Wallpaper is a fantastic way to add personality, style and visual interest to the walls of an apartment. Unlike paint, wallpaper comes in an endless array of colors, patterns, textures and designs that can completely transform a space.
And with removable and peel-and-stick options now available, you can easily update your walls without worrying about damaging the underlying surface or dealing with a messy installation process.Whether you have a small studio or a spacious multi-room apartment, wallpaper provides a versatile and affordable way to decorate. You can use it to create a bold accent wall, add a subtle backdrop of color and pattern, or even completely cover all four walls for a dramatic effect.
The key is choosing a design that fits your personal style and the overall aesthetic of your apartment.In this article, we’ll explore some of the most creative and inspiring ways to use wallpaper in an apartment setting. From accent walls to kitchen backsplashes, hallway makeovers to bedroom feature walls, we’ll provide plenty of ideas and examples to get your creative juices flowing. Let’s dive in!
Accent Walls
One of the most popular ways to use wallpaper in an apartment is to create an accent wall. This involves covering just one wall with a bold, colorful or patterned wallpaper, while keeping the other walls a neutral color. An accent wall instantly draws the eye and adds visual interest to a room without overwhelming the entire space.An accent wall works particularly well in living rooms, bedrooms and home offices.
Choose a wallpaper that complements the existing decor in the room, or go for something completely different to create a striking focal point. For example, a mural-like landscape or cityscape wallpaper can serve as a romantic backdrop for a bed, while a graphic geometric or abstract pattern adds energy and excitement to a home office.
One of the great things about accent walls is that you can easily change them up whenever you want a new look. Removable and peel-and-stick wallpapers make it easy to swap out designs without any hassle. So feel free to experiment and have fun with it!
Hallway Makeovers
Hallways are often overlooked when it comes to apartment decor, but they offer a great opportunity to make a statement with wallpaper. Since they’re usually long, narrow spaces, hallways are perfect for using a bold, large-scale pattern that might feel overwhelming in a bigger room.A hallway wallpaper accent wall is a quick and easy way to add personality to your apartment. Choose a design that reflects your personal style – whether that’s a vibrant floral, a moody abstract, or a playful geometric.
The wallpaper will instantly draw the eye and make your hallway feel more like a finished, intentional space.If you want to take it a step further, consider wallpapering the entire hallway, including the ceiling. This creates a cozy, cocoon-like effect that’s especially nice in a narrow space. Just make sure to choose a light, airy pattern so it doesn’t feel too dark or claustrophobic.
Another fun hallway wallpaper idea is to use it to highlight architectural features like built-in shelves or niches. Cover just the back wall of a niche with a patterned wallpaper for a striking display area. Or use it to line the inside of a built-in bookcase for a pop of color and pattern.
Kitchen Backsplashes
Kitchens are another area of the apartment where wallpaper can really shine. Instead of a traditional tile backsplash, consider using a patterned wallpaper to add color, texture and personality to your cooking space.Wallpaper is a great option for a rental kitchen because it’s easy to install and remove without damaging the walls.
And since it’s usually a relatively small area, you can afford to be a bit more daring with your pattern choice. Go for something bold and graphic, or choose a more subtle design that complements your cabinets and countertops.Some ideas for kitchen wallpaper backsplashes include:
- Subway tile or brick patterns for a classic, timeless look
- Tropical leaf or botanical prints for a fresh, nature-inspired vibe
- Metallic or foil designs for a touch of glam
- Chalkboard-style wallpaper for a fun, functional surface
Just be sure to choose a washable, water-resistant wallpaper designed for use in kitchens. Avoid anything too delicate or prone to staining. With proper care and maintenance, your wallpaper backsplash can last for years.
Bathroom Makeovers
Bathrooms are another often-overlooked space in apartments that can benefit from a wallpaper makeover. While moisture and humidity can be an issue, there are plenty of water-resistant, vinyl-coated wallpapers designed specifically for bathrooms.
A patterned wallpaper can instantly elevate a boring bathroom and make it feel more like a spa-like retreat. Go for a soothing, nature-inspired design like a watercolor floral or a serene landscape. Or choose a bold, graphic pattern for a modern, statement-making look.Some ideas for bathroom wallpaper include:
- Subway tile or beadboard patterns for a classic, farmhouse-inspired vibe
- Tropical leaf or palm prints for a lush, tropical oasis
- Metallic or foil designs for a touch of luxury
- Chalkboard-style wallpaper for a fun, functional surface
Just be sure to avoid wallpapering areas that are in constant contact with water, like inside the shower or tub. Stick to the walls above the wainscoting or vanity for best results. With proper installation and care, your bathroom wallpaper can last for years.
Bedroom Feature Walls
Bedrooms are the perfect place to get creative with wallpaper. Since they’re more private spaces, you can really let your personal style shine through. Use wallpaper to create a dramatic feature wall behind the bed, or cover all four walls for a cocooning, cocoon-like effect.
A wallpaper feature wall instantly draws the eye and adds visual interest to a bedroom. It’s a great way to highlight architectural features like built-in shelves or niches, or to create a focal point behind the bed. Choose a design that complements your existing decor, or go for something completely different to make a bold statement.Some ideas for bedroom wallpaper feature walls include:
- Romantic, nature-inspired designs like florals or landscapes
- Moody, abstract patterns in rich, jewel-toned colors
- Graphic, geometric designs for a modern, minimalist look
- Metallic or foil designs for a touch of glamour
If you’re feeling really adventurous, consider wallpapering the ceiling as well as the walls for a truly immersive experience. Just be sure to choose a light, airy pattern so it doesn’t feel too dark or oppressive.
Rental-Friendly Options
One of the biggest concerns when using wallpaper in an apartment is the potential for damage to the walls. Many apartment leases prohibit permanent alterations, and even if yours doesn’t, you probably don’t want to deal with the hassle and expense of repairing the walls when you move out.Luckily, there are plenty of rental-friendly wallpaper options that are easy to install and remove without leaving any residue or damage.
Peel-and-stick wallpapers are a great choice for apartments because they adhere directly to the wall without any messy paste or glue. They’re also easy to reposition if you make a mistake during installation.Another option is removable wallpaper, which uses a low-tack adhesive that peels off cleanly when you’re ready to take it down. These papers are ideal for renters who want the look of traditional wallpaper without the commitment.
When choosing a rental-friendly wallpaper, look for options that are specifically labeled as “peel and stick” or “removable.” Avoid anything that requires paste or glue, as these can be much harder to remove without damaging the walls. It’s also a good idea to order a sample before committing to a full roll, just to make sure the adhesive works well with your walls.
With the right rental-friendly wallpaper, you can transform your apartment into a stylish, personalized space without worrying about the consequences. So go ahead and experiment with bold patterns, bright colors and unexpected designs – your dream home is just a peel away!
Conclusion
Wallpaper is a fantastic way to add personality, style and visual interest to the walls of an apartment. With so many creative options available, from accent walls to hallway makeovers, kitchen backsplashes to bedroom feature walls, there’s no limit to what you can achieve.The key is choosing a design that fits your personal style and the overall aesthetic of your apartment.
Don’t be afraid to experiment with bold patterns, bright colors and unexpected designs. And with rental-friendly options like peel-and-stick and removable wallpapers, you can easily update your walls without worrying about damage or residue.
So what are you waiting for? Start exploring the world of apartment wallpaper and get ready to transform your space into a stylish, personalized oasis. Your dream home is just a peel away!
