When it comes to adding colour, pattern and even texture to your home, whether it's the living room, bedroom or home office, wallpaper ideas are pretty hard to beat. Whatever your interior style, there's a wallpaper trend to suit, from bold geo designs to pretty florals and so much in between.
And you don't need to wallpaper a whole room to enjoy the pop of personality wallpaper offers. Of course, walls are the obvious place for wallpaper, but you could also use it to upcycle a dresser, paper a panel to sit behind a sofa or bed, or even add a hint of pattern to your kitchen island.
At Ideal Home, we're lucky enough to see the latest wallpaper launches and creative ways designers are using it before it hits the mainstream. We've flicked through the Ideal Home archive imagery and the latest looks to bring you the best wallpaper ideas, with plenty of expert advice on how to interpret them in your home.
So when you're planning your next easy DIY project, make sure to give wallpaper the focus it deserves. Be inspired by these imaginative ways to add wallpaper to any room of the house for an easy interiors pick-me-up.
Wallpaper ideas
Wallpaper went through a few bleak years, but in 2023 it is back with a serious bang according to wallpaper and interior design experts. ‘The past few years have dramatically changed people’s approach to their interiors and we are seeing consumers really finding their own sense of colour confidence in their homes,' says Ruth Mottershead, creative director, Little Greene (opens in new tab).
We've sourced our favourite wallpaper ideas to inspire you to add more colour and pattern to your home.
1. Match your wallpaper and woodwork
Before painting interior windows, make sure you settle on your wallpaper choice first to match the two. ‘As wallpaper is one of the easiest ways to update a room and covers the majority of the surface area, it is a good idea to use wallpaper as your starting point,' says James Watson, managing director, 1838 Wallcoverings (opens in new tab).
'Take the lead from the colour palette within the design, introducing 2-3 of the colours and including these across the other elements of the room to tie the overall space together.'
'Also, don’t feel limited to white woodwork, in fact choosing tonal colours that work with the shades in the wallpaper design will not only bring a unique, contemporary finish to the space, but will be less of a clash with white, which can be quite stark in contrast,'
A pictorial wallpaper will help create added interest to a scheme, choose one like 1838 Wallcovering’s Peacock Topiary in Fern (opens in new tab) which has plenty of colours to match the paint to.
James Watson is the Managing director of 1838 Wallcoverings, a luxury brand based in Lancashire, led by James and his sister Abigail Watson, whose family has over 4 generations of wallpaper printing experience. Each collection encompasses timeless classic patterns reimagined from archive prints, to contemporary digitally printed designs.
2. Use it as a decorative splashback
You may be thinking we’ve gone mad suggesting you use wallpaper as a kitchen splashback idea, but, there are two options – you can use wallpaper and cover it with glass, or use one of the new revolutionary wallpapers that are designed specifically for kitchens and are both water and heat resistant.
Flower & Marble by Limelace (opens in new tab) is a pvc wallpaper that will create a decorative splashback or use it as an accent wall on a kitchen wall instead.
3. Love pattern? Choose the same colour for walls and floors
Cohesion is what makes a scheme work and it can be in small or large amounts depending on what kind of look you want to achieve.
‘When you are planning your design, it’s important to think about the unification of colour,’ says Punam Chada, carpet buyer, Carpetright (opens in new tab).
‘Opt for flooring that shares a similar tone with your wallpaper as this will help to create a coherent look and feel. This works especially well when, for instance, both prints feature on white backgrounds so you can continue using the same tone on your ceiling.
'You don’t necessarily need to use matching motifs. If you opt for pattern clash, run your wallpaper from floor to ceiling as this will help to make the scheme feel cohesive.’
This is a gorgeous way to make small home office ideas or any small room punch above its weight in the style stakes.
4. Consider wallpaper instead of tiles
Bathroom wallpaper ideas are no longer a soggy no-no, in fact they can be a smart way to cut costs and mimic the look of tiles.
‘Renovating a bathroom is often time-consuming, costly and can cause a great deal of disturbance; however, shoppers can mimic the look of high-end tiling with artfully-designed wallpaper,' advises Dayna Isom Johnson (opens in new tab), trend expert, Etsy.
'With the average UK bathroom renovation costing £6,500, this is a great way to save pennies while still making a visual impact. And for the commitment-phobe, tile-inspired wallpaper is a great – and temporary – way to test out colours and shapes in a space without fully committing.'
Removable wallpaper is ideal for this and quick to use, check out this Moroccan tile removable wallpaper by Wonderw4llsBoutique (opens in new tab).
