How to Choose the Perfect Wallpaper for Your Home: Design Tips from Morgan Remodel

Wallpaper is making a big comeback, and we’re here for it! Whether you love bold florals, classic stripes, subtle textures, or vintage-inspired patterns, wallpaper is a beautiful way to add personality, warmth, and character to your home.

One of the things we love most about wallpaper is how it can completely transform a space. It can make a small powder room feel special, add interest to an otherwise plain bedroom, or bring a little extra charm to a dining room.

But with so many colors, patterns, textures, and materials available, choosing the right wallpaper can feel a little overwhelming. And while it’s easy to fall in love with a beautiful pattern online, there are a few practical things you’ll want to consider before committing.

Today, we’re sharing some of our favorite design tips to help you choose wallpaper that not only looks beautiful but also works well in your home.

1. First, Make Sure Your Room Is a Good Fit for Wallpaper

Before you start looking at patterns and colors, the first thing to consider is whether the space you’re decorating is actually well suited for wallpaper.

Wallpaper can work beautifully in so many areas of the home, but certain rooms require a little more planning than others.

Consider moisture and humidity.

If you’re planning to wallpaper a bathroom, one of the first things to think about is how much moisture that room experiences.

A powder room without a shower is generally a great place to experiment with wallpaper. These smaller spaces are perfect for introducing a bold pattern or something a little more playful.

However, a full bathroom with a shower or bathtub is a different story. Steam and humidity can cause certain wallpapers to peel, bubble, or deteriorate over time.

If you’re considering wallpaper in one of these spaces, look for a moisture-resistant product specifically recommended by the manufacturer for humid environments. Proper bathroom ventilation is also important. Even moisture-resistant wallpaper shouldn’t be installed where it will experience direct water exposure unless the product is specifically designed for that application.

Think about the texture of your walls.

Another thing homeowners sometimes overlook is the condition of their existing walls.

Wallpaper generally looks and adheres best on a smooth, properly prepared surface. If your home has textured walls, you may need to have them skim-coated or otherwise smoothed before installation.

This is especially important with thin wallpaper or designs with a smooth finish, since imperfections in the wall can sometimes show through.

Even if your walls are already smooth, they should be clean, dry, and properly primed before installation according to the wallpaper manufacturer’s instructions.

Consider how much traffic the room receives.

Is the wallpaper going in a quiet bedroom or a busy hallway where people are constantly brushing against the walls?

High-traffic areas like mudrooms, entryways, and hallways may benefit from a more durable wallpaper that’s easy to wipe clean.

Certain vinyl and washable wallcoverings are designed to withstand more everyday wear and tear, making them practical choices for busy households.

The takeaway? Before falling in love with a wallpaper pattern, make sure you’re choosing a material that can hold up to the conditions of the room.

2. Decide How Much Wallpaper You Actually Want

One of the biggest misconceptions about wallpaper is that you have to cover every wall in a room.

You absolutely don’t!

Wallpaper can make just as much of an impact when it’s used in smaller, more intentional areas.

Here are a few of our favorite ways to incorporate it into a home:

• An accent wall: Create a focal point behind a bed, sofa, or dining room feature.
• Above wainscoting: Pair wallpaper with traditional wall paneling for a timeless, layered look.
• On the ceiling: Add an unexpected design detail that draws your eye upward.
• Inside built-in bookshelves: Add color or pattern to the back of shelving for a subtle decorative touch.
• In a powder room: Make a small space feel special by wallpapering all four walls.
• In a small nook or entryway: Create a distinct, cozy area without changing the entire room.

One of our favorite combinations is wallpaper paired with decorative molding or wainscoting. The contrast between the wallpaper’s pattern and the architectural detail of the molding can make a room feel especially polished and thoughtfully designed.

If you’re nervous about committing to wallpaper, starting with an accent wall or a smaller space can also be a great way to experiment.

And remember, you don’t necessarily need to make a big, bold statement. Sometimes a subtle wallpaper used throughout an entire room can create a beautiful, cohesive backdrop.

3. Consider the Scale of the Pattern

Once you’ve decided where you want wallpaper, it’s time for the fun part: choosing a pattern!

