Things To Think About When Picking Out High-End Wallpaper
Far removed from the outdated designs of decades past, luxury wall coverings are now synonymous with sophisticated style, unique textures, and bespoke patterns that elevate a room’s interior like nothing else can. From minimalist designs to elaborate statement pieces, the options available today leave no shortage of opportunities to transform any room into a personalized masterpiece.
But choosing high-end wallpaper isn’t just about picking a nice pattern—it requires thoughtful consideration to ensure the wallpaper enhances your space in the most meaningful way. Make the best choice for your room with this list of things to think about when picking out high-end wallpaper.
The Aesthetics of High-End Wallpaper
High-end wallpaper offers something that paint can’t—a touch of elegance, depth, and personality that transcends simplicity. Its ability to elevate the aesthetic appeal of a room is one of the primary reasons it’s a go-to choice for designers and style-conscious homeowners alike. Designer wallpapers use intricate details, sophisticated patterns, and rich textures that make walls come to life.
Some of today’s top trends in luxury wallpaper include floral and nature-inspired prints that bring the outdoors in, geometric shapes for modern elegance, and metallic accents that add a touch of glamour. Whether you’re partial to bold statement designs or prefer soft, understated patterns, wallpaper allows you to create a space that reflects your personal style.
Durability and Quality
When investing in high-end wallpaper, quality matters, both in appearance and longevity. Wallpaper serves both a decorative and functional purpose, so you must prioritize durability. High-quality wallpaper can withstand wear and tear, retain its color, and maintain its finish for years to come. Lower-quality options may peel, fade, or show signs of damage much faster, making them a less cost-effective solution.

Customization and Personalization
If you’re looking to create a one-of-a-kind aesthetic, custom high-end wallpaper is the way to go. Personalization enables you to tailor your walls to your lifestyle, preferences, and overall vision for your space.
Whether you want to try new colors, adjust pattern size, or tailor other details to your vision, customized wall coverings allow you to achieve a look that’s unique to you. For those who want to add an intimate touch to their home decor, custom wallpaper can become a true artistic expression that sets your space apart from others.
Traffic and Function
When choosing wallpaper, consider the functionality of the room and the level of activity it sees. High-traffic areas, such as entryways, hallways, or family rooms, require durable wallpaper that can handle the wear and tear of daily use. For these spaces, materials like vinyl or washable wallpapers are ideal because they’re easy to clean and maintain.
On the other hand, for rooms where aesthetics take precedence over practicality—think guest bedrooms or formal dining rooms—you can afford to opt for more delicate designs or materials. Additionally, consider the mood and purpose of the room. For a home office, calming patterns such as simple geometric designs may enhance focus and productivity, whereas a bright, whimsical wallpaper could add a playful energy to a kids’ room. Choosing a design and material that aligns with the purpose of the space ensures your wallpaper fits seamlessly into your lifestyle.
Atmosphere and Mood of a Space
Wallpaper does more than just enhance a room’s visual appeal—it also has the power to influence atmosphere and mood. The design, texture, and color you choose should complement the feeling you want to evoke in the space. For instance, soft pastels and subtle patterns can create a serene and relaxing environment in a bedroom, while bold prints with darker hues can add drama and sophistication to a living area.
Think about the energy you want to bring into each room. Want a fresh and uplifting feel? Opt for light-colored wallpaper with floral or nature-inspired patterns. Hoping for a cozy and intimate vibe? Look for deeper shades with textured finishes. By considering how the wallpaper sets the tone, you’ll create a space that feels just right every time you step into it.
Room Size and Scale
The size of the space and the pattern of the wallpaper need to work in harmony to achieve the best results. Larger patterns often make a bold impact in spacious rooms, but they can overwhelm smaller walls, making the room feel cramped. Conversely, intricate, small-scale designs may feel too busy in a large area, detracting from the overall aesthetic.
For smaller spaces, choose wallpaper with light colors and subtle patterns to create the illusion of openness. Vertical stripes, for example, can make ceilings appear higher. Large rooms, on the other hand, provide an opportunity to go big and bold, so don’t shy away from oversized motifs or geometric patterns that draw attention. Matching pattern size to the dimensions of the room creates visual balance and ensures the wallpaper enhances the space.
Lighting Style
Lighting can significantly alter the way a room looks, which means it’s a key factor to consider when picking out your high-end wallpaper. The same wallpaper can appear completely different depending on the combination of natural and artificial light in a room.
For example, darker spaces with less natural light can feel small and crowded if you’re not careful. Steer clear of dark colors and busy designs that will emphasize this feeling. Instead, try lighter colors that reflect light and make the room feel more expansive.
Testing wallpaper samples in different lighting conditions can help you envision how it will look throughout the day, making it easier to choose a design that will always fit the room.

Complementing Existing Decor
A luxury wallpaper is only as good as its harmony with the rest of the room. Ensure that your chosen design complements existing elements such as furniture, flooring, and decorative accents. A cluttered or mismatched look can quickly take away from the elegance that high-end wallpaper adds.
Think about the textures and colors that dominate the room and choose a wallpaper that either blends cohesively or adds a tasteful contrast. For instance, if the decor features neutral tones and soft furnishings, a bold patterned wallpaper can provide a striking focal point. Conversely, if the space already boasts attention-grabbing furniture or artwork, opt for a more subdued wallpaper that supports rather than competes with other pieces.
Your Space, Your Style
Finally, while trends and expert advice are valuable, the most important thing is that the wallpaper you choose reflects your story and individual taste. No one knows your space better than you do, so prioritize creating something that makes you happy and feels uniquely yours.
Don’t hesitate to experiment with styles, colors, and ideas outside of current industry norms. Whether you like a classic design or a contemporary masterpiece, your choice of wallpaper should embody your personal vision and purpose for the space.
Choose Luxury When You Choose Olivia + Poppy
Olivia + Poppy offers luxury wallcoverings that can transform your space. Explore our black and white wallpapers and other fashionable designs today to find the best choice for your project.