Even though your bedroom should be a space promoting rest and calm, that doesn’t mean you can’t bring a little dose of (certain) colour and pattern into the room in order to elevate the space and inject some of your style and personality into it. And bedroom wallpaper ideas present the perfect opportunity to do just that.
There are many different bedroom wall decor ideas you can choose from and incorporate into your sleep sanctuary – be it wall panelling, art or bedroom paint ideas. But only wallpaper can provide pattern, colour, texture, style and personality all in one go. As long as you choose wisely, of course. That’s why we’ve put together this list of inspiration and tips to make picking your wall covering design a bit easier.
Bedroom wallpaper ideas
‘When wallpapering a space the goal is to create visual interest,’ says Hannah Swift, marketing manager at family-run wallpaper retailer Beautiful Walls. ‘For a bedroom you want to do this without overwhelming the space.’
This is best done by sticking to a carefully chosen bedroom colour scheme and being very thoughtful about the use of pattern.
‘If you want to use patterns, I’d say the main rule is to not overdo them,’ says Paula Taylor, head stylist and trend specialist at Graham & Brown. ‘Patterns on everything can lead to visual overload and look quite chaotic. I’d advise picking one and sticking to it and perfectly partnering colours that complement the shade of the wallpaper to build the space around it.’
1. Opt for soft calming shades
In order to avoid any bedroom colour mistakes, it’s best to stick to wallpaper designs featuring soft and/or earthy shades rather than bright, vibrant colours.
‘Soft, muted colours tend to work beautifully in bedrooms because they promote a sense of calm and relaxation,’ says Elizabeth Downing, co-founder of Blithfield. ‘We often favour dusky pinks, pale greens, soft blues, and earthy neutrals, shades that bring a quiet elegance and comfort to a space. Bedrooms are ultimately places of rest, so we recommend colours that feel gentle and enveloping, rather than jarring or overly bold.’
Interior designer Carina Raymond adds, ‘Soft, subtle tones don’t overwhelm the space and work beautifully in both natural and low lighting needed in a bedroom.’
2. Bring in texture with your wallpaper
As already mentioned, the world of wallpaper is filled with fun designs and opportunities to do something a little different, especially when it comes to texture. These days, wallpapers don’t have to just be made from paper or be entirely 2D.
‘Textured wallpapers like grasscloth, wood veneers and sisals have been really popular, and their subtle, tactile nature is ideal for creating a cosy space,’ Hannah at Beautiful Walls says.
Carina Raymond agrees, ‘For something understated yet elegant, textured neutrals such as grasscloth or silk bring a refined tactility to the space and create a quiet, grounding backdrop for art, bedding, and furniture.’
If you want some tactility and texture to your walls, this grasscloth design from Dunelm will provide just that, in a choice of three different bedroom-friendly shades.
Who says that chevron-weave jute belongs just on the floor?! Not us since it can look phenomenal on bedroom walls too, bringing loads of texture to the space.
Not only does this wallpaper design provide a level of depth and texture, but its extra washable and stain-resistant design is also super practical.
3. Go for stripes
Stripes are not only extremely timeless and very much on trend right now, they have also been crowned ‘the new neutral’. So if you’re looking to invest in something that will never go out of style, a striped wallpaper is your best bet.
‘The most obvious pattern that rarely goes out of style are stripes; with their clean, orderly and adaptable elegance. Sophisticated and elegant, the damask design is a centuries-old pattern that works well in a bedroom in both traditional and transitional spaces,’ Hannah at Beautiful Walls says.
Inspired by the country farmhouse aesthetic that Laura Ashley often references, this wallpaper features a classic, thinner take on the timeless stripe.
These days, stripes don't have to be straight - as this wavy design from Lick's collaboration with CALM proves. Plus, you'll be supporting a good cause as 100% of profits from sales go to the suicide-prevention charity.
Dunelm's wide and bold take on the striped pattern is the most on-trend - and not only in terms of the size and format of the stripes, but also the olive green colour choice.
4. Look to painterly, artistic motifs
Abstract stripes and painterly patterns have been gaining popularity in recent times – and it so happens that their open-to-interpretation style makes them perfect for bedroom wall decorating.
‘Soft painterly prints like our Leighton and Oscar wallpapers can add texture and charm while still feeling soothing. They also create a canvas for hanging art and mirrors that create an interesting background that does not conflict with the wall art and the furnishings of the room. There's also a growing appreciation for hand-block or painterly styles that have an artisanal feel,’ Elizabeth at Blithfield says.
5. Go bold with a touch of the tropics
When it comes to making an impact, it’s all about putting the bed centre stage. One of the easiest ways of doing this, is to put a bold, standout wallpaper on the wall behind the bed and then repeating the same colour theme throughout the bedroom on bedding, cushions and soft furnishings for a chic, co-ordinated look.
