Bedroom wallpaper ideas - 17 bold looks for patterned perfection
Bedroom wallpaper ideas for spaces where the walls do the talking
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.
Be The First To Know
The Livingetc newsletter is your shortcut to the now and the next in home design. Subscribe today to receive a stunning free 200-page book of the best homes from around the world.
Lotte is the Digital Editor for Livingetc, and has been with the website since its launch. She has a background in online journalism and writing for SEO, with previous editor roles at Good Living, Good Housekeeping, Country & Townhouse, and BBC Good Food among others, as well as her own successful interiors blog. When she's not busy writing or tracking analytics, she's doing up houses, two of which have features in interior design magazines. She's just finished doing up her house in Wimbledon, and is eyeing up Bath for her next project.
-
Equestrian Is In. Seems Like the Horse Girls Were Onto Something — Shop “Old Money” Decor
Our resident equine editor shares exactly how to get the look
By Julia Demer Published
-
How I Keep Moisture and Damp At Bay in My Small Apartment — 4 Simple Things I Do Routinely in My Home
These easy yet effective tips will help remove condensation and minimize mold, even in the smallest of spaces
By Faiza Saqib Published
-
9 Small Bedroom Clothes Storage Ideas That Are the Stuff of Organizers' (Sweet) Dreams
Save space and save yourself from rummaging around to find an outfit with a few smart storage tricks
By Natasha Brinsmead Published
-
10 Small Guest Bedroom Ideas That Will Have Visitors Begging for an Extra Night's Stay
These brilliant design tricks for compact guest rooms will turn your home into the go-to destination for all your friends and family
By Natasha Brinsmead Published
-
5 Quick Ways to Make Your Guest Bedroom Smell Like the Ritz-Carlton, According to Housekeepers and Scent Experts
We spoke to those in the know to uncover exactly how hotels make their guest suites smell oh-so-good. Here's how to leave a lingering impression
By Ciéra Cree Published
-
7 Tricks for Making Your Guest Bedroom Look More Expensive That Will Make You Want to Sleep in the Spare Room
Plus your friends and family will soon be clamoring for overnight invites — and most of these tips won't cost you much, either
By Natasha Brinsmead Published
-
What Makes a Bedroom Look Cheap? 5 Things Designers Say You Should Avoid
From synthetic bedding to glossy paint, there are a few things you'll want to stay away from if you want to elevate your home
By Aditi Sharma Maheshwari Last updated
-
10 Small Bedroom Organization Ideas — Maximize Even the Smallest of Spaces By Following These Simple Tips
If you want to know how to organize a small bedroom, then we have a few solutions up our sleeves. Here's what you need to know
By Aditi Sharma Maheshwari Last updated
-
30 bedroom color ideas – stylish schemes to inspire a quick and easy makeover
Whether you are neutrals lover or color-obsessed, these bedroom color ideas are sure to make you want to redecorate
By Hebe Hatton Published
-
Bedroom Shelving Ideas — 12 Clever Ways to Add Stylish Storage and Display Space
Whether you want to maximize space, create a charming display, or enhance the functionality of your bedroom, we've got you covered with these shelving tricks
By Hebe Hatton Last updated