Wallpaper Guide: How to Choose the Right Style for Every Room

written by: Terry Stevens

Published: April 10, 2025
Updated: April 10, 2025

reading time:  minutes

0  comments

  • Home
  • Blog
  • Articles
  • Wallpaper Guide: How to Choose the Right Style for Every Room

Wallpaper has made a serious comeback — and for good reason. With endless colors, patterns, and textures to choose from, wallpaper offers an easy and stylish way to transform any space in your home. Whether you’re designing a cozy bedroom retreat, a vibrant living room, or a playful kid’s area, the right wallpaper can set the tone and enhance your overall aesthetic.

In this ultimate wallpaper guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about choosing the right wallpaper style for every room — from material types and placement ideas to trending patterns and design tips.

Why Wallpaper Is Worth the Hype

Wallpaper is more than just a decorative element — it’s a tool for creating atmosphere. It can make a small space feel larger, a dull room come alive, or a neutral area pop with personality. Thanks to modern innovation, wallpaper today is easier to apply (and remove) than ever, with options like peel-and-stick varieties perfect for renters or DIY decorators.

Key Factors to Consider Before Choosing Wallpaper

Before diving into wallpaper patterns and colors, consider these key elements:

  • Room Purpose: Is it a high-traffic area like a hallway or a calm space like a bedroom? Durability and mood matter.
  • Lighting: Bold prints may overwhelm a dark room but look stunning in bright spaces.
  • Wall Texture: Smooth walls provide the best canvas for wallpaper. If your wall is rough, a thicker paper or textured design may work better.
  • Maintenance: Vinyl wallpaper is easy to clean and ideal for kitchens and bathrooms.

Best Wallpaper Styles by Room

1. Living Room: Set the Tone with a Statement Wall

The living room is where guests gather and family moments happen. It’s a great place to experiment with bold prints or textured wallpapers.

  • Go Bold: Try large-scale floral patterns, geometric designs, or metallic accents.
  • Create a Focal Point: Apply wallpaper to just one wall — usually behind a sofa or TV — for a chic, curated look.
  • Textured Options: Grasscloth or fabric-effect wallpapers can add warmth and depth to neutral living spaces.

Want inspiration for where to start? This website offers tons of modern wallpaper styles perfect for every room in the house.

2. Bedroom: Soft, Serene, and Personal

The bedroom is your sanctuary, so choose wallpaper that soothes and inspires.

  • Soft Neutrals & Pastels: Light colors and gentle patterns like watercolor designs or abstract waves promote relaxation.
  • Romantic Touch: Floral or botanical prints can add a cozy and elegant vibe.
  • Accent Wall Behind the Bed: A classic and effective way to add drama without overwhelming the space.

For kids’ bedrooms, opt for fun themes like jungle animals, stars, or vehicles — with peel-and-stick options so you can easily update as they grow.

3. Bathroom: Small Space, Big Style

Bathrooms are often overlooked when it comes to wallpaper, but they’re perfect for trying something bold.

  • Moisture-Friendly Materials: Use vinyl or moisture-resistant wallpaper to prevent peeling or mold.
  • Go Glam: Try dramatic dark florals, coastal themes, or art deco-inspired metallics.
  • Powder Rooms: These tiny spaces are perfect for bold colors and loud prints that would be too intense elsewhere.

4. Kitchen: Functional Meets Fabulous

Yes, wallpaper works in kitchens too — especially when used strategically.

  • Backsplash Alternative: Use wipeable vinyl wallpaper as a stylish backsplash.
  • Zoning: Wallpaper an empty corner to turn it into a cozy breakfast nook or coffee bar.
  • Pattern Ideas: Consider gingham, vintage tile prints, or light florals for a homey vibe.

5. Home Office: Energizing & Inspiring

With remote work becoming the norm, the home office deserves thoughtful decor.

  • Boost Productivity: Choose wallpaper with subtle, structured patterns like lines or grids to help focus.
  • Creative Energy: Go with abstract designs or nature-inspired prints to keep your space inspiring and calm.
  • Professional Background: Don’t forget your Zoom backdrop — wallpapered walls can double as a great visual impression on camera.

6. Entryway or Hallway: First Impressions Count

These often-forgotten spaces are the perfect opportunity to make a statement.

  • Welcome Guests: Bold wallpaper in entryways sets the tone for your home.
  • Optical Illusion: Vertical stripes can make low ceilings appear higher, while mirrors paired with wallpaper brighten narrow halls.
  • Durability: Choose wipeable, high-durability wallpaper for high-traffic areas.

Wallpaper Trends to Watch

Want to stay on-trend? These wallpaper styles are especially popular right now:

  • Nature-Inspired Prints: From leafy botanicals to scenic landscapes, nature themes bring peace and serenity.
  • Textured Wallpaper: Faux grasscloth, linen, or even 3D textures are rising in popularity for added dimension.
  • Mural-Style Wallpaper: Create a full-scene wall mural for a dramatic, artistic impact.
  • Maximalism: Layered patterns, bold colors, and over-the-top florals are trending for those who want to go big.

Tips for Applying Wallpaper Like a Pro

  • Prep the Wall: Clean and smooth surfaces make all the difference.
  • Measure Twice: Always order a little extra for pattern matching and trimming errors.
  • Use the Right Tools: A smoothing brush, level, and sharp utility knife will help you get clean lines.
  • Start with a Feature Wall: If you’re unsure, experiment with one wall before committing to an entire room.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right wallpaper is all about finding a style that reflects your personality while complementing the function of the room. From cozy bedrooms to vibrant kitchens and inspiring workspaces, wallpaper gives you the creative freedom to completely transform your space — without a full remodel.

Ready to find your perfect wallpaper? Explore options on this website where you’ll discover a wide range of prints, textures, and designs that suit every room and mood.

With the right wallpaper, your home can shine from the inside out.


Tags


About the author 

Terry Stevens

The owner and founder of Sparkle and Shine. He is a seasoned professional in the home services industry with a decade of experience. He is dedicated to providing top-notch services for residential and commercial properties and has a wealth of knowledge to share on topics such as tips, tricks, industry trends, and the importance of loving your space.