Experiments in creating original wall decoration have no limits. Imitation of stone or brickwork, textured plaster and other techniques are certainly very unusual, but, alas, not everyone can afford it. In addition, such techniques often require professional skills and abilities in application to the surface. However, you can always find an alternative, and in this case it is companion wallpaper. What they are and how to use them in the interior - more on that later.
What is companion wallpaper?
Companion wallpapers are two canvases that are different in color or texture, but are in harmony with each other. This method of finishing has a lot of advantages; it allows you to make the room more voluminous, hide imperfections in area or lighting, and also gives the interior individuality.
Hiding flaws
With the help of different wallpapers, you can skillfully hide the shortcomings of the room, these can be littered corners, various irregularities, low ceilings and much more.
The best way to hide a crooked wall is to cover it with wallpaper with a large pattern; you can also opt for photo wallpaper.
The emphasis can be placed on the sleeping area, and the remaining walls can be covered with wallpaper in more restrained shades. All wallpapers with large details and geometric patterns hide unevenness on the walls well, visually distracting attention from them.
Using different colors can make a room more cozy or dynamic. For coziness and comfort, you need to choose calm, neutral tones; for dynamics, bright and rich colors; rich, deep shades make the bedroom more intimate.
Rules for selecting companions
When choosing wallpaper companions, you should adhere to one rule. Two seemingly different types of wallpaper must be connected by something so that they look like one whole in the picture of the room. This could be texture, color scheme or pattern. It is also preferable to choose companion materials of the same thickness and manufacturer; construction stores often display different variations of wallpaper combinations on one stand, this greatly simplifies the task.
One color scheme - different pattern or texture
It is not necessary to select identical colors; similar shades of the same color, but different tones, can connect different types of companion paintings. For example, one canvas is a plain purple color with a relief texture, another with a smooth surface and a three-dimensional pattern in the form of purple flowers on a light background.
In the photo, the walls in the bedroom are decorated in the same color scheme with companion non-woven wallpaper. The coatings differ in pattern and texture.
This method of combining companion wallpaper will add volume to the room and make it visually larger.
Same texture – different pattern or color
A common texture can unite wallpaper companions; a pronounced relief will be noticeable in any color design. The selection of colors can be contrasting, for example black and white, or a softer combination.
The photo shows a spacious studio apartment. Finishing with companion wallpaper with different patterns visually divides the space into zones.
The same texture of the companions' wallpaper will imperceptibly connect different patterns; even on completely different images the same relief will be visible.
Same pattern - different texture or color
The overall pattern will combine two companion wallpapers. The image can be the same, but have a different size, for example, on one surface there is a pattern with large monograms, on the other they are the same, but smaller in size.
The photo shows a children's room for a girl. Wallpaper companions have different colors, but are united by theme. There are castles on both walls.
The same pattern can combine completely different colors and textures; companion wallpapers can be smooth and embossed, contrasting and calm combinations.
Different colors, textures and patterns
The most difficult design option will be a combination of completely different types of companion wallpaper, with different textures, colors and patterns. This method of companion wallpaper should be selected with care, otherwise you can end up with a tasteless interior.
The main rule is that even completely different surfaces should be in harmony with each other. The colors can be different, but at the same time be combined, for example, be pastel shades. The drawing should not be similar, but have a common theme, such as a plant one.
Modern wallpaper combinations for the living room: what’s trending in 2022
Floral walls were once popular. At the moment it is considered vulgar. Today minimalism and restraint are in fashion. This applies to the choice of style, color and combinations.
Wallpaper in the hall in the style of Minimalism
Among modern wallpaper designs for the hall, combined versions of the following types are the most popular in 2022. 3-D. At this point in the development of design, this is no longer just photo wallpaper, but a new option using modern methods of applying 3D images. They create more volume and presence.
3D wallpapers are especially popular in 2022
Plain. This look will always be popular, especially in times of popularity of minimalism. This look is also great for combining.
This look will always be popular, especially in times of popularity of minimalism.
Gradient. This is new for 2022. This option is already a combination of several colors. A smooth transition from one color to another fits on one roll.
. This is new for 2021. This option is already a combination of several colors.
Original prints. Flowers are no longer in fashion; they have been replaced by more interesting patterns. This option is suitable for neoclassical styles and unusual designs.
Original prints. This option is suitable for neoclassical styles and unusual designs.
You can combine the presented new items in any order. There are several ideas for you.
See alsoWallpaper for the hallway under dark doors: basic rules for selection and combination
Examples of combinations in the interior of rooms
For the hall (living room)
The living room has more interior design options than other rooms in the house. Unlike a bedroom or kitchen, a combination of companion wallpaper in bright colors and with voluminous patterns that can be united by a common theme would be appropriate in the living room.
