Whether you want a subtle backdrop for your master bedroom or a bold, eye-catching design for a guest room, wallpaper is a perfect way to introduce personality and style. Below are curated bedroom wallpaper ideas to inspire your next update. From classic, timeless patterns to modern and contemporary designs, you’ll find options to suit every taste.
Considerations
Choosing the right wallpaper starts with understanding the mood you want to create. Consider the room’s overall color palette and the atmosphere you’re aiming for: modern and minimal, warm and cozy, bright and playful, or romantic and elegant. Next, decide on the type of wallpaper—patterned, textured, grasscloth, mural, or removable peel-and-stick—and how it will coordinate with your furniture, bedding, and accessories. Finally, take lighting and room size into account; darker patterns can create intimacy, while lighter tones open up a small space.
Once you’ve gathered inspiration, sample wallpapers on the wall and live with them for a few days. Colors shift with light, and patterns read differently at scale than they do on a swatch.
Different Styles
Wallpaper comes in many styles, each offering a distinct effect. Here are popular choices and how to use them in a bedroom setting.
Striped wallpaper is a classic choice that adds structure and soft elegance; vertical stripes can make ceilings feel higher, while horizontal stripes widen the room. Geometric patterns create a modern, graphic look and work especially well in contemporary bedrooms.
Floral wallpapers bring a bright, airy, and often feminine feel to bedrooms, while damask patterns add traditional luxury. Graphic and bold prints make a strong impact and can be used to define an accent wall or focal point. Textured wallpapers—like grasscloth or embossed finishes—add depth and a tactile, snug quality to the space.
For a contemporary or eclectic look, consider murals or large-scale prints that create a dramatic scene. Distressed or vintage-inspired wallpapers are a great choice for a rustic or reclaimed aesthetic.
Renting? Wallpaper May Still Be an Option
Renters often think wallpaper is off-limits, but removable and damage-free options make it possible to personalize a rental without risking your deposit. Always check with your landlord before making changes. Peel-and-stick wallpapers remove cleanly in most cases, and removable adhesives or damage-free mounting strips can prevent marks. Also verify any building fire-safety regulations that might affect your choices.
A Little Goes a Long Way
You don’t have to wallpaper every wall to make a big impact. Popular approaches include a single feature wall, a wallpapered alcove or niche, a papered headboard area, or using wallpaper as art panels or framed sections. Smaller-scale patterns or border treatments can be more subtle, while large-scale motifs create a dramatic focal point.
Favorite Bedroom Wallpaper Looks
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is wallpaper a good idea in bedrooms?
Yes. Wallpaper can reinvigorate a bedroom by creating mood and texture. Darker walls create a cozy atmosphere, neutrals add calm, and patterns bring personality and visual interest.
What wallpaper works best in a small bedroom?
To make a small bedroom feel larger, choose light, bright colors or subtle patterns. Creams, soft pastels, and pale neutrals reflect light and visually expand the space. Avoid overly busy patterns that can overwhelm the room.
What color of wallpaper is best for a bedroom?
Calming grays, soft blues, warm neutrals, and muted greens are popular choices because they promote relaxation. If you want a modern look, add small pops of bold color within accessories or on a single accent wall.
What are the disadvantages of wallpaper?
Wallpaper installation can be more time-consuming than painting, and removing traditional wallpaper may require preparation and repair. However, removable wallpapers reduce that drawback.