In recent years, statement wallpaper has made a big comeback, becoming a key element in contemporary interior design. Known for its vibrant patterns, rich textures, and bold colour combinations, statement wallpaper has transformed from a traditional decorative choice into a must-have for interior design enthusiasts as one of the easiest ways of creating memorable and quirky spaces.
A feature wall can add depth, warmth, and personality to a room, turning an ordinary plain wall into a focal point that speaks to your unique style.
Here, we’ll explore the benefits of statement wallpaper, the key considerations when selecting it, and step-by-step guidance on how to create a feature wall that will transform any room in your home.
Why Choose Statement Wallpaper?
Wallpaper was once a symbol of classic elegance and traditional design, often associated with fussy floral patterns and pastel tones that covered an entire room. Today, it has evolved, becoming an artistic element that allows homeowners to experiment with bold patterns, intricate designs, and varied textures on interior walls, often to create a single wow factor feature wall. Here are some reasons why statement wallpaper is a popular choice:
Adds Personality to Your Space
Wall paper is an ideal way to infuse your space with personality. Whether you’re drawn to vintage patterns, modern geometrics, or nature-inspired murals, statement wallpaper allows you to make a room truly your own. It’s a direct expression of your style and can set the mood, whether it’s tranquil, energetic, sophisticated or a bold statement.
Makes the Space Unique
Statement wallpaper has the power to distinguish your living space from others. With so many designs available, you can choose stylish design wallpaper that reflects your personality while adding eye-catching designs to a single wall in your room or use it to create multiple statement walls.
Adds Visual Interest Without Much Decor
A well-chosen feature wallpaper design can serve as artwork in itself. If you’re aiming for a minimalist look, a feature wall with statement wallpaper can reduce the need for additional artwork or decor or you could simply use white wallpaper to enhance the space. The wall becomes the focal point, simplifying the design process while keeping the space dynamic.
Enhances Small or Dull Spaces
Statement wallpaper can also enhance areas that may otherwise feel dull or uninviting. For example, a small space such as a hallway, powder room, or entryway can come alive with the right wallpaper, transforming these often-overlooked spaces into visually interesting areas. Simple brick effect wallpapers, marble prints or mural wallpapers are perfect for decorating small spaces.
Choosing the Right Wallpaper for Your Feature Wall
Selecting the perfect wallpaper for your feature wall is key to creating an impactful design. Here are some design elements to consider:
Think About Scale and Pattern
Large scale patterns tend to work well on larger walls, while small-scale patterns are better suited for smaller spaces. Consider the size of the room and the wall when choosing a pattern, as this will impact the overall look.
- Floral and botanical designs often evoke a sense of calm and natural beauty.
- Geometric patterns or abstract designs can add a modern and bold touch.
- Textured or metallic wallpaper can create depth and sophistication.
Consider Colour and Mood
Your wallpaper choice should align with the mood you want to set in the room. Soft colors can create a calm atmosphere, while bold, contrasting colors can bring energy to the space. Keep in mind the existing color scheme of your furniture, flooring, and accessories.
- Soft and neutral tones: Ideal for bedrooms, where you might want a relaxing environment.
- Bold and bright colours: Great for living rooms or dining areas, adding energy and warmth.
- Monochromatic or toned-down designs: Suitable for spaces that already have many colours or patterns.
Match the Style of Your Room
The wallpaper you choose should complement the existing style of your room. If you have a modern, minimalist space, you might want to opt for abstract or geometric wallpaper designs. For a more traditional look, botanical or vintage wallpaper are a great option that may be more suitable.
Test a Sample First
Wallpaper can look different in a room than it does in a sample book, so it’s wise to test a sample on your wall. Most suppliers allow you to order sample swatches, either for free or a small fee, making it easier to suss out whether or not it’s the right statement piece for your home. Observe it in different lighting conditions, as colours and patterns may appear differently depending on the light and time of day.
Steps to Creating a Feature Wall With Statement Wallpaper
Creating a feature wall with wallpaper is a straightforward process, but careful planning can ensure the best outcome. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
Choose the Right Accent Wall
Typically, a feature wall is the first wall you see when you enter a room. This could be the wall behind a bed in the bedroom, behind the sofa in the living room, or the back wall of a dining room. Avoid walls that have doors or windows, as these can interrupt the pattern and make the design look disjointed.
Measure the Wall
Once you’ve chosen the wall, measure its height and width. Most wallpaper is sold as single rolls, so calculate how many rolls you’ll need based on the size of the wall and the pattern repeat. Pattern repeats are especially important for wallpaper with intricate designs, as you may need extra material to match the pattern properly. Be aware that there can be small differences in print runs, so it’s better to buy more from the same batch than under-buy, just to be on the safe side.
Prepare the Wall
Before applying wallpaper or wall murals, make sure the wall is clean, dry, and smooth. Remove any old wallpaper, and fill any holes or imperfections with a spackling compound. For best results, apply a wallpaper primer to ensure that the wallpaper adheres well to the surface.
Align and Apply
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for applying the wallpaper. Start from the center of the wall and work outward for symmetrical designs, or from one edge for continuous patterns. Use a smoothing tool to remove air bubbles as you go along. If your wallpaper is self-adhesive, be careful when positioning it to avoid wrinkles.
Creative Ideas for Statement Wallpaper Feature Walls
If you’re looking to add a unique touch to your feature wall, consider these creative ideas:
Murals for a Sense of Depth
Murals are a type of statement wallpaper that covers the wall with a single large image rather than a repeated pattern. These are ideal for creating a dramatic focal point. Whether it’s a serene mountain landscape, a whimsical cityscape, or an abstract painting, a mural adds depth and dimension to your space.
