There are some beautiful wallpapers out there and while I love them, I just can't bring myself to wallpaper an entire room. However, I can still enjoy the lovely patterns that are out there by using the wallpaper in other ways.

Photos courtesy of All Posters and Real Simple

Framing pieces of wallpaper and using them in lieu of actual pictures. Not only am I getting some of that beauty I'm admiring, but an inexpensive way to add some art to my walls! You can do individual pieces or hang three together in a tryptich.


Photos courtesy of HGTV

Photo courtesy of Thibaut

Cover an old room screen, (or make your own with narrow solid doors) with wallpaper. This makes for a nice focal point in a room that doesn't have one or adds that "certain something" to an empty corner. Some striking screens are done with the papers such as the one pictured above from Thibaut.

Photo courtesy of DIY.com

To dress up an otherwise plain window, a wood cornice can be put together quite simply and covered with wallpaper. This can dress up a window with blinds or shades without having to add drapes or valances.

Photo courtesy of Country Living


Another great way to use small amounts of wallpaper for a big impact is to line the back wall of bookshelves with it.


There are many other uses for wallpaper; small trashcans, magazine holders, book covers, take a look around and see where you can use it!


Copyright 2009 Kathy Passarette, Creative Home Expressions

Kathy Passarette and Creative Home Expressions are located on Long Island, New York, and offer interior decorating, home staging, interior redesign and much more. Please visit our website at www.creativehomeexpressions.com for more information on our services and fees.

 
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14 Comments on Wallpaper Or Art ~ It Can Be Both

MAY
18
2009

I've done some of these very things, because I can't bring myself to wallpaper a room either, but I DO love patterns!  Great blog for others fearful of wallpaper removal in the future!
11:50am • #1
171,489 Points 2 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Hi there Kathy, I would seriously consider using grass-cloth wallpaper on wall as an accent. I've been toying w/ the idea. My cousin has it in her home and it is beyond gorgeous.

I love the idea of it as a valance, I would have never thought of that! Thanks for the inspiration.
12:11pm • #2
179,704 Points 9 Featured Posts Outside Blog

Cheryl ~ Thanks! I have too, but usually small projects (like a small bedroom trashcan, pen holder) that type of thing.  I would love to do the bookcase one though, although I might try it with a double stick tape in case I want a change.

Cynthia ~ I love the way grasscloth looks too.  I heard (at some point) that you need to paint the wall the color of the grasscloth because you can see the wall in some areas.  Don't know if that still holds true though.
3:00pm • #3
113,744 Points 3 Featured Posts

Kathleen - I was thinking about you today and wondering how your house was coming along.  Hope you are making great progress.

I love these ideas.  Wall paper can make a great statement in small doses - like the valance or screen.  If you went to the wall paper store and picked up samples - art becomes that much easier and cheaper!  Thanks for the inspiration.  I have been thinking baout doing something like that in my living room!
3:29pm • #4
MAY
19
2009
179,704 Points 9 Featured Posts Outside Blog

Hi Sheila ~ Progress is being made, thank you! I love to see how things can be used for something other than their original purpose.  Wallpaper has so many different options. 
6:30am • #5
171,489 Points 2 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

I'll have to ask my cousin what she did Kathy. She's an ID and the home she created is so awesome, I can't keep up w/ conversation whenever I visit because my eyeballs are jumping from thing to the next, LOL.

I love the ideas you've given us in your blog. That screen is another cool idea too! I've bookmarked this page for future projects of my own, thanks!
9:57am • #6
MAY
20
2009
179,704 Points 9 Featured Posts Outside Blog

Cynthia ~ Thanks again! I have always wanted to do a screen, but I don't have anywhere to put one!
5:56am • #7
MAY
21
2009
1,156,686 Points 38 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Kathy, That's such a novel idea and I never would have thought of it!  I'll bet you can do it yourself for very little and it will look nice. 
10:12pm • #8
MAY
22
2009
150,628 Points Localism Sponsor

Great ideas Kathy !!  I almost didn't want to read your post this time - thinking it would be in praise of wallpaper's big comeback.  I too can't bear the thought of doing an entire room - probably because I grew up in the era of the flocked red stuff (the worst of the worst). 
7:14am • #9
179,704 Points 9 Featured Posts Outside Blog

Carole ~ Absolutely! These are quick, simple ideas that DIYers can handle no problem.

Sandi ~ LOL! Well, thanks for your honesty! I have stripped way too much wallpaper in my time, and while I do admire many of the patterns and textures, I will let others put it up.  I think some of these ideas are a good compromise!
10:13am • #10
1 Featured Post

Great ideas! I just love framing the wallpaper and also backing the bookcases. That's a great way to add interest without overwhelming the room! Have a great holiday weekend.
3:52pm • #11
MAY
23
2009
179,704 Points 9 Featured Posts Outside Blog

Thanks Annie! Those are probably my two favorites as well. Quick, easy and they will make an impact.
7:51am • #12
MAY
29
2009
129,391 Points 4 Featured Posts

Aloha Kathy,

Using wall paper as art is a great idea. I enjoyed your examples, mahalo for the post!

Peace,
3:14pm • #13
179,704 Points 9 Featured Posts Outside Blog

Aloha Kimo~ Thank you!
7:59pm • #14

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Kathy Passarette, L.I. Staging/Decorating

Mount Sinai, NY

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