Wallpaper Trends 2024 — 19 Inspiring Ideas That Designers are Using This Year

In 2024, wallpaper trends are all the rage. It's already clear that papering is back by popular demand, pushing plain old paint to the sidelines in favor of pattern and texture that adds visual interest to our walls. It makes spaces more homey, rooms more cozy, and life generally happier, so expect to see more of it as we head further into the year.

To any naysayers, we're pleased to say wallpapers have seen a huge shift in designs, styles, applications, and even functionality in the past few years. These are no longer just used for feature walls or to hide an unsightly vertical space. From textured varieties, 3-D designs, and maximalist styles, to kaleidoscopic colors and larger-than-life prints, their stature and importance as an interior design trend has grown immensely.

So, what's set to be big during the year ahead? Late last year, we identified murals as an emerging trend. Scenic landscapes and picture-postcard vistas cropped up in hotel lobbies and lofty entryways of the elite, and it's now one of the most popular wallpaper trends of 2024 so far. We're using them in much smaller spaces too, cocooning powder rooms and hallways with mesmerizing scenes that transport you to another world altogether. In a similar vein, large-scale botanicals and wallpaper-wrapped ceilings are turning spaces into truly immersive experiences, often where you least expect it.

If you've been inspired to experiment with the power of wallpaper, then you're in the right place. We spoke to interior designers and brands to understand what's next with this clever wall covering. Here are 19 trends they're using this year that still have timeless appeal.

19 Wallpaper trends for 2024 to transform your space

When it comes to wallpaper ideas, popular styles tend to stick around. 'It’s important to understand that wallpaper trends move very slowly,' says Ross Taylor, co-founder of design studio The Curious Department. 'This isn’t fast fashion; here today, gone tomorrow. This is mainly because of the commitment it takes to cover your walls in a print designed to last for years.'

Take, for instance, the jungle print theme that's been seen throughout homes in recent years. 'It hit its peak during the lockdown, where people realized they couldn’t spend much time outside and so decided to bring the outdoors in,' Ross explains. 'But the jungle trend hasn’t gone anywhere; it’s still very popular and will be for years to come. Although the trends are slow burning, they always have a starting point - sometimes that’s culture or an external factor like the pandemic.'

With that in mind, here are the ones we'll be keeping an eye on this year and beyond.

1. Scenic murals

Wall mural ideas are one of the biggest trends of 2024, and wallpaper is by far the easiest (and cheapest) way to get the look. 'I've been using murals since I was a Junior Designer in the 90s and I'm seeing more of my clients becoming open to the ideas,' says NYC-based designer Eddie Lee, who designed the dining room pictured above. 'I feel like now more than ever, we have better access to artisan makers and brands with original designs.'

According to Christine Carney, director of design at Blackberry Farm Design, scenic mural wallpapers have been a deeply sought-after design luxury since their origin in 18th-century France. 'And they aren’t going anywhere anytime soon,' she says. Transportive vistas in particular - especially those with exotic botanicals or picturesque waters - are favored by A-list designers and celebrities such as Jeremiah Brent, Tan France, and Dakota Fanning.

Jill Steinberg, co-founder of wallpaper brand Fine & Dandy Co., adds that these designs are often muted and soft in their coloring. 'It’s such a great way to personalize a space and make it feel exactly how you want,' she explains. 'Art can still be added to create more layers in your room, and our custom studio allows us to move elements of a wallpaper design around to accommodate architectural features you might want to highlight. It’s such an immediately gratifying way to transform a room and elevate a space even more than paint.'

2. 'Unexpected' Wallpaper

The 'unexpected wallpaper' trend does exactly what it says on the tin. One of the main reasons designers use wallpaper is to up the ante on the wow-factor, and using wallpaper in surprising and innovative ways is the best way to do just that.

An offshoot of the unexpected red trend that dominated early 2024, it's all about highlighting small details for maximum impact. Think papered cabinet interiors, dimensional alcoves, or panel effects. 'When wallpaper is used in unexpected ways and in unexpected places, it’s exciting and it piques your interest,' notes Jill. 'Whether it’s scale, texture, pattern, metallic, wrapping a room, or jewel-boxing an entire space, it provides an opportunity to add another layer, tell a story, and add a backdrop to the room.'

The opportunities for this idea are endless. Simply think of an unconventional use for wallpaper and you're there. It doesn't have to be large-scale, either. 'Think of creative ways in which you can use wallpaper in smaller areas, such as creating a decorative "headboard" which acts as a subtle focal point and brings in some whimsical humor,' suggests Patrick O'Donnell of paint and wallpaper brand, Farrow & Ball.

3. Heritage Prints

Famed heritage designers such as William Morris and Ronald Redding have seen a huge resurgence in recent years. Naturally, they've found their way into 2024's wallpaper trends, too, and if you're still deciding between paint vs wallpaper, we're convinced these might sway you.

