Modern wallpaper ideas - 10 of the best

The days of woodchip are long since gone so give your walls a new lease or life with a thoroughly-modern wallpaper makeover

It's not what you've got, it's how you use it that really counts. Well, at least when it comes to wallpaper... Turn grey stripes around and mix and match directions for an ultra-modern hallway look.

1/10 Striking striped wallpaper hallway

hallway with striped wallpaper and drawers

(Image credit: Future PLC/Chris Everard)

Find similar wallpaper
Wallpaperdirect.co.uk

2/10 Brickwork-effect bathroom wallpaper

bathroom with wallpaper and basin

(Image credit: Future PLC/Lu Jeffery)

Is it exposed brickwork? Is it wallpaper? Finally, here's proof that you can have the best of both worlds, in the bathroom at least - perfectly-pointed brickwork wallpaper without the draft.

Similar wallpaper
Wallpaper and Borders

3/10 Modern country-style floral wallpaper

room with floral wallpaper and table and chair

(Image credit: Future PLC/Dan Duchars)

Even country style gets a modern makeover with this bold blue chrysanthemum-print wallpaper. Use it to create an eye-catching feature wall in the kitchen.

Wallpaper

The Little Greene Paint Company

4/10 Living room with statement floral wallpaper

living room with floral wallpaper and fireplace

(Image credit: Antony Crolla)

Whoever said less is more obviously hadn't seen this rather exotic wallpaper in hot pink. Afterall, why be sublte when you can make a statement?

Wallpaper
Bennison Fabrics

5/10 Cloakroom with bold orange and white wallpaper

cloakroom with bold orange and white wallpaper

(Image credit: Future PLC/Luke White)

A taxidermy bird is the focal point in this bold orange and white cloakroom. The children's wallpaper provides a clean, cool and contemporary shot of colour. We love!

6/10 Traditional bedroom with bold feature wall

bedroom with woodland wallpaper and table lamp

(Image credit: Future PLC/Mark Luscombe White)

There's something rather enchanting about this traditional-style bedroom. Woodland-themed wallpaper creates a dramatic and intriguing atmosphere... definitely no wall-flowers here.

Woodland wallpaper
Cole & Son

7/10 Rustic hallway with wood-effect wallpaper

hallway with wood effect wallpaper and drawers

(Image credit: Mark Scott)

Create your very own cosy log cabin with this clever wood-effect wallpaper. Sheepskin rug and roaring log fire not included, but you get the gist...

Wallpaper
Graham & Brown

8/10 Blue living room with geometric wallpaper

living room with geometric wallpaper and fireplace

(Image credit: Future PLC/Dan Duchars)

This mid-century furniture in this living room is pulled together nicely by the flashes of bright blue geometric retro wallpaper. Definitely not for the feint of heart.

Wallpaper
Harlequin

9/10 Dramatic damask wallpaper in black and silver

living room with damask wallpaper and table

(Image credit: Future PLC/Oliver Gordon)

Here, damask wallpaper is given a thoroughly modern baroque-style makeover with striking results. The black and silver flock definitely up the glam stakes...

Find similar wallpaper at
Graham & Brown

10/10 Dramatic living room with library-themed wallpaper

living rom with library themed wallpaper and wooden flooring

(Image credit: Future PLC/Paul Massey)

If we had time to read a wall full of books, we would. But seeing as we don't, we're a big fan of cheating! The library-themed wallpaper in this dramatic living room adds to the edgy and eclectic feel to the scheme.

Wallpaper
Deborah Bowness

Liked this? Find more decorating inspiration at Housetohome and follow us on Facebook and Twitter for the latest interiors news and advice.

Thea Babington-Stitt
Assistant Editor

Thea Babington-Stitt is the Assistant Editor for Ideal Home. Thea has been working across some of the UK’s leading interiors titles for nearly 10 years. 

She started working on these magazines and websites after graduating from City University London with a Masters in Magazine Journalism. Before moving to Ideal Home, Thea was News and Features Editor at Homes & Gardens, LivingEtc and Country Homes & Interiors.