5. Pick a design that mimics fabric
There are some wonderful wallpaper ideas to consider and this is one of our favourites, particularly for a bedroom wallpaper idea.
‘Choose a wallpaper that resembles a vintage fabric, such as the ‘Lucia’ design, which is loosely based on seventeenth century crewelwork embroidery,' suggests Richard Smith (opens in new tab), founder, Madeaux.
'This distressed floral wallpaper is created using various ageing processes so that the historical context of this design is softened to create something entirely new, which sits equally well with a paisley or a modern geometric print, bringing a timeless feel by incorporating a mix of contemporary and traditional styles.’
6. Mix prints with plains in a cloakroom
Interior design works best when there’s a visual balance and more often than not we tend to pick plains in a cloakroom but you can use both successfully.
'Combining bold patterns in a downstairs cloakroom is a great way to add interest in what can be a dull room. Don’t be afraid to use dark colours to create drama and have fun with quirky wallpapers. This jungle-themed wallpaper looks great here when combined with the luxurious marble-effect porcelain slab tiles,’ says Jo Oliver-Singh, director, The Stone & Ceramic Warehouse (opens in new tab).
7. Trick the eye if you have low ceilings
Low ceilings? Then use this clever trick to elongate it visually.
'Wallpaper with vertical lines is not only a quirky addition to a room but can create the illusion of height. This is perfect for smaller spaces or rooms with lower ceilings, as the vertical lines will naturally draw the eye up, making the room appear taller,’ says Yvonne Drury, founder, Miss Print (opens in new tab).
8. Wallpaper can take a back seat
Wallpaper doesn’t need to be the focal point of your scheme, in fact, it can be a subtle ‘background’ instead.
‘This wallpaper collection was designed using the same prints as the fabrics, but the colours chosen for the walls were purposefully muted tones/pastels. This was to allow the wallpaper to work in any interior setting, having enough detail to stand out, but be subtle enough to introduce muted colour and pattern to the walls without overbearing the space,' says Emma Deterding (opens in new tab), founder, Kelling Designs.
'The Hearts & Minds (opens in new tab) design has been laid out in a way that from a distance, it almost looks like subtle stripes.'
Recently named among the Top 100 Interior Designers in the World, Emma's ability to offer a well-thought-out scheme for private clients has been honed over 25+ years in the market. Her reputation for not shying away from colour and pattern sets her apart in the market, working on numerous projects across the length and breadth of the country and abroad, from France to India. She enthusiastically embraces colour and uses it to maximum effect, while always careful to be guided by her clients.
9. Paper your doors and walls!
These days there’s nothing much you can’t wallpaper due to the technological advancements in designs – they’re much hardier than decades ago.
If you want an all encompassing look then wallpaper your doors and walls in the same design. If you want to change it up a little then paper one door in a different colourway.
Farrow & Ball’s Gable (opens in new tab) scenic wallpaper comes in 9 colourways and will be easy to match paint to.
10. Colour drench with wallpaper
You might have heard of colour drenching with paint, but you can do it with wallpaper too. A big home decor trend that started last year and one that shows no sign of disappearing.
'There is a move away from white woodwork and skirting in favour of contrasting or coordinating colours on woodwork, and the continuation of the Colour Drenching trend, which takes a single, or closely related colour across all aspects of a space, from skirting and walls to ceilings and doors. This can be seen in the use of wallpapers too, with tonal designs being paired with coordinating colours to create cohesive immersive interiors,' says Ruth Mottershead, creative director, Little Greene (opens in new tab).
Little Greene’s Hoja wallpaper (opens in new tab) in Air Force Blue is great for colour drenching as it has a subtle pattern.
Ruth is responsible for creating concepts and ideas for upcoming paint and wallpaper collections, choosing colours for new cards and browsing archives at the National Trust for new wallpaper collections. She writes content for the company’s marketing material, manages photoshoots and communicates with Little Greene and Paint & Paper Library’s customers.
11. Upcycle a chest with a pretty pattern
Make a cheap basic look expensive or revive a dated design with just a single roll of wallpaper. If you love a design but feel it may be too much to wallpaper the whole room in, this is a great way to add drama to your room without overpowering it. Or if you find a design that you love but it's just a little too pricey, then covering a small piece of furniture could be just the solution.
It is a smart way to upcycle furniture, but remember to seal the wallpaper with clear matt varnish to prevent peeling.
12. Create a feature wall with wallpapered panelling
For an instant glam upgrade apply a beautiful mural for a living room wallpaper idea. Cut an illustrated scene to fit between your wall panelling ideas. It becomes like a view through a window. Choose a mural that depicts a view or a scene, rather than an all-over print for a truly magical feel.
