How to enlarge a child's room with wallpaper: our tips
Create a sense of grandeur in a small children's room is sometimes a challenge, especially when it comes to offering a space that is both playful and harmonious. With over ten years of experience in interior decoration, I see every day how the choice of wallpaper influences the atmosphere and visual perception of space. Using light and bright colors, playing with striped or geometric patterns, and positioning the wallpaper correctly really allows to visually enlarge the space, giving the impression of a larger and more welcoming room.
The influence of colors on space perception
Opting for light and bright colors is often the first step to create the impression of a larger room. Pastel shades, off-white, or cream tones diffuse natural light more, while reflecting artificial lighting. This choice promotes a clear atmosphere that minimizes the effects of confinement caused by dark walls.
Combining these soft colors with furniture of a similar tone further accentuates this volumetric effect. Even if you like bright touches, it is better to reserve strong colors for accessories or a few subtle details in order to preserve the feeling of openness created by soft backgrounds.
The strategic role of patterns in visually enlarging the space
Each pattern has its own magic. Some patterns directly influence the perception of proportions in a room. The optical illusion then becomes a precious ally to optimize space planning in a children's room.
Choosing the right wallpaper patterns is essential to avoid overloading the room and, on the contrary, to bring lightness and depth. This is where the decorator's tricks come into play to transform even small spaces!
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Why choose striped patterns (vertical or horizontal)?
Striped patterns are a classic trick to manipulate the height or width of a room. Applying vertical stripes gives the illusion that the ceiling is rising, while horizontal stripes stretch the walls laterally. The direction of the pattern must adapt to the desired effect according to the initial configuration of the room.
For a room with a low ceiling, installing wallpaper with vertical stripes immediately transforms the perspective. Conversely, in a rather narrow room, it is best to favor horizontal stripes to visually open up the width.
What do delicate, light, or geometric patterns allow?
Equipping yourself with wallpaper adorned with small patterns, whether floral, graphic, or botanical, helps to lighten the wall decoration without saturating the space. Delicate patterns guarantee an airy result and avoid the suffocating effect caused by overly imposing or repeated large-scale designs.
Using simple geometric patterns or well-spaced patterns also energizes the room. A discreet composition associated with light colors ideally harmonizes with an environment where every centimeter counts.
Creating a focal point with an accent wall
The choice of an accent wall actively contributes to concealing the real limits of a children's room. Covering only one wall with a panoramic wallpaper or a strong pattern attracts attention to that specific focal point, thus amplifying the depth of the room.
To maximize this optical illusion, place the wallpaper behind the bed or on the wall opposite the entrance to structure the overall vision upon arrival in the room. The rest of the walls benefit from a coordinated light shade that extends the feeling of openness.
Staging the space: techniques and mistakes to avoid
A judicious arrangement also involves respecting certain rules in order not to overload the decor. Targeting the right surfaces to wallpaper limits the risk of overloading and ensures a balance between wallcovering and visual circulation.
Overloading with too many varied patterns or using several disparate wallpapers causes the opposite effect: a room appears smaller than it actually is. A coherent combination of light colors and subtle patterns ensures a beneficial visual continuity.
What are the advantages of panoramic wallpaper?
Panoramic wallpaper offers wide-ranging designs: natural landscapes, imaginary scenes, or abstract representations, perfect for visually enlarging the space. It covers an entire wall, avoiding repetition, literally immersing the child in an inspiring universe.
Used on a back wall, this type of covering virtually pushes the partition. The room then appears traversable or extended in the imagination. Even in less than nine square meters, this kind of decor truly transforms the atmosphere.
When should you opt for color contrasts?
Integrating subtle color contrasts between the wallpaper, furniture, and textiles highlights certain volumes without cutting off the perspective. A marked contrast, but limited to a few elements (for example, a light blue wardrobe on a white background), pleasantly accentuates the room's dynamic without visually narrowing the space.
Using a tonic duo to emphasize the skirting boards or define the headboard creates a graphic delineation. As long as the overall balance is based on clarity, the addition of contrasts acts as a visual stimulant that structures without partitioning.
Implementation ideas and practical inspirations
Moving from theory to realization begins with the analysis of the actual space: window, door, furniture layout, ceiling height. Each parameter influences the choice of placement and quantity of wallpaper. Here are some concrete tips to remember:
- Focus on one brightly decorated wall (behind the bed, facing the entrance) to structure the whole.
- Opt for pastel or cream shades to maximize light diffusion.
- Prefer fine or striped patterns, avoiding those that are too dense or imposing.
- Always target consistency between the wallpaper, bedding, and furniture.
- Never exceed two different types of wallpaper in the same room.
The addition of reflective accessories, light curtains, or mirrors accentuates the main enlargement effect obtained through wallpaper. These tricks naturally integrate to reinforce the perception of space.
| Type of wallpaper | Effect created | Placement advice |
|---|---|---|
| Light and bright colors | Overall enlarges the room | All walls or main wall |
| Vertical stripes | Heightens the ceiling | Walls opposite the entrance |
| Horizontal stripes | Visually widens the room | Long or narrow walls |
| Geometric patterns/small patterns | Structures without overloading | Targeted areas, accent wall |
| Panoramic wallpaper | Optical illusion, immersion | Back wall or behind the bed |
Frequently asked questions to optimize space with wallpaper
What wallpaper patterns should be avoided in a small children's room?
It is better to avoid large repetitive or heavy patterns that risk weighing down the atmosphere and reducing the impression of space. Also avoid very dark or uniformly contrasting prints, which absorb light. Prefer instead:
- Airy and spaced small patterns
- Delicate or discreet geometric patterns
- Soft and bright colors
The goal is for the eye to circulate easily without visual blockage.
Where to place panoramic wallpaper for optimal optical illusion?
The best location for panoramic wallpaper is usually on the back wall, or behind the headboard when it is visible upon entering. This location concentrates attention and helps to virtually open up the room by creating a striking optical illusion.
Other options include covering the wall opposite a light source or exploiting a wall without furniture to accentuate the continuity of the decor.
Are color contrasts compatible with the idea of visually enlarging the space?
Yes, color contrasts can enhance the impression of volume if used sparingly. The trick is to limit their presence to avoid space fragmentation. A few examples:
- Painting the skirting boards with a shade that contrasts with the wall
- Installing colorful furniture on a light background
- Placing a graphic band framing a specific area
Here is a simplified table to compare the effects based on the placement of contrasts:
| Contrast applied to | Visual impact |
|---|---|
| Skirting boards/Baseboards | Highlights the contours while maintaining overall openness |
| Headboard/Single wall | Creates a focal point, accentuates depth |
| Entire wall | Can restrict the perception of space if too dark |
What common mistakes to watch out for when decorating a children's room with wallpaper?
A common mistake is to cover all walls with heavy patterns or to use multiple styles of wallpapers. This affects visual fluidity and reduces the effectiveness of space optimization tricks. Some points to watch out for:
- Overloading surfaces to the detriment of simplicity
- Neglecting the orientation of light to select tones and patterns
- Ignoring the importance of the choice of the accent wall
Also, remember to maintain a certain balance between wallpaper, furniture, and other decorative elements to ensure a harmony conducive to the child's rest and awakening.
