Is Wallpaper Making its Comeback?

During the Victorian era, wallpaper was one of the most desired design components to any home. However, it has a complicated reputation. For some, it immediately conjures images of peeling florals, dated stripes, or hours spent scraping stubborn glue from walls. For others, it represents warmth, personality, and homes that feel thoughtfully layered. In recent years, wallpaper has overcome its past associations and reestablished itself as a stylish, modern option.

Luxury Bathroom Botanical Wallpaper Accent Wall Above European Style Vanity

Wallpaper first rose to prominence in Europe in the 16th and 17th centuries as a way to imitate expensive tapestries. By the 18th and 19th centuries, it became widely accessible, decorating homes across social classes. Its popularity surged again in the mid-20th century, particularly in the 1960s and 70s, when bold colors, geometric patterns, and large-scale florals dominated interiors. Eventually, tastes shifted. Minimalism took over in the late 80s and 90s, and plain painted walls replaced wallpaper almost entirely, which began to feel fussy, old-fashioned, or impractical.

So why is wallpaper making a comeback now?

Following a period dominated by minimalist, neutral interiors, homeowners are increasingly recognizing the importance of character in creating a sense of home. Wallpaper offers an easy way to inject personality—whether through subtle texture, dramatic murals, or playful prints. Advances in printing technology have also transformed what wallpaper can be. Today’s designs range from hyper-realistic landscapes to soft linen effects, and many modern wallpapers are easier to apply and remove than their predecessors, easing long-standing fears about commitment.

Social media and design culture have also played a large influential role. Interior designers throughout the world have the ability to post and share their home designs and creative risks such as wallpaper. Wallpaper photographs beautifully, instantly turning a room into a statement. It’s no longer seen as something you must use everywhere; instead, it’s often applied strategically, allowing it to feel intentional rather than overwhelming. According to trend analyses, social media not only accelerates the spread of specific aesthetics but also shapes how people perceive and adopt design ideas by making them feel accessible and aspirational.

Nursery with Floral Wallpaper Accent Wall

As for where wallpaper can be used in the home, the options are surprisingly flexible. Living rooms benefit from feature walls that add depth without overpowering the space. Dining rooms are another favorite—wallpaper can create an intimate, almost cocoon-like atmosphere that paint alone struggles to achieve. Bedrooms, particularly behind the bed, are ideal for softer patterns or calming textures that enhance restfulness.

Smaller spaces are where wallpaper truly shines. Powder rooms and bathrooms have become popular canvases for bold prints, as their limited size allows for dramatic choices without long-term fatigue. Hallways, staircases, and entryways also benefit from wallpaper, transforming transitional areas into moments of visual interest. Wallpaper is now being thoughtfully applied to ceilings—often referred to as the “fifth wall”—where it contributes texture, pattern, and an elevated sense of spatial drama.

Ultimately, wallpaper’s return isn’t about replacing paint, but expanding the ways people think about walls. It allows homes to feel more layered, expressive, and personal, reflecting the people who live in them rather than following rigid design rules.

So now the question is yours: would you put wallpaper in your home?