With the help of companion wallpaper, you can highlight any area, for example, a relaxation area near the sofa and armchairs or a cozy place for reading. In addition, companion wallpaper will be a good interior solution for a living room combined with a kitchen; this method of finishing will help to designate zones, visually separating them.
For the bedroom
Companion wallpaper is a common design solution for bedrooms. This method of finishing can be used to designate a sleeping or lounge area, as well as visually enlarge the space.
The photo shows a marine-style bedroom. Companion wallpaper, like other items, has a pattern with a common theme.
With bright, contrasting companion wallpaper, you can decorate the wall above the head of the bed, thereby highlighting and decorating it.
For kitchen
Companion wallpaper will help divide the kitchen into a work area and a dining area.
Bright wallpaper can be used to decorate the entire wall of the dining area or just the part directly above the dining table. The wall above the work area can also be an accent wall. Wallpaper should be protected with transparent glass above the cooking area.
For the hallway
In Khrushchev-era and standard city apartments, the hallways are not very large; paired wallpaper companions will make this room more interesting and voluminous.
It would be more appropriate to use companion wallpaper with a light color palette; different patterns and textures will diversify a small space, and light colors will preserve the area.
For children's
Companion wallpaper is an excellent solution for a child’s room; original combinations will make the child’s room more interesting and fun. A boy's room can be decorated in a light blue tone, combined with yellow or white motifs.
For girls, wallpaper companions in delicate colors are suitable: pink, lilac, yellow. For a child’s nursery, it is better to choose a calm palette; you can decorate a teenager’s room in bolder shades.
The photo shows a children's room for a girl in the attic. The decoration is made with companion wallpaper in a light palette with pink accents.
Panels and niches - modern breath or last century
A classic interior involves the use of large frames in the interior. Typically, frames are made from a molding consisting of plaster, wood, plastic or polyurethane.
The wall panel is decorated with an unusual pattern, bright texture or bright accent.
A voluminous and eye-catching design detail attracts attention. An excellent use of panels in the interior would be an emphasis on family photos or a bright part at the head of the bed.
Something similar effect can be achieved using drywall. Using it, plasterboard niches are made; they can be located near the bed, along the perimeter of the room.
A bright accent is created inside the niche. Accordingly, the overall style of the room is obtained.
Color combination ideas
Beige
The calm, universal tone goes well with a variety of colors. Beige harmonizes with bright and calm, warm and cold colors. It also successfully serves as a background. The best combinations will be with wallpaper companions in white, blue, emerald, red, brown and black. Depending on the partner’s color choice, companion wallpaper will look good in the interior of any room.
White
The white tone is harmonious with any colors. The combination can be soft or contrasting, the colors rich or pastel. A combination of white and blue, red or black will look especially good. Also, the texture is clearly visible on a white background.
Gray
The gray color of the wallpaper is harmonious with clean and dusty shades. Cold and warm gray tones are suitable for interior design in a modern style. The combination with pink and purple colors will look soft and gentle. Wallpaper companions of blue, red and fuchsia are a more contrasting, but no less successful combination.
Greens
The green tone of the companion wallpaper will look good with warm natural shades, such as brown, gray, orange, cream, gold and black. Eco themes will make the interior warm and the atmosphere soothing.
Black and white
The combination of black and white already looks complete and complete, they complement each other. However, yellow, light green, orange and purple shades can be an excellent companion to black.
Purple
The beautiful purple color will go well with gray, lilac, olive and white. Purple is suitable for interior design in a modern style. A rich shade is best used as a secondary shade.
Brown
Warm chocolate shade harmonizes with blue, turquoise, green and pink. Rich colors will stand out against a brown background. The combination with companion wallpaper in cream and beige shades is suitable for decorating an interior in a classic style.
The photo shows a loft-style living room. The walls are decorated with different types of companion wallpaper, some of them with imitation brickwork, others with plaster.
Pink
Pink color can be a delicate pastel shade or a rich fuchsia color. The light version of pink is combined with turquoise, light blue, mint, white, gray, olive and brown. For a fuchsia tone, the company will be accompanied by wallpaper companions of mustard, gray, and light green colors.
Blue
Companion wallpapers in white, grey, pink and yellow go well with a delicate blue tint. Among the bright colors to combine, red, orange, and brown are suitable. Depending on the partner color, the interior will be bright and rich or calm.
Golden
Golden accents will decorate the wallpaper with companion colors of turquoise, peach and gray. Gold looks impressive with companion canvases in brown, red and black tones.
Yellow
Sunny yellow combines well with cool shade companions: blue, blue, gray, black and lilac. Yellow color will add sun to the interior of the room.
Lilac
The lilac shade can be combined with companion wallpapers of cream, light yellow, pink, light turquoise and black. The shade creates a delicate combination even with dark colors.
