Wallpaper Beyond Walls: Creative Ways to Use Prints in Unexpected Places

Wallpaper offers a world of possibilities beyond just dressing up your walls. Modern interior design trends showcase how wallpaper can be used unexpectedly, transforming ordinary items and spaces into standout features. Imagine giving your old furniture a fresh look with bold prints or adding a unique touch to your ceilings. Creative wallpaper applications can benefit even overlooked spaces like staircases and outdoor sheds. Whether you want to add a splash of color to a door or create custom art pieces, wallpaper is a versatile tool for expressing your style. With some imagination, you can elevate various elements of your home, making each room uniquely yours.

Updating Furniture with Wallpaper

Revamping old furniture with wallpaper is an excellent way to breathe new life into tired pieces. Applying wallpaper can transform furniture with vibrant patterns and textures, whether it’s a dresser, table, or bookshelf. To get started, choose a green grasscloth wallpaper that complements the style of your piece and the room it will reside in. Ensure the furniture surface is clean and smooth for the best adhesion. Cut the wallpaper to size and apply it carefully, smoothing out any bubbles. Seal the edges with a clear varnish to protect the paper and ensure durability. This easy DIY project can instantly update any room with creative flair.

Creative ceiling patterns

Ceilings present an often-ignored canvas for unique design ideas. Adding wallpaper to the ceiling can bring depth and intrigue to your room, making it a focal point. Opt for subtle geometric designs or gentle floral patterns that work well above eye level. In spaces with high ceilings, bold prints or darker shades can create a cozy, intimate atmosphere. Applying wallpaper on the ceiling is more complex than on walls, so consider enlisting help or using scaffolding for larger projects. Ensure the wallpaper is properly adhered to, and smooth out any bubbles for a polished finish.

Outdoor shed transformation

Transform these outdoor storage sheds from Keter into a delightful retreat using wallpaper. Choose a durable, water-resistant type that can withstand the elements. Applying wallpaper to the interior walls can give the shed a cozy, personalized feel, perfect for a craft room, garden office, or small reading nook. Coordinate the wallpaper with other outdoor elements, like patio furniture or garden decorations, for a harmonious look. Adding wallpaper lets you turn a simple storage area into a charming extension of your living space, making it a place you’ll want to spend time in.

Decorating staircases with wallpaper

Applying wallpaper to staircase risers is an innovative way to introduce pattern and color to an otherwise utilitarian part of the home. Select a design that complements your existing decor and enhances the flow between floors. You can use a single pattern for a uniform look or mix and match different prints for an eclectic style. Ensure the wallpaper is securely adhered to withstand daily foot traffic and consider sealing it for extra protection. This creative approach can turn your staircase into a standout feature, adding character and charm to your home.

Crafting unique art pieces with wallpaper

Wallpaper samples can be repurposed into eye-catching art pieces that elevate any room. Begin by selecting wallpaper designs with complementary colors and patterns. Cut the samples to fit into frames or onto canvas boards, ensuring clean edges for a polished look. Arrange these pieces in a balanced composition to create a cohesive gallery wall. This method adds visual interest and provides a budget-friendly alternative to traditional artwork. Additionally, using leftover wallpaper scraps from other projects is a sustainable way to reduce waste. Personalize your space with these custom art pieces, showcasing your style uniquely and creatively.

Highlighting doors with wallpaper

Doors often go unnoticed in home design, but wallpaper can turn them into a standout feature. Using wallpaper on doors adds an unexpected element to your decor. Select designs that align with the room’s theme, whether a bold geometric pattern for a modern space or a delicate floral print for a vintage vibe. Apply the wallpaper to the entire door or create a framed panel effect for a subtler look. Ensure the edges are neatly trimmed, and consider sealing the wallpaper for added durability. This easy update can transform any door into a focal point, enhancing the overall aesthetic of your home.

Wallpaper’s potential goes beyond its traditional uses, opening up many creative possibilities for your home. You can turn ordinary items and overlooked spaces into captivating features by thinking outside the box. Imagine the impact of a boldly patterned ceiling that draws the eye upward or a previously mundane staircase transformed into a visually striking element through vibrant prints. Similarly, repurposing wallpaper scraps into custom art pieces allows you to showcase your style while making a sustainable choice.

Using wallpaper on furniture can give a new lease on life to dated or worn pieces, making them fresh and contemporary. It’s a straightforward and cost-effective way to refresh your decor without needing new furniture. Even outdoor spaces, often neglected in design plans, can benefit from wallpaper’s transformative power. A drab shed can become a charming retreat with just a few well-chosen patterns.

Doors, typically a functional necessity, can become standout features when adorned with wallpaper. This simple change can tie together a room’s design or create an unexpected focal point. Whether you opt for a full-coverage design or a subtle panel effect, the impact is significant and adds character to your home.

The key to making the most of wallpaper is approaching your design projects with adventure and creativity. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different patterns, textures, and placements. By exploring these innovative uses, you can infuse any area of your home with a touch of uniqueness that reflects your personality. Let your creativity guide you as you uncover new ways to use wallpaper, turning everyday spaces into extraordinary reflections of your style.

 

Kimberly Atwood’s books have received starred reviews in Publishers Weekly, Library Journal, and Booklist. Kimberly lives in the Rocky Mountains with her husband, an exceptionally perfect dog, and an attack cat. Before she started writing historical research, Kimberly got a graduate degree in theoretical physical chemistry from Ohio State University. After that, just to shake things up, she went to law school at the University of London and graduated summa cum laude. Then she did a handful of clerkships with some really important people who are way too dignified to be named here. She was a law professor for a while. She now writes full-time.

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