7 Practical Tips on How to Choose Wallpaper for Living Room

At Anewall, we are vocal advocates about how the right wallpaper can totally change a room, making it feel more like you.

But with countless options available, choosing the perfect wallpaper can feel overwhelming. Don't worry - we've got you covered. This guide offers 7 easy tips to help you select a wallpaper that not only complements your living room but also reflects your unique personality. 

Whether you're drawn to bold patterns or subtle textures, these insights will guide you towards creating a living room that truly feels like home.

1. Understanding Your Living Room's Potential

Before we dive into patterns and colors, it's crucial to assess your living room's unique characteristics. Your living room is unique, and understanding its size, layout, and lighting is key to finding that perfect wallpaper match. 

✅ Assessing Room Size and Layout

Consider how your room's dimensions and light interact. Is your space cozy and intimate or spacious and grand?

In smaller, dimly-lit rooms:

• Opt for lighter colors and smaller patterns to create an illusion of space
• Consider vertical stripes to make the ceiling appear higher
• Choose wallpapers with subtle sheen to reflect light

In larger, well-lit rooms:

• Feel free to experiment with darker hues and larger patterns
• Use horizontal stripes to make the room appear wider
• Consider an accent wall with a bold design to create a focal point
• Detailed patterns will shine in natural light

Natural light is your wallpaper's best friend.  Take a moment to observe how natural light hits the room throughout the day. This little detail can make a big difference in how your chosen wallpaper looks from dawn to dusk.

✅ Define Your Style Goals

What feelings do you want your living room to evoke? 

Calm and tranquil? Energizing and vibrant? Sophisticated and elegant? 

Your wallpaper should be an extension of this vision. 

It should complement your existing decor and personal style as well. Whether you're drawn to vintage charm, modern minimalism, or eclectic boho vibes, make sure your wallpaper choice passes that style check. 

At Anewall, our diverse collections cater to different styles and moods. Here are some popular ones to consider: 

• Abstract

If you're into modern, artistic vibes, our abstract designs might be just what you're looking for. Think soft brushstrokes, dreamy landscapes, and unique textures.

• Floral

Love a bit of nature indoors? Our floral collection ranges from delicate blooms to bold botanical prints, perfect for adding a touch of the outdoors to your space.

• Landscape

Want to bring scenic views into your home? Our landscape murals can transport you to misty mountains, serene lakes, or golden meadows without leaving your living room.

• Nature

For those who want to feel connected to nature, our nature-inspired designs feature everything from cloudy skies to forest floors.

• Pattern

If you are a fan of wallpapers with interesting illustrations or repeating designs, check out our pattern collection. We've got everything from subtle stripes to playful animal prints.

• Scenic

If you are a storyteller, a dreamer, a painter at heart, our scenic collection is for you. Our scenic murals can turn your living room into a Parisian street, a cozy library, or even a hot air balloon adventure!

Your wallpaper doesn't have to match everything perfectly. It’s all about creating a cohesive look with your furniture and accessories, a look that feels right to you.

2. Selecting the Right Pattern and Texture

The pattern and texture of your wallpaper can really make or break the look of your living room. They're key in creating the atmosphere you want and can even affect how spacious your room feels. Here's what to keep in mind:

✅ 1. Small, intricate patterns 

Ideal for smaller rooms or as a subtle background. They can make a space feel larger and more intricate. Consider tiny geometric shapes or delicate florals for interest without domination.

✅ 2. Medium-scale patterns

Versatile and suitable for most spaces. They offer a balanced look that works well in various room sizes.

✅ 3. Large-scale patterns

Best for larger rooms or as accent walls. They make bold statements and can add drama and depth, especially in areas with high ceilings.

✅ 4. Textured wallpapers

Mimic natural materials like linen or grasscloth to add depth without overwhelming the space. They're great for creating interest in a subtle way.

✅ 5. Tone-on-tone designs

Patterns in shades very close to the background color create a sophisticated, layered look. Perfect for those who want patterns without high contrast.

✅ 6. Finish variations

Matte wallpapers offer a decorative finish with a statement of poise, while glossy finishes provide a sleek look. Canvas wallpapers offer both style and functional benefits, with a fabric-like finish that highlights intricate details and helps soften acoustics.

If you have patterned furniture or curtains, opt for a wallpaper with a simpler design to avoid visual clutter. Conversely, if your furniture is mostly solid colors, you can be more adventurous with wallpaper patterns.

Whether you choose bold or subtle, your wallpaper can make a significant impact while offering versatility in your decor choices. Don't be afraid to experiment – even understated designs can transform your space and provide a flexible backdrop for changing accessories.

3. Living Room Color Schemes & Mood Board

Color has the power to transform your living room, setting the mood and defining your space. When selecting a color scheme, consider the feeling you want to create:

• Cozy and intimate: Warm colors like our Maple Meadow Mural's rich amber and hazel tones.
  
  
• Spacious and airy: Cool tones, as in our Misty Morning Mural, can make rooms feel larger.
  
  
• Calm and tranquil: Soft colors, like our Cotton Canvas Mural, create a peaceful retreat.
  
  
• Energetic and lively: Vibrant hues, such as in our Summer Love Floral Wallpaper, boost mood.
  
  
• Timeless and versatile: Earth tones, like the Celeste Mural, offer a neutral, easily updatable base.

✅ Create a Mood Board

If you're planning a complete room makeover, a mood board can be an invaluable tool. A mood board is your visual roadmap for your room makeover. Here's a quick guide:

1. Start with your chosen Anewall wallpaper as the foundation.
2. Add fabric swatches for upholstery and curtains.
3. Include paint chips for other walls if needed.
4. Add photos of furniture and accessories.
5. Arrange until it feels right, then step back for an overall view.

