Wallpaper 101: A Timeless Tool for Transforming Your Home

Photo by Erin Little

There’s a reason wallpaper has been a design staple for centuries. Long before paint rollers took over, wallpaper was how people expressed their style, from hand-painted rice paper in ancient China to the richly patterned damasks of Renaissance Europe and the bold mid-century prints of the 1950s. Today, wallpaper is having a major resurgence. It’s no longer just a backdrop; it’s a design statement that can change the way a room feels and functions.

More Than Meets the Eye: Choosing the Right Material

The right wallpaper does more than add color and pattern; it also suits the needs of the space. Understanding the different materials available is key to selecting a wallpaper that will look beautiful and hold up over time.

Paper Wallpaper
The classic choice, paper wallpaper offers rich colors and intricate details that are hard to replicate. Because it’s more delicate, it’s best reserved for lower-traffic areas such as dining rooms, formal living rooms, or bedrooms where it won’t be exposed to moisture or heavy wear.

Fabric & Linen Wallpaper
If you’re after texture and sophistication, fabric-based wallpaper, often made from linen, silk, or grasscloth, creates depth and warmth that paint simply can’t match. It’s perfect for cozy libraries, elegant bedrooms, or dramatic accent walls. However, it’s more sensitive to humidity and staining, so professional installation and proper care are recommended.

Vinyl Wallpaper
Vinyl is the workhorse of wallcoverings; it’s durable, washable, and resistant to moisture. That makes it ideal for high-traffic or high-humidity areas like bathrooms, kitchens, hallways, and mudrooms. Thanks to advances in printing, vinyl wallpapers can now mimic the texture of natural materials while offering the practicality of something that’s easy to clean and built to last.

Peel-and-Stick Wallpaper
A newer innovation, peel-and-stick wallpaper is a renter’s dream. It’s removable, repositionable, and great for temporary projects like kids’ rooms, accent walls, or seasonal updates. While it’s less durable than traditional options, it offers a simple, commitment-free way to experiment with pattern and color.

Setting the Mood: Style and Design Tips

Wallpaper isn’t just about what’s on the wall; it’s about how a room feels when you walk into it. The pattern, color, and scale you choose can dramatically transform the energy of a space.

Bold & Graphic Patterns
Think oversized florals, geometric designs, or striking color contrasts. These create drama and personality and work best as statement walls or in smaller rooms like powder rooms, where a little pattern goes a long way.

Classic & Traditional Prints
Toiles, damasks, and nature-inspired motifs lend a timeless elegance. They’re perfect for creating a sense of history and sophistication in entryways, dining rooms, or formal living areas.

Textured & Subtle Designs
Tone-on-tone patterns or natural materials like grasscloth add dimension without overwhelming the room. These are ideal for creating a serene, layered feel in bedrooms, offices, or open-concept living spaces.

Murals & Scenic Panels
For a truly custom look, large-scale wall murals or scenic designs turn your wall into art. They’re dramatic and unforgettable, making them perfect for feature walls, dining rooms, or anywhere you want a showstopping focal point.

The Power of Pattern

Wallpaper is one of the most transformative tools in interior design. It can make small rooms feel larger, bring warmth and texture to minimalist spaces, and create a sense of architecture where there is none. Whether you’re drawn to the luxurious feel of linen, the practicality of vinyl, or the impact of a bold mural, there’s a wallpaper to suit every style, space, and story.

Photo by Erin Little