Wallpaper is one of the most powerful tools available to a designer, capable of instantly adding personality, texture, and drama to a bedroom.
Whether you’re looking to create a cozy, cocooning effect or a bold, artistic statement, here are 20 bedroom wallpaper ideas covering creative placement, striking patterns, and rich textures to help you transform your space.
Strategic Placement Ideas
Wallpaper doesn’t have to cover all four walls to make an impact. These ideas focus on clever ways to use wallpaper strategically to highlight architectural features, create focal points, or add a surprising element of design.
1. Behind the Headboard Accent Wall
The classic and most effective strategy is to apply a bold or dramatic wallpaper to the wall directly behind your headboard. This instantly grounds the bed and creates a stunning, defined focal point for the entire room. For more in-depth styling tips on this classic placement, see our guide on the bedroom wallpaper accent wall.
2. On the Ceiling
Treat the ceiling as the “fifth wall” by applying a subtle, textured, or patterned wallpaper. This unexpected placement draws the eye upward and adds a custom, luxurious feel to the room, enhancing the cozy envelope of the space. This dramatic touch is often utilized in grander designs, such as those found in master bedroom ideas.
3. Inside a Niche or Alcove
If your bedroom has a built-in shelf, a window alcove, or a reading nook, use wallpaper inside that specific area. This defines the space as a functional zone and adds a sophisticated pop of color or pattern without overwhelming the room.
4. In a Closet or Wardrobe
For a delightful, hidden surprise, wallpaper the interior of a linen closet or wardrobe. This unexpected detail adds a high-end, bespoke feel to your room and is a fantastic way to use a bold pattern you might be hesitant to put on a main wall.
5. Half-Wall Wallpaper
Create a custom look by wallpapering only the top half of the wall and painting the bottom half. This trick can make the ceiling appear taller and offers a sophisticated, tailored finish.
6. Wallpapered Door
If you have a simple, flat door leading to a closet or en suite, apply a bold wallpaper directly to the door panel. This turns a boring functional element into a decorative feature that blends seamlessly with your wall design, much like using a new bedroom paint color for emphasis.
Pattern & Style Concepts
The world of wallpaper patterns offers endless stylistic possibilities. These ideas focus on the visual design of the wallpaper itself, from romantic florals to sharp geometrics, to set a specific mood in your bedroom.
7. Bold Floral Pattern
For a romantic, dramatic, or bohemian look, choose a large-scale, bold floral wallpaper with deep, saturated colors. This print style works beautifully with the cozy atmosphere of modern cottage bedroom ideas.
8. Geometric Print
Embrace a modern, minimalist, or masculine style with a crisp geometric print. Patterns like interlocking lines, hexagons, or sharp triangles add a graphic punch and a contemporary feel to the space, perfect for styling bedroom ideas for men.
9. Subtle Stripe
A subtle stripe, especially a vertical one, is a timeless choice. It adds a gentle rhythm to the room and is a great trick for making the ceilings in a chic small bedroom feel much higher.
10. A Custom Mural
Create a truly unique space with a custom mural wallpaper, which can depict a panoramic landscape, a dreamy abstract scene, or a cityscape. This turns an entire wall into a breathtaking piece of art.
11. Dark, Moody Wallpaper
Use a very dark, richly textured, or patterned wallpaper in colors like deep charcoal, slate, or black. This design choice creates a cozy, cocooning effect, especially when paired with the elegant contrast found in black and grey bedroom ideas.
12. Nature/Botanical Print
Bring the tranquility of the outdoors in with a wallpaper featuring botanical prints, stylized leaves, or subtle tree motifs. This adds a refreshing, organic element to the space, complementing design schemes that favor a green bedroom.
13. Metallic or Gold Accents
Choose a wallpaper that incorporates metallic thread or foil elements in gold, silver, or bronze. These subtle reflective accents catch the light, adding immediate glamour and a touch of luxury to the room.
14. Damask or Brocade
For a distinctly luxurious and traditional feel, opt for a classic damask or brocade pattern. Often featuring a rich flock or embossed texture, these designs evoke elegance and history.
Texture & Material Ideas
Wallpaper today isn’t just about printed patterns; it’s about physical texture. These ideas highlight materials and finishes that add a tactile dimension, creating a warm, layered, and sophisticated feel in the bedroom.
15. Grasscloth/Woven Wallpaper
Grasscloth or woven wallpaper is a popular choice for adding beautiful, natural texture. Made from natural fibers like jute or sisal, it brings a serene, organic, boho home decor feel to the space.
16. Faux Architectural Texture
Use wallpaper to mimic the look of expensive architectural details like exposed concrete, weathered wood, or industrial tiles. This is a cost-effective way to achieve a high-impact, textured look, offering an alternative to traditional wall paneling ideas.
17. Linen or Fabric Wallpaper
A wallpaper made with natural linen or other fine fabrics provides a soft, warm, and tactile finish that instantly makes a bedroom feel luxurious and acoustic. It’s perfect for a plush, high-end design.
18. Cork or Wood Veneer
For a uniquely rustic and organic texture, consider wallpaper made from thin slices of cork or wood veneer. These natural materials add depth and a wonderful, earthy aroma to the room.
19. Pairing with Grey Tones
A textured white or subtle patterned wallpaper can beautifully complement a scheme focused on soft grey bedroom ideas. The texture provides dimension while allowing the neutral color palette to remain the focus.
20. Peel-and-Stick Wallpaper
For a renter-friendly, low-commitment, or DIY approach, peel-and-stick wallpaper is a game-changer. It offers endless patterns and is easy to apply and remove, making it perfect for temporary style changes.
Conclusion
Wallpaper is the ultimate tool for personalized expression, ensuring your bedroom is a true reflection of your personal style. By thoughtfully choosing where to place it, what pattern to use, and what texture to incorporate, you can turn a simple room into a stylish, layered, and stunning sanctuary. Investing in a quality wallpaper is an investment in the mood and personality of your entire home.
It offers a quicker and more effective way to achieve a unique look than paint or complex architectural work. Far from being an outdated trend, modern wallpaper allows you to turn a simple sleeping space into a stylish sanctuary or a luxurious, personalized retreat that reflects your unique style. For general inspiration, exploring home interior decor ideas can help define your overall vision.
FAQ
How much wallpaper is needed for one wall?
To calculate the amount needed for one wall, you need the height and width of the wall to get the total square footage. Always buy rolls based on the usable square footage listed on the packaging, and factor in an extra 10-20% for pattern matching and waste.
Is wallpaper outdated?
No, modern wallpaper is not outdated. While trends change, wallpaper itself is a timeless design element. Today’s popular styles focus on textures (like grasscloth), murals, and bold, large-scale prints, making it a very current choice.
What type of wallpaper is best for a small bedroom?
For a small bedroom, light-colored or white wallpapers with subtle textures or small, minimal patterns are best for creating an illusion of space. If you want a bold look, use the wallpaper only on the wall behind the headboard to avoid overwhelming the room.