Textured or Fabric Wallpaper
Textured wallpaper, such as grasscloth, silk, or velvet, adds a tactile element to your feature wall. These types of wallpaper add warmth and richness, making them perfect for areas where you want to create a luxurious atmosphere, like a living room or master bedroom.
Metallic Wallpaper for a Touch of Glamour
Metallic wallpaper is another excellent choice for adding a sophisticated, glamorous touch. Designs with gold, silver, or copper elements catch the light beautifully and are ideal for dining rooms, powder rooms, or accent areas that you want to highlight.
Nature-Inspired Patterns for a Calming Effect
Botanical and nature-inspired wallpaper patterns are incredibly popular for their calming effect. Consider leafy designs, tropical motifs, or floral prints for a bedroom or a bathroom. These designs bring a touch of nature indoors, making the space feel more grounded and peaceful.
Tips for Accessorizing Around Your Feature Wall
Once your feature wall is complete, you’ll want to style the rest of the room in a way that complements, rather than competes with, the statement wallpaper. Here’s how:
Keep Surrounding Walls Neutral
To let your feature wall stand out, keep the surrounding walls painted in neutral or muted tones. This will create a balanced look and ensure the wallpaper isn’t overshadowed by other strong colors.
Choose Complementary Furniture and Decor
Select furniture and decor that complements the wallpaper’s style and color palette. For instance, if you’ve chosen a botanical wallpaper with green tones, consider adding natural elements like wooden furniture, indoor plants, or earth-toned fabrics.
Layer in Soft Textures
A feature wall is visually striking, so it’s best to balance it with soft textures in the room. Think throw blankets, pillows, or rugs that add warmth and softness to the space without detracting from the wall itself.
Use Minimal Wall Decor
Your feature wall should be the focal point, so avoid cluttering it with too much additional decor. If you want to hang artwork or mirrors, consider smaller pieces that don’t overpower the wallpaper.
Bold Wallpaper Ideas For Your Home
Keen to start creating your own statement wall?
Here are ten bold wallpaper designs we’ve picked out that are perfect to use for feature wall wallpaper.
1. Back to nature original wallpaper, Mineheart
The ‘Back to nature’ range has been designed for a low environmental impact, with 100% biodegradable plastic-free packaging. The artwork has been designed by Courtney Brims, known for her beautifully detailed drawings and illustrations of animals where nothing is quite what it seems. The wallpaper is printed using pulp from sustainably managed forests, with ultra low VOC inks and for every roll sold, one additional tree is planted in areas of Africa heavily affected by deforestation. Available from Mineheart at £152 per roll, 52cm wide by 10 metres long.
2. Hip hip graffiti wallpaper mural, Wallsauce
Make an impact with this high quality Hip Hop Graffiti wallpaper, which is custom made to your dimensions. Great for teenagers’ rooms or make a statement in an urban, contemporary living room. Priced at £27/metre, available from Wallsauce.
3. Harvest hare wallpaper, Mark Hearld
‘Harvest Hare’ by Mark Hearld is a single colour wallpaper, printed in the UK using water-based inks and paper from sustained forests.Made from an original linocut, it has a handmade feel which adds to the charm. Available in a range of different colours at £66 for a 52cm wide by 10 metre long roll from St Jude’s Fabrics.
4. Rhododendron purple and white floral wallpaper, Woodchip & Magnolia
Made in Lancashire, this vivid floral print is reminiscent of English country gardens. The rich purples and greens would work well in a bedroom or dining room. Available from Woodchip & Magnolia at £99 per roll (52cm by 10 metres).
5. Hindustan aquamarine wallpaper, Maison Margot
This decadent wallpaper represents the beautiful world of India and all its glories, with a pale blue background. It’s printed to order with eco-friendly inks, and can be wiped clean making it a good choice for dining rooms. £150 for a box of three rolls from Maison Margot (each roll measures 52cm by 3 metres).
6. Electric lagoon blue, The Curious Department
We love the vibrant greens and turquoises of this water-inspired paper. Digitally printed to order on fine quality paper in the UK, it’s aailable on two different paper types: either matt, or mica which has a subtle metallic sheen. Prices start at £100 from The Curious Department for a roll (measuring 52cm by 10.05 metres).
7. ‘Which came first’ mint wallpaper, Paperboy Interiors Ltd
Perfect for a child’s bedroom, this gender-neutral wallpaper features beautiful, detailed line drawings ideal for stimulating enquiring minds. £60 for a 52cm by 10 metre roll, available from Paperboy Interiors Ltd.
8. Crane bird in vintage pink wallpaper, Woodchip & Magnolia
Inspired by the Orient, Cranes is an eccentric, whimsical interpretation of traditional Japanese bird prints, perched in imaginary Bonsai style branches. This design would look stunning in a 1950s-style decor, and costs £85 for a 52cm by 10m roll from Woodchip & Magnolia.
9. Leaf wallpaper, Erica Wakerly
This pretty nude pink and gold wallpaper has a fine metallic pattern which is perfect for adding a touch of glamour to a bedroom. It’s printed with environmentally friendly, colour-fast, non-toxic, water-based inks, and costs £96 for a roll measuring 52cm by 10 metres. Available from Lime Lace.
10. Bicycle stamps wallpaper, Purlfrost
This wallpaper design has been created using images of original vintage cycling and bicycle related stamps. It can be ordered in any measurement and used as a wall mural (to cover a whole wall or part of a wall), but also as a poster within a wall, or to cover a door or cabinet. It’s made to your own dimensions, and prices start at £10 from Purlfrost.
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That’s a great selection!