The Art of Wallpaper and 7 Design Trends of 2026

Why is Wallpaper Making a Comeback? 

Historically, wallpaper was more than a way to cover a wall. Patterned papers could imitate expensive textiles, introduce elaborate scenic landscapes, or bring botanical motifs and other artwork into a home. Designers such as William Morris helped establish wallpaper as an important part of the Arts and Crafts style, creating patterns that are still recognizable today. 

At the Henry Sheldon presentation, we were given a glimpse into just how much craftsmanship went into historic wallpaper. Alexandra Weimer’s interest in colorful wallpaper found within the museum’s collection eventually helped expand what began as a small display into an entire room. 

The presentation also included a look at traditional hand-blocked wallpaper production, showing how patterns were built, layer by layer, using carved wooden blocks

From Pattern Heavy to Minimalism 

With that, the presentation moved to Amy Beaupre, an interior designer with decades of experience and a background in art, who claims to love wallpaper so much that she tries to encourage all her clients to use it in their homes.  

Amy shared wall covering trends over time, including historical and cultural influences on the traditional themes in wallpaper – scenic, floral, toile, and damask patterns – and artists on the forefront of the movement whose innovation still grace the walls of famous locations. 

In the 1980s, small-scale florals and country-inspired patterns were popular. Rooms could often pair wallpaper art with coordinating curtains and fabrics, saturating a space with patterns from floor to ceiling. 

The 1990s brought a different aesthetic. DIY stenciling and sponge painting became popular, while Tuscan-inspired interiors and faux finishes contributed to a period when traditional wallpaper became less prominent. 

Then came the accent wall: one boldly painted wall surrounded by neutral ones.

By the 2010s, many interiors had moved toward monochromatic whites and grays. 

Now, the pendulum is swinging again.

After years of “millennial gray,” homeowners and designers are embracing color, texture, pattern, and more personalized interiors. Current design coverage reflects that larger shift, with statement wallpaper, textured wallcoverings, murals, and heritage-inspired patterns all appearing prominently in 2026 interiors. 

The result is taking the best parts of the past—pattern, craftsmanship, personality, and visual interest—and using them in new ways.

7 Wallpaper Design Trends We’re Seeing Right Now 

Here are some wallpaper art ideas to consider in your home. 

1: Botanical and Nature Inspired Wallpaper  

Nature has always been a source of wallpaper design, from the botanical patterns of William Morris to contemporary interpretations of leaves, flowers, and landscapes. 

Today, botanical wallpaper is being used in both traditional and modern interiors. 

Why it works: A smaller-scale botanical can provide a subtle layer of pattern, while an oversized leaf or floral can function almost like a mural. The goal is to bring the visual rhythm of the natural world indoors. 

2: Large-Scale Florals and Maximalist Patterns 

Large-scale florals and expressive patterns are one of the easiest ways to make a room memorable. Rather than covering a wall with a small repeating motif, these designs create a stronger visual focal point. 

This is where wallpaper design starts to function like artwork. 

Scalamandré’s iconic Zebras, for example, demonstrates how a wallpaper pattern can become recognizable in its own right. Originally created for Gino’s restaurant in New York City, the pattern became famous for its oversized, playful composition. 

Why it works: A powder room, for example, has limited square footage but can accommodate a much more dramatic design because it isn’t a space where you spend hours at a time. In a small room, wallpaper makes the space feel more finished and intentional. 

3: Heritage Patterns: Toile, Damask and Traditional Motifs

Toile, damask, traditional florals, and other heritage-inspired patterns continue to evolve because their underlying compositions are strong enough to work across different periods.  

A pattern may have originated decades or even centuries ago, and still feel appropriate in a contemporary home. 

Schumacher’s Queen of Spain, for example, dates to 1963 and became particularly recognizable after appearing in the background of a 1965 photograph of Mick Jagger. William Morris’s designs offer another example. Patterns created during the Arts and Crafts style movement continue to be reproduced and reinterpreted today. 

Why it works: Think about contrast. Pairing heritage wallpaper art or an old pattern with contemporary furniture, modern lighting, or architectural details can make the pattern feel current. Both elements become interesting. 

Designers are treating the “fifth wall” as the new accent wall. Ceiling wallpaper is becoming a creative way to add patterns without covering every vertical surface. It can be particularly effective in rooms where the ceiling is already an architectural feature. 

Why it works: A patterned ceiling works well when the walls, trim, or cabinetry pull a color from the wallpaper. This creates a seamless connection between surfaces rather than the ceiling feeling like a separate design decision, making an entire room feel immersive.

Instead of thinking of wallpaper as something that covers a wall, designers are increasingly treating it as an artistic element within the room. 

That idea has deep roots. C.W. Stockwell’s Martinique, created in 1942 and famously associated with the Beverly Hills Hotel, is a perfect example. Josef Frank’s Citrus Garden, originally designed in 1947, is another. 

Why it works: These designs endure because they have a strong visual identity. Soft curves and imperfections bring personality and charm without dominating a room. 

Wallpaper is just one way to introduce color and personality into a home. If you’re considering a broader refresh, take a look at our blog dedicated to how custom woodworking shapes every home for more ideas. 

How to Use Wallpaper Design in Your Home

A large room can generally handle a larger pattern, while smaller rooms can benefit from either small-scale patterns or bold designs used intentionally. Don’t assume that a small room requires a small pattern, though. A large-scale pattern in a powder room can be incredibly effective. The important thing is proportion. 

Start Small in a Powder Room

Because they’re small and often separate from the primary living spaces, they can accommodate stronger colors and patterns.

Set a Scene in Your Bedroom

Bedrooms benefit from wallpaper’s ability to establish mood. A soft botanical, textured neutral, or moody floral can create a more enveloping atmosphere. For a calm bedroom, look for muted colors and smaller-scale patterns. 

Add Pattern to a Hallway or Entry

A hallway, stairway, or entry may not have much room for furniture or artwork, but it has plenty of wall surface. Think of them as transitional spaces that make excellent candidates for patterns. 

Use Wallpaper Art Inside Built-Ins and Bookcases

This is a relatively small commitment that can add color and pattern to a simple architectural feature. It can also be a good place to use a wallpaper design that might feel too bold across an entire room. 

Need more design tips? Each month, we share design ideas, home trends, inspiration, and practical tips to help you make thoughtful decisions about your home. 

Think of Wallpaper Art as an Investment

Why risk wallpaper when it is clear that design trends are ongoing? Art and paint are both expensive ways to decorate a wall. Wallpaper now can be read as both traditional and modern, so it has design endurance. Start with a small space in your home, or an accent wall. 

A few tips on choosing the right wallpaper design: 

• Look for one or two colors that connect with existing elements like upholstery, wood tones, or tile 
• Look at samples at different times of day to see how they look as light moves.
• Decide the role of your wallpaper. Will it be a focal point, a backdrop, or an architectural detail?