Wallpaper is not just for decorating—it’s a smart way to make a small space feel more open. The right design can trick the eye, creating the illusion of depth and brightness, even in the tiniest rooms.
By choosing the right colors, patterns, and placements, you can transform how a space feels without any structural changes.
So, if your bedroom feels cramped, your hallway seems too narrow, or your living area looks tight, don’t worry. With a few strategic wallpaper choices, you can make your space look more expansive and stylish—no renovations required!
Understanding How Wallpaper Can Make a Room Feel Bigger or Smaller
Ever feel like your room is just too cramped? As it turns out, wallpaper and vinyl wall murals can really change how a space feels.
Our brains are good at getting tricked by light, color, and patterns. With the right wallpaper, you can create the illusion of a more spacious area, making ceilings seem higher and walls feel farther apart.
On the flip side, a poor wallpaper choice can make a room feel tighter than it actually is.
So, how can you use wallpaper effectively? Understanding some design tricks is key. Whether you opt for light shades to open up a small room or choose bold patterns for character, wallpaper can be a powerful tool.
One of the easiest ways to start is by choosing the right colors.
1. Know Which Wallpaper Colors Make Your Room Look Bigger
Color is one of the simplest ways to alter the perceived size of a room. The right shades of your colorful wallpaper can create an airy, open feel, while the wrong ones can make a space feel more confined.
Below are some color guidelines to keep in mind.
- Light colors (White, cream, soft grays, pastels.) These reflect natural light and make a room feel brighter and more open. Check them out: white floral wallpaper | gray wallpaper
- Neutral tones (Beige, soft blues, pale greens.) They add warmth while maintaining a sense of expansiveness. Check them out: blue wallpaper | green wallpaper
- Cool shades (Soft blues, light greens.) These refreshing tones visually push walls outward.
Meanwhile, here are some colors to use sparingly.
- Dark colors (Deep blues, charcoal, rich reds.) While they can feel cozy, they absorb light and may make a room feel smaller. Check them out: black and white wallpaper | red wallpaper
- Bold colors (Vibrant reds, oranges, purples.) These work best for an accent wall rather than covering an entire space. Check them out: orange wallpaper | purple wallpaper
If you prefer darker shades, balance them with lighter furnishings, mirrors, and strategic lighting. That way, the room won’t feel closed in.
2. Add Height to a Room with Vertical Stripe Wallpaper
Want to make low ceilings appear taller without a costly renovation?
Vertical stripes are a simple yet powerful trick. They direct the eye upward, creating an illusion of height.
Here is a quick guide on how to use vertical striped wallpaper effectively.
- Choose soft, neutral tones. Light-colored stripes, like in our colorful striped wallpaper, create a subtle yet effective illusion of height, making the room feel open and airy.
- Opt for high-contrast stripes for boldness. If you want a statement look, pick two complementary shades. Avoid overly busy designs, as too much contrast can feel chaotic.
- Extend stripes from floor to ceiling. Unbroken vertical lines offer the best effect. Don’t disrupt them with wainscoting or chair rails.
- Pair with vertical décor. Tall furniture, floor-length curtains, and vertical shelving can boost the overall illusion.
With the right striped wallpaper and well-chosen décor, any small room can feel taller and more stylish.
3. Use Mural Wallpaper to Create Depth and Expand Your Space
Mural wallpapers can transform a cramped space by creating depth and visually extending the walls. They trick the eyes into seeing more distance than there actually is.
However, to get the best results, it is important to pick the right images for your mural.
Below are a few styles that can make your room look bigger:
- Scenic landscapes. A forest path or mountain range can hint at an extended area beyond the wall.
- Architectural elements. Designs featuring archways, windows, or long hallways add depth.
- Panoramic city views. Skylines or distant horizons can help a compact room feel more open.
- Bright, open scenes. If your room lacks windows, a mural with a bright sky or open field mimics natural light.
Keep the rest of your décor minimal to highlight the mural. Use furniture and accessories with complementary colors for a cohesive look. Adding mirrors can also reflect light and deepen the sense of space.
4. Choose Large-Scale Patterns for a More Expansive Look
Large-scale patterns can trick the eye into perceiving more visual space.
Some popular options include the following.
- Large floral prints. Floral prints soften a room, adding charm without crowding. Their expansive nature prevents the eye from focusing on the room's limits. Check out our floral wallpaper collection for more options!
- Bold geometric patterns. Geometric murals add structure and depth through strong lines and shapes.
- Abstract designs. Abstract designs, like in our abstract floral wallpaper, add movement and interest without overwhelming the space, enhancing the room’s size.
- Flowing patterns. Seamless designs that stretch walls and amplify openness.
- Symmetrical layouts. Balanced patterns that help the room feel more spacious.
- Light-colored prints. Reflect light and brighten the area.
If you use large-scale wallpaper, keep other elements in the room simple. Too many bold accents can compete with the wallpaper and shrink the perceived space.
