A room is not just a place to put décor and functional items. It is also an atmosphere that can impact how a person feels and even how much they want to use the space. Because of this, the decoration and aesthetic of the room should fit a person’s style and values. Most people assume that this can only be achieved with colors, but custom wall coverings make other options possible, too — including using photos or even mementos to transform a space.
To make the most of a custom wall covering that uses a photo or similar detailed design, it is important to understand what factors contribute to the final quality of the display.
Read on to find out how to turn photos and mementos into custom wall coverings, from which images to choose to the best file types for favorable results.
Can Photos Be Used for Custom Wall Coverings?
In short — absolutely! Photos are a great choice for wall coverings, as are other mementos, such as the pattern of a nostalgic piece of furniture or the texture of an artwork display.
Typically, only one option should be used to keep the wall covering coherent; that is, avoid creating something like a wall tiled with multiple disparate images.
Whether the photo covers the entire wall or is printed as the centerpiece, it can completely revitalize a room and create a new atmosphere.
How to Get the Best Quality
Because custom wall coverings are just that — custom — they can print using any photo or image provided. However, some images work better than others, and understanding what impacts the final result will help buyers achieve the best quality with their custom order. Consider:
File type – Images can be stored in a variety of file types, such as .jpg, .png, and vector. When the image is saved, the data stored within the image is determined by its file type. For instance, .jpg files are beloved by many for their small file size, but they store an image as a set of pixels, which means that as the image gets larger, it becomes blurry and more pixelated. This makes .jpg less suitable for custom wall coverings. Conversely, vector images store data as points and paths, which means the image will remain crisp no matter the size. In general, wall coverings retain their quality best when using .PDF or .TIFF file types.- Resolution – The resolution of an image describes how many pixels per inch the image contains. More pixels within an inch leads to greater detail and richer color, even at large sizes. Do not go below approximately 72 DPI (dots per inch). Ideally, images should contain as many as 300 DPI whenever possible for the best image quality. This may mean taking the picture on a camera that can support this level of detail before submitting it for printing.
- Pattern – In cases where a person wants to use a memento to create a wall covering, one common option is to mimic this cherished object’s texture or surface pattern. Try to capture an image or scan of this pattern in as high a resolution as possible so that it does not become blurry or distorted during printing. A professional team can help to take full advantage of usable portions of images to maximize fidelity.
Which Photos and Mementos to Choose
While custom wall coverings can utilize a wide range of photos and images, not all of them are well-suited to decorating a room as an entire wall. When selecting a prized image or pattern, remember to think about:
Tiling – Not all images can (or should be) stretched to fit an entire wall. Especially for patterns, consider how the image can be tiled or made seamless by repeating the same pattern rather than stretching and enlarging it.- Soft borders – The best images for a wall covering are those that have soft borders that gradually fade, such as the sky or water. This allows the wall covering to seamlessly integrate with a space rather than seeming like a blocked-off image.
- Symmetry – For photos that do have hard edges, consider how the image fits into the rest of the décor. Incorporate the edges as a stylistic border that complements the rest of the covering.
Stunning Custom Wall Coverings for Any Space
Whether you want to breathe new life into a space or preserve a cherished image or memento in a place that is always visible, using photos to create custom wall coverings is a worthwhile option to consider.
The professionals at Tree Towns can help you create a wall covering that faithfully recreates your photo or memento for your space. Contact Tree Towns to place an order or ask questions.