Depending on who you ask, wallpaper never went out of fashion. But even if you weren’t a fan before, you’re about to be. There are more stylish wallpaper options now than ever — nothing like the dated ‘70s or ‘80s à la fluffy bunnies in a pasture or mustard brown shades. “Wallpaper has been making a resurgence for the better part of the last decade, but I think it has risen to the top of people’s to-do lists in the last year, as we have spent an incredible amount of time in our homes. Wallpaper has a huge impact on the way space looks and feels, so people are excited to welcome it into their homes this past year,” says Elizabeth Rees, the co-founder of Chasing Paper.
While traditional paint is often less expensive than wallpaper — particularly if you’re covering large areas of walls — wallpaper certainly has its perks: You have the ability to not only incorporate fun colors but also easily create texture (e.g. relief or grasscloth wallpaper) and stylish patterns that are tougher to achieve with paint. Wallpaper can last up to 15 years with proper care and maintenance (as opposed to the paint that usually gets a few dings and scratches after just one or two years). And now, the burgeoning trend of temporary wallpaper makes it no longer a pain to remove the wallpaper if you want to change up the pattern or style, or if you’re renting a home and you can’t permanently change up the walls. Since the biggest caveat to wallpaper is that you have to line them up very precisely, peel-and-stick wallpaper makes it easier to re-align if necessary.
“Wallpaper brings energy and breathes new life into a room, unlike any other product. It also helps show off any unique architectural elements a home may have like papering a built-in or kitchen nook,” says Jennifer Matthews, co-founder of Tempaper. The colors, patterns, and textures of wallpaper can also uplift your mood and give rooms an aura of positivity and joy that may have lacked before, she adds.
The ways in which we’re starting to incorporate wallpaper into our rooms are modernizing, as well. “For a long time, accent walls have been in, but we are seeing more and more people stepping away from just doing one wall in paint or wallpaper and going for a more full room moment with color. I love how this really creates an immersive space,” says Ress.
“We’re also seeing a trend of people making a statement through wallpapering just the ceiling or going big by wallpapering entire rooms and the ceilings. We have seen this a lot in powder rooms and nurseries/kids spaces.”
Ready to upgrade your walls? Our pros weigh in on the top wallpaper trends of 2021:
Grand Millennial
This term was inspired by millennials who love a more traditional home decor style (think: ruffle drapes, fine china, and embroidered linens), but they give it a modern twist. Consider it “granny chic.” “It gives our consumers a fresh take on a classic pattern with modern layouts and colorways. The design still feels familiar and classic, yet works for today. I gravitate to this trend because it layers textures and styles in one room and makes space feel lived in without being too trendy. It’s colorful, fun, and sparks an emotional response. The whole room becomes a statement,” says Matthews.
Shop the trend:
- Tempaper Tropical in Pink Lemonade, starting at $39.99
- Lulu & Georgia Scalamandre Saro Wallpaper in White, starting at $133
- Spoonflower Swedish Folk Art Birds Wallpaper, starting at $24
- Monique Lhuillier Tuileries Removable Wallpaper, starting at $10
Natural escapism
Wallpaper is a great way to make your home feel like a mini escape from reality — and with everything going on the past year with the pandemic, it’s a welcome change. “Immersive, nature-inspired prints and large-scale wall murals are on trend for 2021. They create exotic escapism that is so needed right now. It can be fantastical for a bold look or even a delicate abstract. A perfect style for ceiling applications, living and dining rooms, entryways, and bathrooms,” says Matthews.
Shop the trend:
- Tempaper Clouds Mural in Sunset Pink, starting at $12
- Wallmur Mountain Landscape with Snow, starting at $30
- West Elm WallShoppe Tropical Wallpaper, starting at $60
- Spoonflower Coral Reef, starting at $24
Shades of green
Playing off the natural escapism trend, green wallpaper is specifically having its moment. It has an association with nature and automatically has a refreshing, stress-free vibe when you incorporate the color into your decor. “We are seeing shades of green continue to be very popular as we think many people are inviting the outdoors inside,” says Rees. The trend extends past lush leaves and forest greens — feel free to use whatever green patterns you’d like.
Shop the trend:
- Chasing Paper Spring Leaves, starting at $40
- Scott Living Westport Geometric Wallpaper, $104.99
- Pottery Barn Kids Wallpaperie Farmhouse Floral, starting at $156
- Serena & Lily Priano Wallpaper in Green, starting at $128
Expressive art
Looking for something that’s show-stopping and a little edgy? Try a modern style “that highlights creativity — blending art and design — for a new look. I think consumers are looking for a creative narrative. Painted icons and bright colors lead the way for a dramatic backdrop,” says Matthews.
Shop the trend:
- Tempaper Painted Lips, starting at $39.99
- Hovia Freeflow Red Clay, starting at $70.40
- Wallmur Colorful Abstract Faces Wallpaper, starting at $30
- Spoonflower Abstract Shapes Fun Collage, starting at $10.75
Micropatterns
“Small scale icon patterns like miniature florals and geos are minimal in design but quite powerful in a room setting. Small-scale patterns establish a good canvas for layering accents and statement pieces. It’s good for bathrooms, kitchens and smaller projects like the back of bookcases and cabinets. Think: matte black fixtures or aged brass faucets against a nice, simple repeat. It’s understated and beautiful,” says Matthews.
Shop the trend:
- Tempaper Ditsy Floral in Dandelion, starting at $39.99
- Chasing Paper Blossoms, starting at $40
- Anthropologie Poppy Wallpaper, starting at $58
- Hovia Bohemia White & Gray Boho Triangle Wallpaper, starting at $146
Tips for making wallpaper work for you:
- Try a sample: Many sites will offer a sample piece so you can see it IRL to make sure it works in your space. “We really encourage our customers to try things out — to touch and to feel things before committing. We find this part of the process to be really important when deciding between prints or colorways. Having a sample can also be a great thing to have in hand when pulling together other elements of the room like furniture and other textiles,” says Rees. Try looking at the sample at different times of day to see if you love how it looks with the changing light.
- Consider the size of the room: This will help you determine the scale of the print. If you have a large room, you don’t want to do a small micro pattern or can it be overwhelming for space. If you have a small room, like a powder room, you can make a stronger and more eye-catching statement print/pattern.
- Take your time with installation: Especially if you’re working with a print or pattern, wallpaper requires attention to detail to make sure each strip aligns properly. “It’s important to move slowly and be delicate with your wallpaper. Find your groove and stay with it,” says Matthews.
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