How to Pair Paint and Wallpaper

How to Pair Paint and Wallpaper Kucker Haney Paint

Choosing the right combination of paint and wallpaper can transform your home into a beautifully designed space. Whether you’re adding wallpaper as a statement wall or using it throughout a room, pairing it with the perfect paint color enhances its impact and creates a cohesive look. At Kucker Haney Paint Co., we offer a wide variety of wallpapers in different colors, patterns, and textures, as well as Benjamin Moore paints to match any design—shop brands by York, Brewster, and Phillip Jeffries. Plus, we can color-match any shade within a wallpaper design to help you achieve the perfect combination. Continue reading to learn how to pair paint and wallpaper for a seamless, stylish home.


1. Choose a Dominant Color from the Wallpaper

When selecting a complementary paint color, start by identifying a dominant or accent color from your wallpaper. If your wallpaper features soft blues, rich greens, or warm neutrals, choosing a paint color in the same family will create a harmonious look.

For example:

  • If your wallpaper has muted greens, try Benjamin Moore’s Saybrook Sage (HC-114) for a natural, earthy feel.
  • If you prefer a light and airy aesthetic, pair soft floral wallpaper with Chantilly Lace (OC-65) to maintain a fresh and elegant look.

Pulling a color directly from the wallpaper ensures that your walls and accent areas work together seamlessly.


2. Decide on a Bold or Subtle Contrast

Think about how much contrast you want between your paint and wallpaper. A high-contrast look makes the wallpaper stand out, while a low-contrast combination blends more smoothly.

  • High Contrast: If your wallpaper is light and delicate, pair it with a bold paint color like Hale Navy (HC-154) to create a dramatic focal point.
  • Low Contrast: If your wallpaper has a neutral base, choose a soft, warm hue like Edgecomb Gray (HC-173) to create a subtle and cohesive flow.

Both approaches can work beautifully depending on your design preference and the overall mood of the room.


3. Match Undertones for a Seamless Blend

Matching undertones is key to making your wallpaper and paint colors complement each other effortlessly.

  • Cool-toned wallpapers (with blues, purples, or grays) pair best with cool-toned paint like Pale Oak (OC-20) or Silver Satin (OC-26).
  • Warm-toned wallpapers (with yellows, reds, or beiges) work well with paints like Swiss Coffee (OC-45) or Manchester Tan (HC-81).

If your wallpaper features a mix of tones, a greige shade like Revere Pewter (HC-172) can bridge the gap between warm and cool hues for a balanced look.


4. Consider Textures and Patterns

Wallpapers come in a variety of textures and patterns, and the right paint choice should complement—not compete with—them.

  • Busy, patterned wallpaper (like florals or damask designs) works best with solid, neutral paint colors to keep the look refined.
  • Simple, textured wallpapers (like grasscloth or linen-inspired prints) can be paired with a deeper paint color to add contrast and dimension.

After you choose your wallpaper, Kucker Haney Paint Co. can help you match the perfect Benjamin Moore paint to complement your design.


5. Test Before You Commit

Before finalizing your selection, always test your paint and wallpaper combination together. Benjamin Moore paint samples allow you to see how the colors interact in different lighting conditions throughout the day.

Apply a sample of your chosen paint next to your wallpaper and observe it in natural and artificial light to ensure it looks just right.


Find the Perfect Pairing at Kucker Haney Paint Co.

At Kucker Haney Paint Co., we offer a wide selection of wallpapers in various colors, patterns, and textures, along with Benjamin Moore’s premium paints to help you create a perfectly coordinated space. Plus, we can color-match any shade from your wallpaper to ensure a flawless combination.

Visit our locations in Princeton, East Windsor, or Hamilton, NJ, to explore our wallpaper collections, premium paints, and expert advice. Let us help you bring your vision to life with the perfect paint and wallpaper pairing!