The living room is a room by which the taste and wealth of the owners are judged, and the atmosphere and overall impression of visiting the house depends on a well-thought-out concept. A competent selection of texture and material makes it possible to get away from trivial wall coverings and to play up the imperfections of the room’s geometry in an original way. Combining wallpaper of different colors and textures in the living room is the best way to visually expand the room and organize zoning. But in this matter, a balanced approach is important in order to avoid mistakes and disappointments, as well as to decorate the interior in an elegant and original way.
Living room interior with beautiful wallpaper
Living room with bright wallpaper
Combining wallpaper in the living room
Basic techniques for combining wallpaper
Wallpaper for the living room is selected according to various criteria. The main ones are presented in the table.
1. | Base material | paper, non-woven, glass wallpaper for painting, fabric |
2. | Texture | smooth, with a three-dimensional pattern, rustic, with imitation of natural surfaces |
3. | Pattern type | plain, with large and small patterns, photo wallpapers |
4. | Color combination | white and calm pastel colors, cold or warm colors |
5. | Room lighting | south or north side, east or west |
6. | Stylistics | modern, historical, country, ethno, eclectic |
7. | Graphic solution | strip, cell, mesh, abstraction, geometric shapes, floral ornament |
8. | Light reflection method | glossy, matte, semi-matte, satin |
Living room design with beautiful wallpaper
Combination of light wallpaper in the living room interior
The table clearly shows that the choice of wallpaper should not be spontaneous, even if the optimal solution for the color of the walls has been found. On the south side, excess light will dazzle, especially on glossy wallpaper, and velvety rolls of cold colors will provide the necessary comfort. On the contrary, the north side needs increased daylight, which can be achieved by decorating the living room with yellow or orange wallpaper. Stripes of cheerful shades can be combined with beige or white walls.
A well-chosen ornament can be a budget alternative to modeling, columns or bas-reliefs for an interior in a historical or palace style. By combining different types of patterns in the lower and upper parts of the walls in a single color scheme, it is easy to imitate an aristocratic type of decoration with striped panels and “palace” monograms.
Living room interior with beautiful wallpaper
Living room with bright wallpaper
Combining wallpaper in the living room
See also Photo catalog with examples of wall decoration with wallpaper in the living room
Combination of wallpaper of two colors
The advantages of the right combination of wallpaper of two colors in the living room:
- It's easy to correct poor room geometry.
- You can successfully highlight the accents of the room and disguise imperfections, such as open ventilation.
- Divide the living room into zones only with the help of color accents. You won’t have to install partitions and arches that make the room smaller.
See alsoWhich wallpaper to choose for the hallway?
Companion wallpapers – what are they and how to combine them
If you want to combine several types of wallpaper in your interior, but have doubts about the harmony of the combination, you should take a closer look at the companion collections. They are already balanced in visual and technical parameters. Companion wallpapers look appropriate in modern, classic, Provence and art deco interiors.
Important! When choosing combinations of wallpaper of two colors for the living room, you should adhere to one rule. Different collections should have something in common - texture, palette or pattern.
The most difficult thing is to combine wallpaper with a pattern. If the pattern is large, you need to strictly adhere to the color scheme of the collections. When choosing coatings with small patterns, experiments are possible. Plain wallpaper can be combined with any patterns.
See alsoWallpaper for the hallway under dark doors: basic rules for selection and combination
Background or contrasting niche
Dark canvases on one wall can add depth to a space, especially if there is a collection in the background. This could be a glass display case with antiques, rare dishes, handmade dolls or ancient bladed weapons.
A similar effect can be achieved by arranging on one wall something like a shelving unit or a niche for figurines between pilasters or semi-columns.
A background with dark wallpaper will complement a white piano or a rare musical instrument.
A large aquarium with rare representatives of aquatic flora and fauna also requires an appropriate background. A dark blue, black or dark green backdrop will highlight the illuminated plants and add depth to the indoor water area.
