Bring Walls to Life: How to Use Wallpaper to Transform Your Space
If you’ve ever walked into a room and felt like something was missing, chances are the walls were whispering for attention. Wallpaper and its bolder cousin, the mural can completely transform a space, adding depth, texture, and personality that paint alone often can’t achieve.
Whether you’re into soft florals, bold geometrics, or globally inspired prints, wallpaper offers a design-forward way to reflect your personal style.
Why Wallpaper?
Wallpaper has made a massive comeback in recent years but it’s not the fussy, hard-to-remove stuff of decades past. Today’s options include everything from peel-and-stick for renters to luxe, textured prints that look and feel custom.
With wallpaper, you can:
Instantly add dimension to a flat room
Define zones in open-concept layouts
Create a dramatic focal point
Bring in color, pattern, or texture without adding clutter
Whether it's one wall behind your bed or an entire powder room, wallpaper sets the tone in a way that elevates even the most basic spaces.
Murals vs. Wallpaper: What's the Difference?
While wallpaper typically features a repeating pattern, murals are often a single image spread across panels, think oversized florals, landscapes, or abstract art. Murals create an artful, statement-making look, perfect for large accent walls or even ceiling treatments.
Both options can be used to tell a story or evoke a mood. For example, a soft globalist space may feature botanical or watercolor-style wallpaper, while a cultured curator may lean into dramatic murals or layered pattern-on-pattern designs.
Tips for Getting It Right
Start small: Powder rooms, entryways, or the wall behind your bed are great starter spots.
Match your aesthetic: Keep your overall style in mind, a traditional damask might clash with a minimalist vibe.
Test samples: Order a few swatches before committing, especially if you're working with texture or color-sensitive lighting.
Think beyond the walls: Wallpaper the back of a bookshelf, a closet, or even a ceiling for unexpected charm.
Designer Tip:
When choosing a wallpaper, consider how it flows with adjacent rooms. For open floor plans, opt for something subtle that complements other patterns and colors in your home. If the wallpaper is bold, balance it with neutral furniture and accessories.
Shop the Look
Here’s where you can find some of my current favorite wallpapers and murals (links below are affiliate links, I only recommend pieces I truly love):
Brewster Home Fashion Extra Fine Sisal Wallpaper
Candice Olsen Peel & Stick Nuwallpaper
York Wallcoverings Provincial Scenic Navy Wallpaper