Wallpaper Accent Wall: Ideas and Inspiration

Wallpaper accent walls are an easy way to add some personality and style to your home decor. With a wide variety of wallpaper patterns and colors available, you can create a unique and eye-catching accent wall in any room of your home. In this blog post, we will discuss the differences between traditional wallpaper and peel and stick wallpaper, provide some tips for installing wallpaper, and offer advice on choosing the perfect pattern and when to use wallpaper accent walls.

Traditional Wallpaper vs. Peel and Stick Wallpaper

Traditional wallpaper has been used for centuries to decorate homes and add character to walls. This type of wallpaper requires glue or adhesive to be applied to the wall before the wallpaper is hung. Traditional wallpaper can be made from a variety of materials, including paper, vinyl, and fabric. While traditional wallpaper can be durable and long-lasting, it can also be difficult to remove and can damage walls if not removed properly.

Peel and stick wallpaper, on the other hand, is a more recent invention that has gained popularity in recent years. As the name suggests, peel and stick wallpaper has a self-adhesive backing that allows it to be easily applied to walls without the need for additional glue or adhesive. Peel and stick wallpaper is also easier to remove than traditional wallpaper, as it can be peeled off without causing damage to the walls. This makes it a great option for renters (like me) or those who enjoy changing their home decor frequently.

Tips for Installing Wallpaper

Installing wallpaper can be a bit daunting, but with the right tools and techniques, it can be a simple and rewarding DIY project. Here are a few tips to help you install your wallpaper successfully:

Prepare the walls

 Before you begin, make sure the walls are clean, smooth, and free of any bumps or cracks. Sand any rough spots and patch any holes or imperfections in the wall. This is really where the magic is done. Every time I have installed wallpaper I have spent just as much time on the prep work as the actual install. Excellent prep work always pays off with an excellent finish.

Measure and cut

 Measure the height and width of the wall and cut the wallpaper to the appropriate size, leaving a little extra on the edges for trimming.

Apply the wallpaper

 If you are using traditional wallpaper, apply your adhesive to the back of the wallpaper and place and smooth it onto the wall, starting at the top and working your way down. For peel and stick wallpaper, simply peel off the backing and apply the wallpaper to the wall, smoothing out any bubbles with a credit card or rubber scraper as you go.

Trim the edges

 Once the wallpaper is applied, use a straight edge and a utility knife to trim the edges neatly. This can either done before or after the application on the wall. I always like to do this step after application to the wall, for me it is just easier and leaves less room for mistakes.

Let it dry

 If using traditional wallpaper allow the wallpaper to dry completely before hanging any artwork, pictures or other decor on the wall.

I recently completed a wallpaper accent wall in my bedroom and made a tutorial (with lessons learned) on how to install pell and stick wall paper.

How to Make any Wallpaper Removable

Do you love a particular wallpaper pattern but do not want to deal with the mess (and expense) of installing traditional wallpaper. Or perhaps the pattern doesn’t come in a peel and stick version. I had the same experience and learned how to make any wallpaper removable. It works and it held up really well.

When to Use Wallpaper Accent Walls

Wallpaper accent walls can be used in a variety of ways to add visual interest to a room. Here are a few ideas:

Behind a Bed

A wallpaper accent wall behind a headboard in your bedroom can create a focal point in the room and add some color and pattern to the space.

In a Small Bathroom 

A small bathroom is the perfect place to experiment with bold patterns and colors.

In a Home Office

 A wallpaper accent wall in a home office can create a stimulating and inspiring environment.

In a Dining Room

A wallpaper accent wall in a dining room is a great way to accent this space and would make for a great space to enjoy a good meal with friends and family.

Behind Shelving

Adding wallpaper behind shelves or bookcases can create an eye-catching and unexpected look.

Living Room

A wallpaper accent wall in a living room can provide the perfect backdrop for art and furniture. I have always loved the look of a wallpapered accent wall behind a tv. It makes the TV less obvious and helps set the room apart so that the TV is not the focal point in the room.

In a Kitchen

I have always loved this idea also. You can ether add wallpaper instead of using a tiled backsplash or you can use the wallpaper to fill the space between the tile backsplash and the upper cabinets. Wallpaper could also be a great choice for an eat in dining area in your home.

Instead of Painting

If you are looking for a way to update your space without having to paint, wallpaper is an excellent option. With so many colors and patterns to choose from, you can find the perfect fit for your home. This is an especially useful tip if you are a serial renter like me. In military housing (which I fond myself in all the time) all the houses are identical, so when neighbors come over for a visit my wallpaper accent wall is always a conversation starter and universally loved.

These are just a few ideas for using wallpaper accent walls to add style and personality to your home decor.