'Drawing inspiration from famous design eras, heritage prints deliver nostalgic charm, rooted in English history, and have become increasingly popular,' says Caroline Woolmer of Henderson Design Group. 'These timeless patterns embrace traditional, repeating motifs and colors to offer time-honored designs relevant to modern-day homes. Comprising classic patterns, colors, and motifs, ranging from 16th-century-inspired Chinoiserie to Arts & Crafts-inspired designs of the late Victorian era, heritage patterns blend seamlessly with contemporary décor and are guaranteed to add character and depth to any home.'

These dynamic designs can really bring walls to life and they offer a great foundation for pattern layering. 'For a more traditional feel, pair heritage prints with complementary painted panelling and woodwork to create a cohesive look that celebrates your home's period features,' adds Caroline.

4. Bold stripes

Stripes are everywhere in 2024, so striped walls are a no-brainer. Bold, wide stripes or alternating ticking styles work brilliantly as wallpaper and are perfect for playful spaces such as kids' rooms. There's also no risk involved with wallpaper, unlike painting stripes onto the which won't guarantee a clean, crisp line.

'We all know stripes are achingly in right now, but for every zeitgeist moment there is also a genuine longevity to the stripe and the ways it can change the dynamics in a room,' says Patrick of Farrow & Ball. 'Bold stripes in joyful combinations, like our Block Print Stripe in Stiffkey Blue overlaid with Arsenic and Vardo, create a vibrant and playful look. Vertical stripes are a great way to add the illusion of height for those rooms with slightly lower ceilings.'

5. Soft stripes

On the other end of the spectrum, soft, imperfect stripes are also enjoying a moment among 2024's wallpaper trends. Los Angeles-based designer Peter Dunham - who designed the playful wallcovering above - says he's seeing notably softer patterns that are less ruler-straight than traditional designs. 'Stripes are always in style, but the latest trend is in colorful, enveloping stripes that are inspired by handwoven vintage textiles, versus more graphic and preppy versions,' he says.

Think milky lines that look expertly painted with a shaky hand, like these stitched lines up and down St. Frank’s Candy Stripe Frazada Wallpaper that would make a fantastic living room wallpaper idea. But be careful not to go overboard, warns Peter. 'One thing I would avoid is to incorporate more stripes,' he says, noting that colorfully striped wallpaper is more than enough. 'It could work, but it could more easily go very wrong.'

6. Block printed

At a time when even 3D wallpaper isn’t out of the ordinary, there’s nevertheless a longing for the classics. So is the case for block-printed designs, an age-old process where patterns are stamped onto rolls with intricately carved wooden blocks. Wallpaper designers often favor archival designs with a handmade touch, and their often beautifully simple designs resonate with contemporary interiors.

'I think we're seeing a revival of all traditional crafts, block printing included, as a reaction against how easily things in our world are not only fabricated but also disposed of,' says Regina Perez Montemayor, founder of San Francisco design firm, Studio Montemayor.

In the home above, Regina applied a block-printed pattern, Ipswich Sprig, a wallcovering by Adelphi Paper Hangings, which fabricates an array of historic reproductions. Also new on the block is the latest collection by Chicago’s Mitchell Black, which created a capsule of block-printed, country-inspired patterns with a contemporary twist that achieves that ‘collected’ aesthetic found in eclectic style interiors.

7. Loose patterns

One benefit of wall murals is that they tend to look unique, as if you picked up a brush and dabbed paint on the walls yourself. And it’s the same reason why wallpapers with loose patterns (often with large scale and irregular shapes that don’t appear to repeat) are all the rage: there’s order in chaos.

One brand that nails this technique is Porter Teleo, which has a lineup of irregular patterns like Form and Tectonic, the latter of which brings drama to the ceiling of the dining room above by Widell + Boschetti. 'This dining room was a challenge due to the oddly shaped room and low ceiling height,' says designer Barette Widell. 'The scale and unexpected shapes of this wallpaper made this space feel much more grand than it was.'

Look for oversized patterns, like the abstract lines in Hovia’s Freeflow Red Clay, or Wallshoppe’s Buka Patchwork wallpaper. We think the fun, abstract effect makes them perfect for bedroom wallpaper ideas. Choose a design that represents an extension of your personality.

8. Forever florals

Floral prints are as classic as it gets. But the latest floral wallcoverings are full of exciting colors and curiosity, taking nature in an almost supernatural direction. 'Since the pandemic, we’ve definitely seen a rise in interest in people wanting to bring color and nature into their home,' says wallpaper designer Niki Bergen, co-founder of the aptly named Superflower Studio. 'Of course, patterned and floral wallpaper isn’t new, but the quest for beauty and bringing the outdoors into our interiors has recently been on the rise.'

