Using Wallpaper to Create a Feature Wall in Open Spaces
Open spaces beg for personality, and wallpaper screams it from the rooftops! Transforming a bland wall into a show-stopping feature wall with wallpaper isn’t just decorating—it’s storytelling, a bold declaration of style that ties a room together. Whether you’re jazzing up a sprawling living area or carving out a cozy nook in a loft, wallpaper delivers drama, texture, and color like nothing else. Let’s rush through some wild ideas, sprinkle in a laugh or two, and unpack how to make a feature wall pop with wall decor, plants, mirrors, and more—all while keeping it chic and functional.
🎨 Why Wallpaper? The Magic of a Feature Wall
Wallpaper isn’t just paper slapped on a wall; it’s a mood-lifter, a vibe-setter, a conversation-starter. In open spaces, where walls often blur into one another, a feature wall creates a focal point that grounds the room. Picture this: a friend walks into your home, eyes darting around, and BAM! A bold, botanical wallpaper behind your sofa steals the show. It’s like the wall’s saying, “Yeah, I’m the star here.” Unlike paint, wallpaper offers patterns and textures—think metallic shimmers or faux brick—that add depth. Plus, it’s forgiving. Got a wonky wall? Wallpaper hides imperfections like a pro.
A feature wall also zones an open space. In a studio apartment, a moody, geometric wallpaper behind your bed screams “sleeping area” without needing partitions. It’s practical magic! And don’t sleep on removable wallpaper—it’s a renter’s best friend, peeling off cleaner than your ex’s promises.
“A feature wall with wallpaper is like a canvas where your personality paints the boldest strokes.”
🌿 Pairing Wallpaper with Plants & Flowers
Plants and wallpaper are a match made in decor heaven. Imagine a lush, tropical wallpaper—palm leaves swaying in imaginary breezes—paired with real ferns spilling out of sleek flower pots. The greenery amplifies the pattern, making your feature wall feel like a jungle escape. Hang a few planters with trailing pothos above a console table, and you’ve got a living, breathing masterpiece. Or, place oversized floor pots with monstera plants to frame the wall, adding height and drama.
For a softer touch, scatter vases filled with fresh-cut flowers on a shelf against a floral wallpaper. The trick? Pick blooms that echo the wallpaper’s colors but don’t mimic the pattern exactly—too matchy-matchy feels like a sitcom set. A friend once overdid it with roses against rose-patterned wallpaper; it looked like a gift shop exploded. Balance is key!
🌱 Tip: Use ceramic planters in bold colors to contrast a busy wallpaper.
🌸 Pro Move: Mix tall grasses in vases with low, leafy plants for texture.
🪞 Mirrors & Candle Holders: Reflecting Style
Mirrors aren’t just for checking your hair—they’re decor dynamos. Hang a large, round mirror on a feature wall with a subtle, textured wallpaper, like linen or grasscloth. The reflection bounces light, making your open space feel bigger, brighter, and downright luxurious. Cluster smaller mirrors in eclectic frames for a boho vibe, or go sleek with a single oversized one for modern flair.
Candle holders add warmth—literally and figuratively. Place a trio of metallic candle holders on a floating shelf against a dark, moody wallpaper. When the candles flicker, the wall glows like a starry night. I once saw a friend use mismatched candle holders against a teal peacock-patterned wall; it was chaotic, but it worked—like a quirky aunt’s charm. Just don’t overdo it; too many candles scream “I’m hosting a séance.”
🕯️ Tip: Mix candle sizes for visual interest but stick to one metal finish.
🪞 Pro Move: Angle mirrors to reflect a cool piece of art or a plant across the room.
📦 Storage Boxes & Baskets: Function Meets Flair
Who says storage can’t be sexy? Woven baskets or sleek storage boxes tucked under a console table against your feature wall keep clutter at bay while adding texture. Picture a bold, graphic wallpaper—maybe black-and-white chevrons—paired with seagrass baskets. The natural fibers soften the wall’s intensity, creating harmony. Or, stack colorful boxes for a playful, artsy look that screams, “I’ve got my life together… mostly.”
I once helped a friend organize her open-plan living room. We used baskets against a retro polka-dot wallpaper, and it was like the wall and storage had a secret handshake—functional yet fabulous. Bonus: baskets are perfect for hiding remotes, magazines, or that random sock you keep finding.
📦 Tip: Choose baskets with lids for a tidier look.
🧺 Pro Move: Mix basket sizes but keep the material consistent for cohesion.
🖼️ Noticeboards & Vases: Personal Touches
A feature wall doesn’t need to hog all the attention—it can share the spotlight. Pin a fabric-covered noticeboard to a wallpapered wall for a practical twist. Use it to display photos, postcards, or that concert ticket stub you’re weirdly attached to. Against a subtle wallpaper, like a soft herringbone, the noticeboard adds warmth without overwhelming.
Vases and bowls are your wild card. A cluster of ceramic vases in varying heights on a credenza against a vibrant wallpaper—like a coral reef pattern—creates a curated look. Fill them with dried pampas grass for a trendy touch. I once knocked over a vase while “curating” a friend’s shelf (oops), but the mess inspired a better arrangement. Sometimes chaos sparks genius!
🖼️ Tip: Use double-sided tape to secure noticeboards for easy removal.
🏺 Pro Move: Group vases in odd numbers—three or five—for a natural flow.
😂 Avoiding Decor Disasters
Let’s be real: decorating can go wrong faster than a toddler with a marker. Don’t choose a wallpaper so loud it drowns out the room’s vibe—like that time my cousin picked a neon zebra print and wondered why her guests got headaches. Test samples first, and view them in your space’s lighting. Open spaces often have tons of natural light, which can make colors pop or clash.
Also, don’t overcrowd the wall. A feature wall is a diva—it needs space to shine. One friend hung every mirror she owned on a damask wallpapered wall, and it looked like a funhouse gone rogue. Keep accessories intentional, not desperate.
🚫 Mistake to Avoid: Ignoring scale—tiny wallpaper patterns get lost in big spaces.
😅 Laugh It Off: If it looks bad, peel it off and try again. Decor’s not brain surgery!
🎨 Choosing the Right Wallpaper
Picking wallpaper is like choosing a first date outfit—exciting but stressful. For open spaces, bold patterns like oversized florals or abstract shapes work best; they hold their own in a large room. Subtle textures, like embossed silk, suit smaller nooks. Consider the room’s palette—pull colors from your sofa or rug to tie it all together.
Removable wallpaper is a game-changer for commitment-phobes. Brands like Tempaper offer peel-and-stick options that don’t scream “temporary.” And don’t forget maintenance—vinyl wallpapers are wipeable, perfect for homes with kids or clumsy adults (guilty).
🎨 Tip: Order extra rolls for mistakes or future repairs.
🛠️ Pro Move: Hire a pro for tricky patterns to avoid wonky seams.
🏡 Tying It All Together
A wallpapered feature wall in an open space is your chance to flex your creative muscles. Pair it with plants, mirrors, candle holders, and storage to create a look that’s uniquely you. Keep it balanced—let the wall shine but don’t let it bully the room. Experiment, laugh at the flops, and revel in the wins. Your home deserves a wall that tells its story, loud and proud.