‘Tropical prints are a big wallpaper trend,’ says Amy Holton, head of creative at Lust Home. ‘Following on from the biophilic designs that have been big in recent years, it’s a continuation of this trend, but with a tropical twist. Inspired by nature, palm leaves and tropical blooms will continue to adorn our walls, bringing the outside in whilst incorporating vibrant colours.’
6. Top off wallpaper with a picture rail
If wall-to-wall wallpaper feels too bold, tone it down a fraction by only wallpapering two thirds of the wall. Using a bold wallpaper on just the lower portion of walls gives a hit of colour and pattern without it dominating the bedroom.
Finish off the wallpapered area by adding a narrow ledge for decorating above the bed where you can display favourite pictures and ornaments. An arrangement like this is much easier to change than wall-hung prints.
‘The retro look is back,’ says Amy at Lust Home. ‘Featuring large-scale geometrics, rich and vibrant colours, and curved edges, the 70’s saw a shift into being playful with home decor. Wallpaper with a graphic or repeating print is set to be very popular in 2023, paired with rattan furniture and shaggy rugs.’
7. Go bold with statement florals
Embrace pattern in a big way by opting for an oversized mural running the width of one wall as a bedroom feature wall idea. You can buy ready-made mural panels off-the-peg or have one made bespoke if you have a favourite image that you want to use full-size.
Choose furniture and bedding in complementary colours to your mural for a chic cohesive look. Pick out the background colour and just one or two secondary colours and stick to these for a coordinated effect.
‘A perfect option when wanting to make a statement in your home, large-scale prints and eye-catching murals are expected to be seen everywhere in 2023, adding another dimension to otherwise lacklustre walls,’ says Amy at Lust Home.
8. Focus on a feature area
'An trend we love is using wallpaper in alcoves as it’s a subtle way to add character and charm,' Elizabeth at Blithfield says.
Knowing what to do with awkwardly-shaped alcoves in a bedroom can be tricky. Instead of ignoring them, consider working some wallpaper into the space and making a feature of bedroom alcoves.
Wallpapering inside the alcove is one way around the issue, with adjoining walls painted in a toning or contrast shade. Alternatively, why not go for bold and try wallpapering the main wall in a standout floral with the inside alcove in a contrast paint colour. It will look ultra on-trend against an arched alcove.
9. Drench your walls in wallpaper
Incorporating or picking out the ceiling and making it a standout feature of the room is one of the biggest wallpaper trends of the year – and one that works particularly well in a bedroom, both creating a cocooning feeling and having something beautiful to look up to when lying in bed.
'Pattern-drenching, particularly wallpapering your ceiling, is becoming more of a trend as people experiment with different design options in the bedroom,' says Caroline Woolmer, head of design at Lucie Annabel. 'It’s a great way to create a calm and cocooned effect especially with a softer colour palette.'
10. Fake it with ‘faux’ panelling
For an easier and less-costly option to bedroom wall panelling ideas with timber, opt for a panelled-effect wallpaper with not a hammer or nails in sight. Perfect for rooms that are lacking in architectural detail, 3D wallpapers can give the look of raised panels or timber cladding and come in a range of colours so there’s no painting involved either.
Go for a grown-up scheme in chic winter whites with luxe marble-effect panelling as the backdrop. Layer bedding in soft linens and tactile velvets with a plush upholstered headboard to add a cosy touch.
11. Command attention behind a headboard
Create a feature wall on the space behind a headboard to give the bed centre stage. This use of print is a great small bedroom idea to make the focus very directional, opening up the rest of the room.
'If you want to focus on one feature wall instead of the whole room, a bespoke mural is a great option for this as they can be custom made to suit the space,' Paula at Graham & Brown says.
If your bedroom features coloured furniture choices, sticking to a monochrome wallpaper will help to balance the scheme.
12. Make an arty feature wall
Ideal for those decorating on a budget, this idea uses minimal paper but maximises the decorative impact. Choose a block section of wall, best used on the area above the bed or between wardrobes as seen here, to create an artwork-like sized panel of wallpaper. This look only require one roll of wallpaper, hence why it's a cost-effective decorating choice.
13. Add interest to the most visible wall
A bedroom feature wall doesn't always have to be located at the head of the bed. More often than not beds are positioned alongside the doorway meaning you only see the wall with the headboard once you're well into the room. Make more impact with a feature wall by choosing the wall that runs alongside the bed.
In this bedroom space stylish monochrome stripes grab your attention the minute you step foot inside the room.
14. Create a captivating headboard panel
Think outside the box when it comes to creating a 'feature' wall. Make a boutique-hotel-style design feature wall by hanging a couple of drops of a striking wallpaper behind the bed. Fashioning a stylish DIY headboard idea to behold.
Make it roughly a foot wider than the headboard to frame it perfectly. To really add a design wow factor create neat raised edges with wooden battens covered in matching fabric – but this finish is optional, if you want less work.
15. Wallpaper wardrobes instead of walls
Not sure about where to add wallpaper to your bedroom? How about on a wardrobe to allow a freedom to the look, which you wouldn't get from decorating the walls. Another great idea for keeping costs low, you only need one roll to makeover the front panels of a wardrobe. Old or new, all you need is a flat wardrobe surface which the paper will adhere to.
