Wallpaper Ideas
I’ve always liked wallpaper. It’s been a bit of a love/hate relationship — I’ve endured the hassle of removing multiple layers of old paper, but I’ve also fallen for carefully chosen designs. In the right space, with the right pattern and a good installer, wallpaper can be wonderful.
Wallpaper’s reputation took a hit over the years thanks to trends like country borders and heavy pastes that damaged walls during removal. Fortunately, modern materials and adhesives have improved dramatically. Today’s papers are easier to remove and come in a much wider range of styles and qualities.
Blue Wallpapered Room: Traditional Home
Regardless of whether wallpaper is currently labeled “trendy,” it still has a place. It’s not about trends for me — it’s about whether the paper helps achieve the look I want. Wallpaper has existed for centuries and remains a useful design tool when chosen thoughtfully.
Used well, wallpaper can make a home feel unique and personal. As a follow-up to an earlier piece on decorative paper, here are examples showing how wallpaper can define style and add character to a space.
Wallpaper adds texture and depth that paint alone can’t always achieve. Natural textured papers like grasscloth bring warmth and tactile interest — perfect for an entryway. Subtle patterns can also create a soothing bedroom backdrop.
Paper used on the back of shelving creates a subtle, textured backdrop for accessories. It doesn’t shout for attention but elevates the overall styling of the shelves.
Barclay Butera
Barclay Butera (above five photos)
An entry with mood and texture can make a strong first impression.
Domino Magazine
Domino Magazine
Wallpaper can transform a cold, ordinary room into a cozy, stylish space that reflects your personality. Choose traditional or modern patterns depending on what suits you. Don’t worry about future buyers unless you plan to move soon — decorate your home for yourself.
Small alcoves and niches are ideal places to introduce wallpaper without a large investment.
Domino Magazine
Domino Magazine
Domino Magazine
Martha Stewart
Wallpaper works beautifully in closets, powder rooms and tiny nooks — places where the cost of paper is manageable and the visual payoff is high. These small-scale applications add personality without breaking the budget.
Wallpaper can be glamorous. Murals, in particular, add depth, personality and drama to a room when used thoughtfully.
Traditional Home
Domino Magazine
If you enjoy painting, stencils and hand-applied motifs can mimic wallpaper effects and offer a custom, artistic touch.
Domino Magazine
Wallpaper needn’t be limited to walls. Use it to cover unattractive surfaces like filing cabinets for a quick, stylish update.
Domino Magazine
Strips of wallpaper can create custom borders or graphic wall treatments. Choose classic or artistic patterns rather than kitschy motifs.
Domino Magazine
I wouldn’t relish papering a ceiling, but the result can be stunning — it adds an unexpected layer of interest above eye level.
Martha Stewart
In the past we papered light switch plates to hide them against patterned walls; today you can either disguise them or intentionally highlight them as a design detail.
Martha Stewart
Wallpaper (or even decorative craft paper) can be used to line picture frame mats for added color and texture, giving framed art a subtle custom touch.
Martha Stewart
If painting and stenciling feel daunting, you can cut shapes from wallpaper to create decorative risers on stairs or apply paper to doors for an instant burst of pattern.
Give wallpaper a chance.
