There's no better way to make a space pop than with a feature wall. But, what if you don't want to commit to painting or paneling a wall? The good news is that accent walls don't always have to be painted and you can use wallpaper instead. Similar to other types of accent walls, this wallcovering can tie a bedroom together, add character to a powder room, and even cozy up a large living room - but in an easy-to-apply-and-remove way.
Today, wallpaper is offered in a plethora of designs, from intriguing textures to subtle motifs to specific themes. This means you'll have no trouble finding a style that works for your space. Here, we've put together a list of irresistibly stylish wallpaper accent walls to inspire you for your next home project. We've also included some useful wallpaper rules and tips to help you get started.
Utilize Textured Wallpaper
Emphasize warmth and coziness with textured wallpaper in a bedroom or nursery. Materials like grasscloth or fabrics add depth, enhancing a room's tactile appeal. Incorporate whimsical elements like artwork, soft lighting, and toys to create an inviting atmosphere for relaxation and play.
Incorporate Bold Geometric Patterns
Elevate your modern interior with bold geometric patterns, perfect for a bedroom or study room. Eye-catching blue and beige wallpaper complements minimalist furniture and décor, drawing attention to the accent wall. Pair with wooden furnishings and matching accents to create a serene, contemporary space.
Create a Mural Effect
Transform your child's bedroom with a beautiful, large-scale mural wallpaper, sparking their imagination. Inspire creativity and learning by surrounding them with color, playtime essentials, and practical storage solutions. Add a comforting touch with a plush rug and soft seating spaces.
Introduce a Nature Theme
Bring nature indoors with botanical-themed wallpaper, perfect for bedrooms or sunrooms. Achieve a calming ambiance with abstract designs in complementing colors and hints of gold accents. Relax in a refined setting with potted plants, contemporary furnishings, and elegant lighting.
Combine Wallpaper and Paint
Customize your bathroom with a mix of wallpaper and paint. Create an eye-catching accent wall using floral prints alongside a matching paint color. Complete the sophisticated look with brass-finished faucets and light fixtures. Achieve a cohesive, modern design with complementary furniture and accessories.
Experiment with Metallic Accents
Indulge in luxurious metallic wallpaper for a touch of glamour in dining rooms or entryways. Gold and blue palm tree patterns elevate the space, while gold accents in furniture and lighting enhance the opulent atmosphere. Combine with modern and earthy elements for a well-rounded design.
Choose a Monochromatic Look
Enhance your bedroom's harmony with wallpaper in the same color family. Bold black and white striped wallpaper adds depth and texture while maintaining a consistent palette. Complement the design with black and gold bedding, and finish the room with upscale elements like a designer duffel bag.
Go for Subtle Patterns
Cultivate tranquility in bedrooms, bathrooms, or nurseries with soft, subtle patterned wallpaper. Accentuate the serene environment with furniture and décor in coordinating colors. Incorporate whimsical elements such as artwork, lighting, and plush textiles to enhance warmth and relaxation.
Add Stripes for Height
Create an illusion of height in rooms with low ceilings by opting for vertically striped wallpaper. Combining black and white patterns contributes to a bold, modern atmosphere. Experiment with contrasting colors and textures like a pink chair, sporty décor, and stained glass details.
Highlight Architectural Features
Emphasize your room's architectural elements with complementary wallpaper patterns. Accent built-in shelves, fireplaces, or niches to enhance the overall design. Create a cozy atmosphere with plush furniture, soft lighting, and charming decorative pieces, weaving a tapestry of comfort and warmth.
Showcase a Dark Accent Wall
To add depth and drama to your living or dining space, consider a dark, moody wallpaper. A perfect fit for classic or modern aesthetics, pair it with lighter furnishings to create balance. In the photo, a sophisticated dining room features an elegant wooden table, green chairs, and beige-green patterned wallpaper. Advice: choose a rich, intricate pattern and ensure accessories or art pieces complement the overall design.
Incorporate Whimsical Themes
Transform a child's room or playroom with whimsical or playful wallpaper, promoting creativity and fun. Ideal for colorful, casual spaces, furnish with toy storage and cute decor. The photo shows a green-yellow children's room filled with toys, furniture, and exciting details. Tip: Complement the wallpaper with theme-inspired soft toys, lights, and bedding for a cohesive result.
Create a Gallery Wall Effect
Revitalize a small space or rental property with gallery wall-themed wallpaper. Combining this with an earthy, rustic aesthetic creates a warm and intriguing atmosphere. As seen in the photo, a cozy room features framed pictures on the walls and wooden furniture. Advice: avoid overcrowding the room with additional wall hangings to maximize the gallery effect and limit visual clutter.
Embrace Minimalism
Go minimalist with subtle, understated wallpaper creating a clean and calming ambiance. Suitable for modern living rooms or bedrooms, use neutral shades and sleek lines. The photo reveals a beige living room with brown couch, chair, and coffee table. Advice: Enhance the minimal look with functional furniture pieces and simple, natural accents like plants.
Use a Panoramic Wallpaper
Enhance small rooms or hallways with panoramic wallpaper showcasing a captivating landscape, transporting guests to a new world. Perfect for serene, natural-inspired spaces. The photo displays a cozy bedroom with a landscape wall mural featuring reeds. Tip: Pair the mural with complementary bedding, furnishings, and soft lighting for an immersive atmosphere.
