How to Design Your Own Custom Wallpaper (And Where to Buy It)

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Have you ever walked into a room and felt like something was missing? Maybe it’s the walls—they’re just too plain! 

Imagine being able to transform those blank spaces into something that tells your story, reflects your personality, and adds warmth to your home. Custom wallpaper is a fantastic way to do just that, and the best part is, it’s much easier than you might think.

In 2024, designing your own wallpaper has never been more accessible. With user-friendly design tools and printing services, you can bring your creative ideas to life without needing professional skills. 

Why Choose Custom Wallpaper for Your Home Décor? 

How to design your own custom wallpaper

If you’ve ever looked at plain walls and felt they needed something extra, custom wallpaper might just be the perfect solution. Here’s why designing your own wallpaper can make such a difference:

  • Personalization: Custom wallpaper allows you to create a space that truly reflects your unique style and personality. You can incorporate colors, patterns, and themes that are meaningful to you, making your home feel more like… well, home!
  • Unique Design: Store-bought wallpaper can often feel generic. When you design your own, you have the freedom to create something truly one-of-a-kind. Whether you want a bold statement piece or a subtle background pattern, the choice is yours.
  • High-Quality Materials: When you create your own wallpaper, you get to choose the materials. This means you can pick high-quality options that are durable and suited to your needs. Whether you’re looking for something easy to clean or with a specific texture, you’re in control.

With custom wallpaper, you have the power to bring your vision to life and make your space as unique as you.

Let’s move on to gathering some inspiration!

Gather Inspiration and Ideas 

bedroom with custom black wallpaper

Have you ever found yourself scrolling through Instagram or flipping through a magazine and thought, “I wish my room looked like that”? 

Well, now it can! The first step in creating your custom wallpaper is gathering inspiration and deciding on a theme or style that speaks to you.

  • Look for Design Styles That Inspire You: Start by exploring different design styles. Do you love the organic feel of nature-inspired patterns, or are you drawn to bold, geometric shapes? Maybe abstract art or vintage florals are more your style. You could also consider minimalist designs for a clean, modern look, or bohemian patterns for a relaxed, eclectic vibe.
  • Take Note of Colors: Think about your existing decor. Are there colors that would complement your furniture or other decorative elements? Picking the right color scheme can make your wallpaper truly tie a room together.
  • Use Online Tools: Tools like Pinterest, Instagram, or even mood board apps are great places to save your favorite designs. You can even make a mood board with clippings from magazines, fabric samples, or sketches—anything that helps you visualize your idea. For an easy online mood board tool, you can try Canva.
  • Use AI: AI tools are an exciting way to generate unique and creative wallpaper designs. Platforms like Midjourney allow you to create stunning visuals using AI-generated art. Simply describe what you’re envisioning, and the AI will generate multiple design options for you to consider. You can also use other AI art generators like DALL·E or Stable Diffusion to come up with abstract, artistic, or highly customized designs that you might not have thought of on your own. These tools can be especially useful if you’re looking for something truly one-of-a-kind or if you’re struggling to come up with ideas.

The more inspiration you gather, the easier it will be to create a design that feels cohesive and true to your vision. So, grab a notebook, start snapping photos, and get ready to bring your creative ideas to life!

Choosing the Best Materials for Your Custom Wallpaper

wallpaper rolls on floor

Now that you’ve got a clear idea of what you want, it’s time to think about the materials you’ll need.

  • Paste-the-Wall: This method is industry standard now and is much easier to work with compared to traditional paper. With non-woven wallpaper, you apply the adhesive directly to the wall rather than the paper, which makes it simpler to adjust and position. As a professional painter, I use this method most often due to its ease of installation and excellent results.
  • Traditional Paper: This is the classic choice, but it isn’t used as much anymore. It’s affordable but can be challenging to apply and remove, especially for beginners.
  • Peel-and-Stick: This option is great for DIYers. Peel-and-stick wallpaper is easy to apply and reposition.
  • Textured: Textured wallpaper can add a whole new dimension to your design. It’s a bit trickier to work with, but the results can be stunning, especially if you’re going for a specific look.

Once you’ve got your materials sorted, you’re ready for the next step—deciding on your design technique!

Decide on Your Design Technique

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There are several ways to create your custom wallpaper design, and the method you choose will depend on your style, the level of detail you want, and how comfortable you are with different tools. 

Here are some popular techniques:

Hand-Painted

If you love the idea of a truly unique, artistic touch, you can sketch and paint directly on the wallpaper or a removable base. This is perfect for those who enjoy painting and want their walls to have a handcrafted look.

Stencils and Stamps 

For repeating patterns without the need for a steady hand, stencils and stamps are your best friends. You can buy stencils with various designs or even create your own. 

Homemade stamps, crafted from foam or other materials, can also add a unique flair to your project. This method is ideal if you want something consistent but still with a creative DIY feel.

Digital Design 

This technique has become incredibly popular, especially with the option of printing your own photos or custom graphics. 

With digital design, you can use software like Canva, Adobe Illustrator, or other design platforms to create intricate patterns. 

This method is practical because it allows for precise control over the design, and you can easily replicate it without inconsistencies. 

Ordering Your Own Design Online

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When you’ve decided on the design you want for your wallpaper, sites like Wallsauce, Rebelwalls, and Bagsoflove make it super easy to have it made for you.

Here’s how you can get your masterpiece up on your walls in no time.

Select a Website

Head to a custom wallpaper site like Wallsauce, Rebelwalls, or Bagsoflove. Each of these has its own little perks, but they all follow a similar process: upload your design, choose the dimensions, and preview your creation. The materials are usually paste-the-wall wallpaper or stick-and-peel, making it easy to install.

Customize the Details

Now, time to make it your own! Do you want your wallpaper to cover an entire wall or just part of it? Maybe you want to add some text, change the color, or play around with the layout. Most sites have editing tools to tweak things to your liking. 

Double-Check and Order

Once you’re happy with your design, double-check everything—dimensions, quality, and any special notes. 

The materials are usually paste-the-wall wallpaper or stick-and-peel, making it easy to install.

Then, hit that order button and wait for your custom creation to be delivered. 

Install and Enjoy!

When your wallpaper arrives, it’s time to bring your space to life. 

Whether you install it yourself or get some help, there’s nothing quite like seeing your design in full scale on your walls. And just like that, you’ve created something truly unique.

Tips for Maintaining Your Custom Wallpaper

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Image: thewallstickercompany.com.au

Once your beautiful custom wallpaper is up, you’ll want to make sure it stays looking fresh and vibrant for as long as possible. Here are some tips to help maintain your wallpaper:

  • Cleaning: Use a soft, damp cloth to gently wipe down your wallpaper if it gets dirty. Avoid using harsh chemicals, as these can damage the design. For stubborn spots, try a mild soap solution, but always test it in an inconspicuous area first.
  • Protecting from Sunlight: Direct sunlight can cause colors to fade over time. If possible, position furniture or use curtains to limit the amount of direct sunlight your wallpaper receives, especially if it features vibrant colors.
  • Humidity Control: In high-humidity areas like bathrooms or kitchens, make sure to use moisture-resistant materials. You can also apply a clear coat in satin or eggshell finish to your wallpaper. This additional layer will help protect your design from moisture and make it easier to clean.
  • Repair Small Issues Promptly: If you notice any peeling edges or small tears, fix them right away with a little extra adhesive. Addressing minor issues early will prevent them from turning into bigger problems.

Conclusion

Designing your own custom wallpaper is a creative way to transform your living space into something truly yours. By choosing your own designs, colors, and techniques, you add a personal touch to your home. 

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