Feature Walls or Whole Room Papering?

A client recently asked me about choosing a vibrant paper for a feature wall and I heard myself dismissing this idea and proceed to espouse the virtues of whole room papering.  Having seen the crestfallen look on her face I did pull myself up and wonder what the actual basis was for my loathing of feature walls.  I’m going to be honest here, I have certainly had my fill of feature walls, in fact by the end of the first decade of this century I think nearly every room in our house had been subjected to some form or another of a paper I had fallen in love with but for some reason felt unable to commit whole heartedly to.  Chimney breasts, bed head walls, piano walls and dresser walls were all diligently adorned……and then unadorned.  Why couldn’t I stay in love with them? Why was I so fickle?

When it comes to wallpapering, deciding between a feature wall or covering the entire room depends on several factors, including the style of the room, the wallpaper pattern, and the effect you want to achieve. Both approaches have their merits, (I’m trying to be fair here) but it’s hard not to be influenced by current trends. 

Feature Walls

Bold Statement: A feature wall allows you to introduce bold, eye-catching patterns or colours without overwhelming the space. It’s a great way to add a dramatic design element while keeping the rest of the room neutral.

Cost-Effective: Wallpapering a single wall is more affordable and requires less material and time than covering an entire room.

Flexibility: A feature wall can be easily changed if you want to refresh the room’s look without a major overhaul. It’s ideal for those who like to update their interiors frequently!

Focal Point: It creates a focal point in the room, drawing attention to a particular area, such as behind a bed, sofa, or fireplace—particularly useful in modern properties with no original features.

Whole-room Papering

Cohesive Look: Wallpapering the entire room creates a more cohesive and immersive environment, especially with subtle or smaller-scale patterns. It can make the space feel more finished and polished.

Adds Depth: Covering all the walls with wallpaper can add depth and character to a room, particularly in spaces like cloakrooms, bedrooms, or dining rooms where a rich, enveloping atmosphere is desired.

Luxury: Fully papering a room imparts a feeling of luxury and sophistication, making the space feel special and unique.

Historically Correct: I can’t help it—I’m still so influenced by my years spent in National Trust houses. Those glorious hand-painted chinoiserie bedrooms feel like the very reason wallpaper exists, demonstrating exactly how it should be used (in my humble opinion!).

Which Should You Choose?

Hands down, I’m definitely in the whole-room camp for all the reasons stated above. But I do think there are stylish ways to incorporate touches of wallpaper that don’t involve a traditional feature wall. For instance:

The inside of a glazed cabinet: Add a pop of pattern that’s visible only when the cabinet is opened, creating a delightful surprise.

As a splashback in a kitchen (set behind glass): This adds a unique design element while keeping the space practical and easy to clean.

Ceilings: Yes, you read that right—papered ceilings! This is a whole other topic, but I’m completely on board with it. A wallpapered ceiling can add unexpected charm and draw the eye upward, making the room feel taller and more dynamic.

Panelling with wallpaper above: If you’re not ready to commit to an entire room, consider panelling up to dado height and papering above. Alternatively, panel up to the picture rail and extend the paper above and across the ceiling—did I mention ceilings?

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While feature walls had their moment, and they certainly still have their place in certain designs, I find myself drawn more and more to the immersive, cohesive feel of whole-room wallpapering. It’s not just about covering walls; it’s about creating an environment that feels complete and considered. Whether you choose to go all in with whole-room papering or just add a touch of wallpaper in unexpected places, the key is to create a space that feels authentically you—whether it’s one wall or all four (and perhaps even the ceiling!).