Wallpaper Pattern Scale Matters More Than You May Have Thought
When selecting a wallcovering for a project most designers and architects are typically focused on the wallpaper color, its style, or especially the pattern motifs. While these are important aspects of a wallpaper design at WOWpapers we’re interested in the ways in which the pattern scale affects the overall impact of an installation.
Change the Scale. Change the Vibe.
A gorgeous wallpaper design can look dramatically different depending on how large or small the pattern is printed. There is no “right” or “wrong” scale – it really depends on the design intent for the overall space. Knowing that, tailoring the wallpaper print scale can elevate a design project with visual harmony that enhances the interior architecture - or creates it when the details are lacking. You’ll never have another boring wall to contend with!
At WOWpapers we scale the pattern to fit the wall or surface to be covered on every project. Provide an elevation, a floor plan - or both - and together we’ll design a wallcovering unique to each space. By designing and printing custom wallcoverings we provide interior designers, architects, developers, and other business owners wallcoverings that are perfectly proportioned for the spaces they adorn.
What do you mean the wallpaper pattern scale?
Pattern scale refers to the size of the individual design elements within a wallpaper pattern. For most wallpaper companies that would reference motifs such as depictions of flowers or animals, et cetera. Those depictions can be printed larger or smaller while maintaining the integrity of the artwork. With WOWpapers’ artfully abstract wallpaper designs the scale of the print becomes about geometry and how these unique patterns align with architecture.
Most wallpaper manufacturers offer fixed-size patterns that leave designers with limited flexibility. A “one size fits all” approach rarely delivers an optimal result.
WOWpapers custom wallcoverings are tailored to each room’s unique dimensions, ceiling heights, furniture layouts and architectural features. Each WOWpapered space is special and will make you say WOW.
How scale influences perception
The scale of a pattern used in a space influences how we perceive the overall spatial design but it also influences how we understand the pattern itself. As WOWpapers custom wallcoverings demonstrate on product pages, for instance - the scale of a pattern can make it very loud and impactful or it can be subdued to seeming like a soft, textured color. Paint is, of course, a very important tool in interior design and will continue to be necessary and useful, but when I first saw WOWpatterns scaled down to the Xtra Small sizes I said “I’ll never paint a wall a solid color again!” It’s revelatory to realize how vastly different scales of the same print can truly alter our perception of the color of the overall design. The textured solids that extremely small scale prints provide, along with the physicality of the print media selected, provides a whole new tool-set for designers to create rich moods in interior environments.
For really flawless interior design evaluate the scale of a pattern just as you’d contemplate color and material selection. Thoughtful application of patterned wallcovering can bring all the other design elements together for a really sophisticated spatial design.
Disadvantages of Using Standard Off-the-Shelf Wallcoverings
Off-the-shelf wallpapers are not designed with a particular wall in mind; there’s no sense of the proportions of a space. If the space has a low ceiling or a very high ceiling either way the pattern is the same reducing the overall design impact. Think of the difference between a man’s suit that is bought off-the-wrack as opposed to finely tailored to the individual – it makes a huge difference!
Not using custom scaling provides shortcomings:
Pattern scale may be too small for the interior volume
Pattern repeats may be more obvious due their non-alignment with architectural features
Motifs in the pattern don’t align with light fixtures
The pattern itself may be cut-off in weird ways by other elements on the wall (signage, pilasters, soffits, etc.)
Why Designers Choose Custom Scaled Wallcoverings
Off the shelf standard wallpaper rolls will provide pattern and color without regard to the wall; it’s just a pattern up on the wall. Which is great, but it’s limiting and not as developed as can be. Custom scaled wallpaper patterns take the art of wallcovering to a whole new level of sophistication.
Custom scaling provides significant design advantages:
Patterns tailored to the ceiling height and wall dimensions
Architectural elements in the space can be referenced or enhanced
Pattern repeats, vertical and horizontal, can be sized to reduce visual clutter and treat the wall as an art piece
Motifs in the pattern can align with light fixtures so that light brings the pattern to life
The overall spatial design will feel more balanced and intentional
End-users will appreciate hearing their designer went so far as to create a completely unique space with wallcovering that no one else in the world has!
Why WOWpapers has an advantage over other wallcovering companies
At WOWpapers the scale of the pattern we print for you is never an afterthought – it is part and parcel of our work at every step along the way. There’s no upcharge for customizing the scale – this is our daily work. We’re not advertising a service to make more money; this is standard practice at WOWpapers.
We will work closely with you the designer, architect, builder / developer, or a local restaurateur or other business owner to create a thoroughly tailored, bespoke wallpaper at a very reasonable price point. With appropriate material selection we’re going to make an end product that will WOW you and the end-users in the space – your customers. Choosing the right pattern is important. Selecting a custom-scaled pattern is what transforms good design into an exceptional one. Let’s make it happen!
We design and print right here in New York City providing a level of customization and responsiveness that mass wallpaper suppliers simply cannot match. YAY.
Make an appointment to come visit the WOWpapers print studio and let's dive into SCALE...
