10 Creative and Unique Ways to Use Wallpaper

You have found the perfect wallpaper, the color and texture are just what you have been looking for. The only problem? Buying enough rolls to do an entire room will do serious damage to your budget. Here are some creative and unique ways to use wallpaper that will only require one or two rolls:

Use it as art: Frame it as if it were a painting and hang it on the wall. Use a painting or picture that you already have or buy a new frame that compliments your decor. Simply cut the wallpaper to the size that you need, frame it and hang it. Easy, cheap and unique! You could also cut out "wallies" or "wall pops" by cutting a design or your favorite shape out of the wallpaper and apply it to the wall. You can use stencil patterns if you like or trace it on your own. For this type of art, bigger is better. Use your imagination. You might just be surprised.

Just shelve it: Cover the back of a bookshelf with wallpaper. It is one way to add new life to an old bookshelf. You can also do this with open cabinets and wall cubes or shelves. It will make the things you display look extraordinary. If the objects that you have on display are dark in color, use a light colored wallpaper. Use a darker wallpaper if the objects are lighter in color. For instance, white plates and bowls would look awesome with a red or blue wallpaper. Antique leather books would look great with a tan, beige or ivory wallpaper.

Make a room divider: If you have a flat paneled room divider, recover it with wallpaper for a fresh look. If you don't already have one, they are simple to make. Have wood cut to the size you want at your local home improvement store, then attach hinges. Depending on how you will use it, cover one or both sides with wallpaper.

Make a wallpaper board: Take a piece of fiber board or thick plywood, whatever size you want. Again, bigger is better. You want to make a decorating statement, and you want it to be noticed. Cover one or both sides with wallpaper. Then prop it up against a wall or in a cozy corner. Place your favorite chair in front of it. Add a small table, books, and a lamp. Maybe a nice lamp. You will be surprised at how cool this looks. If you use a big enough board, you could also create an instant customized headboard.

Cover a box: Cover a box with wallpaper. You can use an old or new box, wood, plastic or cardboard. Use the box to store all your clutter out of sight. If you make a few of these in approximately the same size and then use them in a tall bookshelf, it creates a nice, streamlined look

Make a wallpaper border: If you have chosen wallpaper with a striped pattern, you can cut along the edge of the stripe, and make a border to put at the top of your walls, or around the top of wainscoting.

Create a custom cabinet: If you have a tall cabinet or wardrobe that needs some sprucing up, use wallpaper on the front of it. This works well on metal, wood and wood/particle board furniture. If the doors have inset panels, you can even use wallpaper to detail the panels only.

By using these ideas to decorate your home with wallpaper, you not only are saving money, but you are saving time. With a little bit of creativity, you can have a unique and interesting home without breaking the bank.