Do you have a small space that is lacking personality? You may tend to shy away from bold design choices in a small space, but read along to see why doing the exact opposite is the way to go!
Wallpaper is making a huge comeback this year, and we want to show you how it can completely transform your powder room, mudroom, laundry area, or any other small space.
The Power of Wallpaper in Small Spaces
Visual Interest
A small space is inherently “boring”, but it doesn’t have to be! When you lean away from white walls in fear of overwhelming the space, that’s when magic truly happens.
Imagine stepping into a small powder room, with white painted walls. It doesn’t look bad, but it doesn’t really add much. Now, imagine stepping into the same powder room, this time with bold wallpaper, boasting floral or geometric patterns. Suddenly, there is something to see in every corner of the space! You might even put down your phone and just look around the room to stay entertained!
That is the power of wallpaper. It adds visual interest and character to a space, especially when the architecture of the home doesn’t have much of it.
Psychological Benefits
Adding colours and patterns to your home can also have significant psychological benefits, uplifting your mood and overall well-being.
Colours play a crucial role in affecting emotions and behaviours. Warm tones like reds, oranges, and yellows can energize and uplift, making them ideal for social spaces like living rooms or kitchens. Cooler tones, such as blues and greens, are known for their calming effects, perfect for bedrooms or areas where relaxation is key. Even neutral colours, when thoughtfully applied, can create a sense of balance and harmony in your home.
Patterns add visual interest and can influence the perceived energy of a room. Bold, geometric patterns can stimulate creativity and create a sense of dynamism, while softer, organic patterns can evoke tranquility and a connection to nature. Patterns can also add depth to a space, making rooms feel more dynamic and engaging.
Together, colours and patterns can help you create a home environment that not only reflects your personal style but also supports your emotional and psychological needs, enhancing your overall quality of life.
Choosing the Right Wallpaper for Small Spaces
Choosing the right wallpaper for your home can be challenging, so let’s go over a few variations and what they can offer.
Light Colours and Small Patterns
Traditionally, light colours have done a great job at making a room feel larger. This can be a big advantage when styling a very small space, since the light will reflect off the light colours and help brighten the room, as opposed to dark colours that tend to absorb light.
In terms of pattern, smaller prints can avoid overwhelming the space. They tend to be more intricate and subtle, which adds depth and character without dominating the overall design. By blending seamlessly into the background, small patterns allow the space to feel cohesive rather than cluttered.
Vertical Stripes for Height
We’ve all heard of wearing vertical stripes to look taller, but what about your home? Your walls can also be adorned with vertical stripes to make ceilings appear higher! They work by creating a visual illusion of elongating the wall as your eyes follow the stripes up to the ceiling.
This particular wallpaper pattern can be fantastic if you have lower than normal ceilings and you want to make the space feel more breathable.
Source: Decor Pad
Bold Accent Walls
If you’re looking to add a focal point to your space without overcrowding the room, a bold accent wall is the way to go! Adding wallpaper to one focal wall, paired with complimentary paint on the other walls, is a great way to make your space pop.
When using bold patterns, it’s important to balance it with the rest of the room by using complimentary colours elsewhere, and limiting the use of other bold patterns on your furniture and accessories.
Ceiling Wallpaper
Another way to add wallpaper to your space is on your ceiling. That’s right - you can wallpaper your ceiling! We’re seeing more and more designers step away from plain white ceilings this year, and for good reason. By drawing the eye upwards, you’re adding depth to your space, making it feel larger and more grand. This technique is especially great for a small space that already feels a little closed in.
Image Source: The Spruce
Final Thoughts
Incorporating wallpaper into small spaces is a powerful way to enhance and transform your home. Whether you choose bold patterns to create a focal point or subtle styles to add depth, wallpaper can make a small room feel more dynamic and personalized. By carefully selecting the right design, you can maximize the impact of your space, making it feel cozy, inviting, and uniquely yours. Don't be afraid to experiment—small spaces can handle big style, and the right wallpaper can be the key to unlocking your room's full potential.