But before you settle on a design, pay attention to the scale of the print.

Wallpaper patterns come in all shapes and sizes, from tiny repeating florals to oversized botanical prints and bold geometric designs.

Large-scale patterns tend to create a more dramatic statement. They can give a room a strong focal point and add a lot of visual interest.

Small-scale patterns often create a more delicate, detailed appearance. Depending on the design and colors, they can feel traditional, vintage-inspired, or understated.

One thing we always encourage homeowners to remember is that a small room doesn’t necessarily need a small pattern.

In fact, using a large, dramatic print in a small powder room can create an incredibly beautiful result!

The most important thing is to consider the overall look you’re trying to achieve.

Also, think about how the wallpaper will interact with the other elements in your room.

For example, if you already have patterned curtains, colorful upholstery, or a detailed area rug, you might want to choose wallpaper with a more subtle design.

On the other hand, if your furniture and finishes are relatively simple, wallpaper can be a great opportunity to introduce pattern and personality.

Our tip: Pay attention to the pattern repeat, too! A large or complicated pattern may require additional wallpaper during installation to ensure everything lines up correctly.

4. Don’t Forget About Texture

When most people think about wallpaper, they immediately think about patterns and colors.

But wallpaper doesn’t always have to be patterned!

Textured wallpaper is one of our favorite ways to add depth and warmth to a room without making the space feel overly busy.

There are so many beautiful options available, including:

• Grasscloth: Offers a natural, organic appearance with beautiful variations in texture.
• Linen-look wallpaper: Creates a soft, fabric-inspired finish that works beautifully with neutral interiors.
• Textured vinyl: Can mimic woven fabrics and other materials while offering practical durability.
• Embossed wallpaper: Features raised patterns that add dimension and interest to a wall.

Textured wallpaper can be especially beautiful in living rooms, bedrooms, dining rooms, and home offices.

It’s also a great option if you love a relatively neutral color palette but still want your walls to have a little more personality.

One important thing to remember is that different materials require different levels of care.

For example, natural grasscloth is beautiful, but it can absorb moisture and stain more easily than certain other wallpaper materials. Because of this, it’s usually better suited for dry, low-traffic areas.

If you love the appearance of grasscloth but want something easier to maintain, consider a washable vinyl wallpaper designed to mimic that natural texture.

You can achieve a similar look while choosing something that better suits your lifestyle.

5. Pay Attention to Colors and Undertones

Just like choosing a paint color, selecting the right wallpaper color involves a little more than simply deciding whether you like blue, green, beige, or cream.

Undertones can make a big difference in how a wallpaper looks once it’s installed.

For example, a neutral beige wallpaper might have pink, yellow, green, or gray undertones.

Those subtle differences can become much more noticeable when the wallpaper is placed next to your flooring, cabinetry, trim, or furniture.

Before making a final decision, consider the colors that are already present in the room.

Do you have warm wood flooring? Cool gray tile? Cream-colored cabinetry? Bright white trim?

You’ll want to make sure your wallpaper complements those existing finishes rather than competing with them.

Also consider how much color you want to introduce.

If you love decorating for different holidays and seasons, a more neutral wallpaper might give you greater flexibility throughout the year.

That doesn’t mean you have to avoid color entirely! Muted greens, dusty blues, warm browns, and soft earth tones can add personality while still creating a versatile backdrop.

The goal is to choose something that works with the rest of your home and feels cohesive with your overall design style.

6. Always Order Wallpaper Samples Before Committing

This might be one of the most important tips we can share!

Never rely entirely on the photos you see online when selecting wallpaper.

Just like paint colors, wallpaper can look completely different depending on the lighting in your home.

A wallpaper that appears warm and creamy in a product photo might look much cooler in your actual space.

A subtle pattern might be more noticeable in person, or a color that looked muted online might appear brighter than you expected.

That’s why we always recommend ordering samples before making your final selection.

Once you receive your samples, place them on the walls where you’re considering installing the wallpaper.

Take a look at them throughout the day.

How do they look in the morning when the room is filled with natural light? What about in the afternoon? And how do they look in the evening when you’re using lamps or overhead lighting?

You’ll also want to compare the samples directly against your trim, flooring, furniture, and other finishes.

