PHOTO CREDIT: @jenbryantdesign | WALLPAPER DESIGN: Butterfly (Black)
Dark wallpaper brings depth, warmth, and a sense of intention to a space. Whether you’re drawn to rich florals, deep blues, or moody neutrals, darker designs create walls that feel layered and considered. One question that sometimes comes up with darker wallpapers is seam visibility. Understanding why seams can show, and how to address them, helps set clear expectations and leads to a beautiful finished result.
PHOTO CREDIT: @rockymountaindecals | WALLPAPER DESIGN: Midnight Wallflower
Why Seams Can Be More Noticeable on Dark Wallpaper
Almost all wallpaper, regardless of type or brand, is printed on a white base material. This is simply how wallpaper is made. Because the paper itself is white all the way through, the cut edges of each panel are also white. When two panels meet, the white edge can occasionally be visible as a very fine line where the panels join. On lighter wallpapers, this usually blends in seamlessly. On darker designs, the contrast between the dark surface and the white paper edge can make seams easier to notice, especially before styling or from certain angles. This is completely normal and not an indication of a flaw in the wallpaper.
PHOTO CREDIT: @justdoitamanda | WALLPAPER DESIGN: Western
The Most Effective Way to Reduce Seam Visibility: Colouring the Edges
The simplest and most effective way to minimize visible seams on dark wallpaper is to darken the panel edges before installation. By softening the white edge to better match the wallpaper colour, the seam visually disappears once panels are installed side by side. Instead of crayons, we recommend using wipeable Crayola-style markers in a shade that closely matches your wallpaper. These are easy to control, simple to clean, and ideal for this purpose when used lightly.
A few helpful guidelines: test on a wallpaper sample first, use a gentle hand and colour only the very edge, avoid pressing firmly to prevent marking the surface, and colour the edges before hanging the wallpaper. For patterned designs, you may only need to colour the areas of the edge that align with darker parts of the pattern.
PHOTO CREDIT: @athomewith_grace | WALLPAPER DESIGN: Deep Woodland Landscape
Taking Your Time During Installation
Rocky Mountain Decals wallpaper sheets are designed to meet cleanly edge to edge. Taking the time to prepare panels properly and align seams closely helps ensure the finished wall looks clean, cohesive, and intentional. When the edges are treated thoughtfully and panels are installed with care, seam visibility can be reduced significantly, resulting in a polished final look.
PHOTO CREDIT: @home_sweet_retreat | WALLPAPER DESIGN: Black Grasscloth
A Confident Finish
Dark wallpaper is bold, expressive, and incredibly rewarding once installed. Understanding how wallpaper is made and taking a simple extra step like colouring the edges helps ensure the finished wall looks polished and cohesive. When viewed as a complete space, seams fade into the background, allowing the colour, pattern, and mood of the wallpaper to do what it does best: transform the room.