13. Cover a magnet board in a hero paper
Easy DIY wallpaper ideas are always a winner. Swap a scruffy looking pinboard for one covered in a graphic print. All you have to do is trim an off-cut of wallpaper to size and spray glue it to a magnet board. Choose an impactful print for a great way to add interest to a neutral wall or relieve an expanse of deep, block colour.
14. Upgrade a basic bunk bed with jungle print wallpaper
Use wallpaper paste to cover front bed panels with wallpaper for a brilliant kids' bedroom idea. Give the paper a coat of transparent varnish to help prevent knocks and scratches. Pick out a paint colour from the wallpaper and use it to paint the bottom half of a neutral bedroom wall, finishing with a fun scalloped detail.
For a super cool bed transformation make the bottom bunk into a cool hideaway. Remove the duvet and pillow and fill the space with cushions and blankets, books and plenty of fairy lights, for the perfect reading den.
15. Wallpaper the back of a kitchen island
Add a touch of pattern to a pared back scheme by wallpapering the back or a kitchen island. This eye-catching kitchen wallpaper idea is a great way to update an island (or kitchen dresser!). Use a hardwearing clear varnish to seal and protect it or get a made to measure sheet of perspex to layer over it. Black accents for accessories and flooring give this bespoke kitchen island uber-cool vibes.
16. Add pattern to the back of a display cabinet
Select a contrasting colour in a similar design, or go for a similar colour but with a very different pattern scale. This ensures that the cabinet wallpaper will stand out from the wallpaper ideas on the adjacent walls.
First, remove all shelving from the unit and wallpaper the back of the cupboard using wallpaper paste. Place the shelves back in and displaying co-ordinating kitchenware.
17. Paper the ceiling
Run a single roll of paper vertically to the very top of the wall for a dining room wallpaper idea. Continue the paper on the ceiling above the table and back down the wall on the other side of the room. This is a wonderful design statement and a true talking point over dinner.
Paper over picture rails, cornicing and even skirting boards for added impact. Use simple shapes and colours in furnishings and accessories to ensure that the wallpaper is the main focal point.
18. Revive a bland basic with textured wallpaper
Wallpaper is not just for walls. Use the design of your choice, to compliment the decor in any room where you wish to use this idea. Simply hang the lengths of wallpaper directly to the front of the doors. In in order for this to work best the doors need to be smooth, meaning no decorative beading or framing.
19. Put wallpaper in the frame
When looking to inject pattern to walls but you can't decide on which wallpaper design to favour, this idea is perfect! Create a gallery wall idea by framing samples of your favourite designs instead.
Frame samples or offcuts in identical frames, using a white mount for a more formal effect, using different patterns in a similar colour palette to unify the look. Choose simple frames so the patterns on these wallpaper ideas remain the point of focus.
20. Welcome nature in with bold terrarium-inspired designs
Select leafy motifs on wallpaper, from tropical foliage to vintage sketchbook designs, to make a great style statement. It could be a lot for a living room, but great fun for the smallest rooms of the house, like in this dark bathroom idea. Stop the pattern from becoming overpowering by panelling the lower part of the room and painting in a deep green, pick the paint colour by matching it to a colour found in the wallpaper.
21. Paper above the picture rail
If you're lucky enough to have high ceilings and picture rails you are at the advantage to use this space to frame a room with a wallpaper pattern – without having to wallpaper entire walls. Many period homes, particularly Victorian and Edwardian will still have the dado rail in most rooms, which helps to break up the space.
Choosing bold wallpaper ideas for above or below the dado rail means you can mix and match colours and patterns on the other half or simply go for a cohesive look.
22. Create a piece of art
Fashion a feature wall idea with a difference by framing a section of wallpaper. Either paper directly to the wall and frame, or back the paper. onto a large sheet of MDF to make it a moveable piece – more authentic as a piece of artwork. Paint the frame to match the wall for a more subtle effect. This trick creates a focal point and can be cheaper than artwork. It works best behind a sofa, bed or sideboard to zone or highlight an area.
23. Accentuate an archway
Use wallpaper to make the most of any original features in your home. This designer floral design highlights the alcove and arched architrave surrounding it. In this stunning living room the walls are kept brilliant white to allow the wallpaper to become the main focus of the room, but beautiful shades of green and purple filter out into soft furnishings for a simple yet sophisticated overall scheme.
24. Welcome wallpaper on stairs
Wallpaper ideas in the hallway needn't be confined to purely walls. We love this idea of introducing pattern and colour on the stair risers. Pieces of this Orla Kiely orange patterned wallpaper have been cut to fit the stair risers, pasted on and varnished to make the paper hardwearing – important in a high traffic area such as the stairs.
