52 Wallpaper Ideas for Every Room and Style

Neutral dining room with wooden chairs and lighting fixture — Photo:
Ali Harper

Wallpaper ideas are the ultimate way to add a splash of color and pattern to any space. While it’s been all the rage recently, the earliest forms of this decorative wall treatment actually date back all the way to the 16th century. Wallpaper has made a huge comeback in recent years, ushering in a new era of wall decor. From bold, large-scale prints that make a dramatic statement to whimsical designs that instantly brighten a room, wallpaper has the power to completely transform a space.

While it can be a costly investment, there are several ways to use wallpaper on a budget: create an accent wall, use it in combination with wainscoting, install it in a smaller space, or go with an affordable peel-and-stick version, to name a few.

If you’re ready to give your home a stunning makeover that guests will ooh and aah about, wallpaper is the way to do it, and we’re sharing a wide range of charming wallpaper ideas for inspiration.

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Complementary Colors

Blue, botanical wallpaper in bedroom with orange headboard — David Land

Consider the color of your headboard, sofa, or other large furniture when choosing wallpaper ideas. This cheerful orange upholstered bed stands out against a whimsical blue-and-white leaf-print wallpaper for an eclectic look. The two complementary colors fill the modern bedroom with a bright burst of energy, and the low-sitting bed and nightstand allow the fun pattern to shine.

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Hand-Painted Patterns

Black and white wallpaper with white, wood accent wall

Add a big dose of personality with a hand-painted wallpaper that instantly relaxes a space and ushers in a casual feel. The hand-painted aspect of this type of wallpaper goes beyond simply adding pattern or color to a space—rather, it feels like large-scale artwork spanning the floor to the ceiling. This entryway is a great example of how to pull off a monochrome color palette with wallpaper as the focal point; use the colors in both pattern and solid form and on multiple room elements, such as the wallpaper, area rug, staircase, and wall hooks in this modern hallway.

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Dining Room Wallpaper

A dining room is often one of the more formal spaces in a home, but that shouldn't deter you from showcasing your personal style. Instead of a traditional chair rail with wallpaper installed above it, put a modern spin on a classic dining room feature with a large-scale abstract paper that extends from floor to ceiling. Or, go even bolder by installing a wallpaper mural on an accent wall as a breathtaking backdrop to your dining space.

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Wallpaper Meets Paint

Entryway with navy paint and gray wallpaper

If you have leftover wallpaper or are trying to keep costs down, there are ways you can implement a limited amount of paper within a space. For example, instead of installing wallpaper from floor to ceiling, only use it on the top half or third of a wall and use interior paint on the rest of the wall. Create a clean break and definition between the two with decorative molding or coat hooks like those used in this warm and welcoming entryway.

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Retro-Inspired Wallpaper

banquet table with graphic art, pink wallpaper and blue ceiling beams — Annie Schlechter

Wallpaper ideas are a reliable way to quickly transform the entire vibe of a space to match a mood, period, or aesthetic. For example, a pink wallpaper with a small-scale print sets a sweet tone in this retro-inspired space. It adds just enough color while being neutral enough to allow other bold design elements, such as a canary yellow chair and a navy blue coffered ceiling, to stand out.

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Add a Pop of Pattern

Decorative shelf with neutral wallpaper behind — Adam Albright

While wallpaper is traditionally applied to walls, there are other captivating ways to implement the decorative covering to bring visual interest to a room. Elevate a plain bookshelf or built-in by lining the back with a patterned wallpaper. It’ll instantly give the furniture a custom look and bring in an unexpected splash of color and depth.

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Liven Up a White Bathroom

Wallpaper is a great way to make a sizeable statement in a small space. With its lively pattern and vibrant colors, this whimsical pineapple-themed wallpaper adds a playful touch to this all-white bathroom. While the space could have been a plain and sterile room, the bold wallpaper completely transforms the bathroom into one that’s full of personality.

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Wallpaper the Ceiling

Blue bedroom with chandelier and wallpaper ceiling — Josh Grubbs

Don’t forget about the fifth wall—the ceiling—when considering wallpaper ideas. Instead of going with the traditional option of covering the walls, make a bold design choice and install wallpaper on the ceiling. Add a statement light fixture to draw the eyes up and highlight the paper.

