Wallpaper Ideas
I’ve always liked wallpaper. It’s been a love/hate relationship at times — I’ve wrestled with layers of old paper and stubborn paste, but I’ve also fallen for thoughtfully chosen designs. When you pick the right paper, place it in the right room, and hire a skilled installer (or take your time and do it carefully yourself), wallpaper can make a space feel intentional and finished.
Wallpaper’s reputation has taken hits over the years thanks to some regrettable trends — think busy borders and dated motifs from decades past. Those styles gave wallpaper a bad name, and I’ve certainly removed my share of unattractive, glued-down layers. Fortunately, modern wallpapers are easier to hang and remove, and there’s a much wider, more tasteful range of patterns and textures available today.
No matter whether wallpaper is considered “trendy” or not, it remains a useful design tool. It can define a room, add personality, and express your style in ways paint alone often cannot. Wallpaper has been around for centuries because it works — when used thoughtfully it can transform a space.
Texture is one of wallpaper’s greatest strengths. Grasscloth and other natural weaves add depth and warmth that paint can’t always achieve. Subtle patterns and textures can create a backdrop that’s interesting without overwhelming the room, as shown in the entry and bedroom photos above.
Wallpaper can also work beautifully inside shelving or bookcases. Lining the backs of shelves with a textured or patterned paper creates a subtle, elegant backdrop for accessories and books without competing with them.
Thoughtful placement makes all the difference. A richly textured entry or a moody paper in a foyer sets an immediate tone and lends personality to an otherwise ordinary space.
A wallpapered room can go from cold and impersonal to warm and inviting. Choose patterns and colors that reflect your taste — traditional, modern, or eclectic — and don’t worry about future buyers if you’re planning to stay. Make your home something you love.
Small architectural features — alcoves, nooks, and powder rooms — are perfect places to experiment. Wallpaper adds interest in compact spaces without a large expense, and it can highlight details you want to showcase.
Closets, powder rooms and other small spaces are classic wallpaper locations. They provide a punch of style without the cost of papering a large room. A bold mural or patterned paper in a small area can feel luxurious and intentional.
Murals and larger-scale graphics bring drama and depth. When used sparingly, they create a focal point and give a room real personality. If you’re creative, painted stencils or hand-painted motifs can achieve a custom wallpaper look without the cost of bespoke paper.
Wallpaper doesn’t have to be limited to walls. Use it to refresh furniture, cover unsightly cabinets, or line drawers and shelves. Smaller applications make a big impact and can be easily changed later.
Cutting wallpaper shapes for stair risers, covering doors, or framing favorite prints with paper-backed mats are all creative, budget-friendly ways to add pattern and color throughout your home. Strips of wallpaper can make attractive borders or custom accents when applied thoughtfully.
If a bold look isn’t your thing, choose classic or subtle patterns — avoid overly themed or kitschy motifs. The best papers enhance a room without shouting, offering texture, color, and personality in balance.
Ceilings can be a dramatic canvas for wallpaper, though they’re a challenge to paper. If you’re adventurous, a patterned ceiling adds an unexpected layer of style. Small touches like covering light switch plates or using paper to highlight architectural details can make the overall design feel cohesive and considered.
Wallpaper can be practical and pretty. Use it to hide imperfections or to beautify everyday objects. Even simple projects, like backing frames with patterned paper or covering mats, give art and photos an instant update.
Wallpaper offers countless ways to personalize your home, from subtle textures to bold murals. If you’ve been hesitant, consider experimenting in a small space — a powder room, closet, or alcove — to see how paper can change the mood and personality of a room.
Give wallpaper a chance.
