Wallpaper is one of the most common tools used in interior decoration. The creation started as a cheap alternative to wall-hung tapestries of the wealthy and remains to this day one of the best ways to bring character into your home.

With plenty of options on offer, wallpaper helps us to achieve an endless list of decorative schemes and is easily updated when you fancy a change. From bold statement prints, to do-it-yourself, wallpaper is a versatile way to add elegance, fun, statement or surprise.

The most well-known method of using wallpaper is as its name suggests – adding to walls. This will provide interest and depth to a room. However, the use certainly does not end here.

Do it yourself
Want something unique? Create your own wallpaper by pasting up old magazines, vintage posters, road maps or newspapers – these are all great ways to create a warm and intriguing focal point, and give guests an insight into your personality.

Unexpected places
Wallpaper can go almost anywhere and creates a fresh look in the most unexpected places. Try replacing stair carpet with a repeating pattern that creates a sense of space.

A sense of drama
A woodland backdrop added to a cloakroom encourages interest and drama to an otherwise uninteresting space. Tropical scenes could also work well in bathrooms.

Mix old and new
Combine classic wallpaper, such as a William Morris, with ultra-modern kitchen fittings. This will provide an elegant, characterful design.

Decoupage
A great way to use wallpaper scraps is by way of decoupage. You could cover a small table, a cabinet, or even a headboard – the choice is yours.

New to the market
Always on the lookout for something new, I stumbled across a write-on wipe clean magnetic wallpaper. This product is designed to liven up a child’s room, although could be used anywhere and would work particularly well in a kitchen for shopping lists and notes.

Where to buy and how much will it cost?
These days wallpaper, like any other product, can be sourced quickly and easily via the internet. A sample of your chosen paper can be requested and sent to your home, generally free of charge.

If online shopping is not for you, all DIY outlets and well -known stores such as John Lewis sell many brands of wallpaper design.

Wallpaper falls into any budget from a few pounds, rising to several hundred pounds and more. Certainly, wallpaper is a product that comfortably falls into every style and budget.