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Traditional Floral Wallpaper

Entryway with blue and pink floral wallpaper and gold lighting fixture — Annie Schlechter

A traditional-style floral wallpaper accented with elegant molding, a brass mirror and ceiling light, and a chartreuse velvet bench come together for a sophisticated interior. A busy wallpaper can easily overwhelm a space, but multiple doors, windows, tall baseboards, and crown molding help break up the pattern with pockets of solid color for visual balance.

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Mixed Materials

Wooden shelves with floral wallpaper and pink tile — Kim Cornelison

Create a layered effect by mixing wallpaper, tile, paint, and a natural material such as wood. In this bathroom, a dusty pink backsplash tile brings in a grid pattern while a black wallpaper introduces a contrasting organic pattern in the form of pink and red flowers. A solid-colored wall balances out the two and provides a spot for the eye to rest, while the chunky, light-toned wood shelves add warmth to the dynamic space.

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Wallpapered Accent Wall

Neutral bedroom with wave pattern wallpaper

A neutral-colored wallpaper adds subtle color and pattern to this charming kids' bedroom. If you want to install wallpaper in your home but are concerned about the pricey investment, go with an accent wall instead of covering all the walls. To make an accent wall feel intentional and integrated, pull one of the colors from the wallpaper and use it on the surrounding walls.

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Graphic Wallpaper

Dark green wallpaper with marble countertop — Annie Schlechter

Wallpaper is a great way to infuse a small corner with lots of character. Here, a deep green graphic wallpaper adds both whimsy and depth to a small bathroom. The paper is juxtaposed with an earthy wood vanity and a bright white quartz countertop, while matte black hardware and fixtures enhance the modern look without distracting from the statement wallpaper.

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Botanical Wallpaper

Green and white kitchen with gold accents — Annie Schlechter

A green-and-white botanical-themed wallpaper enlivens this white kitchen and echoes the colors of a vibrant lattice backsplash. The fresh and clean color scheme is accented with a minimalist blue semi-flush mount light fixture and gold barstools that introduce a shiny metallic element. The combination of elements creates a room that feels dynamic and layered, yet still very cohesive.

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Tropical Oasis

Sitting room with botanical wallpaper — Katie Charlotte

A stunning leaf-print wallpaper turns this sitting room into a rich and moody tropical oasis. To maximize the drama of this look, extract one of the darker tones from your chosen wallpaper and pick a matching paint color for the ceiling and trim. It will help frame the room and create a seamless flow within the whole space.

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Don't Discount Small Spaces

Entryway with black doors, geometric wallpaper and staircase banisters — Jay Wilde

Define an architectural feature, such as this small vestibule with an arched opening, by installing wallpaper. The geometric pattern pulls in the black front door color and creates visual separation from the home’s interior. The design choice makes the tiny area its own space that wows guests as soon as they walk through the door.

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Monochromatic Powder Room

Gray, white and black powder room with sink and mirror — John Bessler

An iconic black and white cloud wallpaper infuses this small powder room with classic sophistication. A marble-topped vanity complements the similar toned wall covering colors while black baseboards, penny tile, sconces, and a wall mirror bring in contrast and depth. The gorgeous powder room has the feel of a boutique hotel bathroom, adding luxuriousness to the home.

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Balance Bold Wallpaper with Tile

Bathroom with blue and green wallpaper and white subway tile — Brie Williams

A vibrant blue and green wallpaper packs a punch in this small bathroom. Its busyness and high color saturation are balanced with classic white subway tile that brings out the white in the paper, working together to create a soothing calm. A minimalist sconce and a wall mirror covered with the same wallpaper make for an uninterrupted finish.

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Swap Out Tile for Wallpaper

floating shelves with gold accents and dark wallpaper

Tile backsplashes aren't the only way to elevate a kitchen. Here, a dark gray chevron wallpaper provides a stark contrast to the white countertops and highlights a pair of white floating shelves supported by brass brackets. The wallpaper mimics a traditional tile backsplash and is a great alternative to create a designer-inspired look.

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Powder Room Wallpaper

Blue and white bathroom wallpaper with gold mirror and marble vanity

Blue and white is a winning combination in this elegant powder room. A large-scale leaf print wallpaper adds pattern and color in a stylish and sophisticated way. When using a bold print, keep the rest of the fixtures—such as the vanity or wall mirror—simple to avoid overwhelming the space.

