Bedroom wallpaper ideas - 17 bold looks for patterned perfection

Modern bedroom wallpaper ideas cover everything from map walls and statement murals, to industrial-inspired concrete and cement effects and even purposefully distressed looks.

Fancy a floral? Highlight the delicate pattern by keeping adjoining walls in exposed brick for a refreshingly modern spin.

Murals don't have to be overpowering, and can actually create a very zen-like space in which to sleep. By using gentle blues and picking out the same shade in the scatter cushions, the effect is one of overall calm.

Prefer something plain? Go for all-over colour in a subtly textured paper to let the art and furniture do the talking. And for something in between, botanical inspired wallpapers are great for creating a restful, neutral scheme.

These modern bedroom ideas showcase a whole host of fabulous and fascinating wallpapers...

1. The new statement wall

The phrase 'statement wall' can feel a bit Laurence Llewellyn Bowen, but there's a modern way to achieve this bedroom wallpaper idea which creates maximum impact while leaving memories of Changing Rooms behind. 

Here, the wallpaper mimics the pattern of the bedhead and frame, while clashing boldly with the blinds. And for extra oomph, the walls that are left un-papered are painted in a vivid blue the same as the statement wall - there is a thread that runs through the whole space, linking the area together. The statement wall is less of a statement, more part of a conversation. 

• See also: guest bedroom ideas

2. The bold repeat

And you thought bedrooms had to be calming spaces! How enlivening is this strong pattern, how energised do you think it will make you feel each morning? The trick is to keep everything else quite simple - note the thin bedframe and white sheets so that the room is not overwhelming.

• See also: four poster bed ideas

3. Tropical backdrops

One design trend to take note of is the rise of decorative scenic wallpapers and wall art panels. These can be interpreted in many ways, from abstract patterns to lively florals. Be wary of the feature wall, and instead take a maximalist approach and cover all four aspects. This monochromatic jungle mural evokes faraway shores. 

• See more interior design trends

4. Back to nature

A pretty, nature-inspired wallpaper pattern strikes a laid-back, easy note, especially when seen in a restful hue such as green or blue. Here, strong blocks of colour ensure the overall scheme looks chic and modern. 

• See more bedroom colour ideas

5. Modern classic

A floral William Morris wallpaper stretches across the whole of this master bedroom. The paper feels neutral and quiet, despite the zany all-over pattern. 

• See more master bedroom ideas

6. All mapped out

As the house was built in 1893, the enlarged map on the wall is of the area from 1892. It’s fascinating to really look at what London was like then. 

• See more striking headboard ideas

7. Sophisticated grasscloth

The grasscloth wallpaper adds texture while the brass accents add warmth.

• See more neutral bedroom ideas

8. Mellow yellow

A yellow botanical print wallpaper creates an upbeat, sunny bedroom. The upholstered headboard, Kilim rug and inlay side table are all a nod to somewhere more exotic. 

• See more girl bedroom wallpaper ideas and see also boy bedroom wallpaper ideas

9. Round the corner

A fun wallpaper by Osborne and Little creates a feature wall in this guest bedroom. 

10. Up to the ceiling

This pattern rich wallpaper continues onto the ceiling in this attic bedroom. 

11. Set the tone

Here, the walls glow in a bespoke, hand-painted Chinese wallpaper by de Gournay.

Yes, this is a pretty dramatic look, but by keeping the wallpaper tonally similar to the headboard and accessories, it blends together into one cocooning space.

12. Silk wallcovering

Like grasscloth wallcoverings, silk wallcoverings are also ideal for creating a grown-up, chic and sophisticated look.

13. Ombre effect

In this girls bedroom, a modern ombre effect wallpaper sets the tone and colour scheme for the rest of the room.

14. Charming contrast

The bare brick wall and roof rafters are exposed, the roughness of the exposed brick highlighted by the decorative wallpaper. 

15. Touch of drama

There’s a certain sumptuousness to this space, with its rich textures and colours. 

16. Distressed effect

The chimney breast was extended to match the exact width of the super-king-size bed and the walls have been distressed and painted to resemble the musty mystique of a flooded château. Layers of paint and varnish were added to build up the elegantly decayed look. A distressed-effect wallpaper could achieve the same effect. 

17. Concrete contrast

Choose a concrete wall or concrete-effect wallpaper. This master bedroom been transformed into something really rather gorgeous with the gold-leaf ceiling, one raw concrete wall and lacquered green elsewhere. We love the mix-up of modern and traditional.