Patterned wallpaper can totally change your bedroom from a plain spot into a stunning personal retreat. A lot of people skip wallpaper because they’re nervous about messing up with bold patterns.
Remember to repin your favorite images!
Honestly, the secret is all about balancing your wallpaper pick with smart furniture choices and where you decide to put everything.
When you find the right pattern and place it well, wallpaper brings color, texture, and personality that paint just can’t match. Your bedroom walls turn into a canvas for your style and help set the mood you want in your most personal space.
This guide gives you tips on picking patterns that fit your room size and style. You’ll also get ideas for where to put wallpaper for maximum impact, and how to choose furniture and accessories that work with your design instead of fighting it.
You’ll find some pro installation tips and ways to keep your wallpaper looking good for years.
Choosing the Perfect Patterned Wallpaper
The right wallpaper pattern really turns your bedroom into a space that feels like you. Pattern type, color, and scale all come together to set the mood for rest and relaxation.
Understanding Different Wallpaper Patterns
Floral wallpaper brings a bit of nature inside. Big, bold blooms look dramatic on accent walls.
Smaller flower prints feel charming and don’t take over the space.
Geometric wallpaper gives off a fresh, modern vibe. Bold shapes fit well in contemporary bedrooms.
Stripes or hexagons keep things interesting without being too much.
Traditional patterns like damask, toile, and paisley work perfectly in classic or vintage bedrooms. They bring a sense of elegance, even if you’re not a fan of old-school style.
Abstract patterns let you get creative. Swirls, brushstrokes, and artsy designs make unique focal points that fit lots of looks.
Textural patterns mimic things like grasscloth or linen. They add depth but don’t look busy.
These patterns help your bedroom feel peaceful and calm.
Selecting a Color Palette for Your Bedroom
Take a look at what you already have—bedding, curtains, and the rest. Pick wallpaper colors that go with your existing stuff.
Neutral backgrounds with colored patterns give you flexibility. You can swap out accent colors with pillows or art whenever you want.
Beige, cream, and soft gray backgrounds fit almost any look.
Bold colors like red wallpaper make a statement. Try them on just one wall behind your headboard.
Keep the rest of your furniture neutral to balance it out.
Cool colors like blues, greens, and purples help you relax and might even help you sleep better. They’re especially nice in bedrooms with lots of sunlight.
Warm colors make big bedrooms feel cozy. Soft yellows, peaches, and warm grays are great in rooms that don’t get much light.
Considering Pattern Scale and Room Size
Large patterns stand out and need space. Use oversized designs in bedrooms bigger than 12×12 feet.
They’re best on a single accent wall.
Small patterns are perfect for small bedrooms under 10×10 feet. Tiny florals or mini geometrics add interest without crowding the room.
You can safely use small patterns on all four walls.
Medium patterns are pretty versatile. They work in most bedroom sizes and add pattern without being overwhelming.
Pattern placement changes how your room feels. Vertical stripes make ceilings look taller. Horizontal patterns make narrow rooms seem wider.
Always test wallpaper samples in your bedroom first. The way light hits can totally change how patterns and colors look.
Try looking at samples at different times of day before you decide.
Popular Styles and Types of Patterned Wallpaper
Patterned wallpaper comes in a few main categories, each with its own vibe. You’ll find something for just about every taste and room style.
Classic Floral Bedroom Wallpapers
Floral wallpaper brings a classic, cozy charm to your bedroom. Smaller floral prints work well if you want to cover all four walls without making things feel crowded.
Traditional roses and botanical prints create a cottage feel. These usually have soft colors like blush pink, sage green, or creamy backgrounds.
Modern florals use bolder colors and bigger blooms. You’ll see tropical leaves, huge peonies, or even abstract flowers.
Pick delicate patterns for a calming effect. Go with larger floral designs if you want a strong accent wall behind the bed.
