When we think of wallpaper, we tend to think of outdated old trends, so we don’t even consider it. You don’t have to feel hesitant about wallpaper any longer. Plenty of beautiful prints can achieve the exact look you’re after without breaking the bank. Many people consider wallpaper high maintenance, but it’s almost easier to keep clean than paint.
The trick is that you have to install it properly. Wallpaper is an incredible design tool that tends to be overlooked.
Here are some ways you can use wallpaper to improve the overall look of your home.
How to use wallpaper in your home
There are no rules for designing your home, and an essential part is to create a space you love that provides you with the feeling you’re looking for. We know that the colour of your walls can impact your mood, so you want to choose a wallpaper that will help you achieve your design goals.
Wallpaper Ideas
The options are endless when it comes to installing wallpaper in your home. A great room to wallpaper is your bathroom. Wallpaper, when properly installed, is an excellent option for a room that has a lot of moisture and can create a spa-like experience for you and your guests.
Wallpaper as an accent wall can add some excitement to your room. Whether you want to play up the architectural features of your home, go bold and eyecatching, or just add some subtle elegance, wallpaper is an excellent option.
We’re big fans of wallpaper in an entryway or stairwell. If you want to add some personality to your home and opt for a bold pattern or colour. Installing it in your entryway will make a big first impression.
If you have a room with wainscoting, you should consider wallpaper above it. It’s an eclectic mix that can work very well together when you opt for the right pattern.
The kitchen is the perfect room to add wallpaper into the mix. We spend a lot of time in the kitchen, so it’s an excellent idea to have the space looking exactly as you like it. Play up your kitchen’s natural beauty and features with wallpaper behind open shelving or in the back of cabinets to really elevate your kitchen to new heights.
Perhaps you’ve never considered this before, but adding wallpaper to your ceiling is a great option. Especially if you choose the right pattern and have brilliant architectural details. You can really change the look of your whole room and become your focal point. If you have stucco ceilings, you can easily remove it and install wallpaper.
Types and Styles of Wallpaper
There are a variety of wallpaper styles and types available to the average consumer. If you want to spend a little extra money, you can certainly seek out custom prints to make your interior design dreams come true. Some of the significant style categories include:
- Casual
- Murals
- Country
- Plain
- Glam
- Rustic
- Floral
- Victorian
- Modern
If you’re opting for a solid colour wallpaper, you should ensure it will compliment your furniture, flooring, and window treatments. Opt for a monochromatic look by choosing a colour based on your room’s colour scheme, or go bold with a dramatic accent wall. If you want a cohesive look, use the wallpaper colour throughout your home.
Patterned wallpaper is among the most popular kinds, but selecting the right pattern for your space can be challenging. You’ll want to select the right colours and pattern size based on your existing furniture and window treatments. If you currently have pattered draperies or furniture, you might want to opt for a more muted wallpaper or textured paper.
Plain, solid colour is a safe option that looks elegant against heavily patterned furniture.
Ways Wallpaper can Change Your Room
Here are some of the ways wallpaper can make a difference in your space:
Pattern size
You don’t need to stick to the old rules of using small patterns in small rooms and large patterns in large rooms. Large patterns in small rooms may look dramatic, but they can look amazing as long as there are elements like windows and furniture to break it up.
Make walls appear taller or longer with stripes
Horizontal striped wallpaper is a surefire way to make your walls appear longer and for your room to appear bigger. If you’re looking to add height, vertical stripes are the way to go. You can also opt for different stripe weights or irregular shapes.
Make rooms appear larger or smaller
If you’re looking to cozy up a large room, opt for wallpaper with a larger pattern with a dark background. Choose the opposite to help increase the feeling of space in a smaller room.
Add depth with texture
Textured wallpaper can be an excellent option if you’re looking to add depth or elevate the atmosphere of a room in your home. Textured wallpapers like flocked, embossed, or grasscloth are very popular and great options for various rooms in your home.
Purchasing Wallpapers in Toronto: Your Local Guide
Whether you are planning to refresh a single room or redesign your entire home, finding the right wallpaper to match your style and budget is crucial. Fortunately, for those living in or near Toronto, there are quite a few excellent stores that offer a broad range of modern wallpaper designs. Here’s a brief guide to buying wallpaper in Toronto.