Thinking about how to wallpaper stairs is a winning hallway wallpaper idea but also worth considering in a newly converted loft space.
25. Get creative with recess spaces
Use wallpaper creatively to fill void spaces. This beautiful bedroom demonstrates how striking wallpaper ideas can act in place of artwork – used above a bed in the space between built-in wardrobes. This space would otherwise feel redundant, but instead it now anchors the whole scheme of the decor, thanks to the matching blue and green tones on the bedding and light fittings below.
It also helps to create the impression of a DIY headboard idea, and add a focal point to the room.
26. Wallpaper wardrobe doors
Wallpaper is not just for walls. Use the design of your choice, to compliment the decor in any room where you wish to use this idea. Simply hang the lengths of wallpaper directly to the front of the doors. In in order for this to work best the doors need to be smooth, meaning no decorative beading or framing.
27. Introduce pattern to wall panelling
In this grey hallway idea the staircase panels are brought to life with the help of a decorative migrating geese wallpaper. The wall panelling is painted in a coordinating blue grey to keep the look cohesive. This idea is not for the faint-hearted, as each section needs to be measured and cut to size – but as you can see the results are well worth it. On more standard wall panelling the task will be easier, as the sections will all be the same so you can cut strips in bulk.
28. Be creative with a bookcase design
A great way to make an impact is with trompe l'oeil wallpaper. A bookcase-themed wallpaper will breathe new life into the room and add interest to an otherwise dull corner.
This type of design is perfect when planning how to wallpaper a feature wall. While your book collection may have been whittled down in favour of e-books in recent years, with a gorgeous bookcase-print wallpaper, there's no reason why you can't enjoy the traditional look of books in a quiet reading corner.
29. Cheat a dreamy headboard panel with wallpaper
This brilliant bedroom wallpaper idea fashions a feature wall-cum-headboard using wallpaper! Make your own boutique-hotel-style design feature by hanging a couple of drops of a striking wallpaper behind the bed.
To really add a design wow factor create neat raised edges with wooden battens covered in matching fabric – but this finish is optional if you want less work.
30. Contrast colour with a feature wall
If choosing to decorate with a powerful paint colour, such as this olive green bedroom idea, a patterned wallpaper can be just the tonic to create a contrasting feature wall.
Where colour would normally play the star role on the feature wall, instead add a characterful wallpaper design to complete the look. This paper features a design with illustrated house in soft grey and white, to compliment a white ceiling and white painted floorboards.
31. Frame a fireplace
Alcoves beside a fireplace are the ideal walls to hang a decorative wallpaper design. The set back walls are just crying out for a statement wallpaper design to give them prominence. A design either side of a fireplace helps to frame the main point of focus. It's a great alternative if you're thinking about how to wallpaper a chimney breast.
In this stunning living room above a panelled wall helps to enhance the chimney breast and back the scheme stand out all the more. The blue wall colour is picked up within the wallpaper design to ensure it coordinates beautifully.
32. Divide a wall with pattern
Avoid overpowering a room by using your wallpaper only up to a point. Taking it up to the level of a traditional picture rail – rather than all the way to the ceiling – and keeping a clapboard finish above the rail height helps to keep the pattern in check without reducing its impact.
33. Fake a brick wall with wallpaper
If you don't have the skill to expose a brick wall, get the look without the hassle by simply choosing a realistic-looking wallpaper. A trompe l'oeil design can cleverly be used to trick the eye into thinking the brick pattern is the real thing (just don't get too close!). The outcome adds depth and interest to a room.
You'll find beautiful modern examples that depict wall panelling, weathered wood and quirky designs such as luxurious button-back upholstery – for walls! A smart idea to fake it in any room.
34. Hang stripes horizontally to widen a space
Just because a room is small doesn't mean it has to be filled with neutral tones. If used correctly, a bold pattern can help to make a small space feel more impactful.
Stripes hung horizontally is a savvy decorating tactic to trick the eye into thinking the room is wider than it really is. This super stylish black and white bedroom idea sports effortlessly sports a black and white stripped design on the far wall, leaving the remaining walls in a forgiving soft shade of grey.
35. Wallpaper above tiles
Fancy adding pattern to your bathroom but worried about wallpaper getting wet? Use this idea to elevate the pattern above a tiled section.Tile up to the point where splashes might reach, then wallpaper to the ceiling to ensure your design is safe and dry.
It's a smart look and is more subtle than papering an entire wall – if you're unsure about taking the plunge, so to speak, this might be the way to go about things.