Best color combos:
- Pink florals with cream or white trim
- Green botanicals with natural wood
- Blue and white florals for a crisp, fresh look
Modern Geometric and Bold Designs
Geometric wallpaper adds structure and a cool, modern edge to bedrooms. Patterns include stripes, hexagons, triangles, and all sorts of abstract shapes.
Striped wallpaper fits almost any style. Vertical stripes make ceilings look taller, and horizontal ones make the room look wider.
Bold geometric patterns create a strong focal point. Use them on just one wall so things don’t get too intense.
Subtle geometric designs with similar colors add texture without being overwhelming. These are great in minimalist or Scandinavian bedrooms.
Mix geometric wallpaper with solid bedding and simple furniture. That contrast keeps the room balanced.
Popular geometric styles? Chevron, herringbone, and diamond patterns.
Timeless Damask and Traditional Looks
Damask wallpaper brings ornate, repeating patterns that make a bedroom feel elegant. You’ll usually see scrollwork, florals, or medallion shapes.
Classic damask comes in two-tone color schemes. The pattern stands out just enough for some subtle contrast.
Metallic damask adds gold, silver, or bronze for a touch of luxury in a master bedroom.
Traditional styles also include toile, paisley, and Victorian-inspired prints. These patterns suit formal or vintage-themed bedrooms best.
Keep damask wallpaper to one wall for the biggest impact.
Best rooms for traditional patterns:
- Master bedrooms with antique furniture
- Guest rooms with a classic feel
- Reading nooks or cozy corners
Textured and Wood-Effect Wallpapers
Textured wallpaper adds depth to your walls. These styles mimic real materials but are way easier to deal with.
Wood panel wallpaper looks like real wood planks or shiplap. You get that rustic or farmhouse vibe without the big price tag.
Grasscloth and fabric textures bring warmth and softness. These neutral looks make a nice backdrop for colorful art or accessories.
Embossed patterns have raised surfaces you can actually feel. These add interest without needing bold colors.
Textured wallpaper covers up wall flaws better than smooth wallpaper. That’s a win for older homes or rentals.
Popular texture options:
- Linen weave for a relaxed, casual look
- Brick or stone for industrial style
- Bamboo or rattan for a tropical feel
Stick to neutral colors with textured wallpaper for a calm, timeless bedroom.
Designing with Patterned Wallpaper: Layout and Placement
Where you put your wallpaper totally changes how your bedroom feels. Smart placement creates focal points, and mixing patterns adds depth without making things feel chaotic.
Feature Walls vs. All-Over Patterns
Feature walls work best for bold or busy patterns. Pick the wall behind your headboard for your accent wall.
This makes a dramatic backdrop without making the whole room feel closed in.
Large-scale patterns like tropical leaves or geometric designs shine on feature walls. They stand out without fighting your furniture and decor.
All-over patterns need a little more thought. Small, subtle patterns are better if you want to cover every wall.
Think delicate florals or fine geometrics.
Room size matters here. Small bedrooms usually look best with just one feature wall.
Bigger rooms can handle patterns on every wall.
Pattern intensity is the real issue. If your wallpaper is busy, stick to one wall. Quieter patterns can go everywhere without feeling like too much.
Combining Patterns for Visual Interest
Mixing pattern scales is the trick to making different patterns work. Pair a big pattern with a small one to keep things balanced.
Try a bold geometric wallpaper with small floral bedding.
Color coordination keeps things from clashing. Pick patterns that share at least one color with your other room elements.
That way, everything feels connected.
Pattern types should be different for the best look. Mix stripes with florals, or geometric shapes with soft, organic lines.
Don’t put two similar patterns together, like two different florals.
The 60-30-10 rule helps keep things in check:
- 60% dominant pattern (your wallpaper)
- 30% secondary pattern (like curtains or bedding)
- 10% accent pattern (throw pillows or small decor)
Texture variation adds another layer. Smooth wallpaper looks great with textured throws or velvet pillows.
Matching Wallpaper with Ceiling or Alcoves
Ceiling wallpaper adds drama. Use the same pattern as your feature wall, but maybe go lighter for the ceiling.
