I am loving all the amazing wallpaper that has been coming out the past few years. The idea that it’s just for your grandmother’s sitting room is totally out the window and there are so many fresh and interesting modern patterns. As much as I love the options, I’m still a bit of a coward when it comes to committing to wallpaper a whole room. I think it’s mostly because this is our first house in Nashville, and we aren’t really sure how long we will be at this location. So I don’t really want to make such a semi-permanent investment at the moment. I’ve done removable wallpaper in a few places and a painted statement wall to get that wallpaper feeling, but there’s also another way you can enjoy your favorite wallpaper print that’s a fraction of the cost – frame a sample of it!
Last summer Elsie shared with you her favorite sources for wallpaper and she had ordered some samples of her top contenders (as you definitely should to make sure you like it first!). I’ve always had major heart eyes for this hand print since I first saw it. I asked Elsie if I could have it after she had made all her wallpaper decisions for her house, and she graciously handed it over into my greedy little hands. YES!
I used the same method I shared with you guys of making a custom sized frame on the cheap, mounted the wallpaper to a cardboard backing, and tacked the cardboard to the back of the frame with small nails. Now it’s a work of art!
I simply adore this print. It’s exactly the quirky vibe that I love adding into my space, and I love how it looks grouped with a few wall planters. So while you can also do a removable option or paint a statement wall if you’re too nervous to commit to a wallpapered room, don’t forget this easy option as well to add your favorite print to your home! xo. Laura
Credits // Author and Photography: Laura Gummerman. Photos edited with A Beautiful Mess actions.
55 Comments
What a great idea!!!
This is SUCH a great idea!! There are so many wallpapers that I love but would not feel comfortable putting up on a whole wall. Thanks for sharing!
Looks like a great low-budget alternative to paintings!
I’m sure a million people will ask this…but where’s that adorable cart from??
Love this idea so much too, I love the vibe you’re going for in this house Laura!
The hand wallpaper looks so intentional there, like it is a print that was custom-sized for the space! Great affordable idea 🙂
http://danielleandco.com/blog/2016/4/10/design-around-vintage-pink-tile
This is awesome! Is this how large one sample piece is from them?
So did you order 1 roll of the wallpaper or a sample…I noticed samples are folded and was worried about framing that
I’ve been known to frame high-end gift wrap, too. It’s often so much cheaper than wallpaper and just as pretty!
Thats a really cool idea! From now on i will put my favorite wallpapers in frames 😀
Love, Lea
Thats a really cool idea! From now on i will put my favorite wallpapers in frames 😀
Love, Lea
This is a wonderful idea! I think I’m going to try it with some left over wallpaper pieces we have and create a collage! Love it!
xo Mariam
http://www.thepetitebijou.com
Oh my god! That’s so simple and brilliant! That would be a perfect thing to hang over our couch.
Oh man, you spoiled my secret…! 😉
How did you get such large samples? All samples I’ve seen, both the paid and the free ones, have all been around 8.5 x 11″ (including the one you framed). Any tips would be appreciated, I’ve been scouring the web for any samples I can get my hands on for just this reason!
In love with this idea! I’m going to start browsing wallpapers:)
so pretty 🙂 can’t wait for your kitchen tour 😀
Where is Elsie’s adorable skirt from? ?
Such a great idea!
http://soldenochedecocrochet.blogspot.com.ar/
Oh my gosh, totally doing this! Love, love, love this idea! I’ve been itching to wallpaper a room, but as someone who still rents instead of owns, that’s not really a possibility right now! Maybe this will satisfy my wallpaper craving!
Thanks for sharing!
I’ve always been a bit wary with wallpaper, as it’s so hard to remove if you want a change! I LOVE this idea of putting it in a frame and the pairing with wall planters is just so modern! thanks for sharing xX just found your blog and I am SO glad!
Such a great idea! There are so many amazing wallpapers out there that would make amazing art!
This is awesome! I’m a bit wallpaper-phobic too, and this is a much less scary way to use it! xx
This is such an amazing idea, why haven’t I thought of this before! I definitely need to find some good wallpaper samples now!
https://www.makeandmess.com/
what a great idea it looks great!
Absolutely brilliant!
Lately I discovered wall planters and i’m amazed how beautiful decoration it can be!
I KNOW!! Isn’t this just “the best” for “changing it up??!!??” Same with fabric samples…or scarves (Hermes!!) franki
This idea is simply fascinating! I love the artsy look of it, yet it’s so simple
Love your little gold cart. <3
Great idea, and so easy, the only hard part would be deciding on which wallpaper to frame!
http://www.shopthecoconutroom.com
Yes, yes… I wanna know too!
I love this! What a great way to get an affordable piece of art and the wallpaper you love without having to plaster it everywhere. Great DIY!
This is such a fun and cute idea! I love it!
Paige
http://thehappyflammily.com
This is a great idea and it looks amazing! Love the print!
This is such a cute idea, I’m definitely going to try this! I love using wallpaper for DIY’s. I cover notebooks in wallpaper and they always turn out so cute!
Aleeha xXx
http://www.halesaaw.com/
I had the EXACT same question! Anyone know where to get samples larger than 8×10? Did she scan the pattern and print larger? Seems like she missed a step as I’ve never found samples that large….
I love the style of this. Very cool. http://www.hannamarielei.com
How did you get a sample that large? At their website and for other companies, the largest sample they advertise is 8×10.
I’d love to try this DIY in my home, it’s just that the paper isn’t big enough. Any recommendations would be greatly appreciated! Thanks as always for your great tips and ideas.
I love this idea! Definitely need to think about adding some fun wallpaper art around my home
I did this in my powder bathroom with the stunning Ellie Cashman floral paper! https://gustoandgrace.wordpress.com/2015/05/25/still-reppin-cheap-art/
Tell me more about that garbage can!! I’ve been on the hunt for the perfect addition to our vintage kitchen
I also use samples to cut up for Project Life cards or bits/pages for mini albums and traditional scrapbook layouts.
The green leaf pattern here is a wallpaper sample from Chasing Paper: http://www.kelseyespecially.com/2016/01/were-on-top-of-the-world/
(Framing a piece of 12×12 (or any size) patterned scrapbook paper is also great/cheap art. I did that with a $0.59 piece of paper and $19.99 frame from Homegoods here: http://www.kelseyespecially.com/2016/01/diy-easy-cheap-classy-framed-matted-art/
Thanks Ella! It’s actually a vintage typewriter cart 🙂
Laura
Yes! I basically framed it to the edge, but every company would be different and some are really small so ask before you buy!
Laura
It’s the sample which they ship folded (different companies may be different). It is glued down to a backing but you can still see a bit of the fold lines which doesn’t bother me that much
Laura 🙂
Yes! Good idea!
Nope, this is the actual sample, but every company is different so you’d have to find out how big the sample is before you buy or you could just buy one roll to frame some of it and that’s still way less than a whole room 🙂
Laura
It’s just from Target 🙂
Laura
This sample comes much larger but it does depend on the company so you’ll have to check the size before you buy it if you want a much larger one:
http://www.pottokprints.com/product/hands-sample
Laura 🙂
My aunt has actually done this, but not with a sample. Using a sample is such a great idea!
You ladies never seem to amaze me with your ideas because they’re always so good. I love this idea. Instant art for a cheaper price. I’m in.
http://www.throughmyowneyes.com
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