Are you in the market for a home improvement job? One of the easiest ways to add visual interest and depth to any room in your home is to combine paint and wallpaper in one space. However, achieving a cohesive design with this method requires thoughtful planning and an understanding of balance. Whether you’re already prepared with a plan or just ready to experiment, we’ve compiled a list of the best steps you should follow to help you combine paint and wallpaper seamlessly.
1. Start with a clear focal point.
Why It Matters: Deciding whether the paint or the wallpaper should take center stage is an important first step to make sure your design isn’t too overwhelming.
How to Do It:
- If your wallpaper features a bold pattern or intricate design, keep the painted walls simple and neutral so the wallpaper can stand out.
- On the other hand, if you want to use an eye-catching paint color, it might be better to opt for a subtle or minimalist wallpaper to complement it.
Example: Pair a statement floral wallpaper with walls painted in a softer tone taken directly from the wallpaper’s palette (think rosy pink or sage green).
2. Choose a cohesive color palette.
Why It Matters: You don’t want a mismatched-looking room. (Unless that’s your thing—then go for it!) Using a matching color scheme creates a neat, unified look that everyone will love.
How to Do It:
- Pick one or two colors from the wallpaper to use as your base paint choices.
- Consider the other colors already in the room! Your furniture and decor make a huge difference in tying together the vibe of your room.
Example: If your wallpaper is navy blue and gold, choose a navy blue or cream paint color, depending on whether you’re looking for a darker or lighter tone, for the rest of the walls.
3. Play around with proportions.
Why It Matters: Don’t just split the room in half and call it a day—using wallpaper and paint in different proportions adds variety and fun.
How to Do It:
- Place the wallpaper above a chair rail or paneling and paint only the lower portion on one or two walls.
- Rather than covering whole accent walls with wallpaper, try splitting the space in half with a two-tone look.
Example: Apply a geometric wallpaper above plain white wainscoting for a classy combination of vintage and modern looks.
4. Coordinate textures and finishes.
Why It Matters: Different finishes and textures can make or break a room, depending on how the paint and wallpaper interact visually.
How to Do It:
- Use matte paint to create a soft contrast against a glossy or metallic wallpaper.
- If your wallpaper is textured (like grasscloth or an embossed design), it’s best to use a smooth, flat paint finish so the walls aren’t competing for attention.
Example: Combine a wallpaper with a shiny gold pattern with a matte off-white for an elegant, refined look.
5. Use neutral paint as an easy backdrop.
Why It Matters: Neutral shades of paint work well as a canvas, allowing your wallpaper to shine.
How to Do It:
- Opt for shades like white, beige, or grey to provide a subtle contrast without clashing with your wallpaper choice.
- Make sure your paint matches the wallpaper’s undertones! Cooler greys work well with shades of blue, while warmer cream or beige complement browns and reds.
Example: Pair a cool botanical wallpaper with pale grey walls for a serene and balanced vibe.
6. Use the wallpaper to accent architectural features.
Why It Matters: Highlighting architectural details with wallpaper creates depth and interest and breaks up the room nicely.
How to Do It:
- Cover recessed areas like alcoves or the walls behind built-in shelving with wallpaper, and paint the surrounding walls.
- Wrap a wallpaper design around a fireplace or staircase and use flat paint to frame the space.
Example: Cover a reading nook with a bold design and paint the rest of the wall in a soft neutral tone.
7. Experiment with borders and transitions.
Why It Matters: Smooth transitions between paint and wallpaper keep the design from looking funky and disjointed.
How to Do It:
- Use molding or chair rails to separate the sections cleanly while adding a bit of texture.
- Match the paint color on the walls to a prominent color in the wallpaper for a seamless blend at corners and edges.
Example: Combining a floral wallpaper above a chair rail with a painted lower wall creates a vintage look.
8. Test before you commit.
Why It Matters: Seeing how your chosen wallpaper and paint work together in your space can save you from making a very costly mistake.
How to Do It:
- Order wallpaper samples and test them alongside your chosen paint colors.
- Look at the combination under different lighting conditions to make sure it looks good both day and night.
Example: Tape a sample of your chosen wallpaper next to a swatch of neutral paint and leave them on the wall to make sure your colors balance out without overwhelming the space.
Combining paint and wallpaper is a great way to infuse some personality into your home in a classic, timeless way. The dynamic designs you can create are endless. By carefully balancing color, texture, and proportion, you can make your space captivating and so, you. If you were inspired by any of these ideas, don’t wait—it’s time to start designing!