This adds height without being overwhelming.
Alcove treatments look great with matching or coordinating wallpaper. Try wallpapering built-in shelves or reading nooks with a similar pattern.
Pick designs that use the same colors but are a different size.
Architectural features pop with the right wallpaper. Frame a doorway or window with a patterned border.
Highlight alcoves with a subtle geometric print.
Color balance matters if you’re wallpapering more than just the walls. Lighter shades work well on ceilings, while darker ones suit lower walls.
Visual flow is key. Stick to the same color family across different surfaces.
That way, your bedroom feels cohesive but still interesting.
Coordinating Furniture and Accessories
The right furniture and accessories can really make your patterned wallpaper work. Wooden furniture brings a natural balance, and soft furnishings tie the whole color scheme together.
Pairing Wallpaper with Wooden Furniture
Wooden furniture acts as a neutral base for bold wallpaper. The grain and warm tones help calm down busy patterns.
Light woods like oak or pine look best with colorful, bold wallpaper. They let your wallpaper stand out.
Dark woods such as walnut or mahogany pair nicely with softer patterns.
The rich wood tones add depth without overpowering delicate designs.
Match furniture finishes to your wallpaper’s undertones:
- Warm wood tones for wallpaper with reds, oranges, or yellows
- Cool wood finishes for blues, greens, or purples
Stick to simple furniture styles if your wallpaper is complex. Clean lines and minimal details keep the room from feeling cluttered.
Choosing Soft Furnishings and Textiles
Bedding, pillows, and curtains should pick up colors from your wallpaper but not match exactly.
Choose one or two colors from the wallpaper to repeat in your textiles.
Mix pattern scales:
- Large wallpaper patterns with small-scale textile patterns
- Small wallpaper prints with medium-sized fabric designs
- Geometric wallpaper with more organic textile patterns
Solid colors work too. Go for neutral bedding and add patterned throw pillows in your wallpaper’s shades.
Curtains should complement, not compete. If your wallpaper is busy, stick with solid curtains in a matching color.
If your wallpaper is simple, you can go for patterned curtains.
Add layers of texture for depth. Mix smooth sheets with textured throws or velvet pillows.
Selecting Artwork and Decorative Pieces
Artwork should work with your wallpaper, not against it.
Pick pieces that share similar colors but have a different style.
Simple artwork is best with busy walls:
- Black and white photos
- Abstract paintings in matching colors
- Simple line drawings
If your wallpaper is bold, keep decorative pieces to a minimum. Just a few well-chosen items make a bigger impact.
Choose accessories that echo your wallpaper colors:
- Table lamps with colored bases
- Vases in coordinating hues
- Picture frames that match wallpaper accents
Mirrors break up patterned walls and bounce light around. Pick frames that match your furniture, not your wallpaper.
Keep surfaces pretty clear if your wallpaper is busy. Too many objects just make things feel cluttered.
Expert Advice for Decorating with Patterned Wallpaper
Interior designers say that great patterned wallpaper comes down to careful planning and balance. It’s all about creating harmony between bold patterns and the rest of the room.
Tips from Interior Designers
Pick patterns that fit your bedroom’s size and light. Large patterns look best in big, bright bedrooms.
Small patterns suit smaller, cozier spaces.
Start with the wallpaper as your foundation. Choose your wallpaper first, then pick bedding, curtains, and furniture that go with it.
Designers often use the 60-30-10 color rule:
- 60% neutral colors (bedding, furniture)
- 30% colors from the wallpaper
- 10% accent colors for pillows and decor
Think about where you put your wallpaper. You don’t have to cover every wall.
One accent wall behind your bed makes a big impact without feeling like too much.
Match wallpaper style to your bedroom’s purpose. Calming patterns like soft florals or gentle geometrics are great for master bedrooms.
Go bolder in guest rooms where you don’t spend as much time.