In all these cases, combined wallpaper with a dark background is not only appropriate, but also necessary.
Furniture made from expensive wood, which takes up less space allotted to it, is often complemented with textured wallpaper that imitates its color and pattern. This can be a whole set of furniture or a separate wardrobe in wenge wood or bleached oak, which is very popular this year.
Living room design with beautiful wallpaper
Combination of light wallpaper in the living room interior
See alsoDesign projects of wallpaper for a children's room for girls with photo examples
Companion wallpapers and their features
Companions are wallpapers made in the same style, but differing in several respects. For example, a common texture and color scheme, but fundamentally different designs. The more neutral series is used as a backdrop for a decorative accent.
Companion wallpapers have several advantages! They are in almost all collections of all manufacturers, so choosing them will not be difficult. This is a deliberately harmonious solution, the compatibility of which you don’t have to worry about.
This design will help to avoid excessive diversity, but also too boring interiors. Companions are especially good for zoning and visually changing space.
Combining wallpaper in the kitchen: 100 photo ideas
How to choose photo wallpaper
One of the ways to visually expand the space is to print a picture on the entire wall. A wide selection of photo wallpapers with a 3D effect allows for a non-standard solution when organizing space. The combination of photo wallpaper in the living room interior with other decoration requires a good imagination to imagine the end result, as in the photo.
Many companies offer printing of any image using an industrial printer in the form of photo wallpaper. When choosing a photographic image, it is important to consider how it will be combined:
- Furnished;
- with floors and ceilings;
- with other wallpaper or wall decoration;
- with lighting;
- with accessories and small items;
- with curtains and other textiles.
The drawing creates an emotional background in the living room. If the goal of the setting is complete relaxation, then it is better to choose a peaceful sunset landscape, a waterfall or leaf fall in the mountains.
Pictures of nature where you spent your childhood will add a nostalgic touch.
The landscape of the ocean coast, where the family periodically goes on vacation, will bring pleasant memories.
The choice of subject may be dictated by a dream - a desire to visit Paris, Rome or the old streets of Prague. Photo wallpaper will help you “remove” one wall in the living room, opening up a panorama of the coveted space. The feeling of reality will be emphasized by a translucent curtain of one shade.
Living room interior with beautiful wallpaper
Living room with bright wallpaper
Combining wallpaper in the living room
See alsoHow to choose wallpaper for the hallway and corridor photo ideas for an apartment
The best wallpaper manufacturers
In order to choose the right wallpaper, study the market and make a choice only in favor of time-tested manufacturers:
- ELITIS - France.
- UGEPA - France.
- YORK - USA.
- KHROMA - Belgium.
- PALETTE – Russia.
- ELYSIUM – Russia.
Which ornament to choose
Some types of designs are characteristic only of a certain style, for example, with stars and polyhedrons typical of the East. A small flower - romanticism or country, lavender sprigs - for Provencal style, deer - Scandinavian interior.
A great way to emphasize the style is to stick on several stripes with a characteristic pattern.
An abstract pattern is not suitable for a classic interior, but it is an excellent solution when decorating a room with wallpaper in the avant-garde or fusion style.
A minimalist setting does not tolerate variegation, but you can successfully combine smooth and textured wallpaper or two related shades. Japanese minimalism is emphasized by stripes with branches of cherry blossoms or bamboo branches. The interior of the living room with two types of wallpaper, including hieroglyphs or photo wallpapers with Japanese geishas, looks no less colorful.
Living room design with beautiful wallpaper
Combination of light wallpaper in the living room interior
Striped wallpaper is very specific; it is used to visually expand space. It is not always possible to find a harmonious duet with other rolls. The stripes are arranged differently:
- vertical;
- horizontally;
- diagonally;
- combined wallpaper of 2-3 types in alternating stripes.
Modernism and postmodernism involve wallpaper with sinuous lines and floral patterns characteristic of this style.
