Colored wallpapers: How they change the room

Colored wallpapers are a powerful design element that can significantly influence the atmosphere of a room. They offer an easy way to give a room character and personality without the need for major renovations. Whether you want to make a room appear larger, create a cozy atmosphere, or simply add a touch of color – the right wallpaper can achieve all this and more. In this article, you'll learn how colored wallpapers can change the ambiance of your home and what aspects you should consider when choosing them.
The effect of colors in interior design

Colors have a profound effect on our mood and perception. In interior design, they play a crucial role as they can significantly influence the atmosphere of a room. Warm colors like red, orange, and yellow can make a room appear more lively and inviting. They are particularly well-suited for spaces where socializing and activity are the focus, such as the living room or kitchen. These colors can promote communication and create a warm, welcoming atmosphere.
Cool colors like blue, green, and violet, on the other hand, have a calming and relaxing effect. They are ideal for rooms dedicated to rest and relaxation, such as bedrooms or bathrooms. These colors can help reduce stress and create a peaceful environment. Blue is often associated with tranquility and serenity, while green establishes a connection to nature and conveys harmony.
Neutral colors like white, gray, and beige are versatile and can be combined with almost any other color. They provide an excellent foundation for interior design and can easily adapt to various styles. Neutral colors can make a room appear larger and brighter and offer a calm, unobtrusive backdrop for furniture and decorations.
Choosing the right color for your wallpaper depends on the desired mood and function of the room. It is important to consider color psychology and think about which emotions and associations you want to evoke in a space. Experiment with different shades and patterns to find the perfect balance that reflects your personal style and the function of the room.
Patterns and Textures: More Than Just Color

In addition to color, patterns and textures also play a crucial role in the selection of wallpapers. They can add depth and dimension to a room and enhance visual interest. Patterns can range from subtle, minimalist designs to bold, complex motifs. Choosing the right pattern depends on your personal style and the desired effect.
Floral patterns are timeless and can create a romantic, playful atmosphere. They are particularly well-suited for bedrooms or living rooms where a cozy and inviting ambiance is desired. Geometric patterns, on the other hand, give a room a modern and structured look. They are ideal for contemporary living styles and can be used in almost any room to create a clear, organized feel.
Textures are another important element to consider when selecting wallpapers. They can add an extra dimension to a room and enhance the tactile experience. Wallpapers with a textured surface, such as embossed or fabric-like wallpapers, can add warmth and depth to a room. They are especially effective in rooms where a cozy and inviting atmosphere is desired.
The combination of patterns and textures can also help to highlight or conceal architectural features of a room. A striking pattern can, for example, distract from unfavorable room proportions, while a subtle texture can draw attention to a specific architectural detail.
When selecting patterns and textures, it is important to keep the overall look of the room in mind. Consider how the wallpaper harmonizes with existing furniture, decorations, and colors. A harmonious interplay of color, pattern, and texture can transform a room into a cohesive and appealing overall picture.
Tips for Choosing the Right Wallpaper

