Wallpaper is the cherry on top of a well-designed space—it’s the finishing touch that adds personality, style, and sometimes a little drama (IYKYK). Whether you’re looking to revamp a cozy bedroom or add some flair to a powder bathroom, knowing how to choose wallpaper can make all the difference.

At HSH Collective Home and Design, we love helping homeowners make bold design choices that feel just right. Here’s our guide to finding the perfect wallpaper for your space.

1. Start with the Room You’re Designing

Before you start scrolling through Pinterest or visiting your favorite design store, take a moment to think about the room you’re working with. Are you sprucing up a small space, like a laundry room, or tackling a larger area, like a primary bedroom?

One of the first decisions to make is whether you want wallpaper designs on all four walls or just one.

Four Walls: Covering the entire room creates a unified look. It’s great for spaces where you want a calm, continuous feel, like a bedroom or office. Here, we’d suggest going for something subtle or texture wallpaper to keep the space from feeling too busy while still adding character.
Accent Wall: If you’re not ready to commit to all four walls, go for an accent wall. This works especially well in spaces where you want a focal point, like behind the wall behind a bed or the wall facing the mirror in a bathroom.
Bonus: Ceiling Accent: Tray ceilings are a great spot for wallpaper, and they’re perfect for adding an unexpected wow factor. A bold pattern or soft texture overhead can make the room feel more finished and designer-worthy without being overwhelming.

Pro Tip: If you’re unsure, start with an accent wall—it’s less commitment and still delivers a wow factor.

2. Think About the Lighting

Lighting can completely change how wallpaper looks in your space. If the room is bright and airy, you can go bold with darker colors or busy patterns. If it’s a dim room, you might want to stick to lighter tones or wallpapers with reflective textures to keep things feeling open.

For Bright Rooms: Experiment with dramatic colors or textured finishes like a navy blue grasscloth for a home office or a bold floral print that transforms a sunny breakfast nook.
For Dim Rooms: Lighten things up with metallics, soft pastels, or neutrals. These can help make the room feel bigger and brighter.

Pro Tip: Test a wallpaper sample in your room before committing. Look at it during different times of the day to see how it reacts to natural and artificial light.

3. Play with Patterns and Textures

This is where things get fun. Wallpaper is all about showing off your personality, so don’t shy away from something playful or unique.

Patterns: Floral prints, geometric shapes, and even tropical designs can make a bold statement. Smaller spaces like bathrooms or laundry rooms are perfect for trying out those wild patterns you love.
Textures: If bold isn’t your style, opt for textured wallpapers like grasscloth. They add depth and a high-end feel without being too flashy.

Smaller spaces give you the freedom to get creative. Powder baths are a favorite spot for daring wallpaper because they’re small enough to feel fun but important enough to leave a lasting impression.

4. Coordinate with the Rest of the Room

Wallpaper isn’t just about what’s on your walls—it needs to work with everything else in the room too.

Bathrooms: Choose a wallpaper that complements your vanity, countertops, and fixtures. For example, sleek white cabinetry can pair beautifully with textured wallpaper, while a bold floral might pair better with neutral finishes.
Bedrooms: Think about how the wallpaper ties into your bedding, furniture, and artwork. If you’ve got colorful decor, a simpler wallpaper can balance it out. If your decor is more neutral, a bold wallpaper might be just what the room needs.

Pro Tip: Plan ahead— this helps your wallpaper feel like it’s meant to be there, not an afterthought.

5. Best Rooms for Wallpaper

While wallpaper works just about anywhere, there are a few spaces we especially love to spruce up:

Powder Bathrooms: These small spaces are the perfect spot for bold patterns or high-end textures that grab attention
Laundry Rooms: Let’s face it—laundry isn’t glamorous, but your laundry room can be! Make doing laundry less of a chore with a fun, cheerful wallpaper to brighten up the space.
Bedrooms: An accent wall behind the bed can instantly elevate the room, creating a stylish and cozy space.

6. Our Favorite Wallpaper Brands

When it comes to picking wallpaper, quality matters. That’s why we have a few go-to brands that never disappoint:

Philip Jeffries: Known for their luxurious grasscloth and textured wallpapers, Philip Jeffries offers an incredible selection for any room. We love their versatile designs that range from understated neutrals to eye-catching patterns.
Look Walls & Interiors: If you’re searching for large custom pieces or something totally unique, Look Walls & Interiors is a must. Their ability to create one-of-a-kind designs makes them a standout for clients who want their space to truly shine.

Both brands have a wide range of options, so no matter what you are looking for, we can find the perfect fit for your home.

7. Let HSH Collective Help You Design Your Dream Space

Finding the perfect wallpaper can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone. Our team specializes in creating spaces that are beautiful, functional, and totally unique to you.

Whether you need help narrowing down your choices or want someone to handle the entire design process, we’re here for you! Reach out today and let’s start transforming your walls—and your home—together!

Choosing the Right Wallpaper for Your Space