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Soft and Subtle Pattern

Dining room with neutral wallpaper and built-in seating — Edmund Barr

A gray-and-white star-print wallpaper provides a subtle patterned backdrop in this cozy dining room. Its softness contrasts with the more visually heavy room features such as the leather banquette and wood dining table, ultimately preventing the wallpaper from overpowering the space. Additionally, a white drum pendant light picks up the bright tones in the paper and helps lighten the space.

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Add Opulence with Wallpaper

Bathroom with arch and gold wallpaper behind the tub

Use a luxurious wallpaper to draw attention to a key room feature such as this bathroom alcove, and keep the paper as the statement piece by simplifying the rest of the colors, finishes, and furniture in the space. This shimmery gold wallpaper adds a touch of grandeur and draws attention to the intimate alcove housing a modern freestanding tub. The dimensional wallpaper gives the illusion of an old mosaic, and its detailed nature contrasts with the basic tub for an “old meets new” look.

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Going Glam

modern home exterior with gray color scheme — Better Homes & Gardens

If these walls were white, the combination of the black iron bed frame and ruffled bedding could be labeled as farmhouse style. However, the bedroom leans more glam than rustic with the addition of the patterned paper—a perfect example of the transformative effects of wallpaper. The matching bedside tables lend an extra element of glamour while the room's neutral color scheme grounds the overall design.

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Using the Fifth Wall

doorway through closet with wallpaper ceiling — Kim Cornelison

It's easy to overlook the ceiling. Usually painted white, it fades into a room's background—but not in this closet. These homeowners swapped paint for wallpaper, decorating the ceiling with a metallic, geometric pattern. The dimensional design is tied into the space with a similar geometric patterned rug that feels cohesive without being monotonous.

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Graphic Print Wallpaper

half bath with bold red and gold wallpaper — Better Homes & Gardens

By using wallpaper to decorate your half-bath, you hardly have to put any thought into additional decor. Instead, the wallpaper does all the work for you. While some people hesitate to use bold colors in small spaces, these homeowners went all-in with a vibrant graphic print paper, and the daring design choice paid off.

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Coordinating Wallpaper With Subtle Accents

red graphic wallpaper on retro kitchen ceiling — Better Homes & Gardens

A seemingly simple kitchen is expertly elevated with a wallpapered ceiling. Here, the red patterned paper works as the statement element, while subtle accents like the stove knobs, tea kettle, and storage containers nod to its dominance in the space. Installing wallpaper on the ceiling isn't easy, but the unique kitchen wallpaper look is worth the work.

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Trellis Wallpaper

Who doesn't love a good trellis wallpaper? This verdant paper's lighter lines and curvy flow provide a fresh interpretation of the beloved classic wallpaper pattern. Warm wood flooring, substantial white trim, and floral accents ground the garden-inspired design while allowing the wallpaper to remain centerstage.

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Floral Wallpaper at Its Best

Floral wallpaper can be good and floral wallpaper can be bad, but this example is by far the former. The mix of fanciful flowers and graphic leaves in this large-scale pattern is undoubtedly modern while nodding to botanical wallpapers of old. Additionally, the gold-and-white color scheme lends a luxurious feel—a far cry from tacky patterns that give floral wallpaper ideas a bad reputation.

28 of 52

Wallpapered Greetings

If you want to make a bold first impression upon hosting guests, wallpaper in an entryway is a surefire way to do so. The gray ogee design encircling the scalloped diamonds in this wallpaper is fashion-forward but completely livable. These homeowners emphasized the sunny yellow in the wallpaper by painting the front door a vibrant canary, but if the added color isn't for you, a black door that brings out the dark details in the paper would be a similarly impactful but less daring design choice.

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Understated Elegance

Primary bedroom with grey and white wallpaper — Edmund Barr

Bright and bold wallpaper designs might make a splash, but don't discount the power of an understated pattern. In this serene and sophisticated bedroom, a delicate and curvaceous latticelike wallpaper with a dark gray background brings depth to an airy, neutral room. Another pop of gray via the bedding trim seamlessly ties the look together.

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Adding Fantastical Character to a Children's Bedroom

Accent unique architecture with equally fantastical wallpaper ideas. In this children's bedroom with a lofted, pitched ceiling, an abstract nautical wallpaper emphasizes the character of the space. The white walls direct the eye to the paper-covered wall, putting all the attention on its whimsical, mural-like presence.

