STYLE & INSPIRATION

Get creative: 10 ways to use wallpaper

Looking for easy DIY, budget-friendly ways to transform your space? Wallpaper can add colour, print and texture to any room, creating contrast within a space or bringing the whole design together. But walls aren’t the only area you can decorate with wallpaper, so why not try covering your ceilings or furniture for a bold, contemporary look? 

At Next, we offer a range of wallpaper designs to suit every taste, from subtle neutrals to fun prints and bright colours. Discover the best ways to use wallpaper around your home in our guide.

Cover the walls

One of the most popular ways to use wallpaper is to cover every wall in the same design. This is ideal for minimalist interiors with neutral colour palettes. Textured or plain wallpaper can add depth to the space whilst helping achieve a coherent look. 

Half-wall application

Whether you’re opting for a feature wallpaper with bold patterns or want to create contrast with textured wallpaper, a half-wall application can help you achieve the desired look. Use this for your bedroom wallpaper or decorate your hallway, living room or dining room.

Paint the upper half of the wall, then wallpaper the lower half to create a panelled effect. Opt for white paint to brighten the space, or pick a complementary shade from your chosen wallpaper design. 

Create a feature wall

Try feature wallpaper if you don’t fancy wallpapering an entire room but want to add interest to your space. This design works for any wallpaper style and can be as bold or as subtle as you like. Create a feature wall with plain or textured wallpaper, or make a statement with bold florals and geometric prints.

Mix and match wallpapers

If you have an eclectic style, why not mix and match wallpapers? This design is a fun addition to bedrooms, living rooms, bathrooms or kitchens. Like the half-wall technique, you could use one wallpaper below dado rails and another above. 

Choose patterned wallpapers with similar colours to keep things looking cohesive. For a more subtle mix and match effect, choose a textured wallpaper in two different colours to create a feature wall. 

Create a border

Wallpaper can create a border at dado height or above picture rails. Floral wallpaper borders can add a traditional look to your home, while contemporary wallpapers are a modern update on this design.

Wallpaper your furniture 

Fancy trying your hand at upcycling? Wallpapering your furniture is a cost-effective way to give outdated furniture a style refresh. Try wallpapering the tops of bedside tables, sideboards, dressing tables, or wardrobe and cupboard doors. Always use a suitable varnish to protect wallpapered furniture. 

Wallpaper the ceiling

Ceiling wallpaper might sound unusual, but it can add depth and dimension to any room. Looking for ceiling wallpaper ideas for bathrooms? Try a tropical print paired with white walls, wooden accents and plenty of green plants for a jungle-inspired theme. 

For living rooms, textured wallpaper offers a modern twist on cornices, coving and other ceiling decoration. In the bedroom, choose ceiling wallpaper in dark tones like navy blue or forest green to make the space feel cosy and luxurious. 

Frame wallpaper to create prints

Ceiling wallpaper might sound unusual, but it can add depth and dimension to any room. Looking for ceiling wallpaper ideas for bathrooms? Try a tropical print paired with white walls, wooden accents and plenty of green plants for a jungle-inspired theme. 

For living rooms, textured wallpaper offers a modern twist on cornices, coving and other ceiling decoration. In the bedroom, choose ceiling wallpaper in dark tones like navy blue or forest green to make the space feel cosy and luxurious. 

Wallpaper your lampshades

Are you bored of your plain lampshades? Give them a refresh with some wallpaper! Whether you’re into bright colours, unique patterns or neutral tones, this easy DIY hack allows you to transform old lampshades into a design you love. 

Update your stair risers with wallpaper 

Add some wallpaper to the wooden stair risers if your staircase looks tired or outdated. Installing a new staircase is expensive, but this quick, easy and budget-friendly hack can help you give your staircase a makeover.