5 Gasp-Worthy Wallpaper Looks

By Olivia Manthey

Does the word wallpaper make you gasp—but not in a good way? Visions of floral bouquet prints adorning your grandmother’s walls might come to mind, or maybe the floor-to-ceiling Victorian damask motifs in the backdrop of old family photos. You might even have memories of your frazzled mother mixing buckets of paste and long sheets of wet paper sliding on the walls. Sound familiar? If so, you have probably vowed never to try your hand at such a project. Wallpaper is intimidating to many of us, which could be one reason it took a bit of a hiatus in home decor trends for the past decade or so. Well, get ready, because the time for resting on your wallpaper laurels is over! Wallpaper is back and in full swing—gasp! (In a good way this time.) There are fantastic new options for wallpaper application and removal like peel-and-stick sheets or patterns, which make wall coverings less permanent and so much easier to install. Refresh a ho-hum room with a bold accent wall, or make your previously dull half-bath unforgettable for your guests. There are so many possibilities, and the updated options are endless! Check out five of our favorite gasp-worthy wallpaper looks below.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by lea | something to style over (@somethingtostyleover) on Jun 24, 2019 at 4:20am PDT

Talk about sky-blue dreams! This beautiful bathroom gives us major vintage Charleston vibes. The blue floral wallpaper on the ceiling and top half of the walls brings the eye upward, making a small bathroom seem larger. No one said your focal wall couldn’t be the ceiling. Fantastic!

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Apartment Therapy (@apartmenttherapy) on Apr 13, 2020 at 1:19pm PDT

Master bedrooms are all about bliss, and this one is beautifully elegant with a touch of modern edge. A pop of wallpaper against your bed adds style and personality to your favorite space. Plus, we love the matching throw pillows!

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Apartment Therapy (@apartmenttherapy) on Jan 24, 2020 at 8:30am PST

Moody Art Deco? We’re in. This shows a perfect way to take what could be a forgettable or chaotic space and turn it into an appealing place to spend time! Adding saturated color, bright hardware, and an updated pattern brings drama and life into your favorite gathering space.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Lisa Walters Interiors (@lisawaltersinteriors) on Feb 19, 2018 at 11:44pm PST

We love this black-and-white beauty! This Dalmatian-inspired polka dot will be a topic of your next dinner party conversation after your guests use the powder room. It makes a huge statement in a fun yet elegant way! The best place to go bold is in the smallest spaces.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Apartment Therapy (@apartmenttherapy) on Apr 3, 2020 at 5:00am PDT

Who says laundry can’t be lavish? Wallpaper is a great way to turn a dull utility room or closet into a hidden oasis. If you must spend time doing laundry, it might as well be in someplace beautiful!

Are you ready to take the plunge on that accent wall you’ve been dreaming about? Let us know what your favorite wallpaper looks are in the comments or on our social media @VIEmagazine!

Get more decor trends and ideas in our 2020 Decor & Home Issue here.