Introduce Cultural Motifs
Infuse your space with exotic intrigue through culturally inspired wallpaper. Ideal for eclectic, global-style rooms, opt for intricate geometric patterns or traditional elements. The example photo shows a stylish black and white bathroom with cultural designs, enhanced by a large mirror and elegant vanity. Advice: Combine the wallpaper with decor accents and textiles that embody the culture reflected in your chosen motif.
Opt for Nautical Themes
Create a coastal or beach-inspired haven with nautical-themed wallpaper. Suitable for vacation homes or casual living spaces, incorporate ocean and sea-life patterns. The photo portrays a cozy room with a blue wall featuring an ocean painting. Tip: Use a palette of coastal hues and nautical accessories, like seashells, anchors, or marine art, to create a cohesive environment.
Play with Scale
Transform a room using wallpapers with oversized or miniature patterns, adding depth and visual intrigue. Pair it with complementary colors and natural textures. The photo shows a stylish bedroom with a tree mural on the wall. Advice: Select patterns that complement your space's dimensions and highlights your furniture and decor.
Mix and Match Patterns
Craft a bold statement by mixing wallpaper patterns on one wall. Combine coordinating colors and similar styles for a unique, cohesive look. The example photo presents a charming bathroom with floral wallpaper. Tip: Choose harmonious patterns and colors to create a classy interior that reflects your personal style.
Incorporate Vintage Designs
Enhance your interiors with vintage-inspired wallpaper for a nostalgic, charming touch. Ideal with retro or antique furnishings, this style creates a timeless atmosphere. The photo presents a modern bathroom with a sleek black marble countertop and elegant vases filled with flowers. Advice: Opt for wallpaper with subtle patterns and textures, then decorate with matching vintage accents and furniture.
Create an Ombre Effect
To make a soothing retreat, apply ombre wallpaper to living rooms or bedrooms. This image depicts a modern space with a white curved sofa and stylish furnishings. Recommended spaces: bedrooms or living areas. Style: contemporary. Recommended objects: gold side table, white furniture, and statement chandelier. Advice: Choose wallpaper that gradually transitions between colors for a visually appealing effect.
Try a Trompe L'oeil
For an affordable alternative to costly materials, use trompe l'oeil wallpaper to mimic textures like brick or wood. In this image, a vast mural dominates a modern living room. Recommended spaces: living areas or large walls. Style: contemporary. Recommended objects: grey couch, wooden floor, bold wall mural. Advice: Stay consistent with chosen material and make it the room's focal point.
Use Abstract Patterns
Spark conversation by using wallpaper with abstract patterns. The eclectic living room in this image features an orange couch and various patterns. Recommended spaces: modern or contemporary areas. Style: bold artwork. Recommended objects: colorful furniture, patterned accents. Advice: Choose abstract pattern wallpaper that stands out and serves as a conversation piece.
Embrace Industrial Style
Create an edgy, urban vibe with industrial-inspired wallpaper like exposed brick or concrete. This minimalist bedroom shows simplicity and comfort. Recommended spaces: loft-style spaces or bedrooms. Style: urban/industrial aesthetic. Recommended objects: cozy bed, minimal decor. Advice: Opt for wallpaper with an authentic-looking industrial design for an affordable and creative solution.
Add Romantic Florals
Enhance serenity in your space with romantic floral wallpaper patterns. The sweet, girly bedroom features pink and white floral wallpaper. Recommended spaces: bedrooms, dressing rooms, powder rooms. Style: feminine and delicate. Recommended objects: pink accents, white furniture, soft textures. Advice: Choose calming floral patterns that evoke a sense of tranquility.
Incorporate a Chinoiserie Motif
Elevate your space with chinoiserie wallpaper for a timeless, sophisticated look. The image shows a tranquil bedroom with blue and white floral wallpaper. Recommended spaces: formal dining rooms, living areas. Style: elegant and refined. Recommended objects: harmonious colors, traditional Chinese patterns. Advice: Opt for wallpaper with classic Chinese designs to create a luxurious atmosphere.
Choose a Typographic Design
Personalize your space with typographic wallpaper like quotes or alphabets. The focused workspace has an inspirational wall decal. Recommended spaces: home office, library. Style: unique and personalized. Recommended objects: sleek white desk, motivational wall quotes. Advice: Select wallpaper with a meaningful message or design that inspires you.
Go for a Subtle Watercolor Effect
Create a calming atmosphere with watercolor-inspired wallpaper. The luxurious bedroom showcases a marble wall mural with blue pillows. Recommended spaces: bedrooms, yoga rooms. Style: tranquil and soothing. Recommended objects: plush bed, neutral furnishings. Advice: Choose wallpaper with a soft, watercolor-like design to promote relaxation.
Try a Three-Dimensional Design
Add intrigue to a room with 3D effect wallpaper, perfect for a focal point. The living room in this image features geometric wallpaper and yellow accents. Recommended spaces: living room, entryway. Style: bold statement. Recommended objects: yellow couch, metal-based coffee table. Advice: Opt for wallpaper with a 3D effect that captures attention and adds depth.
Incorporate Plaid Patterns
Use plaid or tartan wallpaper for a cozy and classic look. The stylish living room displays black and white checkered wallpaper and a blue vase. Recommended spaces: traditional or rustic interiors. Style: timeless and warm. Recommended objects: black and white furniture, blue accents. Advice: Select a plaid pattern that complements the room's color palette and adds warmth.
Caroline Patterson
Caroline is a young, New York-based interior designer and home decor writer, obsessed with textiles and designer furniture. Backed with rigorous training from a prestigious design school, as well as a profound understanding of material quality and fabric care, she offers spot-on advice on how to furnish your place with reliable, functional, and aesthetically pleasing pieces.