Turquoise
Refreshing turquoise will be a good companion to brown, black, dark pink, beige, white and yellow. A good addition would be golden or silver elements.
Examples of design and pattern combinations
With flowers
The combination with a floral print is relevant for a classic, Provence or modern interior. The combination can be with plain wallpaper companions or with coverings with a different pattern. The color scheme for companion wallpaper should be chosen based on the shade of the floral pattern and its background.
The flower pattern is combined with smooth, plain surfaces, textured or striped wallpaper. A good finishing option would be to highlight an accent wall with companion wallpaper with flowers. For example, a three-dimensional image of roses above the head of the bed or sakura flowers above the seating area in the living room.
The photo shows a bedroom in neoclassical style. The walls are decorated with companion wallpaper in a horizontal manner.
Strip
Striped companion wallpaper can be combined with other images, patterns or textured surfaces. In addition to aesthetic pleasure, the strip visually adjusts the space of the room; depending on its direction, the room appears wider or higher.
When combined with voluminous images, companion wallpaper with stripes should choose a calm color palette that will echo the color of the picture. In combination with textured or non-patterned wallpaper, you can choose a bolder shade. In this case, companion wallpaper with a striped pattern will attract the main attention.
Under plaster
Companion wallpaper under plaster attracts attention due to its texture. The embossed surface looks harmonious with almost any type of companion wallpaper; patterns and ornaments, stripes, as well as 3D images would be appropriate.
Plaster coating in company with other wallpaper companions plays a secondary role.
Main types of wallpaper
For each room there are different subtypes of wallpaper, for the kitchen - washable, for the bath - water-repellent, for the corridor - universal.
The bedroom is not at all picky and you can use absolutely any type of wallpaper here, based on your aesthetic preferences.
Paper wallpaper
One of the most budget-friendly renovation options is the use of paper wallpaper. The advantage of such wallpaper is its low cost and huge range.
The disadvantage is their short service life and the need to update them after 6-8 years.
Vinyl wallpapers
Vinyl wallpaper, the texture is much denser than the previous type. The advantage of vinyl wallpaper is ease of use.
Even a beginner can stick them on the wall on his own without any defects. Disadvantage: instability to temperature changes.
Non-woven wallpaper
There is a wide variety of non-woven wallpaper on store shelves.
This type has a number of advantages. Can be washed and dyed fifteen times. The downside is the cost.
This option is suitable for people who often change their taste preferences or want to refresh their renovation.
Fabric wallpaper
Textile wallpaper sets the tone for a stylish, elegant and original bedroom design.
The advantage is a stylish look, long-term service, exclusivity.
Disadvantage: difficult installation and inability to use independently.
Photo wallpaper
Photo wallpaper is a kind of classic among wallpapers. Advantages: they are durable, versatile, modern technologies make it possible to apply any design.
Tips from the designer
There are a few little tricks that can help keep your room design balanced and harmonious.
- To make your design with companion wallpaper look like a single picture, you should choose a material of the same thickness and price segment. This will simplify the finishing work and will look neater. It is most convenient to choose wallpaper companions from one manufacturer.
- It is necessary to take into account color compatibility when choosing wallpaper companions. The combination can be soft or contrasting, but the colors must be combined with each other.
- The same goes for patterns. In the interior of one room, you should adhere to the same style and theme.
- When decorating the interior using the horizontal method, a larger pattern and a dark shade should be pasted in the lower part, respectively, a small pattern and a light color in the upper part.
An original combination of wallpaper in the living room for 2021
When choosing unusual wallpaper for the hall, do not forget to look at the photo of the original design, and only after that start combining. Of course, you can come up with an original idea yourself, but we offer photos of the work of professionals that will help you avoid common mistakes of beginners.
When choosing unusual wallpaper for the hall, do not forget to look at the photo of the original design, and only after that start combining.
When creating an unusual design, follow the same rules as when creating eclecticism. And remember, original does not mean pretentious.
So, wallpaper is great for creating a room design in 2021. The main trends are interesting combinations, prints and, along with this, minimalism.
See alsoDesign of wallpaper in the hallway for light doors - examples in the interior
How to glue companion wallpaper?
Pasting wallpaper companions is carried out according to the same principle as others, with the exception of several factors.
- Before starting work, you need to decide on the location of the canvases.
- When designing a strip horizontally, the companions can alternate through one, frame the wall along the edges, or have a different order. For this type of finishing, it is important that the canvases have equal thickness.
- Afterwards you need to prepare the surface. To do this, you need to clean the wall from the old coating, plaster it and prime it.
- To simplify the work and ensure a good result, you need to make markings on the first page. This will prevent the wallpaper from falling over.
- Companion wallpaper strips are being prepared. They need to be cut and arranged in the right order. The glue is applied in accordance with the requirements of the wallpaper material. The strips are glued end to end.
