Combining wallpaper and paint is a bold way to decorate that breaks traditional interior design rules. While many guidebooks will tell you to pick one or the other, marrying these two statement-making surfaces opens up a world of creativity. With the right combinations and placements, wallpaper plus paint can make for an eye-catching space that is all your own.

Break up Wallpaper with Stripes

If you have a large wall that you want to paper but don’t want to cover the whole thing, try framing the wallpaper with painted stripes on either side. Pick a colour that coordinates with your wallpaper print for a cohesive look. The stripes help break up a wall of pattern without losing the impact of the wallpaper design. 

Feature Wallpaper Above Paneling

Papering the upper portion above the panels can make a plain-panelled wall more attractive. This draws the eye upward and makes the most of the wall space. For maximum impact, consider wallpapering in a vertical strip or as an accent wall in a high-traffic area like your entryway or living room. 

Paint Between Different Patterned Papers

Rely on a consistent colour from room to room, but change the wallpaper design. For example, you could wallpaper a bedroom in a floral and the hallway in a geometric, with the same soft blue paint in between. This would tie the spaces together while allowing each its own character.

Accent Edges with Painted Frames

If wallpaper feels too much of a commitment for an entire wall, try framing just a centred paper inset. Paint the surrounding areas in a coordinating hue and let the framed wallpaper pop. This looks polished without fully wallpapering.

Paint Behind Open Shelving

Open shelving displays your favourites while also serving as a design element. But the walls behind risk looking unfinished. Paint just the recessed wall areas behind shelves to streamline the look while still showing off your collections.

Highlight Trims and Moulding

Paint beautiful architectural details like baseboards, doors and window casings in a colour that complements the wallpaper to draw attention. This is an easy way to make a bold print stand out against the surrounding walls. 

Accent with Backsplashes

The kitchen is a perfect blank canvas for getting creative with wallpaper and paint combinations. Try wallpapering the backsplash area above counters in a pattern and painting the surrounding walls and cabinetry a cohesive colour. It’s like wallpapering but on a smaller, low-commitment scale.

With some imagination, you can thoughtfully incorporate wallpaper and paint into your design scheme for truly eye-catching statement walls. Focus on balance and using the materials to accentuate the space rather than overwhelm it.

Count On Us!

Looking for the perfect paints or wallpapers for your Toronto home? Monarch Paints has many top brands to help you transform your space. We proudly offer a huge selection of the high quality 7 designer product lines. Call or drop in to speak with one of our design consultants who can assist you in finding the right hues and textures to realize your design dreams. 

• Farrow & Ball

• Morris & Co.

• Phillip Jeffries

• Sanderson

• LIBERTY.

• Cole & Son

• Lee Jofa

• Designer's Guild

• Roberto Cavalli

• Dolce & Gabbana

• House of Hackney

• Coordonné

• Pierre Frey

• New Wall

• Sandberg

• Rebel Walls

• York Wallcoverings / Brewster Home Fashions

• Crown Surface Solutions

• Ontario Decor

• ... and many more!