Basic rules for decorating small rooms using wallpaper
Consumers looking to make a small room feel larger have a variety of issues to consider, such as which space-enhancing wallpaper to choose.
A positive result can only be achieved here using the method of optical illusions. One of the basic rules is the rejection of dark accents and finishing materials. To increase space, no matter how illogical it may seem, you can use zoning. But this needs to be done correctly, using clear lines and interior items that will surround the area. For example, when choosing wallpaper for the kitchen, it is necessary to abandon contrasting techniques, since they immediately attract attention and emphasize the lack of free space. Bulky objects cannot be called expandable in space. Even in combination with wallpaper that visually enlarges the room, all attempts will be in vain. After all, this will only make the interior look untidy, but it will also become inconvenient to use such a room.
Since corridors in apartments are usually the narrowest place in a home, it is necessary to select finishing materials for them that increase the area. It is better to avoid dark patterns, as they will absorb all the light and in this part of the house there is usually only artificial light. Colors that do not expand, but rather reduce free space, are warm shades:
- yellow;
- orange;
- red.
They should be abandoned if the windows are as small as possible and the room is narrow and long.
Minimalism
Minimalism is ideal for a miniature bedroom. It deprives the room of a feeling of clutter, avoiding excess decor and unnecessary furniture. All items perform practical functions.
The colors are in the same tone, but in different shades, and the surfaces are even and smooth. Sets for small bedrooms and lighting, strict geometric shapes, which significantly saves space.
The influence of texture and texture on spatial perception
Embossed wallpaper is in demand, with the help of which they not only decorate the room, but also make the space more free. Discreet, voluminous models are appropriate in any style and are indispensable for those who prefer the classics.
The walls shine, the shimmer fills the house with light, the walls repel. The effect is enhanced by adding glossy or mirrored ceilings to the finish. You just need to remember that many small furnishings in the interior will double in size.
Complex relief lines distract the visitor’s attention from the volume of the room. A small room looks great when covered with textured wallpaper with small patterns. Such walls are pleasant to the touch and form a sophisticated backdrop. More preferably, the coating is made in a combination of colors.
The most popular textures:
- Wool. The surface of the wallpaper reproduces the dense surface of the fabric.
- Dust. The surface is fine-grained, a good basis for decoration.
- Canvas. The outer layer imitates a porous structure.
- Malta. Deliberately sloppy relief over the entire surface.
A coating that imitates brickwork, brick, leather or metal helps to place modern accents and decorate a room with an antique look. Construction materials that can be repainted more than once create an interesting design.
Smooth and textured coatings can be easily combined if you have difficulty choosing.
Wallpaper color that visually expands the room
The rooms in modern apartments are not very large. You can expand the space only visually using original design techniques:
- universal method - selection of wall finishes in light colors;
- skillful combination of shades and textures.
It is not recommended to use dark colors (burgundy, dark brown, black or dark purple). It is also worth remembering that large motifs and dense small prints visually reduce the space. But such restrictions cannot be considered too categorical, since there are many interesting ways to transform any apartment with the help of colors and textures.
Black and white interior
The right combination of black and white allows you to fill the room with a special contrast, where black is shadow and white is light.
A black and white interior is created depending on desires. For example, a light floor and ceiling, painted walls will fill it with harmony. Also, a snow-white room can be furnished with black furniture. These colors are not picky at all. They can be used to create any style. But it is worth remembering that colors have many shades that do not combine with each other. Therefore, it is necessary to create a black and white interior with special attention.
See also: How to properly decorate a living room in black and white. Black and white bedroom: the right approach.
Wallpaper colors and patterns for small rooms
Wallpaper for a small room should be selected taking into account the color and pattern found on it. Many people are afraid to connect light and movable walls for fear that they will join together and the interior will be boring. There are many successful examples of design using white, gray, and beige colors. For a small room this will be the best solution.
It should be remembered that the furniture should have a different shade - be darker than the wallpaper and the surrounding interior.
It is advisable to choose cool color options. They are working on expansion. These should be abandoned:
- Contrasts. They visually cut the room into parts. They are suitable for use in large spaces. For example, for their zoning. This method is not suitable for small areas.
