Take the Leap and Go Bold With Graphic Wallpaper
Whether squiggles, zigzags, zebra stripes or paisleys, there's a daring patterned wallpaper print for every personality and style
Wallpaper has been staging a major comeback in recent years, and the trend shows no signs of slowing. But loving the look of graphic wallpaper in a photo is one thing – actually committing to papering your walls is another. If you’ve been wanting to give bold wallpaper a go in your own home, see if one of these 10 creative examples wins you over.
2. Metallic flower power
One wall of a print this bold is all you need to make an impact. Try it in the dining room for a fancy touch – the gold acts like a neutral, so you don’t need to worry about which colours will go with it.
Petal Pusher wallpaper in Gold by Oh Joy!: Hygge and West
One wall of a print this bold is all you need to make an impact. Try it in the dining room for a fancy touch – the gold acts like a neutral, so you don’t need to worry about which colours will go with it.
Petal Pusher wallpaper in Gold by Oh Joy!: Hygge and West
3. Black and white eye catcher
If clean-lined minimalism is what you’re drawn to at home, you can’t go wrong with a wallpaper in crisp black and white. But instead of a geometric print, choose one with an imperfect, organic shape such as on the paper shown here – it will bring some welcome curves to a spare, modern space.
Queen of Spain wallpaper in Black: Schumacher
If clean-lined minimalism is what you’re drawn to at home, you can’t go wrong with a wallpaper in crisp black and white. But instead of a geometric print, choose one with an imperfect, organic shape such as on the paper shown here – it will bring some welcome curves to a spare, modern space.
Queen of Spain wallpaper in Black: Schumacher
4. Deconstructed paisley
If you think of paisley as being a busy, multi-coloured pattern, think again – modern versions of a paisley print can be quite clean and simple. A paisley print with lots of white space (like the one shown here) would add a sweet touch to a bedroom, closet or nook, and would look especially at home alongside recycled furniture and vintage finds.
If you think of paisley as being a busy, multi-coloured pattern, think again – modern versions of a paisley print can be quite clean and simple. A paisley print with lots of white space (like the one shown here) would add a sweet touch to a bedroom, closet or nook, and would look especially at home alongside recycled furniture and vintage finds.
5. Mid-century Scandinavian
If your home is filled with your favourite mid-century finds, complement the furniture with a wallpaper that echoes the aesthetic of the era. This streamlined Scandinavian pattern would work well in the living room or bedroom.
Backgammon wallpaper in Chalkhill Blue: Mini Moderns
If your home is filled with your favourite mid-century finds, complement the furniture with a wallpaper that echoes the aesthetic of the era. This streamlined Scandinavian pattern would work well in the living room or bedroom.
Backgammon wallpaper in Chalkhill Blue: Mini Moderns
6. Block-print medallions
A bold block-print wallpaper can pull together an eclectic dining area, giving it an intentional feel that paint simply can’t match. Hanging mirrors or artwork on the wallpapered wall can give the space a rich, layered look, so don’t be afraid to try it – but do take your time and measure carefully before hanging to avoid unnecessary damage to your beautiful paper!
A bold block-print wallpaper can pull together an eclectic dining area, giving it an intentional feel that paint simply can’t match. Hanging mirrors or artwork on the wallpapered wall can give the space a rich, layered look, so don’t be afraid to try it – but do take your time and measure carefully before hanging to avoid unnecessary damage to your beautiful paper!
7. Blue zebra stripes
The powder room is a decorator favourite for wallpapering, and with good reason – you can really go bold with colour and pattern in a pint-sized room. This blue zebra print makes for a glamorous surprise in a petite powder room, especially when complemented by rich blue trim.
The powder room is a decorator favourite for wallpapering, and with good reason – you can really go bold with colour and pattern in a pint-sized room. This blue zebra print makes for a glamorous surprise in a petite powder room, especially when complemented by rich blue trim.
8. Squiggles
This blue squiggle print would make a fun surprise in a petite powder room, a closet or a creative home office.
Squiggle wallpaper by Vivienne Westwood: Cole & Son
This blue squiggle print would make a fun surprise in a petite powder room, a closet or a creative home office.
Squiggle wallpaper by Vivienne Westwood: Cole & Son
9. Subtle zigzag
A soft grey and white chevron-print paper adds graphic punch without overwhelming, which makes it a good choice in an open-plan space. A stripe or trellis pattern in soft neutral colours would also work well for a subtle look.
Chevron wallpaper in Roman Silver: Greg Natale
A soft grey and white chevron-print paper adds graphic punch without overwhelming, which makes it a good choice in an open-plan space. A stripe or trellis pattern in soft neutral colours would also work well for a subtle look.
Chevron wallpaper in Roman Silver: Greg Natale
10. Gold graphic
A bolder pattern such as the one on this gold and white paper is great for making a statement in the entry, or anywhere you want a graphic punch. But be aware that you can overdo it – a single wall is eye catching; an entire dining room would be dizzying.
TELL US
Do you have bold wallpaper in your home? Share a photo in the Comments!
MORE
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10 Tips to Help You Avoid That Wallpaper ‘Doh!’ Feeling
Out-of-the Box Ways With Wallpaper
A bolder pattern such as the one on this gold and white paper is great for making a statement in the entry, or anywhere you want a graphic punch. But be aware that you can overdo it – a single wall is eye catching; an entire dining room would be dizzying.
TELL US
Do you have bold wallpaper in your home? Share a photo in the Comments!
MORE
Words of Warning: How to Avoid Getting Patterned Wallpaper Wrong
10 Tips to Help You Avoid That Wallpaper ‘Doh!’ Feeling
Out-of-the Box Ways With Wallpaper
Instead of trying to cover a lofty wall with artwork, use a cool, graphic wallpaper to fill the height instead. This tie dye–inspired paper from Eskayel includes lots of white space, so your room will still feel airy.
Wallpaper: Eskayel