Decorating Guides
Stencils: All Grown Up and Sophisticated
Have a steady hand? Get the look of wallpaper for a lot less
Stencil designs have recently undergone quite the makeover, and when done well a stenciled wall can even be mistaken for wallpaper. Stenciling a wall can be a great way to introduce pattern to a room, with the benefit of costing significantly less. And don’t forget other surfaces — stencils are being used on ceilings and floors, and even as a way to elevate a simple fabric.
This stencil design beautifully demonstrates how fabulous a stenciled wall can look in a bedroom, replicating the look of an expensive wallpaper at a fraction of the cost. (Labor not included!) This and the next design are from Cutting Edge Stencils.
The same design in highly contrasting colors adds modern drama to a living area. Geometric patterns are currently a very popular choice in stencil designs.
And don't forget the ceilings! Michelle of Three Men and a Lady stenciled the ceiling of a hall bathroom with the trellis stencil from Cutting Edge Stencils.
A stairwell wall becomes a focal point when stenciled with the Mirium stencil from Whitewall & Co.
Stencils are not just for walls. Here a stencil is used to create a design on fabric. For this room Lauren of Pure Style Home stenciled a length of fabric, which then became a canopy in a nursery.
Floors can also be beautifully enhanced by painting a stencil design on their surface.
A wall painted with a stencil design in two tones of pink is very pretty when used in a bedroom.
The pattern above the fireplace was hand painted in the living room of my own home, and I liked the design so much I had it made into a stencil.
This is a stenciled wall I could easily confuse for wallpaper. Here the designer used the same color for both the wall and stencil, adding glaze for the stenciled portion, creating a dramatic result.
Next:
How to Use a Stencil Roller
How to Use a Stencil Brush
Browse more home design photos
Next:
How to Use a Stencil Roller
How to Use a Stencil Brush
Browse more home design photos