- Bright saturated colors. Such wallpaper will visually narrow the room and turn it into a box.
- Wide and contrasting patterns. Their perception in such a room will be impaired, since dimensional drawings emphasize a small area, and brightness aggravates the situation.
Tips for decorating a small room with photo wallpaper, how to “pull apart” the walls.
A contrasting wall is allowed. To do this, one side of the room is highlighted using a pattern. It would be better if they were geometric shapes. What's special about this? The color scheme of this surface should be calm and not differ much from the general style. Thus, it will fool the eyes: any person will think that the space is larger than it actually is.
There are several rules for decorating walls with wallpaper:
- Opposite sides can be decorated in the same color scheme, but contrast them with cold and light shades.
- How to shorten long walls? To do this, use wallpaper with a small print; for short walls it is better to leave a large pattern.
- Diagonal placement of pictures on the wallpaper will also visually lengthen the space.
- The method of different color saturation is also very popular. To achieve the desired effect, the bottom of the walls is covered with darker tones, and light ones are placed on top. This method is ideal for small rooms with low ceilings.
- It is also possible to alternate the background with and without a pattern. However, to expand the volume of the room, plain canvases should be larger than wallpaper with ornaments.
- A glossy finish is recommended. They create an increase in the area of rooms, as they have the property of reflecting objects in front of them.
Features of a living room in a small apartment
Bedroom-living room on an area of 16 sq. m.
Modern projects do not limit us in choosing a style for small living rooms, but with some amendments. To prevent the interior of the room from being too oppressive, you should adhere to the following basic recommendations:
- In the interior of a small living room, the main palette is light: from white to light green. But white should be used in doses, diluting it with beige, pearl or ivory.
- The ceiling decoration is simple - without complex plasterboard levels. Ideal - smooth matte surfaces: stretched satin, mat - canvas or decorative plaster + painting.
- The flooring is without complex large ornaments. Our choice is laminate, parquet boards, non-slip porcelain tiles, high-quality commercial linoleum in light shades.
- For a room less than 15 sq. m. dark colors are not used in wall decoration, as is wallpaper with large prints. If you love muted dark shades, add spot accents. But don't overload the interior.
- Refuse heavy massive furniture in favor of lightweight structures. Especially if we are talking about soft ones - with high
- backrests and padded armrests. For the interior of a small hall, this choice is too contradictory.
- Use accents: bright colors, textiles, paintings, open shelving systems in very measured doses. 1-2 elements are enough.
In the interior of a small living room, every touch matters. Don't go overboard with the amount of color, shapes and textures. If there is excessive variety in decoration, it will not be possible to achieve a visual increase in area.
Wallpaper with the right prints for a small room
Wallpaper with prints and patterns will organically fit into modern interiors of any style. Of course, to create a general background, it is advisable to choose canvases with a light base. Nuances of material selection:
- typical for designs in country style, Provence;
- geometric prints (squares, diamonds, circles) will add dynamism to the interior and make the decor in the high-tech and minimalist style laconic and effective. Abstract shapes painted in contrasting colors fit original into modern and retro designs;
- a fashionable trend is materials that imitate the texture and texture of rough surfaces (masonry, concrete, concrete). Such wallpaper for a small room, which visually enlarges the space, can be called accent wallpaper. They will emphasize the naturalness of the loft, Provence style;
- We can't help but mention the striped pattern. Pasting with such wallpaper is a universal way to enliven a space and visually change the geometry of the room.
Is it possible to wallpaper with a geometric print and a floral pattern at the same time in a small room? It may seem that such a combination is unrealistic, but designers suggest experimenting and choosing materials from the same color palette.
Style directions
In the hallway, living room or kitchen, the functionality of the room is first thought through. And in the sleeping room you can focus on personal preferences and realize your imagination.
Ideal styles for a small bedroom are Scandinavian, minimalism, modern and even classic.
How to visually enlarge a room with wallpaper?
- A long, narrow room can be visually expanded with horizontal striped wallpaper.
