Dining Room Wallpaper Disasters: 6 Mistakes to Avoid
When it comes to redecorating your dining room, wallpaper can be a fantastic way to add personality, color, and texture to the space. However, the process of selecting and installing wallpaper is not without its pitfalls. To help you achieve a stunning result, we’ve compiled a list of common mistakes to avoid. Here are six wallpaper disasters and how you can steer clear of them.
1. Choosing the Wrong Pattern Size
One of the most frequent errors people make is selecting a wallpaper pattern that doesn’t suit the size of their dining room. Large, bold patterns can overwhelm a small space, making it feel cramped and chaotic. Conversely, tiny, intricate patterns might get lost in a large dining room and fail to make a visual impact.
How to Avoid: Scale is key. For smaller dining rooms, opt for subtle patterns or small-scale designs that won’t overpower the space. In larger rooms, you can afford to go bolder with larger patterns or more vibrant designs, as these will help fill the space effectively.
2. Ignoring the Room’s Lighting
Lighting plays a crucial role in how wallpaper looks once it’s up on the wall. Many people overlook how natural and artificial light will affect the appearance of their chosen wallpaper.
How to Avoid: Before making your final decision, examine wallpaper samples in different lighting conditions. Observe how the colors and patterns change from morning to night and under various artificial lighting. This will give you a realistic sense of how the wallpaper will look at all times.
3. Overlooking the Room’s Existing Décor
Your dining room likely already has furniture, art, and other decorative elements. Picking a wallpaper without considering these existing elements can lead to a mismatched, disjointed look.
How to Avoid: Take stock of your dining room’s current décor. Choose a wallpaper that complements your existing color scheme, furniture style, and decorative accents. This cohesive approach will create a harmonious and inviting space.
4. Skipping Surface Preparation
Proper surface preparation is essential for a smooth and long-lasting wallpaper installation. Many people rush this step, leading to bubbles, wrinkles, and peeling.
How to Avoid: Invest time in preparing your walls. Clean them thoroughly to remove dust, dirt, and grease. Repair any holes or cracks, and sand down rough patches. Applying a primer can also help the wallpaper adhere better, ensuring a flawless finish.
5. Misjudging the Amount of Wallpaper Needed
Underestimating the amount of wallpaper required is a common mistake that can lead to frustration and inconsistency, especially if the design is discontinued or out of stock when you need more.
How to Avoid: Measure your walls carefully, taking into account doors, windows, and other obstacles. Always buy a little more than you think you’ll need to account for mistakes and pattern matching. It’s better to have extra than to run out mid-project.
6. DIY Installation Without Proper Knowledge
While DIY projects can be rewarding, wallpaper installation requires a certain level of skill and precision. Attempting to do it yourself without the right knowledge or tools can result in a subpar job.
How to Avoid: If you’re not confident in your wallpapering skills, consider hiring a professional. They have the experience and tools needed to ensure a perfect installation. If you prefer to DIY, take the time to watch tutorials and read up on best practices before starting.
Conclusion
Wallpaper can transform your dining room into a stylish and inviting space, but it’s important to avoid these common mistakes to achieve the best results. By choosing the right pattern size, considering your room’s lighting and décor, preparing your walls properly, accurately estimating your wallpaper needs, and knowing when to seek professional help, you can sidestep potential disasters and create a dining room you’ll love.
Happy decorating!