Choosing Wallpaper: Pattern, Scale and Where It Actually Works

The Dilemma

Wallpaper can transform a room, giving it personality, depth and warmth. But it is also easy to get wrong. A pattern that feels charming in a sample book can feel overwhelming on four walls. A small motif can look chaotic in a narrow hallway. And bold designs can fight with joinery, flooring or existing architectural features.

The dilemma is understanding which wallpaper works in your space and how much of it to use.

The Options

Option 1: Small-Scale Patterns

Florals, geometrics, dots or stripes.

Pros:

• adds texture

• good for secondary rooms

• introduces subtle movement

Cons:

• can feel busy in small rooms

• risks looking “fussy” if combined with patterned fabrics

Option 2: Medium-Scale Patterns

Repeats 10–30cm.

Pros:

• balanced visual impact

• works in living rooms and bedrooms

• good for feature walls

Cons:

• needs careful alignment with doors and windows

Option 3: Large-Scale Patterns

Bold murals, oversized florals or strong motifs.

Pros:

• dramatic

• creates focus

• ideal in rooms used mainly at night

Cons:

• overwhelming in tight spaces

• requires a calm palette elsewhere

The Decision Criteria

1. Room size and proportion

Large patterns need breathing space.
Small patterns suit compact rooms if furniture is kept simple.

If the room has many doors or windows, choose patterns that don’t rely on perfect symmetry.

2. Daylight and mood

Wallpaper looks best when supported by warm, layered lighting.
In darker rooms, mid or deep-toned wallpaper can feel intentional and cocooning.

3. Architectural features

Picture rails, dado rails and cornices can break the wallpaper height and help large patterns feel more grounded.
In modern rooms without these features, simpler patterns often work better.

4. Material palette

Wallpaper should relate to flooring, joinery and furniture.
Timber floors suit botanical or textured papers.
Concrete or stone floors suit geometrics or simpler prints.

5. Where to stop the wallpaper

Full room coverage creates atmosphere.
Single walls work best when aligned with a natural focal point — behind a bed, a chimney breast, or an entry wall.

The Recommendation

Choose wallpaper that enhances the atmosphere you want. If your room lacks personality, a medium-scale pattern often gives the best balance of character and calm.
Avoid using small, busy patterns in already cluttered spaces, and reserve very large patterns for rooms where furniture and lighting are intentionally minimal.

If you’re unsure, start with one feature wall and live with it before committing to the entire room.

A Quick Tip

Never choose wallpaper from an A5 swatch. Always view at least an A3 sample taped to the wall.