Choosing the right wallpaper can be a challenge, as there is an almost endless variety of colors, patterns, and textures. Here are some tips that can help you find the perfect wallpaper for your room.
First, you should consider the purpose of the room. Think about the mood you want to create and how the wallpaper can contribute to it. For a bedroom, a soothing, cool color with a subtle pattern might be ideal, while a living room could benefit from a vibrant, warm color with a bold design.
Another important aspect is the size of the room. Dark colors and large patterns can make a room appear smaller, while light colors and small patterns can make it seem larger. If you have a small room, you should consider light colors and subtle patterns to create a sense of spaciousness.
Lighting also plays an important role in choosing wallpaper. In a room with plenty of natural light, bold colors and striking patterns can look great. In a room with little light, however, light colors and reflective surfaces can help brighten the space.
It is also important to consider the existing furniture and decoration. The wallpaper should harmonize with the furniture, rugs, and other decorative elements. A harmonious interplay of colors and patterns can help create a cohesive overall look.
Finally, you should also consider the quality of the wallpaper. High-quality wallpapers are more durable and can better withstand wear and discoloration. They are often easier to clean and maintain, which can be particularly advantageous in high-traffic areas.
By considering these tips, you can choose the perfect wallpaper for your room and create an environment that is both functional and aesthetically pleasing.
Frequently Asked Questions about Colored Wallpapers
Colored wallpapers can significantly influence the perception of a room. They can make a room appear larger, smaller, warmer, or cooler, depending on the choice of color and pattern. Light colors and small patterns often make a room seem larger and airier, while dark colors and large patterns can make it appear cozier and more intimate. The choice of color can also affect the mood in the room. Warm colors like red and orange can radiate energy and warmth, while cool colors like blue and green have a calming effect. The right wallpaper can therefore change not only the appearance but also the feel of a room.
For small spaces, light colors are best suited as they make the room appear larger and more open. Colors like white, cream, pastels, or light grays reflect more light and create a sense of spaciousness. Wallpapers with small, subtle patterns can also help to visually enlarge the room. It's important to avoid overwhelming patterns and dark colors, as they can make the space feel oppressive. Another way to make small rooms appear larger is by using vertical stripes, which create the illusion of height.
When choosing the right wallpaper for your living room, you should first consider the desired atmosphere and style of the room. Think about whether you want to create a cozy, inviting environment or if you prefer a modern, minimalist look. Warm colors and bold patterns can make a living room appear lively and welcoming, while cool colors and subtle patterns can create a calm, relaxed atmosphere. Make sure the wallpaper harmonizes with the existing furniture and decorations. The lighting in the room also plays a role, as it can affect the impact of the wallpaper. In a well-lit room, bold colors and patterns can stand out well, while in a darker room, light colors and reflective surfaces may be more advantageous.
Patterns and textures play a crucial role in the selection of wallpapers, as they can add depth and visual interest to a room. Patterns can range from subtle, minimalist designs to bold, complex motifs and can greatly influence the mood of a space. Floral patterns can create a romantic, playful atmosphere, while geometric patterns provide a modern and structured look. Textures can add an extra dimension to a room and enhance the tactile experience. Embossed or fabric-like wallpapers can add warmth and depth and are particularly effective in rooms where a cozy atmosphere is desired. The combination of patterns and textures can also help to highlight or conceal architectural features.
In a room with little natural light, it's important to choose wallpapers that brighten the space and create a sense of openness. Light colors like white, cream, or pastels reflect the available light and make the room appear larger and brighter. Wallpapers with reflective surfaces or metallic accents can also help to enhance the light in the room. Avoid dark colors and large patterns, as they can make the room feel oppressive. Instead, you can choose small, subtle patterns that add visual interest to the room without overwhelming it. The right lighting can also help to enhance the effect of the wallpaper and make the room more inviting.
For a bedroom, wallpapers that create a calming and relaxing atmosphere are suitable. Cool colors like blue, green, or soft shades of violet are ideal as they have a soothing effect and can promote sleep. Subtle patterns or textures can add depth to the room without overwhelming it. Floral or organic patterns can create a romantic, cozy mood, while geometric patterns offer a modern, structured look. Make sure the wallpaper harmonizes with the rest of the decor and creates a peaceful, inviting environment that encourages relaxation and rest.
Combining wallpaper patterns can add depth and visual interest to a room, but it's important to do so thoughtfully to avoid overwhelming the space. One way to combine patterns is to choose a main wallpaper with a bold pattern and complement it with one or more wallpapers with subtler patterns or textures. Make sure that the colors of the different wallpapers harmonize and create a cohesive overall look. Another strategy is to use patterns in different scales – for example, a large, bold pattern on one wall and a smaller, more subtle pattern on another. This creates contrast without overwhelming the room. It's also helpful to use neutral colors as a base to balance the patterns and create a harmonious overall appearance.
The proper care of colored wallpapers depends on their material and surface. Vinyl wallpapers are generally easy to maintain and can be wiped with a damp cloth to remove dust and dirt. For paper wallpapers, you should be more cautious and clean them only with a dry cloth or a soft duster to avoid damage. For textured or embossed wallpapers, it's important to clean gently to avoid damaging the surface. Avoid aggressive cleaning agents, as they can cause the colors to fade or damage the wallpaper. It's also advisable to ventilate regularly to prevent moisture and mold growth, especially in rooms with high humidity like bathrooms or kitchens. By following these care tips, you can extend the lifespan of your wallpapers and preserve their colors and patterns for a long time.

by Amelia Ford
Amelia Ford blends aesthetics with craftsmanship – not only is she a passionate interiors writer, she’s also a trained specialist in textiles and materials. For Amelia, room design begins with touch: How does a fabric feel? How does a surface reflect light?Her articles explore the sensory impact of materials – from the soft elegance of velvet to the cool clarity of glass and the grounded texture of natural stone. By pairing these elements with different interior styles – from classic British to Scandi-inspired – she creates concepts that are both functional and emotionally engaging. For Amelia, decoration is never just an afterthought – it’s an essential part of a well-balanced space.
Off-duty: Amelia lives in a lovingly restored Victorian terrace in Manchester. Her walls are adorned with carefully selected artwork, and her shelves are filled with fabric swatches, design books and handmade decorative pieces. She loves travelling to Scotland to discover new materials and connect with local craftspeople.
Transparency note: Amelia Ford writes her articles with lots of love – and a little help from AI.