Creative Wallpaper Projects You Can Do at Home

By Alejandro Balde • 3 months back

An accent wall is one of the simplest ways to make a dramatic impact in any room, and with the versatility of wallpaper, you can create a unique and personalized space with just a little time and creativity. Whether you're looking to add texture, color, or a bold pattern, a wallpaper accent wall is the perfect solution for transforming a room without committing to a complete redesign. In this DIY guide, we'll walk you through some creative wallpaper projects that are easy to execute and will elevate your space in no time.

Why Choose a Wallpaper Accent Wall?

Accent walls are a great way to introduce visual interest and personality into a room without overwhelming the space. By choosing a single wall to highlight, you can play with bold patterns, vibrant colors, or textured designs that might feel too intense on all four walls. Wallpaper, in particular, offers endless options for creativity and customization, from classic designs to modern, artistic patterns.

Wallpaper accent walls work well in almost any room—bedrooms, living rooms, home offices, dining areas, or even hallways. The key is selecting the right design and placement to enhance the room's style while complementing your overall decor.

Step 1: Choosing the Right Wall

The first step in creating a wallpaper accent wall is choosing the right wall to highlight. Not every wall in a room will have the same impact, so it's important to consider where the eye naturally falls when entering the space.

Some ideal walls for an accent include:

• The wall behind a bed: In a bedroom, the wall behind the headboard is a popular choice for an accent wall, adding a focal point and grounding the bed as the main feature.
• The wall behind a sofa or TV: In a living room, an accent wall behind the main seating area or the television can create a dramatic backdrop.
• A hallway or entryway: Transform a usually overlooked space into something special by highlighting one side of a hallway or entryway with an eye-catching design.

Step 2: Choosing Your Wallpaper

The wallpaper you choose will set the tone for your accent wall, so it's important to choose a pattern, color, or texture that resonates with the vibe you want to create. Here are some options based on different styles and preferences:

1. Bold and Graphic Prints: If you're aiming for a modern, trendy look, bold geometric patterns or graphic prints can make a striking statement. Look for wallpapers with oversized designs or high-contrast colors to make the wall truly stand out.
2. Floral or Nature-Inspired Prints: For a more calming or whimsical effect, consider nature-inspired wallpapers. Large botanical prints, floral patterns, or forest scenes can bring a touch of nature indoors and create a serene atmosphere.
3. Textured Wallpapers: For added depth and dimension, textured wallpapers are an excellent choice. Faux finishes like brick, concrete, or wood give the illusion of real texture and are perfect for adding character to a space.
4. Metallic or Shimmering Finishes: If you want to add a touch of luxury, consider metallic or shimmering wallpapers. These designs reflect light beautifully and can make a room feel larger and more opulent.
5. Neutral and Subtle Patterns: If you're hesitant about going too bold, neutral tones with subtle patterns can provide just the right amount of visual interest without overpowering the room. Textured linens or small-scale designs in soft colors are great for adding sophistication while keeping things understated.

Pro tip: Get samples of your favorite wallpapers before committing. Place them on the wall and observe how they look at different times of the day with changing light.

Step 3: Preparing Your Wall

Before applying wallpaper, proper preparation of the wall is crucial to ensure a smooth, professional-looking finish.

1. Clean the Wall: Start by cleaning the wall thoroughly to remove any dust or dirt. A damp cloth or sponge with a mild detergent will do the trick. Make sure the wall is dry before moving forward.
2. Repair Any Imperfections: If there are any holes, cracks, or uneven surfaces, fill them with spackling paste and sand them down until smooth. The wall should be as even as possible to ensure the wallpaper adheres properly.
3. Prime the Wall: For the best results, especially if the wall is freshly painted or has a glossy finish, it's recommended to use a wallpaper primer. This creates an ideal surface for the wallpaper to stick to and makes it easier to remove later if needed.

Step 4: Applying the Wallpaper

Now for the fun part—applying the wallpaper! Here's how to do it step by step:

1. Measure and Cut: Measure the height and width of your wall, then cut your wallpaper strips accordingly. Always cut a little extra at the top and bottom to allow for adjustments when aligning the pattern.
2. Apply Wallpaper Paste (if using traditional wallpaper): If you're using traditional wallpaper, apply paste to the back of the paper as per the manufacturer's instructions. If you're using peel-and-stick wallpaper, you can skip this step.
3. Align and Apply: Start at the top of the wall and slowly align the wallpaper with the edge of the wall or the corner. Use a smoothing tool to remove air bubbles as you work your way down. Take your time with this step to ensure that the wallpaper is straight and the pattern lines up perfectly.
4. Trim Excess Paper: Once the wallpaper is applied, use a utility knife to trim the excess paper along the ceiling, floor, and corners. Be careful not to cut too much or tear the wallpaper.
5. Smooth It Out: Go over the wallpaper one more time with your smoothing tool to make sure there are no air bubbles or creases. Wipe away any excess paste with a damp cloth if necessary.

Step 5: Styling Your Accent Wall

Once your wallpaper is in place, it's time to style the rest of the room to complement your new accent wall.

• Furniture Placement: Arrange your furniture in a way that draws attention to the accent wall. For example, position your bed or sofa against the wallpapered wall to make it the room's focal point.
• Decor Elements: Complement the wallpaper design with artwork, mirrors, or shelving that enhances the wall's impact. Be mindful not to overcrowd the space, allowing the wallpaper to remain the star of the show.
• Lighting: Lighting can have a huge impact on how your accent wall looks. Use accent lighting like floor lamps or sconces to highlight the texture and pattern of the wallpaper, making it pop even more.

DIY Wallpaper Accent Wall Ideas

Here are a few creative DIY ideas to inspire your next wallpaper accent wall project:

1. Half-Wall Accent: Instead of covering the entire wall, create a half-wall accent by applying wallpaper to the bottom half and painting the top half. Add a decorative chair rail or molding between the two for a classic, elegant look.
2. Wallpaper Panels: If you don't want to commit to an entire wall, consider framing sections of wallpaper to create a panel effect. This works well in larger rooms where multiple panels can create a gallery-like atmosphere.
3. Ceiling Wallpaper: For a truly unexpected and creative twist, apply wallpaper to the ceiling. This works especially well in small spaces like powder rooms or nurseries, where it can make a bold yet playful statement.

Final Thoughts

Creating a wallpaper accent wall is an affordable and accessible DIY project that can make a significant impact in your home. With endless options in patterns, textures, and colors, there's a design out there to fit every style and space. By following these steps, you can confidently tackle your wallpaper project and enjoy a transformed room that feels personalized and refreshed.

Ready to start your DIY wallpaper project? Let your creativity shine and transform your space with a stunning accent wall that reflects your unique style!