How to Choose the Right Wallpaper
Whether you’re looking to add a dramatic focal point, define a space, or bring subtle warmth to a room, the right wallpaper can instantly elevate your interior design. From bold botanicals to earthy textures and vintage-inspired prints, there’s a style to suit every personality and home aesthetic.
Not sure where to start? This guide will walk you through what to consider when choosing wallpaper, including today’s top trends, functional tips, and inspiration for making a lasting design statement.
Residence 2 Floor Plan, Bloom Collection, Edenglen Community, Ontario, California
1. Set the mood and identify the style
Before choosing a pattern or color, take a moment to think about how you want the room to look and feel. Is the space meant to be restful and quiet, like a bedroom or reading nook? Energetic and creative, like a playroom or home office? Start by identifying the function of the room and how you’ll use it day-to-day.
Next, think about your home’s overall style. Is it laid-back and rustic, clean and contemporary, or full of eclectic charm? You’ll want to choose a wallpaper that complements your aesthetic and helps create a cohesive look throughout your space.
Then, consider the mood you want the wallpaper to evoke in that particular room. A serene bedroom might call for soft textures or calming colors, while a dining room could feel moody and dramatic with a deep hue or bold pattern. The right wallpaper will enhance both the functionality and the personality of your space.
Dickinson Floor Plan, Urban Courtyard Homes Collection, Easton Park Community, Austin, Texas
2. Decide if you’re creating an accent wall or wallpapering the whole room
Wallpapering every wall in a room is a big commitment. You’re creating a different personality and immersive feeling compared to the other rooms. Because every wall will be covered, you may prefer to hold back on bold elements such as pattern and color. Textured wallpaper is a great way to add warmth, visual interest, and elegance to a room without it becoming chaotic.
Claremont Floor Plan, Traditional Homes Collection, Easton Park, Austin, Texas
If you’re opting for an accent wall, it’s easier to be as dramatic as you want to be! Depending on the room, there’s often a key furniture piece—like a headboard, media stand, or dining hutch—anchoring the accent wall. A bold geometric design, vibrant floral, or an animal pattern might be the “wow” factor you’ve been seeking.
Picasso Floor Plan, 55+ Lifestyle Collection, The Crest at Linton Hall 55+, Bristow, Virginia
If you’re feeling brave, try wallpapering your ceiling. This “fifth wall” has become the new frontier for wallcoverings, and wallpapering the ceiling can add extra impact while keeping the walls neutral. This effect works especially well in powder rooms, nurseries, or formal dining rooms.
Palermo Floor Plan, Estate Collection, Livingston Community, Calgary, Alberta
3. Decide on a color palette
Once you know the goal of the space you’re wallpapering, it’s easier to decide on a color palette. Start by assessing the room’s natural light. If there is plenty of ambient window light, you have a wider range of colors to use, as lots of natural light will make darker colors feel less brooding (or even cave-like). In some scenarios, dark and moody may be what you’re hoping for, but it’s worth considering in case that’s not the feeling you want.
The colors you select for your wallpaper should be a good match for the other décor in the space. There should be an element that ties everything together to create an intentional, cohesive look. Soft, cool colors feel more tranquil and relaxing, while warm colors feel livelier and more energetic.
Residence 1 Floor Plan, Patina Neighborhood, Napa RiverSound Community, Napa, California
4. Choose additional features like patterns, textures, and metallics
Even if your current décor includes a mix of styles, you’re not limited to plain wallpaper—and you don’t have to shy away from making a statement. Solid or subtly textured wallpapers can absolutely serve a purpose, especially if your space already features bold furniture, layered textiles, or eye-catching art. In these cases, a more understated wallpaper can act as a visual breather, adding warmth and cohesion without overwhelming the room.
That said, if you're looking to enhance your space even further, consider wallpaper with added dimension—like a soft pattern, rich texture, or a hint of metallic detailing. These extra elements can elevate your walls and bring in a touch of elegance or personality. The key is balance: choose a wallpaper that complements your existing décor without competing for attention.
Hudson 24 Floor Plan, Front Garage Collection, Creekstone Community, Calgary, Alberta
Smaller spaces with limited natural light—like powder baths or hallways—are perfect spots to experiment with wallpaper that’s a little more daring. Metallic finishes can help reflect light and make the room feel brighter and more dynamic, while bold patterns or unexpected colors can add personality in a compact footprint. Because these spaces are used briefly but often, they’re ideal for trying out designs that might feel too adventurous for larger rooms. Best of all, a striking wallpaper in a powder room usually becomes a conversation starter when guests come to visit.
Don’t forget: Your room size will affect what scale of print you should select. If the scale is really large, it’ll get lost on a small wall. Similarly, a tiny geometric print might look busy in a grand room with 10-foot ceilings.
2025 Wallpaper Trends
Wallpaper design has come a long way from dated florals and traditional stripes. In 2025, it’s all about personality, texture, and making an impact, whether subtle or bold. Here are some of the top styles and patterns that are defining interior spaces this year:
Textured & Natural Wallcoverings
Materials like grasscloth, linen, raffia, and woven textiles are being used to add depth and dimension to walls without overpowering a room. These natural textures bring warmth and sophistication, and they're especially popular in living rooms, bedrooms, and home offices where a cozy, elevated look is key. Plus, many options are now made with eco-friendly materials, making them a sustainable choice, too.