- If there is wallpaper with flowers up to 3 cm in diameter on the wall and on the bottom wall, for wallpaper with dark flowers but more than 5 cm in diameter, use this
- By using bright colors on the back and side walls, the room will appear closed, expanding up and down.
Consider using wallpaper in a small room, it is recommended to remove it if you use it at the right time.
Glitter wallpaper is one of the best ways to expand your space. They will reflect the light that will be paid to those who live on Khrushchevka or in the community. In the bedroom it is better to place them on the wall located behind the head of the bed, in the living room - behind the sofa.
Classic direction
From the photo of the design of a small bedroom in a classic style, it is clear that this is a direction for connoisseurs of luxury. Golden and silver patterns are required here, which go perfectly with white, soft pink, beige and light purple.
A crystal chandelier and stucco will highlight the rich furnishings.
Carved furniture will create a royal atmosphere. White leather is suitable for the headboard of the bed. The windows are decorated with luxurious velvet and satin fabrics to match the overall picture.
Similar textiles can be used for a canopy. And most importantly - a lot of light, it will make a miniature bedroom larger.
Room design ideas that expand space
There are several design techniques that can visually increase the area of a small room. One of these techniques is to cover a panoramic wall of a room with photo wallpaper or 3D wallpaper. High-quality photographic images that have appeared in recent years are not inferior to frescoes in terms of impression, price advantage and speed of execution. 3D walls can transform a small room or studio beyond recognition.
Wallpaper for a small living room
The living room is the main room in the house, and it should be decorated as effectively as possible. Photo wallpaper can be used to decorate and expand the space of a small room. In most cases, the wall behind the sofa is more suitable for this purpose.
In the photo, the wall of a small living room is effectively decorated with vintage photo wallpaper and images of predatory animals, which adds dynamism and originality to the interior.
In the photo, the back wall of a small hall is decorated with photo wallpaper, on which images of bright house facades look very attractive. This design technique will not leave any guest indifferent.
Decorating a small dining room
When you want to decorate your dining room in an unusual way and there is not enough space in a small apartment, you can use images that expand the space and effectively highlight the dining area. The dining room in studio apartments, covered with expressive wallpaper, looks very nice.
How to visually enlarge a small bedroom?
When choosing wallpaper for a small bedroom, it is best to decorate it in subtle colors and patterns that are pleasing to the eye, promoting relaxation and restful sleep.
Wallpaper for a small children's room
For children's rooms, it is recommended to use easily replaceable finishing materials. When children grow up, the wallpaper can be easily re-pasted, changing the atmosphere of the children's room.
In the photo, the combination of stripes and plain wallpaper not only added austerity to the boy’s nursery, but also brought dynamism and variety to the small room.
The photo shows a nursery for a little princess. The walls are covered with wallpaper with birds. The small room looks gentle, bright and sunny.
Wallpaper that enhances the kitchen
Small kitchens, especially kitchens in Khrushchev, can be visually enlarged to a square if you don’t just decorate the walls with traditional tiles, but use expressive, bright wallpaper. Geometric patterns, stripes or shapes will perfectly highlight the geometry of kitchen appliances and appliances. And bright accents add dynamics, and a small room seems larger.
Install multiple light sources
Playing with light is an important element in transforming a small apartment. It will look bigger if you spare no electricity and install several lamps in each room: a chandelier, ceiling or table lamps, a floor lamp, a sconce. It is not at all necessary to turn on everything at once, although an abundance of light is desirable for small rooms.
Photo: abecedazahrady.dama.cz
How to enlarge a room with wallpaper: 5 ideas
Light wallpaper
The color of the walls, or more precisely the wallpaper, can greatly affect our perception of space. Cool shades make small, cramped spaces feel airier and look better than their darker, warmer counterparts. Another solution that can help brighten up a room and give it extra depth is an accent wall. Experts advise using wallpaper with a discreet, but no less original design, and choosing white, cream and pastel shades.
Panoramic wallpaper
You can also visually enlarge the room with the help of panoramic wallpaper, decorative panels, wall paintings or wallpaper with a trompe-l'oeil pattern. They can be used for an entire wall or part of it in the living room, or they can be used to decorate the headboard wall in the bedroom. A landscape on the wall will help create the extra perspective that small spaces lack, and will create the effect of an endless and elusive space.
