Small Scale vs Large Scale Wallpaper: Which Should You Choose?

Choosing wallpaper is not just about colour or motif, it's about find the right 'fit' for the space you are transforming. One way to do this is be considering scale.

Each option creates a different atmosphere and works best in different spaces.

Small Scale Wallpaper

Small scale wallpaper features smaller repeating motifs, that can be irregularly scattered, arranged in a simple grid style format, densely packed together or with more room around each motif etc.

Depending on the type of design and featured motifs, they effect it creates will be different, but the main feature is the size of the motif; small so you'll see more of it repeated in a given area.

This type of pattern creatures a more textural vibes rather than a strong statement.

Small scale wallpaper works well for:

• Bedrooms

• Hallways

• Living rooms

• Spaces where you're not looking to overwhem the room.

Because the pattern is less dominant, it can cover an entire room without feeling 'too much' for the space.

Featured Design: Ditsy Cosmos Sage Green by Nakiza Designs

Large Scale Wallpaper

Large scale wallpaper features bigger motifs, with less repeats over a given area.

It could feature more detail in the motif, bolder shapes, more intricate patterns or greater use of negative space and thus oppportunities to create spaces that have visual impact.

These designs immediately draw the eye and often become the focal point of a room.

Think larger spaces and statement walls wherever you want to create an impact in your space.

Featured Design: Tulip & Butterfly Decorative Floral Spring tones - yellow and green by Nakiza Designs

Choosing the Right Pattern

When deciding between small and large scale wallpaper, consider:

• Room size

• Amount of natural light

• Furniture placement

• Overall style of the space

Small patterns blend easily with décor, while large prints become statement pieces.

Using Large Scale Wallpaper in Small Rooms

So are large scale wallpapers only suitable for small rooms?

Not necessarily. It depends on the overall vision you have for that space. In generally larger or busier wallpaper may be avoided for small spaces so as not to overcrowd the already tight space, but if you are looking to make a visual statement, to make that space unique, memorable and not 'ordinary' then you have creative license to go big in a small space.
Just find, a design in a colour and style that compliments not competes with your vision.

The Role of Colour

Colour also plays a role in how pattern scale feels.

For example:

• Soft neutral colours make large patterns feel less overwhelming.

• High contrast colours can make even small patterns feel busy.

Balancing colour and scale together creates the best results.

Let's just throw all the colour at it kind of vibe 😏

👇👇👇👇👇👇👇👇👇👇👇

Featured Design: Paper Flower Wildflower Collage by Nakiza Designs

Final Thoughts

Both small scale and large scale wallpaper have their place in interior design. The key is choosing a pattern that suits your vision.

*******************************************************************************************************************
Love the designs in this blog? You can find them on my online Spoonflower store. If you're interested in licensing feel free to email me: [email protected] - enquiries welcome.