Using leftover wallpaper of various types, you can create an art object on the wall in a modern style:
- recognizable black and white silhouettes;
- original collage;
- schematic images.
Properly selected combined wallpaper will help revive a boring interior, making it more dynamic and unique. To do this, it is not necessary to completely renovate; it is enough to beat up one wall by choosing wallpaper of a different type.
Living room interior with beautiful wallpaper
Living room with bright wallpaper
Combining wallpaper in the living room
See alsoBlack wallpaper in the interior of a modern apartment
Accent wall
An accent wall is a strong decorative technique and a tool for expanding the bedroom. Basically, this is the wall immediately behind the headboard, on which the eye first falls. In this case, a restrained monochromatic finish in combination with a beautiful expressive pattern looks best.
The same principle is used in modern minimalist interiors. You can choose the simplest smooth wallpaper, but some of them are calm, neutral, and others are rich, bright colors. For example, gray with yellow, white with blue, beige with green, pastels with deep dark ones.
Types of wallpaper for the kitchen-living room - colors and materials
Wallpaper that can withstand temperature changes and high humidity and does not absorb odors and grease is suitable for the kitchen. For example, inexpensive paper collections will not last even 5 years. In addition to the practical role, when choosing a beautiful combination of wallpaper for the kitchen-living room, it is important to take into account the design of the room.
Non-woven wallpaper is a modern and practical replacement for the paper version. They look more original than standard collections. Dense fabric has a fibrous structure and looks more textured.
Modern style kitchen
Vinyl wallpaper perfectly hides wall imperfections and is highly durable. They are easy to wash and repaint.
Paintable wallpaper is a great option for a large living room. Thanks to the ability to choose several shades, it is easy to create original color combinations.
See also Gray wallpaper and a variety of shade combinations
Combining wallpaper when zoning the living room
An original combination of wallpaper will help not only visually expand the space, but also successfully divide it into zones. The original design of wallpaper for a combined type living room is the best way of zoning.
To visually delineate functional areas, it is preferable to select all rolls in the same color scheme, for example, beige, caramel or sand shade. The lightest one should be the main background, the darkest one should be for linear contrasts. One color should be more rich and saturated, especially if it is decided to place it against the central wall in the recreation area or at the dining table.
If the living room includes a dining area, it is advisable to complement this place in color and pattern. A place for joint lunches and dinners should be conducive to a pleasant meal, the color should stimulate appetite, and the general mood should be conducive to a sincere conversation. It is not necessary to use “direct hints” for this, such as photo wallpaper with a still life, although this is possible. But chocolate and cream wallpaper in the living room will subconsciously trigger a food reflex.
Living room design with beautiful wallpaper
Combination of light wallpaper in the living room interior
If there are a lot of small objects in the room, it is better to avoid colorful wallpaper, especially against a bright background. Single inserts or stripes along the perimeter of the ceiling are suitable, visually expanding the living room.
In a small apartment, the living room often replaces several living rooms, but each should have its own personal space. A successful combination of wallpaper will help to delimit zones into several autonomous departments.
Living room interior with beautiful wallpaper
Living room with bright wallpaper
Combining wallpaper in the living room
See alsoWallpaper design for an inimitable environment
Fixing living room lighting
In addition to changing the area and dimensions of a space, lighting deficiencies can be changed through wall covering design. If the living room is overly illuminated, it is recommended to use dark-colored canvases to cover the walls, since they absorb sunlight (photo of a brightly lit living room).
On the contrary, a space with insufficient lighting will become gentle and cozy when using light coatings or with gloss, or a pattern applied to them that shimmers when light hits it.
Thus, the effect of using combined surfaces is varied: it is possible to change the dimensions of a space, correct disproportionate rooms, adjust the ceiling level, hide defects in wall surfaces, and add or remove light from a room.
Useful recommendations from designers
To avoid mistakes, it is important to follow the recommendations of experts.
