Dad's Guide To Decorating - Choose The Right Wallpaper For Your Kid's Room

As a parent, creating a warm and welcoming environment for your child is a high priority. Decorating your child's room is a fun and creative task, but it can also be overwhelming with so many options available. Wallpaper is a key element in the room's design and has the ability to set the tone for the entire space. 

This guide will provide you with a comprehensive look at various wallpaper patterns, helping you choose the best one for your kid's room. With a clear understanding of the different styles available, you'll be able to make a confident and informed decision for your child's space.

Understanding Wallpaper Patterns 

Wallpaper patterns come in an array of styles and designs, each with its own unique characteristics. From classic florals to modern geometric designs, the pattern you select will depend on your personal taste, the style of your home, and your child's age.

For young children, bright and bold patterns are ideal. These patterns are playful and stimulate the imagination, perfect for a child's room. Bold patterns, such as stripes or polka dots, can also help create a lively and energetic atmosphere in the room. 

On the other hand, for older children, more sophisticated patterns may be more suitable, such as abstract designs or even murals. Abstract designs can help to create a calming and peaceful environment, while murals can be used to create a unique and personalized look in the room.

When choosing a wallpaper pattern, it's important to consider the size of the room. Smaller rooms benefit from lighter and more understated patterns, while larger rooms can handle bolder and more dramatic designs. Lighter patterns, such as florals or light stripes, can help to create the illusion of a larger room, while bolder patterns, such as large geometric shapes or busy designs, can help to create a cozy and inviting atmosphere.

Choosing the Right Wallpaper Material 

In addition to the pattern, it's also important to consider the material of the wallpaper. Options include vinyl, fabric, and paper.

Vinyl wallpaper is a popular choice for kids' rooms due to its durability and ease of cleaning. Its moisture resistance makes it suitable for bathrooms and kitchens, and it can also withstand the wear and tear of active children. Vinyl wallpaper is also available in a wide range of patterns and colors, making it a versatile option for any child's room.

Fabric wallpaper is a great option for bedrooms due to its soft and warm feel. Made from natural materials, it is also more environmentally friendly than other options. It can also be used to create a cozy and inviting atmosphere in the room. However, it is important to note that fabric wallpaper is not as durable as vinyl or paper wallpaper, and may not be suitable for high-traffic areas.

Paper wallpaper is the most affordable option, but it is also the least durable. It is best used in low-traffic areas, such as a guest room or a home office. However, paper wallpaper is available in a wide range of patterns and colors, making it a versatile option for any child's room.

Creating a Theme for Your Kid's Room 

Having chosen the right wallpaper pattern and material, it's now time to consider the overall theme of your child's room. This can range from a favorite color or character to a specific hobby or interest. A themed room can help to bring the space together and make it feel like a special place just for your child.

For instance, if your child loves animals, a jungle or safari-themed wallpaper pattern can be a perfect choice. This type of pattern can feature an array of colorful animals, from lions and zebras to monkeys and giraffes, and can help to create an adventurous atmosphere in the room. 

On the other hand, if your child has a fascination with space, a starry night design might be a better choice. This type of pattern can feature an array of stars, planets, and other celestial objects, and can help to create a dreamy and magical atmosphere in the room.

Another important aspect to consider when creating a theme for your child's room is the color scheme. The colors you choose should complement the wallpaper pattern, as well as the overall style of the room. For example, if you choose a bright and bold pattern, you might want to opt for a neutral color scheme, such as white or beige, to balance the boldness of the pattern. On the other hand, if you choose a more understated pattern, you might want to opt for a bolder color scheme, such as red or blue, to make the pattern stand out.

Decorating with Wallpaper 

Once you have chosen the perfect wallpaper pattern and have created a theme for your child's room, it's time to start decorating. 

When it comes to decorating with wallpaper, there are many different options to choose from. For example, you can opt for a feature wall, which involves using the wallpaper on one wall of the room to create a focal point. This is a great option if you want to create a bold and impactful look in the room.

Another option is to use the wallpaper throughout the entire room, which can help to create a more cohesive and consistent look. This is a great option if you want to create a more subtle and understated look in the room.

In addition to these options, you can also use wallpaper to create a border in the room, which can help to define the space and add a touch of interest. This is a great option if you want to add a subtle and playful touch to the room.

Tips for Installing Wallpaper 

Installing wallpaper can be a bit intimidating, but with the right tools, a little bit of patience, and some help from the kids, it can be a fun and rewarding experience. Here are a few tips to help you get started:

Prepare the walls: Before you start installing the wallpaper, it's important to prepare the walls. This involves cleaning the walls and repairing any cracks or holes.

Measure the walls: Once the walls are prepared, it's important to measure the walls to determine how much wallpaper you will need. This will help you to avoid any waste and ensure that you have enough wallpaper to complete the project.

Plan the layout: Before you start installing the wallpaper, it's important to plan the layout. This involves determining the starting point, such as the corner of the room, and determining the direction that you will install the wallpaper.

Use a wallpaper paste: When it comes to installing wallpaper, it's important to use a wallpaper paste. This will help to ensure that the wallpaper adheres properly to the wall and does not peel or bubble over time.

Final Thoughts 

Decorating a child's room with wallpaper can be a fun and rewarding experience. By considering the pattern, material, theme, and installation process, you can create a special and personalized space that your child will love. 

With a little bit of creativity and attention to detail, you can turn your child's room into a unique and magical place.

Byline: Paul Reed is a professional designer and decorator with over 10 years of experience. He specializes in creating beautiful and functional spaces that reflect his clients' unique styles and needs.