Decorating Around Dated Wallpaper

Perhaps you have had the same dated wallpaper in your home for a number of years and are growing tired of the pattern. It might have been in fashion 20 years ago, but now it doesn’t seem to fit with the rest of your updated décor. Or, you might have just moved into a new place that is wallpapered with an outdated design that you are thinking of leaving as is. Whatever your reasons for having dated wallpaper, here are some ways to decorate around it.

Use color to distract.

If your wallpaper is a light color with a subtle design, try using bold colors in the room to distract the eye. For example, if the wallpaper is in the bedroom, use bold colors on the bedspread, rugs, and curtains. You may want to pick out an accent color from the wallpaper and use that color on other items in the room, in order to add more cohesion to the décor.

Use color to blend

If the color is the dated element of your wallpaper, smart decisions about the color palette of the space can make the dated color seem to fade away. The key is to choose colors for the space that are analogous or located close together on the color wheel, instead of complementary or opposing colors. For example, if your wallpaper is a shade of yellow that looks old-fashioned and out of place, avoid calling attention to it by using lots of purple in the room. Instead, use orange, red, green, and other shades of yellow together so that your yellow wallpaper will blend right in.

Create a new focal point

Draw attention away from your dated wallpaper by adding a new focal point in the space. This can be anything from a gorgeous chandelier to a uniquely designed piece of furniture. Try placing a large piece of artwork on the wall that hides some of the wallpaper pattern. Let the picture stand out in its simplicity against a busy wallpaper pattern.

Find a pattern to work with

Perhaps the overall look of the wallpaper is outdated, but there are some redeeming features within it, like a retro hexagonal pattern or an attractive leaf design. Draw that particular pattern out by using it on different decorative elements around the room, like stenciling it on throw cushions with fabric paint. Make sure that the pattern does not clash with others in the room.Dated can be stylish. An interesting look that is becoming more popular these days is to pair furniture or decorative items from the past with contemporary pieces. Your dated wallpaper may bring a chic retro vibe to a clean modern space that is sparingly decorated. Make sure the wallpaper is clean and has no peeling or tears.

Limit wallpaper to a single wall

In some cases, dated wallpaper may have the effect of overwhelming a space. Consider removing some wallpaper or painting over it such that only a single wall is covered in wallpaper. This will be a more effective way of decorating the room so that it balances interest with comfort.

Jessica Ackerman is a freelance writer and works for WallDecorandHomeAccents.com. She shares her wealth of knowledge on tree wall art decor and tropical wall decorations.

Dated Wallpaper