Wallpaper as Art

Posted by Kristin Abraham Sep 17, 2007

As is normally the case with me, I was doing something totally unrelated to interior decorating and became inspired by an idea. I was at a local pizza parlor and noticed their wallhangings, simple geometric patterns in pastel colors. It reminded me of the wallpaper I had in my bedroom as a child.

Now, if you've read my articles you know of my Wallpaper Woes and you know that I prefer removing wallpaper, even though it can be a pain, to painting over it. There was definitely not much love for wallpaper in my decorating past, althouh I absolutely adored my nook wallpapered with pages from a book. And I've recently seen people using wallpaper as headboards, to decorate table tops and other pieces of furniture and I feel the look is sometimes very effective.

But this latest brainstorm of mine could solve some of my wallpaper problems, if only people would embrace the concept. I think framing wallpaper and using it as artwork serves several purposes. Large canvasses covered in paper can be hung on the walls and create a splash of the pattern you love without going through the entire wallpapering ordeal. AND it's quickly and easily changed to suit any whim.

I also am a bit fascinated by the history of wallpaper. Some very beautiful patterns were manufactured in the victorian era and if you're lucky enough to be able to snag a swatch of this I feel it would be not only a beautiful framed piece of art but a great conversation piece and accessory in your home. If history isn't really your thing, I think saving wallpaper from your childhood bedroom or your first home is a really unique way to chronicle your life's journey and create personalized art.