36. Include the ceiling in the scheme
Why leave the ceiling out? For many years now the powers that be in the interiors world have been telling us how fashionable wallpapering the 5th wall is. Would you be so bold?
We'd say it works if the room is big enough to allow, in an already small space a wallpapered ceiling could overwhelm – making it feel even smaller. For best results choose a paper in light colour choice to ensure the space still feels bright and airy.
What kind of wallpaper is popular now?
Archive designs with their deep sense of history are having a resurgence, as James Watson, managing director, 1838 Wallcoverings (opens in new tab) explains:
‘There is a deep sense during uncertain times that we look for continuation and the comfort of familiarity for reassurance, which archive designs evoke. Reminiscent of something that we have glimpsed before, whether that would have been in a museum or a book, or perhaps in our own grandparent’s home.
'These designs speak to us from a period when craftsmanship was so central to the design process, before mass production took over, and today this level of detail and artistry is understood and recognised. Put simply, it stands the test of time.’
'Since the start of 2023, we have seen a variety of wallpaper trends correlating with the abundance of varying styles and looks coming through. As we begin to venture into a more colourful world, bold and playful palettes will be more present in wallpaper designs and patterns – think bright reds and striking blues to transform the previous demand for neutral dynamics,' says Yvonne Drury, founder, Miss Print (opens in new tab).
Is wallpaper in style for 2023?
'Wallpaper is definitely in style for 2023 and beyond. We’ve seen a huge resurgence in wallpaper and wall murals being included in homes for some time now, and this is unlikely to change!' says Emma Deterding, founder, Kelling Designs (opens in new tab).
'Modern wallpaper designs are beautiful and can really make a statement, whether you go for a floral, geometric, or minimalist design. Also, with the rise in removable wallpapers, it’s becoming less of a commitment as you can easily remove the paper should you get bored – the removable designs are definitely proving most-popular in rentals.'
'We are expecting to see a retro resurgence, favouring groovy repeat patterns and abstract colourways,' adds Yvonne. 'This will definitely assist in making homes more visually interesting and inviting. Botanical prints have also been on the rise and have become more apparent as we begin to appreciate more of the natural world. People are starting to incorporate more floral interiors as they can help breathe life and freshness throughout the home.'
How do I choose the right wallpaper?
'Choosing wallpaper for your home is a fun and really exciting process, but with the vast array of options available, it can also be quite overwhelming,' advises Emma.
'To make the best decision, you need to consider the overall style of your home and the room in which you’re looking to hang the wallpaper. For a more cohesive look, choose designs and colours that coordinate with and complement your existing colours, furniture and decor. If you are bold and more daring, then the options are endless and you can go as maximalist as you like.'
What can I do with one roll of wallpaper?
Ideal Home's Decorating Expert Nicky Phillips (opens in new tab) shares her favourite quick and easy ideas that use a single roll of wallpaper:
- Cover box files or binder files to coordinate with the decor of a home office
- Back a display cabinet or an open shelving unit. Mount and frame patterned wallpaper like unique pieces of art
- Use as high-quality gift wrap, you can sometimes find a roll of wallpaper is less expensive than a roll of quality gift wrap
What is the difference between wallpaper and a mural?
Wallpaper is bought on a roll with a fixed width, usually approx 68cm in width and 4.5meters in length. A mural can be ordered to fit, so the measurement of a complete wall can be given so that the illustration or design fits perfectly end to en
What are the disadvantages of wallpaper?
You will probably find that you need an expert tradesman to apply wallpaper. In rooms with a high moisture content, like bathrooms and kitchens, may cause wallpaper to peel and lift.
Wallpaper is less durable than paint and cannot be easily cleaned or scrubbed. If wallpaper is damaged a quick repair isn't easy, stripping the whole wall and re-papering is often the only option.
Wallpaper is not easily changed if you become bored of it and can be an expensive mistake to change if you are unhappy with how it looks. But it's definitely worth experimenting with some of these ideas that use wallpaper in smaller doses. That way you can enjoy the colour and pattern wallpaper offers, but it isn't too much of a headache when you fancy a change!
Additional words by Nicky Phillips
-
Can a rigid foam hot tub rival an inflatable spa? We put Wave's Osaka hot tub to the testA stylish alternative to an inflatable hot tub and without the expense of a static spa – we test out Wave's rigid foam Osaka hot tub
-
'I love mixing period features with modern elements,' says the owner of this Victorian apartment
A clever layout redesign means this two-bedroom apartment now maximises light and space to create a bright and modern home
-
You wouldn't know this chic bedroom wall panelling makeover cost less than £100
Take your room from bland to grand with this simple cost-saving DIY project