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Vintage Meets Modern

Black and white bathroom — Emily J. Followill

Talk about a showstopping space. Even though this design is based on a 17th-century French damask pattern, the wallpaper is fresh and appealing to 21st-century aesthetics. The pattern boasts a nature-inspired motif, which juxtaposes the inorganic black-and-white color scheme.

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Modern Chinoiserie Wallpaper

Imagine the surprise guests receive when they open the door to this mesmerizing powder room and see the jaw-droppingly beautiful Chinoiserie wallpaper. A small bath like this is a magical place to go bold with a strong pattern because it transports occupants to an otherworldly place. White fixtures and minimal accessories ensure the space looks polished, not excessive.

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Greek Key Wallpaper

This eponymous motif has been around since the ancient Greeks built their historic empire. Today, the Greek key pattern can be spotted in far more design elements than just exterior architecture. Trendy fabrics, decor items, and, you guessed it, wallpapers are all sporting this revived classic. This modern bedroom incorporates the pattern, with the gray-and-white wallpaper introducing a subtle yet stately look.

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Plaid Wallpaper

Not all wallpapers are flowery or ornately patterned. Plaid wallpaper, for example, is a classic, timeless look that nods to rustic aesthetics. In this modern yet woodsy bathroom, a rich mahogany finish on the vanity and trim adds a wonderful warmth to the space by contrasting with the ivory marble wainscoting. Meanwhile, the intricate mosaic flooring plays off both the plaid paper and marble detailing.

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Ingenious Installation

Wallpaper design ideas can go far beyond the paper itself—installation can be unique and special, too. In this living room, turquoise Otomi wallpaper envelops the fireplace build-out rather than the room's walls. The patterned paper acts as artwork for the mantel and a backdrop for stylish fireplace accessories with far less labor required than wallpapering the entire room.

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Pattern Clashing

Pattern scale is a subtle but important consideration that can make or break the design of a room, especially where wallpaper ideas are concerned. In this monochromatic pink space, ikat drapes and an abstract painting provide two large-scale patterns. A wallpaper with a similar-sized pattern would have been overwhelming, which is why these homeowners smartly chose a wallpaper with delicate, petal-like spots. The small-scale pattern creates an almost solid-looking backdrop for the curtains and artwork—pattern clashing at its finest.

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Removable Wallpaper

master bedroom with soft colors and cherry tree — Better Homes & Gardens

Love the look of wallpaper but have a fear of commitment? Removable wallpaper was made with you in mind. Easy to install and take down, these here-today-gone-tomorrow wallpaper designs look just as good as the permanent stuff. If you grow tired of the wallpaper decorating your room in a year, you can remove it and replace it with another style without the woes of removing permanent paper.

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Farmhouse-Inspired Kids' Room

birch tree wallpaper and hutch in corner — Better Homes & Gardens

There are far more country-inspired wallpaper ideas out there than those adorned with chickens and barns. For example, a grayscale wallpaper with a birch tree pattern sets a farmhouse-style forest scene in this kids' bedroom. The black-and-white color scheme lends a contemporary feel, which juxtaposes nicely with the room's more rustic design elements.

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Not Just for Walls

Despite the name, wallpaper isn't exclusively for walls—and we're not referring to the ceiling again, either. Wallpaper can take a piece of plain furniture from boring to boutique, with peel-and-stick wallpapers making furniture makeovers easier than ever. This floral-papered dresser is a gorgeous example. The three drawers have been covered in a statement wallpaper that highlights the gold hardware and original light wood, creating a new piece of furniture that's the impressive result of a DIY project.

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Decorating the Ceiling

Young girl's bedroom — Anthony Masterson

Speaking of ceilings, we can't help but emphasize just how captivating a papered fifth wall can be. Applying wallpaper to a ceiling may be a little tricky, but the results are stunning and unexpected. Here, a twinkling star pattern caps off a charming children's bedroom. The sparkling stars complement the shimmery trio of crystal light fixtures above the bed, as well as the metallic details of the headboard, nightstands, and table lamp.

