Decorating
Decorating: Is That Really Wallpaper?
From fake panelling to tile effects, 10 of the best double-take, trompe l'oeil wallpapers
For those who love to create a sense of drama, you can’t beat a trompe l’oeil wallpaper or mural. From books to wood panelling, these ingenious 2D designs can trick the eye and create the illusion of texture and depth where in reality there is none. Take a closer look at these examples for inspiration – and if you can’t find exactly what you’re looking for, why not commission a personalised design from an online digital wall-art specialist, using a favourite image of your own?
Frame the bed
This quirky Brooklyn wallpaper by Merci gives the illusion of those weathered, vintage tin tiles found in American factories and warehouses at the turn of the century. You could use this in place of a headboard, in an industrial-style kitchen or even on the ceiling.
This quirky Brooklyn wallpaper by Merci gives the illusion of those weathered, vintage tin tiles found in American factories and warehouses at the turn of the century. You could use this in place of a headboard, in an industrial-style kitchen or even on the ceiling.
Roll out rustic charm
This wallpaper depicting stacked logs works well in a boot room, utility room, hallway or hung inside a cosy alcove.
This wallpaper depicting stacked logs works well in a boot room, utility room, hallway or hung inside a cosy alcove.
Conjure up concrete
This amazing wallpaper by Jon and Boone is printed with a photograph of a Brooklyn art gallery’s rough and ready concrete walls. It’s certainly one of the most convincing trompe l’oeil examples out there. So if you live in a standard semi, but dream of a New York warehouse apartment, just cheat it!
See how to pull off the New York loft look
This amazing wallpaper by Jon and Boone is printed with a photograph of a Brooklyn art gallery’s rough and ready concrete walls. It’s certainly one of the most convincing trompe l’oeil examples out there. So if you live in a standard semi, but dream of a New York warehouse apartment, just cheat it!
See how to pull off the New York loft look
Decorate a door
You wouldn’t attempt to tile a door, but a tile-effect wallpaper, such as this stunning patterned design by Damien Hirst, opens up endless possibilities. Using it across the walls, en-suite door and wardrobes creates the effect of a secret, hidden room.
You wouldn’t attempt to tile a door, but a tile-effect wallpaper, such as this stunning patterned design by Damien Hirst, opens up endless possibilities. Using it across the walls, en-suite door and wardrobes creates the effect of a secret, hidden room.
Create a coastal feel
Perfect for a seaside holiday retreat, this wallpaper based on weather-beaten driftwood will add a rustic, nautical edge to anchor your room scheme.
10 signs you’re a lover of coastal style
Perfect for a seaside holiday retreat, this wallpaper based on weather-beaten driftwood will add a rustic, nautical edge to anchor your room scheme.
10 signs you’re a lover of coastal style
Think big
A large-scale design, like this concrete slab wallpaper, is ideal for creating a wow wall. It’s a particularly good trick in a plain bedroom that only has a door and a window, as fashioning your own impactful focal point can make up for a lack of features elsewhere in the room.
A large-scale design, like this concrete slab wallpaper, is ideal for creating a wow wall. It’s a particularly good trick in a plain bedroom that only has a door and a window, as fashioning your own impactful focal point can make up for a lack of features elsewhere in the room.
Dress to impress
Ideal for a dressing room or girlie boudoir, this wallpaper would work well combined with a metallic paper, velvet chaise longue and Art Deco mirrored furniture. Or why not use it on the door to your dressing room or across wardrobes?
Discover whether Art Deco style floats your boat
Ideal for a dressing room or girlie boudoir, this wallpaper would work well combined with a metallic paper, velvet chaise longue and Art Deco mirrored furniture. Or why not use it on the door to your dressing room or across wardrobes?
Discover whether Art Deco style floats your boat
Take the scenic route
If the view from your kitchen is rather uninspiring, why not bring the natural world indoors instead? This woodland digital mural has been created from a photograph, but there are heaps of forest-scene murals out there, and one would look great in a Scandi-inspired scheme.
Browse more ways to bring the outdoors in
If the view from your kitchen is rather uninspiring, why not bring the natural world indoors instead? This woodland digital mural has been created from a photograph, but there are heaps of forest-scene murals out there, and one would look great in a Scandi-inspired scheme.
Browse more ways to bring the outdoors in
Lose yourself in a book
There are many bookcase wallpapers, and some are more convincing than others. This design offers two different rolls – giving scope for more variety of books.
But if you’re only planning to paper a small space, such as the alcoves on either side of a fireplace, you may even find there’s no need for a third roll and so every book is different.
TELL US…
Have you used a double-take wallpaper in your home? Share your ideas and pictures in the Comments below.
There are many bookcase wallpapers, and some are more convincing than others. This design offers two different rolls – giving scope for more variety of books.
But if you’re only planning to paper a small space, such as the alcoves on either side of a fireplace, you may even find there’s no need for a third roll and so every book is different.
TELL US…
Have you used a double-take wallpaper in your home? Share your ideas and pictures in the Comments below.
Have fun concocting an eclectic mash-up of styles, with Rococo-inspired panelled wallpaper as a backdrop to more contemporary furniture and accessories. This Classical Louis XV Panelling wallpaper in grey chimes with the trend for decorating with dark colours, and could even be used on all four walls if you’re feeling brave.
Discover how to decorate with all-over wallpaper