Choosing the Perfect Pattern

When deciding on a pattern for your wallpaper accent wall, there are a few elements to consider. Firstly, explore the present style of your interior decor and select a design that harmonizes with its color palette and aesthetic. Secondly, evaluate the room’s size: large designs may overwhelm smaller rooms while miniscule prints can appear too chaotic in larger spaces. Lastly, contemplate what purpose it will serve – elaborate patterns work best for offices or studies; simpler alternatives might be better in bedrooms or living rooms.

Wallpaper Accent Wall Ideas

Coordinating Curtains Wallpaper Accent Wall

Curtains and wallpaper can create a warm and inviting atmosphere in your home if they are used together to complement each other. Choose a patterned wallpaper that matches the colors or patterns found in your curtains. Ill admit that it may be tough to find an exact match for your wallpaper and curtains but this is a great example of how your wallpaper accent wall should coordinate with the rest of the rooms decor.

Green Wallpaper Living Room Accent Wall

If you are looking for a bold and vibrant accent wall then green wallpaper might be the perfect solution. Choose from a variety of shades, from light and airy sage to deep emerald hues. Green wallpaper can bring out the natural beauty of wood tones or in this case the green painted fireplace wall. This green accent wall idea is a perfect fit if you are looking for a unique and vibrant accent wall idea for your home.

Black Wallpaper Accent Wall

Black wallpaper is a great way to add drama and sophistication to any space in your home. The dark hue adds a touch of elegance, whether you opt for an intricate damask pattern or something more modern like this sleek geometric design. For a subtler look, choose black-and-white wallpaper that has a hint of metallic sheen for added sophistication. I would stay away from a black accent wall if you are designing a smaller space, dark colors can make small spaces feel smaller and darker.

Navy Blue Wallpaper Accent Wall

Navy blue wallpaper is the perfect way to add a chic modern touch to any room in your home. The dark hue can create an inviting and cozy atmosphere, while the cool hues provide a classic and timeless look. Choose navy blue wallpaper with gold accents for a sophisticated, elegant vibe, or opt for bold geometric prints for something more contemporary. This navy blue accent wall is a great example of how you can use darker colors to make a statement with your home decor. 

Girls Room Wallpaper Accent Wall

Wallpaper is a great choice for a girls room because it allows you to create a whimsical, girly atmosphere. Choose from delicate floral prints or fun geometric designs to make your daughter’s room truly unique. Something to keep in mind when selecting wallpaper for a girl’s room is to aim for colors and patterns that are bright, cheerful, inviting and of course kid approved. 

Subtle Design Wallpaper Accent Wall

If you are looking for a subtle and understated accent wall then this gray accent wall design is the perfect choice. A wallpaper with a light neutral color palette or a simple geometric pattern can add texture and interest without overwhelming the space. Choose from similar looks like muted blues, sandy tans and beige hues to blend in with your home decor, but still create an eye-catching focal point. 

Ceiling wallpaper Accent 

For something truly unique check out this wallpaper accent wall idea. This is a great option if you want to add a unexpected pattern or design to your room. I am getting major space vibes with this accent wall idea. The wallpaper combined with the light fixture make for a truly one of a kind design.

Bench Seating Wallpaper Accent Wall

If you want to create a cozy seating spot in your home try adding a wallpaper accent wall with built-in bench seating. This is an ideal look for any space that needs more seating and storage without taking up too much floor space. This wallpaper design flows seamlessly with the color of the walls and looks great against the light wood flooring and light wood furniture.

Behind Shelf Wallpaper Accents

Similar to the bench seating accent wall is this behind the shelving wallpaper accent wall idea.  This is a great way to add a pop of color behind your shelves without overpowering the space. The subtle patterns and design work really well with the neutral colors used for this shelving accent wall, creating an inviting look that blends in seamlessly with the other elements in the room. 

Wallpaper Accent Wall with TV

If you want to add a modern touch to your living room, consider adding a wallpaper accent wall with your TV as the focal point. It’s not always possible to hide the TV in your home so why not embrace the TV and use it as a design element and create your very own TV accent wall in your home.

Solid Color Wallpaper Accent Wall

If you desire an accent wall in your home but lack the ability to paint due to renting or don’t want the chaos and mess of painting, there is a straightforward solution: wallpaper! Wallpaper comes in solid colors that can be effortlessly applied with peel-and-stick backing. With this simple trick, you can create the wallpaper accent wall of your dreams.

Where to buy Peel and Stick Wallpaper

When I was looking for the wallpaper I ultimately used for my wallpaper accent wall I came across multiple shops that I absolutely adore. I loved these shops so much I wrote an entire blog post on the best places to buy peel and stick wallpaper.

Wallpaper Accent Wall Ideas Conclusion

Wallpaper accent walls are a fantastic way to add texture, color and interest to your homes interior design. There is such a wide variety of colors and patterns that you can create a design that perfectly fits the style of your home. Whether you choose to use removable wallpaper or traditional wallpaper in subtle or bold pattern it is sure to be the main focal point in your home. Hopefully these wallpaper accent wall ideas inspired you to get started on your very own accent wall.