Wallpaper Design for Bedroom: Ideas, Styles & How to Choose the Right One
Choosing the right wallpaper design for your bedroom can completely transform the look and feel of your personal space. Whether you want a calming retreat, a bold statement wall, or a cosy, textured backdrop, wallpaper offers endless possibilities that paint alone simply cannot match. In this guide, we walk you through the most popular wallpaper styles, how to pick the right design for your bedroom size and lighting, and practical tips to get the best results — so you can make a confident, well-informed decision before you begin.
Why Choose Wallpaper for Your Bedroom?
Wallpaper has made a strong comeback in modern interior design, and for good reason. Unlike a standard coat of paint, wallpaper adds texture, depth, pattern, and personality to a room without major renovation work. Here is why many homeowners and designers prefer wallpaper for bedrooms:
- Visual depth: Textured or patterned wallpapers add dimension that flat paint cannot replicate.
- Variety: Thousands of designs are available — from subtle neutrals to bold, artistic prints.
- Durability: High-quality vinyl and non-woven wallpapers can last many years with proper care.
- Accent walls: A single feature wall with striking wallpaper can anchor the entire room design without overwhelming it.
- Easy updates: Modern peel-and-stick and non-woven options make installation and removal relatively straightforward.
For bedrooms specifically, wallpaper works well because it sets a mood — something especially important in a space dedicated to rest, relaxation, and personal expression.
Most Popular Wallpaper Design Styles for Bedrooms
Understanding different wallpaper styles helps you find what suits your taste and the existing decor of your bedroom. Below are the most sought-after design categories:
1. Floral Wallpaper Designs
Floral patterns remain one of the most beloved choices for bedrooms. From large botanical prints to delicate vintage blossoms, floral wallpapers bring a sense of nature indoors. They work particularly well in:
- Soft, romantic bedroom aesthetics
- Bohemian or cottagecore interior styles
- Behind the headboard as a feature wall
Choose muted, watercolour florals for a subtle look, or oversized tropical prints for a bolder statement.
2. Geometric Wallpaper Designs
Geometric patterns — hexagons, chevrons, diamonds, and abstract shapes — are popular in contemporary and minimalist bedrooms. They add structure and visual interest without feeling overly decorative. Geometric wallpapers pair well with clean-lined furniture and neutral colour palettes.
3. Textured and 3D Wallpaper
Textured wallpapers mimic materials like brick, concrete, wood, or fabric. They are an excellent way to add tactile interest to a bedroom wall without the cost or mess of actual materials. 3D effect wallpapers create an optical illusion of depth and are especially impactful on headboard walls.
4. Ombre and Watercolour Wallpaper
Soft gradient and watercolour designs create a dreamy, artistic atmosphere perfect for bedrooms. These designs blend colours seamlessly and give the room a calm, artistic feel — ideal for those who want something unique but not overpowering.
5. Classic Damask and Baroque Patterns
Traditional damask patterns in rich tones like navy, forest green, or gold bring elegance and a sense of luxury to a master bedroom. They suit classic, royal, or maximalist interior styles and pair well with ornate furniture and warm lighting.
How to Choose the Right Wallpaper Design for Your Bedroom
Selecting a wallpaper is not just about what looks good in a catalogue — you need to consider your room's specific characteristics. Follow these key steps to make the right choice:
- Assess your room size: Small bedrooms benefit from light-coloured, small-scale patterns that make the space feel larger. Large bedrooms can handle bold, oversized prints without feeling cramped.
- Consider the lighting: Rooms with natural light can carry darker or richer wallpapers. Darker rooms should use lighter, reflective designs to brighten the space.
- Match your existing decor: Pick wallpaper that complements your furniture, flooring, and bed linen colours rather than competing with them.
- Decide between full coverage and accent wall: Covering all four walls creates an immersive effect, while a single feature wall (typically behind the bed) makes a focal point without overwhelming the room.
- Think about longevity: Trendy prints may feel dated sooner. If you want longevity, opt for classic patterns or subtle textures.
- Check the material: Vinyl wallpapers are durable and washable. Non-woven options are easier to install and remove. Fabric wallpapers add luxury but require careful maintenance.