5. Extend the Wallpaper to the Ceiling for a Loftier Feel
Applying or hanging wallpaper on the ceiling creates a visual flow that draws the eye upward.
Normally, our eyes are drawn to the walls and then the ceiling, but when you add wallpaper to the ceiling, it tricks your brain into thinking the space is taller.
The key is using light-colored or subtle patterns. These colors and designs reflect more light and keep the ceiling from feeling too "heavy" or cramped.
This technique can quickly give you a loftier, more open atmosphere and an extra dash of personality.
6. Use Light-Reflective Wallpaper to Brighten and Widen a Room
Another effective way to make a room look bigger with wallpaper is to pick light-reflective finishes.
These could be metallic, pearlescent, or glossy surfaces that bounce light around, creating a brighter, more open feel—especially important in areas with limited natural light.
Not only does it make the room feel larger, but it also adds a stylish touch with a subtle shine. Try using the following wallpaper styles.
- Metallic finishes (silver, gold, copper) reflect light and add a touch of elegance. Check out these collections: silver wall decals | gold flower wall decals
- Pearlescent sheens provide a gentle glow and brighten the room.
- Glossy surfaces reflect light and make the room feel airy.
With light-reflective wallpaper, you will bring in more light, create a sense of space, and elevate the room’s style—all in one go.
7. Add Textured Wallpaper to Create Dimension Without Clutter
Another way to make a room look bigger with wallpaper is by adding texture.
Try using textured wallpaper that mimics materials like linen, wood grain, or stucco. It adds subtle visual interest and dimension, making the space feel richer without taking up physical space.
The key is that textures like these do not overwhelm the space. They make the room feel bigger by drawing attention to different areas, which makes it feel more open and less flat.
Choose gentle, natural textures that add depth without overwhelming. If the pattern is too busy or heavily embossed, it can crowd the space instead of opening it up.
8. Apply Wallpaper the Right Way to Maximize Space Perception
When it comes to making a room look bigger with wallpaper, how you apply it is just as important as the design you choose.
Start by measuring your space accurately, then clean and prime the walls so the wallpaper sticks properly and lasts.
Peel-and-stick wallpapers are a top choice for simple installation and easy adjustments.
Also, align seams carefully. If the seams are off, they disrupt the seamless look needed to make the room feel larger.
Our guide on how to hang wallpaper delves even more into this!
Wallpaper Mistakes That Take Away Space Instead of Adding It
Knowing how to choose the right wallpaper is crucial, but it’s just as important to avoid common pitfalls that can shrink your space visually.
Remember to avoid the following when choosing wallpapers.
1. Using a Single, Overpowering Pattern
Covering all walls in one overwhelming design can make the room feel busy and confined. Balance bolder patterns with solid colors or simpler accents to avoid visual clutter.
2. Using Too Many Dark Accents
Dark elements can make walls feel closer. Balance them with lighter details to keep the space open.
3. Cluttered, Intricate Patterns with No Breaks
Very busy prints can crowd a room. Opt for wallpaper that offers some negative space to let the eye rest.
4. Wallpapers with Large, Overbearing Borders
Heavy borders can box in a room, making it feel smaller. Choose designs that flow naturally without harsh lines at the edges.
5. Misusing Wallpaper for Small Rooms
In a small living room or small laundry room, big, bold designs can overwhelm. Use wallpaper that enhances natural light and keeps the space feeling airy.
6. Matching Furniture Too Closely
Furniture that mirrors wallpaper patterns too closely can feel heavy. Create some contrast between the two to help the room appear more dynamic and spacious.
Final Thoughts on Enhancing Room Size with Wallpaper
Wallpaper is more than just a decorative detail—it can truly transform small spaces. The right combination of color, pattern, and finish can instantly make a room brighter, taller, and more open.
Don’t limit yourself to plain walls. Consider vertical stripes, large-scale prints, light-reflective textures, or even mural wallpapers to visually expand your space. The key is to experiment, find your style, and see how wallpaper can work its magic.
Ready to transform your room? Check out more wallpaper ideas at StickerBrand and create a space that feels bigger and bolder!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Should I Wallpaper All Four Walls or Just One to Make My Room Look Bigger?
Using wallpaper on all four walls creates a continuous, unified look that can help a room appear larger. Wallpapering only one wall sometimes creates a strong contrast, drawing attention to the room’s small size rather than expanding it.
Can I Mix Different Wallpaper Designs in One Room to Make It Look Bigger?
Yes, but vary the scale of each pattern. For instance, if one wallpaper has a large floral design, pair it with a smaller stripe or geometric pattern. This balance keeps the eye moving without overwhelming the space.
Can I Use Wallpaper in a Small Bathroom to Make It Feel More Spacious and Luxurious?
Absolutely. Large prints, such as floral or geometric, can visually expand a small bathroom or small laundry room. Matching the wallpaper with the decor in adjoining areas helps maintain a consistent flow.