The Once-Popular Wallpaper Trend That's Making A Comeback With A More Modern Look. If you've filed away wallpaper as a dated, old-fashioned interior design reference, you may want to reconsider this opinion for the coming year.
It appears that wallpaper will spend some time in the limelight this coming year, according to the pros. "Wallpaper is a bigger trend for 2024 than we have seen in a while," says Elizabeth Rees, founder of Chasing Paper. "Consumers are craving rooms with personality, and wallpaper gives that to them."
The resurgence of wallpaper continues to dot our homes with a lively rhythm of pattern and color, energizing our interiors in ways painted walls alone could never.
Artistic or mural wallpapers that create a statement piece are considered contemporary and can be seen in modern interior design. Ultimately, the perception of wallpaper being old-fashioned is subjective and can vary from person to person.
'Neutral tones, subtle textures and simple patterns remain evergreen choices, as they complement a wide range of interiors without overwhelming a space. Floral and botanical prints, especially in soft, muted hues, also stand the test of time, adding a sense of natural charm to any room.
One of the biggest stories in wallpaper trends for 2024 is Contemporary Trompe L'oiel, a French phrase meaning 'deceives the eye', it is used to describe artwork that creates the illusion of a real object or a scene as a three-dimensional vista.
Plaid or checkered wallpaper is both timeless and beautiful and there are so many variations to choose from. Another timeless pattern in my opinion is striped wallpaper. I don't think that vertical or horizontal stripes will ever go out of style.
But is the conventional wisdom outdated? Wallpaper has exploded in popularity in recent years and there are now even excellent peel-and-stick options that make installing and swapping out wall coverings far easier than the more permanent varieties.
Stencils offer a fantastic alternative to wallpaper, allowing you to create intricate designs without the commitment. With a wide variety of patterns available—from classic florals to modern geometric shapes—stenciling lets you personalize your walls with ease.
Vinyl: This is the most common type of wallpaper because it is easy to hang and remove, is the best option for damp areas, and often comes pre-pasted. Non-Woven: This type of wallpaper is not vinyl-coated and is resistant to moisture and water, making it ideal for the bathroom.
Here are some common home improvement projects that could decrease the value of your home: Too much wallpaper. Built-in electronics. Wall-to-wall carpeting.
Cons of Wallpapering Your Walls
More expensive: Wallpaper can be quite pricey, especially if you're opting for a high-quality or designer option. Limited options: While wallpaper does come in a variety of patterns and textures, it still has more limited options than paint in terms of colour and finish.
As we turned into the mid to late 1990s, wallpaper began to fall out of favor. Homeowners began ripping it down, dealing with the price tag-like paper that left glue everywhere.
There are lots of theories as to why this all happened, but it was likely a combination of a desire for simpler, more minimalist interior designs and the reputation wallcoverings had (some would say justifiably) as something difficult to put up—and even harder to take down.
Traditional, Vintage, Classic and Grandmillennial Wallpaper
We expect to see much more of this wallpaper trend in 2025. Some might call these grandmillennial wallpapers as they typically harken back to the designs you might see pre 1950. The appreciation for these classic wallpapers has been reignited.
Wallpaper Durability
Wallpaper can last up to 15 years and beyond, which makes it a cost-effective, durable way to decorate your room. It is generally accepted that properly hung wallpaper will last 3 times as long as paint. Wallpaper is a great way to decorate high traffic areas in your home.
But the narrow strip of paper that can be used to define or accent your space isn't a new trend by any means. Originally used to conceal the ends or hide any tacks or gaps way back in the 18th and 19th centuries, wallpaper borders came back with a bang in the 80s and 90s. But the trend has come a long way since then.
You can count on high-quality peel and stick wallpaper to adhere to most surfaces and brighten up most rooms. But there are a few exceptions. Self-adhesive wallpaper will need a surface that it can effectively stick to. So if your wall isn't smooth enough, your removable wallpaper may not adhere to 100% to the surface.
Colours such as grey, silver or black/white are standard for modern wallpaper as they are timelessly modern.
Discover the Magnolia Home wallpaper collection by Joanna Gaines. "Wallcoverings have the ability to completely transform a room and make a unique statement. Whatever you choose, whether a bold or subtle pattern, I hope these designs personalize your space and help tell the story of your home." – Joanna Gaines.
Wallpaper is back. That's been a common phrase uttered by interior designers and home decor experts over the last few years. A quick Google search will tell you as much. In fact, 96% of the top interior design experts surveyed by Fixr agreed that wallpaper is a big trend in 2023.
Also wallpaper is more maintenance as it can get discolored, stained, ripped etc and correcting these issues is more complicated than slapping on paint. In the past, people were willing to commit time to doing this, but not so much anymore in this busy day and age.
Wallpaper is making a strong comeback in home design, and it's more versatile and creative than ever. Once seen as a dated design choice, today's wallpaper offers endless possibilities for transforming spaces with bold patterns, subtle textures, and everything in between.
Whether used as an accent or all-over, these textured wallpaper designs are a contemporary dream. They complement an existing colour scheme and create a great base for a room. For these reasons, they are the most versatile and broadest group to choose from.