Wallpaper is everywhere lately and even though it looks great on the walls, there are those that might not have the budget for such a large purchase. Although prices have come down, we still like the idea of buying one roll of a pattern you adore and making a big splash in smaller ways — here's 5 of them!
1. The Back of Shelving & Bookcases: Although it's simple to paint the backs of bookcases, sometimes you're looking for a little more zing. Try papering the backerboard to a bookcase before attaching it — or try papering small panels that can be inserted into the back of a built in. That way you can remove them easily to change it out.
2. The Bottom of Shelves: Remember this post? We still love the idea, especially if you have tall ceilings or enter a room from a lower set of stairs. It's a little something extra that's truly unexpected.
3. Furniture: There are multiple pieces that will take wallpaper — for instance the sides of a dresser or the fronts of the drawers. Try the side of a bookcase or the top of a side table — even the top of a bench!
4. Lampshades: You can try wallpaper on the inside or the outside of a drum shade for a pendant light. Custom shades cost a pretty penny and this way you can make your own for less. Tabletop lamps work too, but for the most impact, stick to those that hang (so you see more of it).
5. Doorways: Even if you don't think you could handle a bright bold wall of wallpaper, try it on a smaller scale in a doorway (one without an actual door if possible). The color is a fun transition from room to room and can be an easy way to dress up a small space with a big punch of pattern, color, or both!
Have you used wallpaper in places other than the walls? Let us know your ideas or share a link in the comments below!
Image: 1. Melinda for Apartment Therapy New York, 2. Ariel Kaye/I Suwannee,3. Apartment Therapy Los Angeles, 4. Better Homes and Gardens, 5. Jen and Omar's Inspired Apartment






White Enamel Four-P...
I happened upon a 6-10 rolls of vintage wallpaper in my friend's 100 year old house last winter, and haven't known what to do with it because it was so brittle.
Then I figured it out. I know a lot of scrapbookers, and it'd make great scrapbooking paper when I reopen my Etsy shop next month. Could also be framed and hung up as art (it is quite pretty!), like I suspect is going on with some of the framed art in pic #5.
Here's a sneak peek!
http://bodicegoddess-maggie.blogspot.com/2010/10/etsy-sneak-preview-1_04.html
(I'm very excited about reopening my shop, and this seemed like a timely post to share it. Thanks, AT!)
Isn't the last one just paint?
I was hoping to use some scraps for an art project (cut them out in shapes and apply them to spray painted canvas) but I was unable to find a place that just sold scraps. Any ideas?
I hate to be a complainer, but I can't see the photos because there's an ad in the way.
Thanks for fixing it!
Yes, the ad is a pain. I've had to come back into the website several times. But love the ideas, can't wait to find a place where I can buy just one roll of an amazing print/color.
@InCircle Interiors:
If you can wait a couple more weeks, I'll have a few scrap sizes up on my Etsy shop.
The ad keeps getting in the way and staying over top of the photos. I'm irked that I clicked on it trying to find a "close" button. I'm all for ads to support sites, but keep them off the content or it's a big "fail."
Drawer Liners?
Matte for framed photographs?
Cover a piece of 1/8" thick masonite hardboard, then cover the bottom w/ felt and make a custom desk blotter?
Customize plain wooden organizer/magazine boxes?
Good thoughts bepsf!
I once found a wall paper I loved but the spouse hated. I used it inside my side of the closet as a compromise.
I also used black and white beautiful paper inside a very large frame and a large frame. I painted the very large frame white ( beautiful!) and painted the large frame in black. It is a beautiful coupling to hang on white wall. ahh. sincerely, mary
I love #2! The apartment I'm moving into next month is on the second floor, but the door is on the ground level, so you have to walk up stairs to get there. I think the wall-paper-bottomed shelves would be a great, subtle touch to the walls you face as you walk upstairs. I definitely plan on doing this and using the shelf as my landing strip - with hooks underneath for dog leash and purse.