Your living room is the heart of your home - a space for entertaining guests, unwinding with your favourite programme, or simply enjoying a moment of relaxation. That’s why selecting the perfect decor is essential!
In this article, we discuss our top tips on how to choose wallpaper for a living room, helping you make the most of your space.
How to Choose Wallpaper for a Living Room: Transform Your Space with Style
1. Consider the Size and Layout of your Room
When decorating your living room, it's essential to consider the size and layout of the space. Wallpaper can transform a room, making a small area feel more open or a large space feel warm and inviting. Vertical stripes create the illusion of height, while horizontal patterns can make a room appear wider. Likewise, light colours like white and soft blue can enhance the sense of spaciousness, whereas darker shades can add a cosy feel!
2. Accent Wall vs Full Coverage
Think about whether you want to go all out with wallpaper or just highlight one wall as a feature. An accent wall is perfect for bold statement murals and adds a fun focal point without taking over the whole room. But if you’re looking for a more immersive vibe, covering all the walls can create a stylish, uniform look that really transforms the space.
3. Choose Colours that Set the Right Mood
Decide on the mood you want to create for your living room. Warm tones like red and orange can make the space feel cosy and inviting, while cooler shades like blue and green bring a calm, relaxing feel. If you want something timeless and easy to match, neutrals are always a safe bet. When it comes to patterns, choose one that complements your space—an abstract mural can add a chic, modern touch, while a classic floral print might be perfect for a rustic cottage.
4. Explore Different Textures
Think about the texture you want for your wallpaper—it can make a big difference! Matte wallpaper has a smooth, non-reflective finish, while textured designs add depth and a bit of character to your walls. You can also mix things up with fabric, vinyl, or even metallic finishes to create a unique look that suits your style.
5. Order Samples
It’s a good idea to order samples of the wallpaper you’ve got your eye on! Ordering a sample will help you see how the design actually looks in your space, since colours and textures can appear different in real life than they do online. At WallpaperMural, you can choose samples printed on any of our four premium paper types, whether you prefer a classic wallpaper feel or a modern peel-and-stick option.
6. Co-ordinate with your Existing Decor
Take a look at the existing decor in your living room - your furniture, rugs, and curtains all play a big role in how your wallpaper will fit into the space. You can choose a design that complements these elements with matching tones, or create contrast by mixing textures and patterns for a more dynamic look.
7. Preparation is Essential
There’s no point in investing in luxury wallpaper if you skip the prep work! For a flawless finish, it’s important to properly prepare the wall first. Sand it down, fill in any lumps or bumps, and be sure to pre-paint the skirting boards - this way, you won’t have to worry about painting over your wallpaper later!
8. Temporary or Long-Term?
If you love redecorating often, opt for wallpaper that makes updating your living room a breeze! Choose easy-to-apply and removable options like peel-and-stick, rather than traditional or heavy-grade wallpaper, for effortless style changes.
9. Patterns vs Plain
Another key decision is whether to go for patterned or plain wallpaper. Bold patterns can make a statement, while subtle textures create a more understated look. Keep in mind that pattern size can also affect how your space feels—larger patterns can add a sense of openness, but in very small rooms, they might feel a bit overwhelming. Balance is key!
10. Trendy vs. Timeless
Decide whether you want to stick with timeless classics or embrace the latest trends. If you go for trendy designs, try to incorporate them in a way that doesn’t overwhelm the space. Since your living room is a place you’ll spend a lot of time in, it’s important to create a look that feels comfortable and inviting!
Living Room Wallpaper at WallpaperMural
At WallpaperMural, we offer a wide range of living room wallpaper styles to elevate your space. Whether you love modern, traditional, abstract, or photographic designs, we’ve got something for everyone! Thinking about refreshing other rooms too? We also have stunning wallpaper options for dining rooms, kitchens, nurseries, and offices.