Niki’s Cannonball print, which she used even for her own home, is proof enough – as if pulled from a botanist’s textbook, their fantastic designs twist about the wallcovering, no doubt bringing a sense of joy and wonder. 'We immediately understood the impact and joy it brings,' adds Niki. 'Balance is always key and we find that interiors kept minimal allows the walls to envelope the space with warmth.'

9. Illuminating wallpapers

While even a dull pattern can add visual interest to your walls, the latest illuminating wallpapers can light up your whole room. 'Illuminating wallpapers work with the light,' notes Los Angeles-based Londubh Studio, which just released Illuminate, a colorful line of wallpaper with a metallic shimmer. 'They have a warming glow effect and look different throughout the day as the light evolves.'

The genre often has an Art Deco feel (you can’t miss it in the new gold leaf line by British label Divine Savages, with patterns like this highly decorative Zsa Zsa print with shimmering ostriches, or Arte’s new collection of patterns printed on metal foil), and it does take some extra care for outfitting the rest of your space. Pair with the best metallic home decor for some serious shimmer.

'For one, think about layered and soft lighting options in addition to sunlight – the resulting vibes are rich and nurturing, whether entertaining or having a solo wind-down after a long day,' says Londubh Studio. 'Regardless of whether you cover all surfaces or just the ceiling, a popular option for our clients, materials that are rich but not shimmering themselves, such as warm woods or velvets, make for divine compliments.'

10. Large scale prints

A trend that has been big this year and will continue to stay strong is the large-scale prints that can dominate a space. While using this type of bedroom or kitchen wallpaper remember to choose scaled-down prints to complement the other elements in the room. You don't want the room to look overwhelming. Use the wallpaper as the anchor, and design around it.

'Larger-scale prints are a popular wallpaper design, adding a real statement to a room,' says Patrick of Farrow & Ball. 'These eye-catching prints are great for creating a contemporary look in a room and offer an almost mural-style effect in the space. They can also help to make small spaces feel more intimate, as well as adding interest to larger rooms by creating another layer of pattern.'

'As homeowners increasingly seek to express individuality through their interiors, large-scale prints are a perfect choice when it comes to making a statement and serve as striking focal points in any space,' adds Chelsea Clark of Henderson Design Group. 'From botanicals to retro prints, large-scale designs can capture attention through their bold designs and intricate details which resonates with the modern desire to create immersive living experiences. They can transform a room by adding depth, drama, and a sense of scale, making even the most modest spaces feel expansive and curated.'

11. Botanicals

'Adorning your walls in wonderful floral-inspired wallpapers is a great way to bring a real burst of spring and summer into the home, from small motif designs such as our Renaissance Leaves to the classic design of Polka Sprig,' says Patrick. 'Botanical designs such as Ivy can even make for a soothing, tranquil addition to a bedroom. Try to avoid anything too challenging or busy here, instead opting for a palette of soft greys, dusty pinks, or pale greens.'

If regular botanicals aren't to your liking, abstract prints too can be a great choice. 'Abstract botanicals have emerged as a huge trend, and will continue to 2024, following on from the love of biophilic designs,' says Chelsea Clark of Henderson Design Group. 'Often featuring organic shapes whilst keeping a connection to nature, abstract botanicals are a modern way of incorporating colors and florals in the home.'

These prints look particularly charming as bathroom wallpapers, hallway wallpapers, and other petite, narrow areas where their prints look a lot more charming and whimsical.

12. Faux textures

While there are several varieties of heavily embossed wallpapers out there, a whole new trend of faux textures is taking the market by storm, that creates the illusion of unique surfaces taking over walls. These fresh wallpaper ideas can create an outdoor feel to indoors, or conjure a grand decor with a lesser budget.

'Faux textured wallpaper is also having a moment, allowing homeowners to get the illusion of texture, without the permanence of wood, concrete, linen or paneling,' says Chelsea. For textured walls that feel cocooning, go for a dynamic design like the one pictured above.

13. 70s prints

Retro is back. Classic Art Deco and Baroque designs, large-scale geometrics, and abstracts aside, 70s-inspired interiors in rich colors like orange, green, brown, and yellow will be seen across brands and in the market in the coming year. Consider adding these designs to unexpected places such as entryways and kitchen wallpapers.

'One of the trends we are most looking forward to is a resurgence of the 70s,' says Ross. 'Although 70s wallpaper prints can be incredibly bold, what we often see is that revived eras often express themselves in completely new color palettes.'

'The revival of the 70s is very much culturally-led,' Ross explains. 'Runways in Milan have been strutting reinventions of the iconic Emilio Pucci prints for the last couple of seasons. This will ultimately find its way onto the walls of people's homes, but it will take time.'