Balancing Bold Patterns in Small Bedrooms
Try light-colored patterns to help small bedrooms feel more open. White or cream backgrounds with pops of color bounce light around much better than heavy, dark wallpaper.
Stick with simple furniture if you’ve picked a bold wallpaper. Go for solid bedding, and skip busy curtains or rugs. Let the wallpaper do the talking.
Add a mirror to boost both light and space. If you hang a big mirror across from your patterned wall, you’ll reflect the design and make the whole room seem larger.
Limit bold patterns to just one wall in a small space. You’ll get visual interest without making things feel crowded.
Vertical stripes can trick the eye and add height. Suddenly, those low ceilings don’t seem so low anymore.
Mistakes to Avoid with Patterned Wallpaper
Don’t go wild mixing patterns in one room. Stick with your main wallpaper plus maybe one soft touch, like little polka dots or slim stripes on a pillow.
Skip hanging art directly on patterned walls. Too many visuals just feel chaotic. Use your plain walls for artwork instead.
Be careful with trendy patterns as a permanent choice. Geometrics or animal prints can feel old fast. Classic florals or damask stick around for years without losing their charm.
Always check if your wallpaper colors match your furniture and floor. Bring samples home and see them in your room’s lighting—sometimes things look totally different at night.
Don’t ignore the room’s built-in features. Work with windows and nooks, not against them, when you pick your pattern.
Wallpaper Installation and Maintenance
Start with good installation—it’s the key to wallpaper that still looks great years down the road. How you prep the walls decides if your wall coverings stick well. DIY or pro install changes the price and the final look.
Preparation and Surface Requirements
You need clean walls for wallpaper to stick. Wipe away dust, grease, and any scraps of old wallpaper before you do anything else.
Fill holes or cracks with smoothing compound. Sand lightly so you’ve got a nice, even surface.
Prime your walls for a uniform base. Primer helps wallpaper stick and stops colors from bleeding through. It also makes taking the wallpaper off later way easier.
Make sure your walls are totally dry before you start. If there’s moisture underneath, you’ll get bubbles and peeling.
Use a spirit level and draw vertical guide lines. Start in the middle of your main wall and work outward, so your pattern lines up right.
You’ll need these tools:
- Smoothing brush or roller
- Sharp utility knife
- Plumb line
- Clean cloths
- The right adhesive
DIY vs. Professional Installation
DIY works for simple patterns or small bedrooms. You can save money and take your time.
DIY is a good fit if you:
- Know your way around basic tools
- Have patience for matching patterns
- Are using simple or small-repeat designs
Professional installers make sense for tricky patterns or big rooms. They get the pattern lined up perfectly and finish the job fast.
Call in the pros for:
- Pricey designer wallpaper
- Large or complicated patterns
- Textured or specialty materials
- More than one accent wall
Professionals usually charge $3-8 per square foot, not counting materials. It’s not cheap, but it protects your investment and guarantees a polished look.
Be honest about your skills. Bad installation can ruin even the prettiest wallpaper.
Long-Term Care and Cleaning
Most modern wallpaper comes clean pretty easily if you use gentle methods. Before you go all in, try your cleaning product on a hidden spot first.
Dust your walls about once a month. Use a soft brush or the vacuum’s brush attachment.
This habit keeps dirt from piling up and saves you from tougher cleaning later.
For routine cleaning:
- Wipe washable wallpaper with a slightly damp cloth.
- Don’t soak the wall coverings.
- Start at the bottom and work your way up, so you won’t get streaks.
- Dry the area right away with a clean towel.
If you spot a stain, act fast and remove it before it settles in. Blot gently—don’t rub—or you’ll risk messing up the pattern or texture.
Vinyl and coated wallpapers can handle moisture better than the natural stuff. But if you’ve got paper-based wallpaper, especially in the bedroom, you’ll need to clean it with more care.
Check the seams now and then for any lifting edges. Fixing small issues early keeps you from needing a pro or having to replace the whole thing.