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Statement Stairs

Like ceilings and alcove spaces, stair risers are one of the most creative places to implement wallpaper ideas. Here, homeowners let their creativity soar with not one patterned paper, but two. In addition to making a major visual statement, wallpapering stair risers is a low-cost update, as not much paper is needed to execute the project.

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Large-Scale Wallpaper

Wallpaper accent wall — Anthony Masterson

Wallpapers with oversized patterns work especially well in airy, light-filled rooms where the large-scale design has ample room to shine. This floral pattern complements the living room's vintage decor, but the white-and-yellow motif is fresh and contemporary. Keeping other patterns to a minimum ensures the oversized pattern remains the star of the space.

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Textured Wallpaper

Texture gives pattern a run for its money in the wallpaper ideas department. While patterned wallpaper is a fantastic addition to an interior space, textured wallpaper adds a different kind of dimension to a room. Grasscloth is one example of a superior textural wallcovering. In this living room, the natural material is a soft counterpoint to glam metallics, cool whites, and beiges. The added textural layer ultimately creates stellar visual dynamics within the space.

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No Sacrificing Color for Texture

Bedroom with grasscloth wallpaper — Paul Dyer

Grasscloth wallpaper isn't limited to natural varieties—it also comes in a rainbow of colors. Vibrant shades and high-shine finishes have brought this classic wallpaper into the modern era, offering a two-for-one enhancement to any space through texture and color. In this master bedroom, verdant green grasscloth paper adds a bold element without overpowering any of the room's more neutral furnishings or fixtures.

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A Splash of Color

The crisp white surfaces often found in bathrooms lend themselves well to wallpapers with vivid, colorful patterns. Here, a striking magenta-and-white damask wallpaper perks up an average bathroom design. Damask is commonly found in Victorian wallpapers, but the design feels modern thanks to the paper's lipstick pink color.

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Wallpaper Ideas for Small Spaces

Small space with horizontal wallpaper — Edmund Barr

Want to make your space feel more expansive? Consider installing a horizontally striped wallpaper. Horizontal stripes keep the eye moving, a trick that makes the area look bigger. Doses of color enliven the gray-and-white wallpaper design, while a white built-in and a gray couch ground the room.

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High-Octane Style

In addition to the fabulous industrial decor and playful notes of orange, trendy wood paneling and a flame stitch wallpaper turn up the style quotient in this kids' bedroom. Though there are a lot of elements within the space, the design is cohesive. The colors in the flame stitch wallpaper set the scheme for the rest of the room, which incorporates well-balanced neutrals with dynamic bursts of orange.

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Mixing Abstract and Organic

Entryway floral wallpaper — Adam Albright

For those who can't choose between abstract papers and organic prints, simply seek out a wallpaper that offers both elements. This metallic floral print paper lends an organic element via the flowery design, while the varying sizes of the golden peonies give the wallpaper an abstract feel. The combination of elements marries different styles for an artsy, modern look.

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Subtle Flair

Can you spy the wallpaper in this space? Hint: It's not on the walls—it's tucked behind a collection of books and accessories on the built-ins. This wallpaper decorating idea proves that wallpaper can still have a place in your life if your style is more subtle. The modern leaf print adds a hint of shimmer and pattern to the painted white built-ins and fireplace surround, adding quiet flair to the room.

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Moody and Dramatic

Nothing says drama quite like a large-scale, richly colored wallpaper. But pairing a dramatic patterned paper with moody, dark walls in a teeny-tiny powder room? That's a double threat. These homeowners combined bold walls with simple white accents and a limed wood vanity. Together, the contrasting elements bring balance to the room, and the result is an absolute stunner.

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Gilded Opulence

Bedroom with gold floral wallpaper — Werner Straube

A gilded floral wallpaper with an eye-catching shimmer is the leading element of this elegant bedroom. It's a sophisticated backdrop for a symphony of opulent decor, including vibrant silk curtains and a tufted champagne-colored headboard. While the decorative accents tastefully execute the posh theme, the stunning wallpaper is the grounding feature of the design.

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An Unexpected Transformation

White bathroom with gold and pink wallpaper — Tria Giovan

The right wallpaper design can bring unexpected personality to classically appointed rooms. In this bathroom, blush wallpaper with a gold floral motif turns a primarily white space into a romantic retreat. A similar pink hue on the ceiling merges the walls and ceiling, giving the room a lofted appearance.

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