallpaper?
Choosing wallpaper as an accent wall may seem like a big leap. While painting might seem like the safer choice, the right wallpaper can infuse your space with an incomparable depth and personality. Wallpaper offers myriad patterns, textures, and themes that go beyond the capabilities of paint, helping to reflect your unique brand and personal style. Wallpapers are also long-lasting and durable, standing up resiliently despite the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
Tips for your new accent wall
Depending on the construction of your home, you may have architectural features you want to play up or texture on particular walls you want to enhance.
Choosing the right wall to be accented shouldn’t be a rash decision. Be mindful of windows and which colour you’re choosing. Going for a darker colour wallpaper may end up overwhelming the room, and lighter wallpaper can really open it up.
Even if you want to stay within a neutral colour palette, you can do a lot with neutrals that look really beautiful. We may immediately think of a bright, attention-grabbing shade when we think of accent walls, but there are no rules, and you certainly don’t have to go too bold. A beautiful muted wallpaper would look incredible among neutral walls without being too distracting.
Wallpaper is a solid choice to use on an accent wall because it can really elevate your room with minimal effort. Rather than a custom paint job, wallpaper can add elegance, a trendy look, or a bold colour that you will love. You can also switch it up often with the help of Home Painters Toronto.
Choosing the Right Wallpaper in Toronto
Your choice of wallpaper should align with your room’s existing aesthetics and functionality. Here are some factors to consider when choosing wallpaper in Toronto:
- Style – The wallpaper style you choose should contribute positively to the overall ambiance. For a vintage aesthetic, opt for a damask or paisley pattern. Geometric designs, on the other hand, can give a space a more modern feel.
- Colour – Colours should either complement or contrast effectively with existing decor. Lighter colours may open up a space, while more intense hues can provide a sense of warmth.
- Scale – The size of the pattern you select can drastically affect your space. Larger patterns can make a big, bold statement, while smaller patterns can create a subtle, sophisticated backdrop.
- Texture – Textured wallpapers such as grasscloth, embossed, or flocking can add dimension and depth to your room.
How to create your new accent wall with wallpaper
Guided by the trusty accent wall rules of thumb, this step-by-step makeover process takes you from uncertainty to clarity, defeating the fears that hold you back. Here’s everything you need to know about wallpaper installation for your beautiful accent wall. The supplies you’ll need include:
- Sponge
- Warm water and bucket
- Mild soap
- Step ladder
- Sandpaper
- Filler
- Acrylic primer
- Angled brush
- Roller
- Precision knife
- Wallpaper paste
- Wallpaper smoother
- Plumb line or spirit level
Step One: Prep Your Walls
When laying down wallpaper, you don’t want to trap dirt and debris behind it. Clean walls will always result in a better quality job. If your walls are currently painted, you’ll want to wipe them down gently with a damp sponge, warm water and mild soap. Ensure you get the soap off entirely. If you have bare drywall without paint, you’ll want to use an oil primer and an acrylic primer before laying down wallpaper. If you’re trying to cover older wallpaper, you’ll want to remove it entirely before replacing it.
Once your walls are clean, you’ll want to ensure any holes and cracks in your drywall are patched with filler and sanded. The smoother the base, the better your wallpaper installation will look.
Step Two: Prime your Walls
Once your walls are clean, dry and patched, you’re ready to prime. Priming your drywall will make the installation of wallpaper a bit easier. The primer should create a crust on the wall, and if you can keep the wallpaper glue slightly wet and tacky, you should be able to make the sheets align perfectly.
If you don’t prime your walls, you will have a tough time removing that wallpaper in the future because the adhesive will bond to your drywall. Use a paint roller and angled brush to coat your entire accent wall and let it dry overnight.
Step Three: Install your Wallpaper
Working from the centre of your wall, use the plumb line or spirit level and pencil to make a vertical line. Prepare your wallpaper paste and follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Let it sit for a few minutes.
While you’re waiting for that, measure your accent wall from ceiling to floor and cut your wallpaper. It’s always a good idea to leave a few more inches than you think you need. Apply the wallpaper paste to the back of the wallpaper, working from the centre of your wall outwards. Pay particular attention to the edges and corners of the paper. Depending on the product you’re using, you may need to let it soak for a few minutes before hanging it. Along the line you previously made, hang the wallpaper with some extra slack on the top and the bottom. Use a smoother to smooth out the wallpaper to create a smooth finish. Once you have the wallpaper in a good spot, you can trim the excess on the top and the bottom. Repeat these steps until your accent wall is finished.
Maintaining Your Wallpaper
Providing your wallpaper with a gentle cleaning every few months will significantly extend its life and keep colours vibrant. Use a soft, damp cloth or sponge with water and a mild detergent.
The world of wallpapers is broad and diverse, able to match every style and preference out there. A beautifully wallpapered accent wall not only enhances your space but also makes it uniquely yours. Remember, the process is far from intimidating. You can do this! So, let’s elevate those accent walls and create spaces that tell your story.
Unless you have DIY experience, hanging new wallpaper can be tough if you’ve never done it before. If you don’t want to take on the stress or don’t have the time to perfect your accent wall and wallpaper in Toronto, give Home Painters Toronto a call.
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Home Painters Toronto provides wallpaper installation services to the Greater Toronto Area and Southern Ontario. Our professional team will ensure that you’re 100 percent satisfied with your new wallpaper accent wall and save you the time, money, and stress of doing it yourself. If you need wallpaper installation in Toronto, call us at 416.494.9095 or email Brian@HomePaintersToronto.com to get your FREE estimate! And don’t forget to follow us on all our social channels below!
