When you think of wallpaper, your mind likely goes straight to the four walls of a living room or bedroom. But what if we told you that some of the most stunning wallpaper applications happen when you look beyond the obvious?
Using wallpaper in unexpected places is a brilliant way to inject personality, create focal points, and transform the entire feel of a room. It’s a design move that feels both custom and courageous.
Ready for some inspiration? Let’s explore five creative places to hang wallpaper that will make your space truly unique.
1. Look Up: The Fifth Wall (Your Ceiling)
Why stop at the walls when you have a perfect, blank canvas right above you? A wallpapered ceiling, often called the “fifth wall,” can be utterly transformative.
- The Effect:
It creates an immersive, cocoon-like feeling. A subtle pattern can add texture and sophistication, while a bold, dramatic print turns your ceiling into a breathtaking work of art.
- Perfect For:
Dining rooms (to draw guests in), bedrooms (for a dreamy canopy effect), or even a powder room for a surprising punch.
- Pro Tip:
Stick to lighter-colored patterns in small rooms to avoid a “closing in” feeling, or lean into the drama with a dark, moody print in a larger space.
2. Make an Entrance: Wallpaper on Doors
Your doors don’t have to be plain. Applying wallpaper to a door is a simple way to make a major style statement.
- The Effect:
It turns a functional element into a piece of decor. A wallpapered door can act as a secret panel of pattern or a vibrant accent that guides the eye through your home.
- Perfect For:
Closet doors, pantry doors, or the main door to a home office.
- Pro Tip:
For a seamless look, match the pattern to the adjacent wall. For a bold contrast, choose a complementary pattern that stands out. Ensure the paper is well-sealed at the edges for durability.
3. Hidden Delight: The Inside of Your Wardrobe
Open your wardrobe to a surprise! Lining the interior back panel with wallpaper is a delightful secret that adds a touch of luxury to your daily routine.
- The Effect:
It’s a personal treat that makes getting dressed feel more special. It also provides a beautiful, cohesive backdrop for your clothing and shelves.
- Perfect For:
Any built-in wardrobe, linen closet, or even a bookshelf.
- Pro Tip:
This is a great place to use a remnant of a more expensive, delicate paper you love, as it’s protected from direct sunlight and wear.
4. A Touch of Charm: Cabinet Shutters & Fronts
Give your kitchen or bathroom cabinets an instant, high-end refresh without the cost of a full replacement.
- The Effect:
Wallpaper can add colour and pattern to plain cabinet fronts, creating a custom, bespoke look. It’s an excellent way to incorporate a trend you’re hesitant to commit to on a larger scale.
- Perfect For:
Kitchen island panels, the fronts of bathroom vanities, or the shutters of a built-in cabinet.
- Pro Tip:
For a streamlined look, apply the paper to the center panel of a shaker-style door. Always finish with a protective sealant for easy cleaning.
5. Small Accents, Big Impact: Wallpaper on Drawers
This is perhaps the easiest and most impactful DIY-friendly project. It’s all about the details.
- The Effect:
Lining the inside of a drawer adds a moment of discovery and organization. Applying it to the front of drawers creates a unique, patterned furniture piece.
- Perfect For:
A vintage dresser, a nightstand, a desk, or even a jewellery box.
- Pro Tip:
For drawer interiors, self-adhesive vinyl wallpapers are perfect as they are durable and easy to wipe clean. For drawer fronts, ensure the paper is trimmed neatly and sealed for protection.
Ready to See Your Space in a New Light?
Stepping beyond the walls opens up a world of design possibilities. These creative applications prove that with a little imagination, wallpaper can be the key to unlocking a truly personalized and unforgettable home.
Feeling inspired but unsure how to tackle these detailed projects? Our expert team is here to help.
Contact us today for a consultation and let’s bring your most creative wallpaper ideas to life.
