Wallpaper: What You Need to Know
(And Why You Absolutely Need Us to Help You Get It Right)
Let’s be real—wallpaper is one of the best things to happen to interior design. It can add depth, drama, whimsy, or elegance to a space faster than you can say “Do I need to prime my walls first?” (Spoiler: You probably do.)
But while wallpaper is gorgeous, it’s also tricky. Picking the right one is not as simple as flipping through a sample book, pointing at something pretty, and slapping it on the wall. There are patterns to match, rolls to calculate, and walls that need proper prepping—not to mention the very real possibility of ending up with a living room that looks like a DIY crime scene if you try to install it yourself.
That’s where we come in. At Rowan Hall Interiors, we take the stress, guesswork, and potential wallpaper-related meltdowns out of the process. We help you choose the perfect wallpaper, handle all the measuring and ordering, and—most importantly—arrange for professional installation so you don’t have to worry about air bubbles, crooked seams, or walls that look like a patchwork quilt gone wrong.
So, before you let your Pinterest board convince you that you’re a wallpaper expert, here’s everything you need to know—and why you should leave it to the pros.
Picking the Right Wallpaper Is Harder Than It Looks
Not all wallpaper is created equal. Some are wipeable (perfect for kids’ rooms and bathrooms), some are natural (hello, visible seams), and some are high-maintenance divas.
For example:
- Vinyl wallpaper – The gold standard for bathrooms and kitchens. Moisture? No problem.
- Grasscloth wallpaper – Beautiful and textural but will show seams, so if that makes your eye twitch, maybe reconsider.
- Fabric or silk wallpaper – Stunning, luxurious, and an absolute nightmare if someone spills a glass of wine on it.
- Custom murals – A jaw-dropping way to make a statement, but not something you want applied by an amateur.
The good news? We know exactly which wallpapers work best where, and we’ll help you pick the perfect one so you don’t end up with a grasscloth wall you resent for the rest of your life.
Just Because a Wallpaper Looks Pretty in the Sample Book Doesn’t Mean It Works in Your Home
That giant floral pattern might be stunning, but if it clashes with your furniture, draperies, and rug, you might start to feel like you’re living inside a botanical explosion. Wallpaper isn’t just about making a statement—it needs to work with the whole design of your home.
That’s where hiring an interior designer in Knoxville is a game-changer. We make sure your wallpaper looks intentional, whether that means re-picking the paper or re-vamping the space.
Custom Murals: Because You Deserve Something One-of-a-Kind
If you’re really looking for wow-factor, custom murals are where it’s at. Imagine a hand-painted scenic landscape in your dining room, an elegant chinoiserie mural in your entryway, or a whimsical, dreamy backdrop for your nursery.
And did you know? Our Color Specialist, Sylvia, is an experienced commercial and residential muralist! Whether you’re looking for a fully custom, hand-painted mural or a specialty wallpaper with a mural effect, Sylvia’s expertise ensures that your walls become a work of art.
But let’s be clear—custom murals require serious skill to execute properly. You don’t want your hand-painted masterpiece looking like something your nephew did in art class. We work with top artists and installers to make sure your mural is executed flawlessly.
Wallpaper Math Is a Thing (And You Definitely Don’t Want to Get It Wrong)
Ordering wallpaper is not as simple as measuring your walls and placing an order. You have to factor in:
- Pattern repeats (because some designs need extra rolls to match up properly)
- Roll widths (because not all wallpaper is the same size)
- Waste calculations (because the last thing you want is to run out halfway through)
If you under-order, you could end up with a backorder situation that leaves you staring at a half-finished wall for weeks. If you over-order, well… you’ll have an expensive pile of extra rolls sitting in your closet. We handle all of this for you so you don’t have to do math (or panic).
Your Walls Need to Be Ready—Or Your Wallpaper Will Betray You
Wallpaper is like a high-maintenance houseguest—it will show every flaw underneath if you don’t prep properly. Walls need to be:
✔️ Smooth (any bumps or cracks will be painfully obvious)
✔️ Primed correctly (some wallpapers require a special base coat)
✔️ Painted behind (if your wallpaper is thin or dark, the base color matters)
We make sure all of this is done before installation, so you don’t end up with a textured disaster.
Wallpaper Installation Is a Job for Professionals—Period.
Have you ever tried to line up wallpaper seams perfectly while juggling sticky glue, air bubbles, and a rapidly drying adhesive? No? Good—keep it that way.
Here’s what professional installers do that you don’t want to:
- Align seams perfectly so there are no weird gaps
- Apply the right adhesive (yes, different wallpapers require different pastes!)
- Smooth out every air bubble like it was never there
- Make sure it actually stays on the wall and doesn’t start peeling two weeks later
We work with the best wallpaper installers in Knoxville, so you never have to worry about a wallpaper fail.
A Well-Chosen Wallpaper Can Instantly Increase the Value of Your Home
A stunning, well-installed wallpaper makes a home feel more high-end, custom, and intentional. But a bad wallpaper choice (or worse—a bad install) can have the opposite effect.
At Rowan Hall Interiors, we make sure your wallpaper looks elegant, timeless, and 100% perfect.
Thinking About Wallpaper? Let’s Make It Effortless for You.
At Rowan Hall Interiors, we sell a wide range of wallpaper brands at different price points—meaning we can help you find the perfect wallpaper for your home, style, and budget. But we don’t stop there.
We also:
✔️ Help you select the perfect wallpaper for your space
✔️ Coordinate and handle all the ordering and logistics so you don’t have to worry about quantities, lead times, or backorders
✔️ Offer exclusive access to high-end and custom wallpaper brands
✔️ Work with Knoxville’s best professional wallpaper installers to ensure a flawless final result
✔️ Offer custom murals and hand-painted designs by Sylvia, our expert muralist and Color Specialist
Whether you’re dreaming of a custom mural, a classic grasscloth wallpaper, or a bold statement wall, we make the entire process seamless and stress-free.
Wallpaper isn’t just back—it never left. And with the right guidance, it can be the most stunning addition to your home.
Thinking about wallpaper? Call us today. We’ll handle every detail so you can enjoy a beautifully designed space—without the stress.
Get the Rowan Hall party started!
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To discuss a potential project and get more information, schedule a discovery call.
To get started making your home extraordinary, book a consultation.