Wallpaper on the bottom of the wall
Another trick is to cover not the entire wall with wallpaper with an active print, but only its lower part. A wall split in half horizontally will appear taller, and the lower section will add depth to the room. This option is well suited for loft rooms.
4.Photo wallpapers and frescoes
The quality of photo wallpapers is now very different from what was offered in the Soviet era. Modern photographs, frescoes that are fashionable today are of excellent quality, realistic, and last for many years. Any room will become more spacious, more original, and warmer if you use materials with the right pattern in the design.
Elegant canvases are made to order, based on the size of the room and the general furnishings. They take into account not only the design, but also the purpose of the room. Images of flowers, fields, and waterfalls are suitable for the kitchen. In the bedroom, an image with a terrace and spatial texture is appropriate. Urban and natural themes are popular in the living room. The visibility of three-dimensional space will be created by patterns in 3D format.
Frescoes used for decoration are made using different technologies and have different sizes and shapes. Even in a small room, they can completely occupy the ceiling or one of the walls, provided that the image has a perspective that imitates an open balcony, an alley stretching into the distance, or the expanse of the sea. The theme is selected based on the style of the room.
Wallpaper that hides room imperfections
Wallpaper with an active pattern is a good way to hide all the architectural flaws of the room. They will help hide unnecessary protrusions, hide a niche and smooth out all the unevenness of the walls.
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Loft
Lack of finishing, high ceilings and panoramic windows are typical for a loft. Many design ideas of this style can be implemented in a small bedroom. Ordinary wallpaper is replaced with a brick or concrete wall, or their imitation.
The rough style does not like decorative details; you can get by with a couple of posters, a mirror in a simple frame and modern lamps.
The standard window is expanded to panoramic sizes, and glossy materials are selected for the cabinet; all this will make the room visually larger. Instead of curtains and tulle, blinds or roller structures are installed.
What to consider when choosing wallpaper for small rooms
When choosing wallpaper you need to pay attention to two features:
- Quality and type of material (paper, non-woven fabric, vinyl, liquid fabric, foil, cork, with mineral spray).
- Appearance (texture, texture, color).
When choosing a material, only the functional purpose of the room is taken into account. The appearance should correspond to the design style and emphasize the advantages of the room, masking its shortcomings.
Style and design of the room
The style of the room is the very factor that determines the choice of decoration and furniture details. First, they focus on a certain direction in design, study its features, and only then select wallpaper, furniture, and decor. Decorators highlight a separate line of styles that are perfect for small spaces of standard and non-standard shapes. Here are three popular leaders:
- Minimalism. The breath of the East, bursting into the art of modern design, is a long-awaited discovery. Minimalism can be characterized by the single principle of “nothing superfluous.” The room is decorated in white with rare splashes of gray or black, they use only the necessary furniture set, and practically do not spoil the interior with furniture. This approach allows you to rid the room of unnecessary things, as a result of which it begins to look larger than it actually is.
- Scandinavian. The cold blue of the fjords, the dazzling shine of artificial snow caps in the sun, rare spots of greenery and the piercing blue of a clear sky. This is the only way to describe the natural color scheme of the Scandinavian style. The interior should glow slightly from the cold, which is melted by the warmth of the fireplace and the warmth of animal skins lying on the sofa or armchair. Scandinavian style is northern, strict and uncompromising. Here, too, unnecessary details will look inappropriate, as in minimalism
- High tech. A modern trend characterized by an abundance of mirror and chrome surfaces. The combination of neutral white and gray will open up an illusory extension in a small room with additional square meters.
Wallpaper for minimalism is devoid of texture and any pattern. They are monochromatic and may seem boring to connoisseurs of eclectic medley. In the Scandinavian style, they often resort to the “wall separation” technique. Wallpaper with a pattern or print covers only one surface, which will become an accent. The rest remain monochromatic within the acceptable color range for the Scandinavian style. For high-tech, you can use unusual foil wallpaper that will harmonize with the chrome surfaces of furniture and decor.
