Wallpaper Is Having a Moment Again
A quieter approach to wallpaper is helping staged spaces stand out, adding texture and charm without taking over a room.
NEW YORK — Wallpaper is taking on a more deliberate role in home design in 2026, with designers using it less as a background element and more as a design feature.
Instead of covering entire rooms, wallpaper is being used inside built-ins, in powder rooms, within framed panels, and on ceilings or "the fifth wall," where pattern and texture can add personality without overpowering a space.
Vintage-inspired florals provide a sense of nostalgia, while tweed-like textures can provide warmth and intimacy to bedrooms, dens and offices. Scenic panels, and dimensional prints are gaining traction, along with smaller-scale and more playful patterns.
Rather than defaulting to neutral walls, designers are choosing wallpaper where it can add warmth, depth, and character especially in smaller or unexpected areas of the home.
Source: Good Housekeeping (02/02/26) Valeris, Monique
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