How to decorate wallpaper: decor options for painting and decorating old coatings

Although updating outdated wallpaper may seem like a difficult undertaking, it can actually be enjoyable and rewarding with a little imagination and the appropriate approach. There are various ways to enhance and decorate existing wallpaper, whether you want to change the look of your walls without starting from scratch or just want to give your space a makeover. This guide will show you how to revitalize your outdated wall coverings using a variety of techniques.

Painting over wallpaper is one of the easiest ways to change it. Selecting the appropriate kind of paint can have a significant impact. Choose a premium washable paint that is intended for use on wallpaper-like surfaces. This will disguise worn-out patterns and give your walls a uniform, new look. To guarantee that the paint sticks well and doesn’t peel off, make sure the wallpaper is properly prepped.

If painting isn’t your thing, think about overlaying existing wallpaper with ornamental elements. These options, which range from stenciling to using peel-and-stick decals, can give your walls personality and flair without requiring a total renovation. Additionally ideal for tenants or those seeking a brief adjustment is this approach.

Consider using wallpaper panels or fabric for a more layered and textured effect. Wallpaper panels can help conceal flaws and add a touch of elegance, while fabric applied over old wallpaper can produce a rich, textured effect. You can improve your walls using either technique without having to take off the outdated wallpaper.

And lastly, never undervalue the influence of accessories. Wall-mounted shelves, framed art, and ornate moldings are a few accessories that can alter the appearance of your wallpaper. These components can give your walls more visual appeal while drawing attention away from any worn spots.

By keeping these suggestions in mind, you can transform your outdated wallpaper from boring to fabulous and quickly create a modern, stylish area.

We decorate walls with wallpaper and other materials

Furthermore, different material combinations are frequently employed, allowing for the expansion of each material’s respective spheres of influence. Of course, everything is up to the imagination, and there are lots of resources available today to put it into practice.

You can mix things together, for instance:

• wallpaper made of natural materials;
• vinyl wallpaper;
• moldings;
• frescoes;
• composite panels of a large range of shades, colors and patterns.

Recommendations

1. In this case, it is necessary to maintain the unity of the stylistic direction in order to preserve the coziness and harmony in the interior of the room. For this purpose, different types of wallpaper with the same shade but different textures are used as wall decoration.
2. We should not forget about another aspect – combined wallpaper makes it possible to functionally improve a room, for example, a kitchen. The work area near the stove is often made of other coverings so that they can be cleaned and washed more often, unlike other places.
3. We should separately talk about how to decorate wallpaper of different color shades. In this case, we are talking about a graphic "color wheel", which has 12 primary colors that interact with each other. They are located in two adjacent sectors, are related, and their joint use in the design of the room makes it possible to create an impression of harmony and relaxation.

How to use fake stones to adorn peeling wallpaper

Use colour combinations that are in opposition to each other if the room lacks energy.

Decor rules

It’s important to remember that when combining wallpapers in an interior space, their design elements should complement one another. These could be one drawing style or different tones of the same color.

For instance, a floral pattern complements wooden patterns and abstract shapes of any kind. It is best to use wooden planks, such as the halves of bamboo stems, or ornamental polyurethane pilasters painted in the desired color to create a border between the wallpapers when selecting a particular interior design.

Advice: When deciding how to decorate a space, keep in mind that any wallpaper combination you choose should complement the room’s overall design, serve its intended function, and accurately depict its features. The room’s design will then be harmonious and won’t bother the occupants of the house or apartment.

Don’t feel pressured to replace outdated wallpaper right away if you have any; there are many original ways to update and redecorate it. Any room can be given a new lease of life by changing the wallpaper, which can be done by painting over dated patterns or adding fresh textures or stickers. This guide will help you achieve a new look without having to completely redecorate by exploring affordable and fashionable decor options for updating outdated wallpaper.

Decorating wallpaper for painting

One intriguing thing about fiberglass and non-woven wallpaper is that they can be painted. In this instance, changing the boring wall covering color can be accomplished without completely removing them, so there’s no need to schedule the renovation specifically around it.

How to adorn wallpaper in preparation for painting

But you ought to adhere the wallpaper first. Painting the canvas or walls from the back, when the paint starts to show through the non-woven fabric, will produce an interesting effect. This combined with a relief surface will make the wall decor look better.

Additionally, keep in mind that if painted:

• wallpaper – the paint will be brighter and more contrasting;
• wall – the color scheme will be more restrained.

By using distinct colors for the depressions and protruding parts, you can subtly highlight the coating’s texture.

There are two ways to go about this:

1. With a light movement of the roller, apply paint to the surface so that only the protruding parts are painted. In this case, try not to put a lot of paint on it.
2. First, paint the entire surface with a light shade of paint, and after drying, apply a more saturated paint to it, then rub it with a rag or sponge. Protruding elements of the texture will be painted in a light color, while the depressions will be painted in a dark color. Such a surface will look embossed and beautiful.