Creating a mood board helps you visualize how everything works together, avoiding costly mistakes and ensuring you'll love your new living room.

4. Adding Depth with Accent Walls

An accent wall, or feature wall, is a single wall in a room whose design differs from the other walls.

It can be a game-changer for your living room, creating a focal point that draws the eye and adds depth to your space. Choose a wall that naturally draws your attention. 

For example, the first wall you see when you walk into your living room or one that highlights architectural features or focal points like a fireplace or your sofa.

Avoid walls with too many windows or doors, as they can disrupt the pattern.

Here are some popular accent wall designs:

• A vibrant or bold wallpaper that stands out from the other walls.
• Nature-inspired motifs for an organic, calming presence. 
• Geometric Patterns such as hexagons, triangles, or herringbone for a modern flair.
• Horizontal, vertical, or diagonal striped designs to create an illusion of space.
• Wallpapers with oversized design elements for a trendy, eclectic look 
• Ombre-effect wallpapers with gradual color transition for a soft, dreamy look.

5. Testing and Visualization

Falling in love with a wallpaper online is one thing, but seeing it in your space is a whole different story. Before you commit, follow these steps to ensure your chosen wallpaper looks as good on your walls as it does in your imagination.

✅ 1. Request wallpaper samples

Order samples of your top choices. We offer sample sizes that are perfect for testing.

✅ 2. Test under various lighting conditions 

Tape the samples to different walls and observe them at various times of the day to see how they look under different lighting conditions — natural light, indoor lighting and accent lighting — and how they make you feel.

✅ 3. Consider different angles

View the samples from various positions in the room. A pattern that looks great up close might appear differently from across the room.

✅ 4. Live with it

Leave the samples up for at least a few days. This allows you to see if and how your initial reaction might change over time.

✅ 5. Think practically

Consider how the wallpaper might age. Will it show marks easily? Is it wipeable? The last one is an important question to ask if you have kids or pets.

The testing phase is about more than just aesthetics. It's about noticing how the wallpaper makes you feel in your space. Does it create the atmosphere you're aiming for? Does it energize you or calm you down?

By taking the time to thoroughly test your wallpaper choices, you can make a confident decision and avoid costly mistakes.

6. Durability and Practical Considerations

When choosing wallpaper for your living room, it's important to balance beauty with practicality. While you want a design that enhances your space aesthetically, it also needs to withstand daily wear and tear, especially in busy households or high-traffic areas.

Your walls deserve durable, long-lasting wallpapers. Discover how Anewall ensures your space looks great for years to come: 

✅ Premium Quality Materials

While furniture can be easily moved or replaced, your wallpaper is a long-term investment in your home's aesthetic. At Anewall, we use meticulously created murals and wallpapers crafted from premium materials and fade-resistant inks. This ensures your space remains a unique reflection of your style for years to come.

✅ Durability for Daily Life

Our vinyl wallpapers are designed for both style and durability. They're resistant to scratches and easy to clean, making them ideal for homes with children or pets. And the best part? You don't have to sacrifice style for practicality – our vinyl options come in a wide range of designs, from subtle textures to bold patterns.

✅ Easy-Clean Surfaces

Life can be messy, but your walls don't have to be. Our wallpapers are PVC-free, eco-friendly, and have a natural looking, smooth matte finish that protects your walls from regular wear and tear. In case the wallpaper gets dirty, all you’ve to do is gently spot clean it with a damp cloth. 

When selecting your wallpaper, consider these practical points:

• If your living room gets a lot of sunlight, opt for our fade-resistant options.
• For minimal maintenance, choose our easy-clean varieties.
• In multi-purpose living rooms, prioritize durability to withstand various activities.

Investing in high-quality, durable wallpaper can save you money and hassle in the long run. It means less frequent replacements and a consistently beautiful living room, even with the rigors of daily life.

7. Sustainable Choices in Wallpaper Selection

Elevate your space with beauty that respects the planet. Anewall's stunning wallpapers transform your home while making a positive environmental impact. Discover how your design choices can create a more sustainable world. Here's how we're making a difference:

✅ Eco-Friendly Materials and Processes

We take pride in our environmentally conscious approach to wallpaper production:

• Water-based inks: We use eco-friendly, water-based inks that reduce harmful emissions and are safer for both our team and your home.
  
  
• Sustainably-sourced papers: Our papers come from responsibly managed forests, ensuring we're not contributing to deforestation.
  
  
• PVC-free materials: We've eliminated PVC from our Traditional and Pre-pasted wallpapers, significantly reducing our environmental footprint.
  

✅ Certifications That Matter

Our commitment to the environment isn't just talk—we've got the certifications to prove it. Our Traditional and Pre-pasted wallpapers have earned the prestigious UL GreenGuard Gold Certification. This means they meet rigorous standards for low chemical emissions, contributing to healthier indoor air quality in your home.

✅ Designed for Longevity

Sustainability isn't just about materials—it's also about creating products that last. Our wallpapers are crafted with timeless aesthetics and high-quality craftsmanship, reducing the need for frequent redecorating. This means less waste and a more sustainable home in the long run.

Design Dreams for Living Spaces: Your Wallpaper Action Plan

We hope these tips have given you some food for thought and maybe even sparked some exciting ideas. Don't be afraid to think outside the box, mix things up, and most importantly, have fun with the process!

If you're feeling a bit overwhelmed or unsure, that's okay too. We're always here if you need a second opinion or just want to chat about your ideas. Our team loves nothing more than helping bring your vision to life. 

Here's to creating a living room that's uniquely, beautifully you!