- You shouldn’t design a living room interior with two types of wallpaper, the combination of which you have doubts at the purchase stage; it’s better to consider several options and choose the most effective combination.
- Carefully consider how the boundaries of functional areas should be completed.
- If, due to lack of wall space, you have to cut the wallpaper, it is advisable to leave the main motif intact; it is better to expand the boundaries of the zone.
- Rolls with a contrasting texture should be in harmony in color or pattern.
- It is undesirable to use two different patterns when decorating walls with wallpaper of different colors; preferably a background of the same shade and an attractive ornament.
- The wallpaper should be in harmony with the textiles of the living room; it makes sense to use common textiles for upholstering upholstered furniture and sewing curtains, and on the wall to make the same insert between the wallpaper.
- When choosing a contrasting combination of wallpaper in the living room, try to match the darkest shade in the wall pattern with elements of furniture or accessories.
- Use the effect of “dissolution” in space when the color of upholstered furniture and the background wall matches.
- Soft pastel colors require a competent approach when combining wallpaper so that the interior design does not turn out boring and dull.
Living room design with beautiful wallpaper
Combination of light wallpaper in the living room interior
See alsoFeatures of bedroom design with photo wallpaper
What does the combination give?
First of all, the combination of different types of coating allows you to realize the owners’ ideas about an ideal interior. Photos with the idea of combined wallpaper for a living room similar to yours can be seen in the catalogs of specialized sites.
But sometimes such a design decision has other goals:
- Hide flaws. While a solid pattern can accentuate the curvature, it can be neutralized with the help of well-chosen color combinations.
- Zoning. Often the hall also serves as a dining, working or sleeping area. Marking them with a different color or pattern from the main one allows you to separate zones with different purposes.
- Balance the geometry of the hall. A narrow room will not become wider, and the ceiling will not rise, no matter what wallpaper you put on it. However, the gradation of the wall shade from darker to lighter will visually increase the volume of the room.
- Visually filling the space of a room with minimal furnishings and highlighting the furniture upholstery in contrast will allow emphasizing one wall.
- Draw attention to a significant area, be it a photo gallery or a TV, by creating a focal point. In a splash of color, things dear to your heart will look especially advantageous.
There is also a fifth reason, not classified as a designer one, but pleasing to the owners.
Construction stores are selling stock at a significant discount. You can select high-quality companion materials from an expensive collection at a very reasonable price.
Choosing wallpaper for a living room with a brick wall
The brick wall in the guest room is a decoration in itself. It looks presentable, creates a 3D effect and fits into a number of design trends.
A number of rules help to achieve an effective combination of brick and wallpaper in the living room. The main condition is compliance with the style. Lofts are characterized by wall decoration with paintings. For those who like experimenting, collections with drawings will suit them. Wallpaper for a living room with a brick wall should set off the decorative surface, or have the same color, but a tone lighter.
Combination of plain wallpaper and brick wall
See alsoWallpaper for the living room: design and texture, selection criteria
How to combine wallpaper correctly
First, determine what type of room your room is: narrow, spacious, wide, dark, light - all this directly affects the correct combination of colors.
- Area of the room - pay attention to the scale of the space in the room. Since the use of dark shades would be inappropriate in a small room, on the contrary, the use of pastel colors would be more significant.
- The location of the room - the success of choosing colors directly depends on this point. If your room faces north, compensate for the lack of sun with bright, warm colors; if it faces south, cool colors will help you bring freshness to the room.
Combinations of gray wallpaper in the living room interior
Gray color creates a comfortable atmosphere. It calms and relieves tension. In addition, this is an ideal background, so gray wallpaper in the living room To make the interior look “alive”, the space of the room with such wallpaper should be diversified with paintings or pillows. As accents, you can install a table or chair in a contrasting color - purple, blue, olive.