Teamed with soft furnishings a wallpapered wardrobe welcomes pattern to an otherwise plain room - great for making a real style statement. Any upcycled furniture idea helps to revamp and repurpose unloved items, that might otherwise destined to landfill.
16. Make it reflective with metallic wallpaper
Adding pattern is a great way to captivate, adding pattern in a metallic finish is a great way to grab even more attention! Thanks to it's high-shine nature metallic wallpaper can enhance pattern further. Reflective wallpaper designs help to bounce light around the room, to create an airy vibe – ideal is used in smaller bedrooms.
Match metallic wallpaper designs with ultra glossy accessories, such as mirrored furniture and metal bedside lamps to create a glam decor.
17. Pattern match to build on a scheme
Coordination is a match made in heaven when it comes to a bedroom decor. Whether it's by a dominant colour or by way of pattern, stripe drenching being one of the perfect examples, you can tie the whole decorating scheme together effortlessly.
To create a cohesive and styled look match the wallpaper print to that of your bedding. Add accent colours with cushions and rugs to add another element of interest.
18. Bring the outside in with foliage
'The biophilic trend of bringing the outside in remains huge for 2025. The trend, which is said to calm the senses, works really well in a bedroom through floral and botanical prints,' Paula at Graham & Brown says.
Welcome the outside in with a thoughtfully illustrated wallpaper design. The trend for plants in the bedroom is a growing one, excuse the pun. This ivy print wallpaper helps to add a garden vibe, opening up the decor to incorporate further touches of foliage and greenery.
Accessorise with further fern prints and ivy motifs on cushions and artworks to enhance the look.
19. Fade out with finesse
Use wallpaper to frame traditional features by choosing a design with a vertical fade. This stunning Middle East inspired pattern is printed in the middle of the roll, leaving a plain neutral border at the top that draws the eye up to the picture rail and curved cornicing.
Brighten up the sophisticated grey and white palette with a bright accent colour - sunny yellow is perfect here - and choose simple soft furnishings to keep the overall look calm and polished.
20. Keep the pattern simple
Choosing wallpaper doesn't mean you have to go big with pattern. Sometimes a small print is enough to add interest without overpowering the scheme. This simple monochrome pin board-style design offers mini dots of colour.
This is an ideal choice if you’re worried about committing to one bedroom colour scheme when decorating, as the look can be updated easily and cheaply through accessorising.
21. Pretty up with florals
A classic floral print will add a feminine touch to your bedroom and can adapt to almost any colour palette. This versatile style can take on anything from a vintage look with ditsy florals, to a sophisticated contemporary vibe with bold blooms.
This work looks best as a single statement wall, as the patterns can easily look too busy if used on multiple surfaces. However, if you do fancy going for broke. Try clashing faded florals with a Bohemian paisley print, as done successfully here.
22. Set the scene with realism
If you’re looking for a quirky and unique bedroom look, why not think outside the box and go for a whimsical print such as books, butterflies or maps? Choosing a print that reflects your interests will add a personal touch to your space and can bring a new lease of life to a plainer room.
23. Go easy with geometrics
'Geometrics can also work well as the clean lines and repetitive patterns add a sense of structure and order which can be calming,' Hannah at Beautiful Walls says.
This style of wallpaper generally works best as a feature wall with plainer surrounding walls, due to the busy designs. It’s the perfect choice for a contemporary bedroom and will instantly create a dynamic focal point, no matter what shape or size the room.
FAQs
Which wallpaper is best for a bedroom?
The choice of paper for a bedroom is no different to when choosing living room wallpaper ideas, or any other standard room. It's only necessary to choose a different quality or type of paper if the room is humid etc, say when choosing a bathroom wallpaper idea. When it comes to choosing a bedroom wallpaper, it's simply a matter of taste.
We tend to advise sticking to a feature wall when it comes to using bedroom wallpaper, to stop the look from feeling too heavy. Typically if this is the wall which the bed is against you can be more daring with the pattern, as you it won't prove too distracting once you're in bed – trying to wind the mind down for a restful night's sleep.
How can I test a bedroom wallpaper?
As with any room where you're planning to make a statement with a wallpaper, be sure to get hold of a sample of your chosen design before hanging. Cut a large sample of the design and test it out on the wall you want to decorate, to make sure you’re happy with the colour and scale of the pattern. Look at it at different times of the day as the colour can vary depending on the light in the room
Can wallpaper make a bedroom look bigger?
As with thoughtful paint colours in bedrooms, the right wallpaper design can work wonders for maximising the space. You might want to avoid overpowering patterns for small bedrooms generally. When used on one wall it can help to give a sense of purpose and make that wall feel distanced from the remaining painted walls – a clever trick for the eye to make the space feel larger. Thoughtful bedroom storage ideas are also a great way to make a bedroom feel bigger.
Will you be using any of the bedroom wallpaper ideas to decorate your sleep space?
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