Wallpaper Design Ideas by Bedroom Type
Different bedroom types call for different design approaches. Here is a quick reference guide:
| Bedroom Type | Recommended Style | Best Colours |
|---|---|---|
| Master Bedroom | Damask, floral, textured, mural | Deep blues, warm greys, soft golds |
| Kids' Bedroom | Fun prints, cartoon motifs, nature themes | Pastels, bright primaries |
| Teen Bedroom | Geometric, abstract, urban patterns | Monochrome, navy, olive green |
| Guest Bedroom | Subtle patterns, stripes, watercolour | Neutral tones, soft greens, creams |
| Small Bedroom | Vertical stripes, small-scale patterns | Whites, light greys, pale blues |
This table is a starting point — personal preference and existing decor should always guide your final decision.
Tips for Installing Bedroom Wallpaper Correctly
Even the most beautiful wallpaper design can look poor if installed incorrectly. Here are some practical installation tips to keep in mind:
- Prepare your walls: Fill cracks, sand rough patches, and ensure the wall is clean, dry, and smooth before application.
- Prime the wall: A primer coat helps the wallpaper adhesive bond better and makes future removal easier.
- Measure twice: Calculate the total wall area and add at least 10–15% extra for pattern matching and trimming.
- Start from a vertical centre point: Use a plumb line or spirit level to ensure your first strip is perfectly straight.
- Match patterns carefully: Always align pattern repeats at eye level, especially for large floral or geometric designs.
- Smooth out air bubbles: Use a wallpaper smoother or soft cloth to press out bubbles as you go — do not wait until the adhesive dries.
- Allow proper drying time: Avoid disturbing freshly applied wallpaper for at least 24–48 hours.
For complex patterns or large rooms, professional installation is recommended to achieve a clean, seamless finish.
Wallpaper vs. Paint for Bedrooms: A Quick Comparison
Many homeowners debate between wallpaper and paint when redecorating. Both have their place, but here is how they compare specifically for bedrooms:
| Feature | Wallpaper | Paint |
|---|---|---|
| Design variety | Extremely high | Limited to solid colours and finishes |
| Texture options | Wide range available | Minimal (matte, satin, gloss) |
| Durability | 5–15+ years depending on material | 3–7 years before repainting needed |
| Application effort | Moderate to high | Low to moderate |
| Cost | Generally higher upfront | Lower upfront |
| Removal | Can be time-consuming | Easy — just repaint |
Wallpaper is the winner for visual impact and uniqueness. Paint is easier for frequent updates. Many designers combine both — using wallpaper on a feature wall and complementary paint on the remaining walls.
Current Bedroom Wallpaper Trends Worth Considering
Interior design trends evolve, and knowing what is current can help you make a choice that feels both personal and contemporary. Some notable directions in bedroom wallpaper design include:
- Nature-inspired murals: Large-scale forest, mountain, or botanical mural wallpapers that turn an entire wall into a landscape.
- Earthy, warm tones: Terracotta, ochre, and warm beige wallpapers in textured finishes are widely popular for creating grounded, cosy bedrooms.
- Maximalist patterns: Bold, layered prints — think rich jewel tones and intricate patterns — are gaining traction as a counterpoint to years of minimalism.
- Grasscloth and natural textures: Wallpapers that mimic grasscloth, jute, or linen add an organic warmth that feels luxurious and calm.
- Celestial and abstract art: Moon phases, abstract brushstrokes, and cosmic prints are popular in bedrooms that lean towards a more artistic or spiritual aesthetic.
Trends are a useful guide, but always prioritise what resonates with your personal style and the atmosphere you want to create in your bedroom.
FAQs
Which wallpaper design is best for a small bedroom?
For small bedrooms, choose light-coloured wallpapers with small-scale patterns or vertical stripes. These create an illusion of more space and height. Avoid large, dark prints that can make a small room feel closed in.
Is it better to wallpaper one wall or all walls in a bedroom?
Both approaches work well depending on your goal. A single feature or accent wall — typically behind the headboard — creates a focal point without overwhelming the space. Covering all walls works best with subtle, tonal, or textured designs that add depth rather than visual noise.
How long does bedroom wallpaper typically last?
High-quality vinyl and non-woven wallpapers can last anywhere from 5 to 15 years or more with proper care. Durability depends on the material quality, installation method, wall preparation, and how well the room is maintained.
Can wallpaper be used in humid or air-conditioned bedrooms?
Yes, but the material choice matters. Vinyl-coated wallpapers are moisture-resistant and suitable for rooms with air conditioning or occasional humidity. Avoid fabric or paper-only wallpapers in consistently humid conditions, as they can peel or develop mould over time.