Botanical, Flora & Fauna Prints
Denmar Floor Plan, Traditional Collection, New Seaton Community, Pickering, Ontario
Nature continues to inspire wallpaper trends in a big way. Oversized florals, leafy jungle prints, delicate branches, and whimsical animal motifs bring the outdoors in and create a calming, organic atmosphere. Whether you go bold with a statement wall or keep it soft and subtle, botanical designs work beautifully in nearly any room.
Bold Geometric & Abstract Designs
Oak Floor Plan, Duplex Collection, Livingston Community, Calgary, Alberta
If you’re looking for a more modern or artistic feel, geometric and abstract patterns are having a major moment. Think hexagons, diamonds, waves, and large-scale color-blocking. These styles add energy and structure to a space and are particularly striking in entryways, home gyms, or accent walls. For a luxe twist, many designs incorporate metallic detailing or high-contrast color palettes.
Earthy, Warm Color Palettes
Brubeck Floor Plan, Brightside Collection, Seton Community, Calgary, Alberta
While cool grays and stark whites are fading in popularity, warm, earthy tones are stepping into the spotlight. Wallpapers in shades like terracotta, sage green, soft ochre, warm taupe, and dusty rose are trending across all styles. These tones create a grounded, welcoming feel and pair beautifully with natural woods and neutral furnishings.
Dark & Moody Aesthetics
York Floor Plan, Laned Collection, Chinook Gate Community, Airdrie, Alberta
For a more dramatic or cozy effect, deep hues like navy, emerald, charcoal, and burgundy are taking center stage. When paired with rich textures or metallic accents, these colors lend a sophisticated, cocoon-like vibe—ideal for bedrooms, libraries, or formal dining rooms.
Vintage Revival & ‘70s Influence
Purcell 24 Floor Plan, Front Garage Collection, Creekstone Community, Calgary, Alberta
Retro is back in a big way. Wallpaper designs inspired by the 1960s and 70s—think mod prints, bold florals, earthy colorways, and even groovy checkerboard patterns—are being embraced by homeowners looking to add nostalgic charm with a modern twist. These patterns are perfect for eclectic, boho, or maximalist spaces.
Murals & Scenic Prints
Palermo Floor Plan, Estate Collection, Livingston Community, Calgary, Alberta
Oversized murals featuring landscapes, abstract artwork, cityscapes, or dreamy watercolor designs are growing in popularity as homeowners seek to make bold visual statements. These are often used in bedrooms, living rooms, or entryways to add a wow factor without needing additional wall décor.
Choosing and installing wallpaper is a meaningful design decision, but it doesn’t have to feel like a forever commitment. Tastes evolve, and many homeowners redecorate every 5 to 10 years—so choose what inspires you now.
Braydon Floor Plan, 50' Detached Collection, Heartland Community, Baxter, Ontario
Material & Functionality Matters
Wallpaper isn’t just about looks—it also needs to work for your lifestyle and the space it’s in. Today’s wallpaper options go far beyond traditional paper, offering a wide variety of materials designed for performance, durability, and ease of installation.
Vinyl & Performance Wallpapers
Vinyl wallpaper is a great option for high-traffic areas like kitchens, bathrooms, mudrooms, and even children’s playrooms. It's moisture-resistant, easy to clean, and comes in endless patterns and textures—including options that mimic natural materials like wood, tile, or fabric. For households with pets or little ones, performance vinyl strikes the perfect balance between beauty and practicality.
Grasscloth & Textured Papers
Residence 3 Floor Plan, Patina Neighborhood, Napa RiverSound Community, Napa, California
If you're looking to add dimension and sophistication, consider grasscloth or other textured wallcoverings. These materials—often made from natural fibers like jute, hemp, or silk—introduce a tactile, elevated feel that works well in living rooms, dining areas, or home offices. Keep in mind that natural fiber wallpapers are less forgiving when it comes to cleaning, so they’re better suited for low-touch areas.
Peel-and-Stick Wallpapers
Ideal for renters, DIYers, or those who like to change up their décor frequently, peel-and-stick wallpapers offer a temporary way to make a big impact. They’re easy to install and remove without damaging walls, making them perfect for apartments, nurseries, seasonal makeovers, or accent walls. While not as durable as traditional wallpaper, today’s peel-and-stick options are more stylish and long-lasting than ever before.
Eco-Friendly Options
Sustainability is top of mind for many homeowners, and wallpaper brands are responding with low-VOC inks, recyclable materials, and responsibly sourced fibers. If you’re designing with the environment in mind, look for wallpaper labeled as eco-conscious or Greenguard Certified.
Denmar Floor Plan, Traditional Collection, New Seaton Community, Pickering, Ontario
Pro Tip: Some wallpapers—especially grasscloth, mural-scale designs, or those with intricate patterns—require expert installation to look their best. However, many peel-and-stick or pre-pasted options are DIY-friendly if you have a steady hand and some patience. If in doubt, consult a professional installer to get the cleanest results and preserve your investment.
Artisan One Floor Plan, Artisan Portfolio, Barefoot Community, Firestone, Colorado
Wallpaper is more than just a decorative detail—it’s a powerful design tool that can completely transform the look and feel of your home. So don’t be afraid to think beyond paint—your perfect wallpaper is just waiting to bring your walls to life.
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