We'll answer the question right away — yes, you can! In fact, having wallpaper at home is one great way to increase the impact of art. They're a match made in heaven and can create even more beautiful designs when coordinated.

However, the biggest challenge is knowing how to combine them so they don’t clash or fight for attention—for example, when working with art over patterns—and taking all the other factors into account, making your decorating decisions a breeze. So, sit back, relax, and learn how to hang art on your wallpaper.

Always Consider Scale

Getting the scale right when hanging art on wallpaper is essential for achieving visual harmony in your room. Be sure to consider the complexity of your wallpaper pattern when selecting the size of your artwork.

Tips

• Hang oversized art on a wallpaper with a bold, large pattern. Displaying large-scale art on wallpaper with loud and large patterns creates a balanced presentation, where each element can stand on their own and complement each other in terms of color, theme, and design. 
• Medium-sized art with vibrant colors works well on wallpaper with a subtle design. This tip follows the same principle with bold on bold. Choosing art that mimics the wallpaper's daintier design creates a seamless aesthetic. 

Experiment With Your Frame

Most people tend to play it safe when choosing frames for their paintings, which is understandable since the artwork is often the main attraction. While the art itself remains the focal point, the right frame can elevate its presentation.

Tips

• Pair understated wallpaper with boldly framed artwork. An ornate frame can elevate the artwork and add contrast to wallpaper with simple designs.
• Play with different types of frames. Explore frames with simple or unique styles and see how they complement your wallpaper.
• Try gold frames. These frames are timeless. They complement most wallpaper designs and add an elegant finish.

Embracing The "Less Is More" Approach

Your wallpaper is already a bold statement, so let it shine by keeping your art choices minimal yet meaningful. You don’t need a sprawling gallery wall or an oversized painting to make an impact. Instead, focus on selecting a few thoughtfully chosen pieces that complement the wallpaper without overwhelming the space. Consider the theme, colors, and mood of your wallpaper—are they bold and vibrant, or subtle and calming?

Tips

• One statement piece is enough for bold wallpaper. A single striking portrait, landscape, or still-life can create a powerful impact on your wall.
• Opt for simple designs on intricate wallpaper. Monochromatic or minimalist artwork balances the visual weight of detailed wallpaper.

Sometimes More is More

A patterned wallpaper isn't always the ideal location for a gallery wall. However, if done right, it can boost the dramatic appeal of your art collection and create a truly unique display.

Tips

• Keep scales, frames, and colors consistent. Maintain visual harmony across all elements to create a cohesive display.
• Hang vibrant art on bold wallpaper. Colorful, energetic pieces create a more dramatic look.
• Go with monochrome paintings for visual balance. Display several black and white artwork for a more subdued effect.

Mix and match styles thoughtfully to see what works best with your wallpaper's pattern. The only limit is your wall size—and your imagination!

Don't Hang Your Art Too High

Research how high you should hang your art to maintain visual balance in your room. This is especially important if your wallpaper has vertical patterns, as they tend to draw more attention to the height of your space.

Tips

• Follow the 57 to 60 inches rule when vertically hanging two or more paintings. Position the center of your art display at eye level to maintain a comfortable viewing experience.
• Plan your layout. Always consider the dimensions of your artwork before drilling holes or hammering nails to minimize damage to your wallpaper.
• Use the right tools. Using the correct tools ensures your art hangs securely, your home intact, and helps you avoid accidents. 

Have A Cohesive Color Palette

Color is one key to creating a strong visual connection with wallpaper when hanging art. Choose art with a color palette that will either complement or contrast with your wallpaper. Just make sure both elements enhance each other, creating a balanced and harmonious look.

Tips

• Pull colors from the wallpaper. When your art and wallpaper features the same color, it creates a seamless and unified design.
• Or, use contrasting shades to make the artwork the highlight of the wall. This will ensure that your artwork and wallpaper work together, not against each other.

Make Use Of Negative Space

Choose art with lots of negative space to visually "separate" it from your wall, especially if your wallpaper is colorful or heavily patterned. Make it easier for the eye to find a focal point.

Tips

• Use a wide matte or a large frame. This help your artwork stand out rather than blend into the background.
• Avoid pairing abstract works with busy wallpapers. To do this, hang art with simpler compositions that can hold their own against the backdrop.

Framing Art with Matting

Matting your artwork will prevent your two main elements from clashing. This applies best to artwork on paper, where they can benefit from protection against contact with glass and the safeguarding of edges. When you frame your artwork with a wide white or light matte, it helps create a “boundary” that separates it from the wallpaper behind. This technique would be especially useful if your artwork’s style tends to compete with your wallpaper.

Benefits Of Matting

• Enhances visual focus
• Complements the framing
• Preserves the artwork through archival materials
• Adds dimensionality
• Provides versatility to fit into larger or more standardized frames.

Follow A Theme

Following a theme can create a cohesive, expertly curated space when hanging art on your wallpaper. Whether it’s the style or subject matter, a clear theme will seamlessly tie together your artwork, wallpaper, and overall decor, enhancing the visual harmony of the room.

Tips

• Match floral wallpaper with botanical artwork for a cohesive nature-inspired theme.
• Pair geometric wallpaper with minimalist paintings to keep the modern appeal of the place.

By maintaining consistency with your theme, you'll effortlessly elevate the overall ambiance of the room.

Use Wallpaper To Create A Feature Wall

Feature walls are a popular design choice, especially in bedrooms or powder rooms, where wallpaper is often used to create a focal point on one wall rather than covering the entire room. 

Since a feature wall is a work of art in itself, it’s important to carefully consider the placement of your artwork to avoid visual competition.

Tips

• Hang art adjacent to your feature wall. This avoids competition and lets each element stand on its own.
  Maintain visual balance. Avoid overcrowding the feature wall. A few small pieces or a large one will do.

Prop Your Artworks Instead Of Nailing Them

Hanging artwork is typically the most common way we showcase pieces. However, it isn’t the only way. If you are renting a place or simply don’t want to create a hole in your wall, propping up your artwork can be a great idea.

Benefits Of Propping Your Artwork

• Creates a cool and casual look
• Allows you to refresh the space by easily changing your displayed art whenever you want.
• Makes an attractive display by propping pieces on shelves or console tables alongside other personal collections.
• Results in minimal damage—or none at all—to your wallpaper or walls.

Bonus Tips

When it comes to hanging art on wallpaper, options can feel limited, but there are ways to minimize or hide potential damage. Here are some tips to help make it less noticeable:

• Avoid using tapes and other adhesives for heavy pieces as they can tear the wallpaper. Instead, opt for a secure hanging method such as nails or picture hooks, which provide more support and are less likely to cause long-term damage.
• Use a nail instead of an adhesive. A small hole is often less noticeable than a large tear from adhesive failure. Carefully plan the position before hammering the wall to minimize any unnecessary damage.
• Cut an inverted “V” into the wallpaper with a thin knife. Gently pull back the wallpaper and insert the screw directly into the wall. If you ever need to rearrange, you can simply press the wallpaper back into place to hide the screw hole.
• Protect wires with felt or cloth before hanging the piece. This will prevent the wire from rubbing against the wallpaper and possibly leaving scratch marks.

Final Thoughts

We hope this article has provided helpful answers and tips for hanging art on wallpaper. Remember, having a bespoke wallpaper shouldn't restrict you from displaying art and decor. Embrace the process and the rewards it brings. As long as you're careful and consider the tips we've discussed, you can create an artful space without causing significant damage.

Ready to explore new and original art? Check out UGallery, and happy decorating!