Decor options

You can paint wallpaper using the most unusual techniques.

1. For example, paint the wall in a bright color and apply azure with colored or white flakes on top of it. Wait until it dries and spread them with a dry brush evenly over the surface. Pure azure applied to painted wallpaper will give the surface a pearlescent shine.
2. An interesting effect can be achieved by using a patterned border that matches the shade in which the wallpaper is planned to be painted. In this case, the color below and above the border can be different or the same. For example, yellow at the bottom. And beige wallpaper at the top, and the border itself is a pattern of these colors.
3. If you need to apply a pattern to the wall, you can use the stencil technique. When straight lines prevail in it, the stencil can be made on the wall from masking tape.
4. The simplest and most straightforward option is to use two layers of paint in succession. After applying the first with a special roller, let it dry and apply the second. If you need to select a complex shade, it is better to use machine tinting. By the way, this method will help in the event that you make a mistake with the volume of material, the machine makes it possible to accurately repeat the selected color.

How to DIY decorate old wallpaper

Repair and decor of old wallpaper

The options we looked at above are mostly related to new coatings. This section will cover antique decoration and repair. This typically occurs when the coating needs to be restored due to wear and tear, stains, kid artwork, or just certain areas where the wallpaper started to bubble and diverge.

In this instance, partial restoration of the damaged areas suffices; major repairs are not necessary.

Here are some guidelines for doing this correctly:

1. Prepare materials and tools – glue (wallpaper, for joints, PVA), pieces of old remaining wallpaper, scissors, dry rags, medical plastic syringe, soft sponge, hair dryer and brush.

Advice: Avoid using PVA glue on light-colored wallpaper as it could cause yellow stains to show.

1. If they come off, bend the edges, take a dry cloth and wipe their surface to remove dirt. Apply the glue in an even layer on the canvas and wall, especially carefully coating the edges. Press firmly onto the base after they are saturated with glue. Smooth the surface from the center to the edge and immediately remove any excess with a sponge.
2. You can seal the seams in the following way – carefully unscrew the seams and remove the remains of the putty from the canvas, vacuum the wall and wallpaper, clean off the bumps. Apply glue to the joints and smooth them with a rubber roller. Take a hair dryer and heat the joints so that the glue sets faster.

Advice: It is best to use a specific type of glue with faster setting time and better adhesion when repairing joints.

1. If stains appear, some of them can be simply washed off, while being careful. For paper wallpaper, use a soap solution or laundry detergent. You can also use a stain remover for clothes.

Oily and greasy stains can be eliminated using dishwashing liquid, nail polish remover, or alcohol on pens and mascara. Use a brush to apply tiny stains the same color as the canvas.

Advice: To avoid damaging the surface, test strong stain removers on a different piece before using them to remove stains.

1. If a cat has torn off part of the wallpaper, it can be replaced with a similar piece, carefully removing the old one and gluing a new one in its place. Make sure that there are no air bubbles left under them.

Some ideas

If you’re sick of your outdated wallpaper but it still adheres well to the wall and you’re not in the mood for a renovation, consider the following options:

1. Place a metal mirror panel on plain wallpaper facing the sun in the morning. Although its price will be quite high, in the morning you will be greeted by sunbeams.

Panel of metal mirrors

1. If you don’t want children to learn to write and draw on wallpaper, attach a flexible chalkboard to it.

Give kids a space to create art.

1. You can use vinyl stickers (pictures) to decorate the wall, which do not damage the wallpaper and do not leave glue on them.
2. Want to decorate the surface with photographs, but are afraid of damaging it. Then use cork panels, which can be safely pierced with pins.

1. Decorate an empty wall with a completely functional item – a shelf.

You can give your space a fresh look by decorating old wallpaper instead of having to start from scratch. There are lots of original options to consider, whether you want to update dated patterns or simply give your walls a new look. Updating your walls can be enjoyable and fulfilling, whether you choose to paint over old patterns or add chic new accents.

Direct painting over outdated wallpaper is one common technique. If the surface is in good shape, you can achieve a clean, new look by applying a coat of primer first, then your preferred paint color. To add texture and visual interest, try experimenting with methods like stenciling or sponging. This method allows for customization while also updating the wallpaper.

Using detachable wallpaper or ornamental overlays is another option. These can be used to cover up outdated patterns or add a contemporary touch to already-installed wallpaper. Options include sophisticated fabric panels and peel-and-stick patterns. For those looking for a temporary change, this method works well for tenants.

Lastly, to frame your wallpaper or create contrast, think about adding additional elements like moldings or trims. This can have a big effect and give the appearance of polished, finished walls. Choosing a technique or two to decorate old wallpaper is a simple way to give it a fresh look for less money and effort.

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