The Wonderful World of Wallpaper
Wallpaper has a deep history and has captured the hearts of people for centuries. Over the past few years, wallpaper has experienced a major resurgence and you’ve likely spotted it adorning the walls everywhere from DIY home Instagram accounts to AD celebrity home tours. Wallpaper’s ability to infuse a space with a distinct feeling and style is just one of the reasons people simply can’t get enough.
While wallpaper is one of the “it girls” of the design world, some still may be quick to write it off, thinking it’s too bold & busy. It’s true, wallpaper is amazing at making a bold statement, but we’ve used wallpaper in every style home imaginable. Whether you’re looking for vintage florals (so you can dive headfirst into the trending grandmillennial style), something subtle and elegant to add a hint of luxury, a lively and colorful statement, or anything in between, there’s an option out there for everyone. With a wide variety of styles, patterns, and materials available, there are ENDLESS creative possibilities.
Today, we're diving into the wonderful world of wallpaper and sharing with you the different types of wallpaper, application ideas, links to some of our favorites, and more!
Happy reading!
Types of Wallpaper
When it comes to transforming your space, wallpaper is a game-changer. From textured, to patterned, to easy-to-apply peel-and-stick varieties, the right wallpaper can elevate any room's aesthetic. Whether you're aiming for a bold statement or a subtle touch of elegance, exploring the different types of wallpaper can help you find the perfect match for your style and needs.
The three types of wallpaper
Pre-pasted: Comes with adhesive already applied to the back of the paper. This makes it easier and more convenient to install compared to traditional wallpaper, which requires a separate application of paste.
Pasted: Also known as traditional wallpaper, it requires a separate application of wallpaper paste or adhesive before it can be applied to the wall.
Peel & Stick Wallpaper: A great budget-friendly option, this is easy to apply and remove, perfect for renters or temporary decor changes.
These types of wallpaper come in a variety of finishes. The most popular are:
Vinyl Wallpaper: Durable and easy to clean (literally just with soap and water!). This wallpaper is ideal for high-traffic areas and kitchens.
Textured Wallpaper: Adds depth and interest with raised patterns and textures like grasscloth, linen, or embossed designs.
Foil Wallpaper: Has a shiny, metallic finish that reflects light and adds a touch of glamour to any room.
Fabric Wallpaper: Made from textiles, offering a rich, tactile experience, often used in high-end interiors.
Photo Mural Wallpaper: Large-scale images or patterns that create a statement wall, perfect for creating a dramatic effect.
Before you dive into our wallpaper gallery, here are the few things to consider!
Scale: The size of the pattern should complement the room size. Large patterns can overwhelm small spaces, while small, intricate designs may get lost in larger rooms.
Samples: ALWAYS get wallpaper samples and test them in your space. Look at how they interact with your existing decor, furniture, and lighting at different times of the day.
Mixing and Matching: Don’t be afraid to mix and match wallpapers. You can use a bold pattern for an accent wall while keeping the other walls in a coordinating solid or subtle texture.
sUBTLE & SOPHISTICATED
As we mentioned, wallpaper can work with any style and isn’t always about making a bold statement. Rather, it can simply help add dimension and subtle character to your space. In this European farmhouse inspired primary bathroom, this wallpaper selection adds an air of traditional elegance and beautifully compliments the marble accents and natural wood tones.
SOFT & SUBTLE WALLPAPER
Pro tip: In a bathroom, you might consider only wallpapering the top part of the wall. Tile is ideal for the bottom half of the wall because that’s where most water will land. When using wallpaper in a bathroom, we recommend reading the wallpaper specs to ensure it can handle a moist environment.
BOLD & BRIGHT
In this powder room, we also used a tile/wallpaper mix but instead chose a playful color combination in contrasting colors to create a punchy vibe. The contrast of the geometric tiles with the movement of the abstract wallpaper makes the space feel both modern and whimsical.
BOLD WALLPAPER
FOR THE KIDDOS
Kids’ rooms are a great place to use wallpaper! As kids grow and their tastes and preferences inevitabley change, wallpaper can be a cost-effective way to change up the entire vibe of the room. You can select designs that channel your child’s interests or the overall theme of the room - Whether it be dinosaurs, outer space, princesses, animals or just a favorite color!
Pro tip: If your child is old enough, let them help you choose! In this space, we presented our client’s 6-year-old daughter with 3 wallpaper options and let her have the final say. This created a sense of ownership and inclusion that made her love her space even more.
WALLPAPER & DECALS FOR LITTLES
Another great option for kids’ rooms are wall decals, wallpaper’s cousin, if you will. They can be less time intensive than wallpaper but bring an equal amount of character!
AS A SUPPORTING ROLE
Pattern on pattern? 10000% yes! The trick to nailing this look is to select two patterns with similar shapes. In the case of this mid-century modern/Palm Springs inspired bathroom, the starburst pattern tile echoes the palm print wallpaper just enough to create a nice, cohesive feel. We wanted the floor to be the major wow factor in this space and have the wallpaper play more of a supporting role, which as we mentioned before, is sometimes the goal!
MAGICAL MCM WALLPAPER
Wallpaper is an iconic part of mid-century modern design so have fun with it! Think geometric prints, retro botanicals and groovy shapes.
PERIOD PIECE PERFRECTION
Hit shows like Bridgerton have catapulted period piece aesthetics to a whole new level. Wallpaper that gives a regency-era vibe also lends itself to other trends like, cottage core & grandmillenial. While labeling a look can help to explain your aesthetic, don’t let that limit you! Vintage inspired botanical & floral wallpaper or more traditional patterns, like toile or damask, can complement a range of styles.
This home office features two wallpapers. A bold peacock print wows as an accent wall, while the other walls, clad in grasscloth, bring a beautiful texture to the space. When it came to the furnishings and decor, we included multiple styles, giving this room a modern feel with a dash of old-world charm.
CHARMING WALLPAPER
ACE THE ACCENT WALL
Instead of paint, designers everywhere are opting for wallpaper or murals, giving the infamous accent wall a trendier and more modern upgrade. Adorning your headboard wall with wallpaper helps create a focal point in your room while adding a jolt of personality and a custom feel. Pick a wallpaper that features common colors or themes of your room. In this primary bedroom, the floral print complements the throw pillows and the tile on the fireplace. We sought to create an eclectic flair in this room, incorporating a medley of different prints, patterns and textures, and this wallpaper brought a real splash of style and character to the room.
Pro tip: Selecting a larger scale print can help your room feel bigger!
HEADBOARD WALLPAPER & MURALS TO TRY
TIMELESS TEXTURES
If pattern isn’t your thing, try texture instead! Grasscloth is a timeless choice for a wallcovering and easily adapts to a multitude of design styles. It’s made from natural fibers, such as hemp, jute, sea grass and other grasses and you’ll love the organic warmth it will bring to your space.
For an earthy vibe, choose a natural tone grasscloth. For a more dramatic look, like we created in this moody Mexican-modern powder room, consider a colored option!
For a budget conscious option, check out faux, or “grasscloth look” vinyl wallpaper.
Thanks for reading!
We hope you found lots of helpful information and inspiration to dive into the wonderful world of wallpaper and invite this timeless design element into your home. As always, if you have any questions or need help with a specific space, just reach out!
This post contains affiliate links. If you purchase something we may earn a commission.