Roundup: Subtle Wallpaper Choices

We love the idea of wallpaper, and we usually find ourselves drawn to bold artistic prints, but when it comes to papering a whole wall with those prints, we find it hard to make the leap. It's easy to imagine growing tired of a crazy bold wallpaper before the adhesive has dried. A subtle print, on the other hand, with tone-on-tone texturing or even a little mild metallic, could be a great choice for long-lasting appeal. Check out some of our favorite wallpaper choices on the subtler end of the spectrum...

FIRST ROW

• 1 Topo Dorado limited edition handmade wallpaper by Allan the Gallant, available for $172 per roll from Gallant Tales.

• 2 Ellipse by Palace Papers, $154 per roll.

• 3 Flux hand-screened wallpaper by Jill Malek, $150 per roll.

• 4 Fairy flower wallpaper in red by Ferm Living, available for $115 per roll at Hygge and West.

• 5 Cole & Son Tamarisk Collection. Price depends on supplier (Lee Jofa is their U.S. showroom).

SECOND ROW

• 6 Schnee from Dominic Crinson (contact for a price quote).

• 7 Graham and Brown Umbra Phantom wallpaper, available from Design Public for $60 per roll.

• 8 Graham and Brown Hula wallpaper in soft green by Barbara Hulanicki, available at Design Public for $60 per roll.

Comments (10)

i don't know... wallpaper?, really?, theses days??? i may not be some big city lawyer (and at those prices, i kinda would have to be making some serious dough), but my instincts still say no to walls of garish (really metallic???) tones and such. some of those are cool, but for my money, you can bet I'd maybe buy a yard of it or so and frame it or melange it across multiple (possibly different style) frames.

posted by ubertimmo on June 17th 2009 at 11:48pm
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Friends don't let friends put up wallpaper.

posted by bryanarchy on June 18th 2009 at 12:21am
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I like wallpaper in a small area...such as a small bathroom. In fact, I did wallpaper the powder room and I'm very happy with it. With the price of good wallpaper, it's best done in small doses.

posted by junklover on June 18th 2009 at 1:45am
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I really like the first and fifth. I do agree with junklover, much better in a powder room or even a small office.

posted by ChrisGal on June 18th 2009 at 7:15am
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Generally I agree with ubertimmo... still, the red one is sweet. Maybe a scroll of a few yards.

posted by whytephoenix on June 18th 2009 at 9:01am
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I agree, wallpaper in a small bathroom can be lovely.

My favorite one above is Ellipse.

http://simplifiedbee.blogspot.com/

posted by Cristin at Simplified Bee on June 18th 2009 at 9:44am
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What? Friends don't let friends put up wallpaper? Could have had me fooled.

I've seen so many AT posts that show how wallpaper can make a room look amazing. I think it adds depth and interest to a room. I grew up with a lot of wallpaper in my home and I would probably have some up in my place if I weren't renting.

My motto- Friends don't let friends put up wallpaper alone.

posted by StudioStarter on June 18th 2009 at 2:37pm
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does anyone know where the pillow in the last picture is from?

posted by liuba on June 19th 2009 at 1:27am
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I think if I were going to go that subtle, I would just paint the wall instead. That way it is easier and cheaper if you want to change the color.

posted by baileyb on June 19th 2009 at 7:11pm
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What about just covering one wall? You can use removable wall coverings by casart coverings. This way you can change it out whenever you want. Just make sure it compliments your color palette.

http://www.casartcoverings.com/

posted by jackandellie on July 27th 2009 at 3:16pm
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