14. Wallpaper on the ceiling

Ceiling wallpaper ideas are enjoying a huge moment in 2024. It's something we've been seeing more and more of in recent years, but this year they've reached new heights with bold, eye-catching designs that draw your attention to the fifth wall.

'Many of our clients in New York City are pushing us for more of a visual statement in their rooms,' says Jarret Yoshida, a Brooklyn Brownstone designer. 'Wallpaper continues to get bolder and bolder, but I am steering them more and more to large abstract murals. Striking, without being specific, they make walls into a gorgeous backdrop that is, for me, a new "paint" – encompassing, luxe and contemporary.'

15. Wallpaper in joinery 

As well as accent walls, wallpaper in 2024 is being used more and more to add design details to the interiors of built-in millwork and luxury freestanding cabinets. This trend with wallpaper finds its stride in surprising uses - to lift corners, areas, and even unseen spaces.

'Using bold wallpaper inside cupboards and built-in joinery can be a great way of experimenting with color and bold pattern if you're a bit timid,' says Lorraine Aaron, founder of Curious Egg. 'It'll be a surprise when someone opens the door to a cabinet. Don't forget the ceiling; sometimes referred to as the fifth wall; it'll allow guests (and you) to look up to a beautiful, whimsical scene as you're relaxing on the sofa.'

16. Paneled wallpaper 

As mentioned above, trends in wallpapers change slowly but some broad types have had staying power for generations. One of them is paneling wallpaper. This is a style that converges two stunning looks – the rusticity of wood panels, offset by the softness of wallpaper.

In modern living rooms and bedrooms, paneled wallpaper is a fantastic way of adding a touch of class. It creates a snug feel in a bedroom, a welcoming tone in the hallway, a touch of formality to a dining room, or a sense of calm in a study. 'When it comes to installing, many people are choosing to experiment with wallpaper in less traditional spaces,' says Chelsea. 'Whether it be on a ceiling, in between wall panels or shelves, gone are the days of wallpaper simply covering a wall head to toe.'

17. Gold leaf designs

Metallics are dynamic by nature and have been a loved element in decor for eons. While gold decoratives and panels have been around for some time, gold leafing in wallpapers is an upcoming trend that is receiving a lot of attention. This addition not only adds an intriguing contrast to traditional spaces but also a sense of visual dimension and texture. A lovely living room, dining or bedroom ceiling idea, gold guided surfaces also bring more light into the room.

'This ceiling was guided with tiny gold leaves. And the light bulbs were chosen to fit the colors of the room,' says interior designer Victoria-Maria Geyer.

18. Muted maximalism

Bold designs and large motifs backed by soft tones and muted backgrounds are what essentially define this trend. These types of designs are especially useful for functional uses, like zoning a room with wallpaper or hiding an unsightly wall. This way the wallpaper does not overwhelm or vie for attention yet makes a strong statement.

'While maximalism is still an Instagram favorite, we have started to see a form of ‘muted maximalism’ which is essentially a heavy and textural pattern, in light muted and tonal color washes,' says Ross. 'It enables people to create a lighter canvas on their walls with detail and interest.'

19. Wallpapers across rooms

A great way to create an illusion of extended space, width, and length is by the power of repetition. By using the same hues or patterns across walls and spaces, you create a feeling of depth and endlessness.

Consider adding wallpaper in a passageway, and along the corridor to another room. This will make the hallway seem longer, and as though, part of the room it is leading to. If you're adding wallpaper to more than one room, a wise idea would be to choose a more muted or subtle design.

'When it comes to installing wallpaper, we'd always recommend using a professional decorator as it'll avoid any issues,' says Emma Deterding, founder of Kelling Designs. 'They'll be able to measure exactly what is needed to ensure you have enough wallpaper and ensure any repeats etc won't be problematic. If, however, you are keen to do it yourself, then I'd start by making sure you know the exact width of the wallpaper you are going to use. You then need to measure each wall you intend to paper, measuring the width and height in inches. Remember if you are papering multiple walls and they have the same height but different widths, you can simply add the widths together and work to the same height.'

'To work out how many rolls you'll need, you then need to divide your wall width by the width of the actual paper to figure out how many drops you need, and then multiply the number of drops by wall height to give you the full amount of paper needed to cover the walls properly,' says Emma.

FAQs

Is wallpapering still a trend?

Wallpapers are a bigger trend for 2024 than we've seen in a long time. 'I don't have any wallpaper in my home yet I am strongly considering hanging some in my dining room right now,' says Livingetc editor Pip Rich. It's because we crave rooms with personality, and wallpapers add that in spades - from pattern, color or just texture. So no longer are wallpapers only used to create a living room, hallway, or bedroom accent wall. These are now used inside millwork, to divide rooms, in between wall panels, and on the ceiling.

Floral or abstract prints apart, wallpapers also showcase mural designs and even Renaissance art. These help anchor the design theme of a space and add oodles of style to the home.ross