Drawing and texture
Texture is a special relief on the surface of the wallpaper, which often forms a certain pattern. Most designers agree that raised shadows add volume to a room and are suitable for small spaces. If you need wallpaper with a delicate texture, you should pay attention to vinyl and paper. On them, convex areas protrude above the surface by only 1-2 mm. “Liquid” wallpaper has the most pronounced texture. Drawing is another important feature. Wallpaper without an image is called plain. The rest can be conditionally grouped into several groups:
- Striped wallpaper. Scratching walls has never gone out of style. Vertical stripes are more common than horizontal stripes. The former are ideal for small rooms with low ceilings. Vertical stripes lengthen the space and visually “lift” it. Horizontal lines expand the room, but at the same time lower the ceiling. First, decide on the type of room you have (small with a low or high ceiling), then proceed to choosing striped wallpaper.
- Cell. Another “timeless classic” design. Plaid goes well with rustic style. It brings order and at the same time light notes of anger when performed in rich colors. Don't cover the entire room with checkered wallpaper. This is not a prison. An accent wall is enough. The combination of cells and floral motifs looks gentle and familiar. This is one of the favorite combinations in Provence.
- Floral motifs. There are enough options for floral wallpaper design that even a fastidious designer will find it “the same.” In small rooms it is not recommended to use wallpaper with large flowers. It is better to opt for delicate miniature field bouquets or small inflorescences.
- Wallpaper with large and small stains. They can also be called abstract. Such wallpaper perfectly masks unevenness and defects of the walls. Large dots make the space visually smaller, while small dots, on the contrary, move the walls away from each other.
Color spectrum
Color is the main criterion for wallpaper. It can visually make the room larger, but it is important to choose the right combination of shades for the walls, floors, ceilings, and later furniture. Black and all dark colors are not suitable for such rooms. Blue, light blue, turquoise, cobalt, asphalt gray in combination with the whiteness of the ceiling will add air to the room. These shades are recommended to be used if the room has a large window and a lot of natural light. For those rooms whose windows face the shady side, it is better to choose a duet or trio from a variety of warm shades: yellow, ocher, light brown, café au lait, peach, pink. Unfortunately, these tones will not affect the visual perception of the size of the room, but will make it much warmer and more comfortable. Saturated bright colors look good only in combination with calmer, faded shades. A striking example of such a combination is the “different walls” technique.
Combination with other colors
White color can be combined with any other shade. That is why it is used as a background, complemented by other tones. It combines most harmoniously with blue, red and black. For example, for those who love brightness, the combination of white and orange is ideal. To create nobility and sophistication, combine white with purple, for a relaxing environment - white and green. No matter how the combination is executed, it is important that there is harmony in the room.
Orange
Violet
Grey
Brown
Red
Blue
Blue
Ideas for using photo wallpaper in the design of small rooms
They also resort to photo wallpapers that visually enlarge the room. This is a pretty cool and effective way. But you should take into account the characteristics of each of the paintings. Not all drawings on the panel will give the desired result.
A background that enhances space should contain images that go deeper into the image:
- forest path;
- street in a big city;
- undersea world.
Another rule is that vertical images optically lift the ceiling.
Selecting and gluing photo wallpaper is a complex process, and there are several design secrets that will help you correctly place panels in a small room:
- Promising wallpaper should be glued to a wall in a room where there are no windows or doors.
- You cannot darken or cut out the image using furniture. For a wall with photo wallpaper, a low sofa, table or bed is suitable.
- The smaller the room, the clearer the wallpaper pattern should be.
- For rooms facing the sunny side, you should choose cool tones, and for those who need light, warm tones are suitable.
Designers also often use backlighting for wallpaper. This method does work. It is used in both small and large rooms. Flashlights should be used for flashlights. They can be placed in a frame; they can be used to “raise” bedside tables or a bed.
In addition, built-in lighting is often used in niches - this helps to achieve a volume effect and visually add space to the room.
On video: wallpaper that expands space.
Floor
Dark or light floor? It all depends on the chosen style. Often designers advise choosing two options and thereby dividing the room into zones.