Subtleties of choosing tulles and curtains:
- Curtains in a living room with gray wallpaper should let in a lot of light. For this purpose, it is better to choose tulles and organza curtains in beige or white.
- Thick curtains are suitable for dark walls.
- Rich curtain colors are only suitable for large rooms with at least 3 windows.
Living room in bright colors with a gray wall
For a modern living room in a minimalist or high-tech style, it is better to find gray wallpaper with a silver coating. For Provence, you should choose a collection with stripes. Gray wallpaper with a repeating pattern is suitable for a classic living room interior. They are easy to combine with a white ceiling and light furniture, which is present in most design options.
The color of a sofa in a living room with gray wallpaper can be light, dark or bright. It is better that it is 3-4 tones lighter than the background. Furniture with metal accessories will create an interesting combination.
See alsoWallpaper for painting in the interior: features of choice
Variations of designs and patterns
Gray striped wallpaper visually expands the room, so this decor option is suitable for a small room. Vertical stripes visually lift the ceiling.
Gray brick wallpaper is chosen to create an accent wall in a loft-style living room. They go great with white and peach accent walls. Imitation brick is also suitable for the wall near the fireplace.
Color combinations of wallpaper in the living room with a gray background
To create an interesting living room look, follow these tips:
- combine gray with lilac;
- choose a combination of pink and gray wallpaper to give the interior a spring lightness;
- create an original design using gray wallpaper with large inflorescences.
Gray wallpaper with a horizontal pattern visually expands the room
Combination of textures
The combination of different textures is not only embossed and smooth wallpaper for the bedroom. Glossy and matte surfaces look interesting, visually repeating the configuration of a multi-level stretch ceiling.
Eclectic fashion allows you to combine fabric with paper, interlining with cork, imitation stone with imitation wood. Such combinations are good for boho-style bedrooms, exotic oriental and ethnic interiors, colorful rustic styles, and multifaceted lofts.
Black and white contrasts in the living room
The most difficult thing is to create a harmonious interior using black and white colors in the living room. Designers approach this decision very carefully, understanding how difficult it is to strike a balance. White wallpaper in the living room interior and its combination with black contrast requires at least two-thirds of a light background.
Some designs have an equal ratio of black and white, such as zebra skin. Such inserts should be used sparingly to avoid variegation and bad taste. The style must also match.
The living room, decorated like a music salon, looks very extravagant. Black musical instruments and white upholstered furniture guarantee the exclusivity of the living room.
A white fireplace will attract attention in a black and white living room interior. Contrasting stripes of black glass wallpaper for painting will not only provide an excellent background, but will also solve the problem of heating surfaces.
See even more original solutions for combining wallpaper in our photo gallery.
Changing the visual perception of the room
It is not recommended to use large patterns in areas of the room filled with furniture; for such rooms you should use a combination of cool, solid colors.
The chosen wall shade can affect the visual size of the space, but differently for small and large rooms:
- To reduce an excessively large space, which sometimes creates a feeling of emptiness, you need to use dark colors in the interior, for example, a combination of black and blue colors on the wall. Large patterns and large ornaments will create a similar effect;
- It is better to decorate a small room in light colors or combinations thereof. One of the walls can be covered with brighter or more textured coatings so that it is perceived as the basis of the interior. Covering the wall with canvases with horizontal contrasting stripes will expand it, and vertically applied stripes of two tones will visually make the ceiling higher;
- if the wall is not perfectly flat, or there are any other imperfections on the surface, it is better to cover it with materials of dark shades. Too noticeable defects will help to hide combined non-woven or glass wallpaper; their texture can make defects almost invisible;
- different heights of the walls, and, accordingly, different levels of the ceiling will help smooth out the combination of horizontal and vertical bright stripes on the surfaces of the walls. The first ones raise the ceiling level, the second ones lower it, so you can bring the space to harmony. Combining wallpaper with horizontal borders and a combination of light and dark shades will also help lower the ceiling.