Does Your Wallpaper Look Tacky? Designers Reveal the Mistakes That Give It Away

Wallpaper can completely transform a room, but it’s not a foolproof solution. At its best, it brings a welcome dose of pattern or warms up a space with texture. At its worst, wallpaper veers into tacky territory.

This can be a symptom of a print that’s too loud, competing colors, or simply not allowing for white space. To help you avoid any faux pas, we asked designers how to choose wallpaper that always looks stylish—and how to avoid outdated prints.

Does Your Space Need Wallpaper?

Designers often reach for wallpaper when they want to add a focal point or inject interest into an otherwise dull space. "I look at a room and ask, 'Is there a wow factor, or are you just existing?'" says Linda Hayslett, principal designer and founder of LH Designs. "If it feels a little flat or like its missing personality, wallpaper is usually the move. It adds instant depth and energy that paint just can’t."

On the flip side, there are instances when wallpaper can be a detriment. "If the space already has a lot going on, such as beautiful millwork, strong architecture, or a killer view, then I’ll pull back," she says. "Not every room needs to be the main character."

While many spaces can be treated with wallpaper, powder rooms are a particular favorite of designers. "It's low commitment, high impact, and a chance to do something a little unexpected," Hayslett says.

Entryways are similarly small enough to take a risk, setting the tone for a home as soon as you enter. However, you don't have to coat all four walls—sometimes, one surface creates more impact.

For example, Hayslett likes to place wallpaper behind a bed to create a bold moment. "Ceilings are always a favorite place to add in some drama," says Esther Ellard, principal designer and founder of Effortless Designs.

How to Choose the Right Pattern

Start by determining the mood of the room. "Do we want calm, moody, playful, or dramatic?" Hayslett says. "That decides everything." Make sure to pay attention to the scale. "Big patterns make a statement, while smaller ones feel more like texture," she adds.

The color of the wallpaper should connect back to the room by playing off the colors in the architecture or main furnishings. Another option is to go for a tonal look, choosing a wallpaper color or texture that's just a shade off from the room's existing palette.

For drama, use wallpaper to create purposeful contrast—whether it's a surprising but complementary color or a pattern-on-pattern play. "The goal is for it to feel like it belongs there, not like it just showed up uninvited," Hayslett says.

Working with a theme can also help dictate your wallpaper choice. For example, Ellard finds that many of her clients are drawn to the outdoors. "So selecting wallpaper normally focuses in on three key elements: nature-inspired colors, textures, and nature-inspired prints," she says. "Think florals, wood scenes, or simple textured patterns. Our wallpaper selections tend to be blues, beiges, browns, or greens."

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Tacky Wallpapers to Avoid

There isn't one specific pattern or color to avoid. Rather, it's an overall approach. "Tacky usually happens when there’s no edit," Hayslett says. "If everything is loud, nothing stands out. Busy wallpaper with busy furniture and no balance is where things go left."

Still, that doesn't mean you should play it safe. "It’s about being intentional," she says. "You can absolutely mix patterns and colors, but there needs to be a clear lead and supporting cast. Otherwise, it starts to feel chaotic really quick."

You'll also want to consider if the wallpaper will distract from other pieces in the space. "You never want someone walking into a room and feeling like the wallpaper is giving them a headache," Ellard says. "Wallpaper itself becomes tacky when it tries to be the entire hero of the room instead of part of a layered design plan."

Tips and Tricks

Once your wallpaper is decided, let it shine by adding in supporting décor. "I like to pull colors from the wallpaper into the rest of the room, so it all feels connected," says Hayslett.

Lighting is also key—whether it's a chandelier to dapple light across the surface in more maximalist spaces, or pared-back recessed lighting that illuminates the entire space.

Hayslett's final tip? "You don’t have to go all in," she says. "One wall, a ceiling, or even inside a cabinet can give you that moment."