Specialty Wallpaper Stores
Toronto is home to several specialty wallpaper stores that stock an impressive selection of designs, textures, and colours. Stores such as ‘Primetime Paint & Paper’ and ‘NewWallHouse’ offer contemporary, designer wallpapers from top brands and independent designers. You have the option to shop in-person and online, making wallpaper shopping incredibly convenient.
Home Décor Stores
Apart from specialty shops, you can also find a decent wallpaper selection at home décor stores or home improvement centers. Stores like ‘IKEA’ or ‘Home Depot’ in Toronto often have a broad range of wallpapers that are good quality and reasonably priced.
Online Shopping
For a wider selection, consider shopping online. Numerous Toronto-based websites offer wallpapers, with delivery options across the city and beyond. Websites like ‘Walls Republic’ provide a seamless online shopping experience with a vast collection of wallpapers. You can filter options by colour, design, room type, and more, making it easier to find something that fits perfectly with your vision.
Remember, when shopping for wallpaper in Toronto (or any other place), always request samples where possible. Seeing the wallpaper texture, colour, and design in person is critical to ensuring it matches your interior decor. Further, take into account the size of your room and the lighting conditions, and match it with the existing furniture and accessories. With careful selection, the perfect wallpaper can utterly transform any room in your home.
Essential Tips for Applying and Removing Wallpapers
Proper application and wallpaper removal are essential to avoid damaging your walls and achieve a smooth, professional finish. Here are some crucial wallpaper ideas and tips that can make the process more efficient and hassle-free.
Wallpaper Installation
1. Prep the Walls:
Prior to application, clean your walls and remove any dirt, dust, or debris. For uneven walls, sanding or applying a wall primer may be necessary to ensure a smooth and even surface.
2. Measure and Cut:
Measure the wall carefully and cut each wallpaper strip, adding a few inches extra on each end to allow room for adjustments. Remember the old adage, “Measure twice, cut once!”
3. Paste and Book:
Apply an even layer of wallpaper paste to the back of the strip. Fold the strip onto itself, paste sides together, and let it “book” for 5-10 minutes to ensure that the paste is appropriately absorbed into the paper.
4. Line It Up:
Begin at the top of the wall, gradually unbooking and aligning the wallpaper as you go down the wall. Ensure that the wallpaper is aligned with any patterns or seams. Use a level to keep it straight.
5. Smooth and Trim:
Once the wallpaper is in position, use a wallpaper smoother or a damp sponge to remove bubbles and smooth it out. Trim any excess paper at the top and bottom using a straight edge and a sharp utility knife.
6. Repeat:
Continue this process with each strip, ensuring a tight seam between each strip. You can use a seam roller for perfect alignment.
7. Clean Up:
After the entire wall has been covered, wipe down the wallpaper’s surface with a damp sponge to remove any excess paste.
Removing Wallpaper
1. Protect Your Floors:
Lay out drop cloths or plastic sheets on the floor to protect them from water or wallpaper scraps.
2. Peel the Top Layer:
In some cases, like for vinyl wallpapers, the top layer can be peeled back by beginning at a corner or seam. This exposes the backing paper, which can then be soaked.
3. Score the Wallpaper:
For tougher wallpapers, use a scoring tool to create small punctures on the surface. This helps the removal solution to penetrate the paper and adhesive more effectively.
4. Apply a Removal Solution:
Use either a store-bought solution or a homemade mixture (of warm water and vinegar or fabric softener) to soak the wallpaper. Spray it generously on the scored areas, and let it sit for 15-20 minutes.
5. Scrape off the Wallpaper:
Gently scrape the wet wallpaper using a putty knife or scraping tool. Be cautious not to damage your walls in the process.
6. Clean the Walls:
Once all the wallpaper has been removed, clean the walls with a sponge and warm, soapy water to remove any residue. Rinse with clean water, and let the walls dry completely before applying new wallpaper or paint.
Remember, patience is key when dealing with wallpaper application and removal. With proper preparation and careful execution, you can revamp your space with ease and accuracy.
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If you want to elevate your home with wallpaper installation in Toronto, Home Painters Toronto is the one to call. There can be a lot of hassle with removing old wallpaper and installing new wallpaper, so skip the mess and the stress and give us a call. Our team provides interior, exterior, residential, and commercial painting services to the Greater Toronto Area and Southern Ontario.
Our professional house painters will ensure that you’re 100 percent satisfied with your interior painting project every time. If you need house painters or wallpaper installation in Toronto, call us at 416.494.9095 or email brian@HomePaintersToronto.com to get your FREE estimate!
