Over the years, we've had lots of orders come in for single rolls of wallpaper and have been asked for advice on what to do with those remaining metres once an install is complete. Perhaps the budget can't stretch to cover multiple rolls, or you don't want to commit to papering an entire room, but this doesn't mean you should be denied the joy of a favourite design. So, we thought we'd put together ten tips to guide you with what to do with just one roll. It's surprising what can be achieved with ten metres of the most decorative designs...
The Small WC
Who doesn't love an eye-catching loo? If you happen to have a small loo in your home, this can be the perfect location for a pop of colour and pattern. If the space is mini enough, perhaps with some tiling, there's a chance one roll will do the trick. This lovely loo is designed by Emil Eve Architects and uses our
Lioness & Palms in Midnight by C.F.A Voysey.
The Single Wall
Feature walls sometimes get a rid of a bad rap, but we don't feel it's always necessary to listen to this - much rather to be led by personal taste and clever judgement. If wallpapering a single wall is looking like it'll be much more achievable, we say go for it. Select paint colours and furnishings that work well with the design, and the room will feel harmonious and the statement wall (or two) will fit in seamlessly. This space, designed by the super talented Marcante Testa, shows inspired use of our Old Oak wallpaper in Blue, used just in the corner of a room.
Panelling
If your walls are panelled - for instance, with a dado rail or shiplap - a nice idea is to wallpaper the remaining half of the wall. This'll mean you can make one roll stretch, and the chosen wallpaper pattern can work in tandem with the style of panelling already in place. The London Basin Company created a lovely example of this using Lucky Leaf in one of their bathroom sets.
Lining Cupboards & Shelves
This idea is particularly great for leftover bits of wallpaper, or if you've simply fallen in love with a design but don't have anywhere to hang it. What a great surprise to open a drawer and find them beautifully lined, or to reveal this level of detail and care hidden inside a cupboard. We especially love this lined cabinet, as the glass doors allow the pattern to peek out from behind the plates. This image features
Love Leaves in Blue by William Kilburn, used by Tamsin Saunders from Home and Found.
Screens
Antique room dividers and screens can be easily found at car-boots and online, and since they often need a little bit of love, a fun way to update them is to add wallpaper. You'll now have a moveable screen that adds a new dimension and personality to a space, without having had the commitment of wallpapering an entire room. Our
Curious Creatures wallpaper in both colourways is used here.
Alcoves & Niches
Highlighting tricky nooks and crannies can be easily done with wallpaper: again, you're inserting the pattern into the space without overhauling the whole room, and then you can be creative with paintwork and furnishings, to draw upon colours in the design and echo them throughout the space. This children's room features
Lioness & Palms in Midday.
Borders
Borders are an amazing way to add some pattern and colour to a space. They are really affordable and particularly suit those who might not want to commit to fully wallpapering, but want to add a decorative finishing touch. Used on furniture as shown here, at the top of the wall meeting the ceiling, around windows or door frames, or to accentuate a feature, just one 10m roll can go a long way. Our
Earthenware border in blue has been used in this dressing room.
Lampshades
Wallpaper makes an incredible lampshade cover: simply get hold of an inexpensive, plain lampshade (second hand if possible!), grab some glue and scissors, and let your DIY skills shine.
Old Oak in Pomona Green was used beautifully here by Nancy Waters.
Small Ceilings
Decorated ceilings are such a inventive and interesting way to add depth to a room, especially a bedroom where it can be admired whilst lying in bed. We recommend bright and breezy patterns for this, to help the space feel bigger and inspire a sense of positivity and peace.
Harlequin Pearl by Fee Greening is used in this beautiful showroom in Denmark.
In a Frame
Lastly, wallpaper does not necessarily need to be affixed to a wall - you can simply pop it in a favourite frame and treat the design as a work of art with a story to tell.
Thanks for reading. We hope you feel inspired to get creative with a roll or two. We've just updated our Outlet with lots of leftover rolls from past batches at discounted prices, so do check it out.
For the rest of the month we're also offering a deal on samples, when you buy 3 you get the 4th free, so sample away! Discount is applied automatically at checkout.
Shop here.
words by Alice Hodgson