If possible, order a larger sample so you can get a better idea of how the pattern and colors will look on the wall.

And don’t be afraid to live with those samples for a few days before deciding!

Something you initially loved might not feel quite right after seeing it in different lighting, while another option might grow on you.

It’s much easier to change your mind about a sample than an entire wall of installed wallpaper!

7. Choose Your Wallpaper Before Choosing Your Paint Color

Here’s one of our favorite design tips that can save homeowners a lot of frustration:

If you’re planning to use wallpaper and paint in the same room, choose your wallpaper first!

Why?

Because paint comes in an enormous variety of colors and can often be custom-matched, while your wallpaper options are much more limited.

Let’s say you choose a beautiful shade of green paint for your dining room and then decide you’d like to install a coordinating floral wallpaper above the wainscoting.

You might find yourself searching through dozens of wallpaper options, trying to find something that works with that exact green.

Instead, start by selecting the wallpaper you love.

Then, pull one of the colors from the wallpaper pattern to use for your walls, trim, wainscoting, or cabinetry.

This is a great way to make the entire room feel coordinated and intentional.

And remember, the paint color doesn’t necessarily need to match a color in the wallpaper exactly.

Sometimes choosing a slightly lighter, darker, or more muted version of a color from the pattern creates an even more interesting design.

Just make sure to test those paint colors alongside your wallpaper sample before making your final decision.

8. Think About Installation Before You Buy

Another important consideration is how the wallpaper will actually be installed.

There are several different types of wallpaper available, including traditional paste-applied wallpaper, pre-pasted wallpaper, and peel-and-stick options.

Each has its own advantages, and the best choice depends on your wall surface, the product, and your installation plans.

Peel-and-stick wallpaper can be appealing if you’re looking for a less permanent option, but it isn’t suitable for every wall or finish. It generally requires a very smooth, properly prepared surface, and removability can vary depending on the product and existing paint.

Traditional wallpaper may involve more preparation and installation work, but it offers a wide variety of materials, textures, and finishes.

Before purchasing, take accurate measurements of your walls and pay attention to the wallpaper’s roll dimensions, coverage, and pattern repeat.

You’ll also want to account for windows, doors, corners, and any additional material required to match the pattern.

Ordering a little extra from the same production batch is often a good idea, since wallpaper colors can vary slightly between batches.

For complicated patterns, textured materials, or larger rooms, professional installation may be worth considering.

Proper installation can make a huge difference in the finished appearance of your wallpaper.

9. Choose Something You Genuinely Love

Finally, don’t get too caught up in what’s trending.

Wallpaper is a wonderful opportunity to express your personality and bring something unique into your home.

If you love vintage-inspired florals, embrace them!

If you’re drawn to timeless stripes, classic botanical prints, or warm textured neutrals, those can all be beautiful options.

And if you want something bold and dramatic in your powder room, go for it!

The best interiors aren’t necessarily the ones that follow every current design trend. They’re the ones that reflect the people who live there.

A thoughtfully selected wallpaper can give a room character, make it feel more collected, and add that extra layer of detail that makes a house feel like a home.

Final Thoughts: The Right Wallpaper Can Completely Transform a Space

Wallpaper can be one of the most impactful design decisions you make in a room.

Whether you choose a bold floral print, a classic stripe, a subtle texture, or a traditional pattern paired with decorative molding, wallpaper has the ability to bring warmth, charm, and personality into your home.

The key is finding the right balance between beauty and practicality.

Think about how the room is used, what materials will work best, and how the wallpaper will coordinate with the rest of your finishes.

And most importantly, take your time! Order samples, compare your options, and choose something you’ll enjoy looking at every day.

Planning a Home Remodel? We’d Love to Help!

At Morgan Remodel, we believe the little design details can make a big difference in how your home looks and feels. From selecting finishes and materials to planning an entirely new space, thoughtful design choices help create a home that’s both beautiful and functional.

Whether you’re dreaming about a kitchen renovation, bathroom remodel, home addition, or a completely refreshed living space, we’re here to help bring your vision to life.

Follow along with Morgan Remodel for more Design Tips, remodeling inspiration, and ideas to help you create a home you love!