When choosing flooring, you should give preference to your own needs. If you want to create the effect of stability, then a dark floor is ideal. A light floor covering can achieve a light effect.
Proper floor design increases space. Natural floor coverings will allow you to achieve this result. For example, oak boards, laminate or parquet.
Well, there are some nuances here. The boards should be laid in the direction of the sunny color, moving towards the door.
Enlarging a room by combining wallpaper
The combination technique will help increase the height and width of the room.
- Covering the same color range, but of different intensity. Both backgrounds and monochrome patterns are used. The lower part of the wall is covered with darker ones, the upper part with lighter ones. In order not to “steal” the height, the border is chosen thinner. The bottom of the finish should not exceed one meter.
- A room of up to 10 square meters can be decorated vertically with two types of wallpaper. In a larger room, 3 types of different materials are also glued. “Comrades” should match well in color and pattern. It is better not to overdo it with horizontal and bright combinations; in the bedroom it is better to place “ripples” on the head so that they do not irritate the eyes before bed.
- An accent wall, on the contrary, is placed in the field of view. It is covered with beautiful expensive wallpaper and you can admire its beauty while sitting with a cup of coffee in the kitchen or relaxing on the sofa in the living room.
- Sometimes the emphasis shifts to the ceiling. Then it becomes a continuation of the accent wall. A small room is not finished with dark materials, so that the ceiling does not put pressure on the psyche. The juxtaposition of “comrades” is smoothed out, redistributing attention to the surrounding decoration.
- A small bedroom can be covered with dark wallpaper only if it is close to a square shape. The walls near the window or any other part of the room are darkened, except for those walls that should reflect sunlight.
- In cramped spaces, large flowers cut out from your favorite wallpaper, silhouettes of a kissing couple on the head of the bed, glued to a discreet background or small houses, elephants in the nursery will come in handy in cramped spaces.
Choosing furniture for the interior of the room
It is necessary to observe moderation in purchasing and arranging furniture. Only what is necessary! Give preference to folding, sliding, folding options.
The photo shows an example of room furnishings that is close to ideal. A table with a transparent tabletop does not clutter up the space, and a folding bed frees up space for free movement around the room during the daytime
A very small and cramped room, filled with some pretentious set, will turn into a storage room. A sofa and a wardrobe are absolutely necessary, but you shouldn’t add other bulky items to them.
An exception may be a child's room or a teenager's room, if they are furnished taking into account their preferences. Sometimes a child or teenager likes real “hobbit holes”, where there is simply physically no room for an adult - this is how a growing personality achieves his own personal space, his own corner.
How to use wallpaper to increase space - tips from designers
When solving such a difficult problem, you won’t have to give up bold tricks. The wallpaper itself would be a great option for the ceiling, but you need to use the wrong shade to apply to the walls. You can visually open the sky above your head with the help of blue canvases. Ceiling light sources should be abandoned. If the renovation is carried out in the bedroom, then the ceiling can be decorated by gluing canvases with images of the starry sky.
If you don't want your walls and ceiling to lack detail, think about how to combine colors. You can expand the space by making the main colors a little darker. They should become lighter as you go up. This is how avant-garde interiors are usually decorated.
Attention! If you are not afraid of non-standard creativity, then striped wallpaper can be pasted diagonally. This not only focuses attention on the walls and distracts it from a small space, but also visually expands the room.
Techniques for increasing the height of a room:
- If you don't just focus on the background, you can consider additional techniques to increase the height of your ceilings. You can achieve the result with the help of lamps and lampshades, the light of which will be located from the bottom up. It will also make the room more comfortable.
- If possible, the window opening should be extended vertically. But this approach is only relevant in a private home.
- If it is not possible to work with a window opening, you can try raising the top of the doorway to the ceiling. Modern designers generally recommend making doors almost invisible. For this purpose, special doors are used, and the plates are completely removed.
Use glossy surfaces
When light is reflected from surfaces rather than absorbed by them, the room expands and appears larger. Glossy surfaces reflect light well. Don't worry about them getting dirty - they can be cleaned quickly and add a nice glow to the room.
Photo: homedit.com
