Wallpaper is often associated with accent walls — a tried-and-true method to add a pop of color or texture to a room. But as an interior designer, we’ve discovered that wallpaper can be used in much more creative and unexpected ways. From covering ceilings to lining furniture, wallpaper is an incredibly versatile design tool that can add depth, personality, and visual interest to any space. 🌟

1. Make a Statement on the Ceiling 🌌

When it comes to wallpaper, most people only think of applying it to walls, but ceilings — often called the “fifth wall” — are the perfect canvas for bold design choices.

– Wallpapered Ceilings: Adding wallpaper to the ceiling can dramatically change the feel of a room. For smaller spaces like powder rooms or entryways, bold prints or metallic wallpapers can make the space feel both larger and more interesting. In bedrooms, soft patterns like clouds, stars, or floral motifs can create a dreamy, calming effect above the bed.

– Coffered Ceilings: If you have a coffered ceiling, consider wallpapering the recessed panels to add a layer of texture and interest. This can highlight architectural details and bring a refined touch to living rooms or dining areas. ✨

Using wallpaper on ceilings is a great way to draw the eye upward and give any room a unique focal point.

2. Add Charm to Cabinets, Shelves, and Drawers 📚🛏️

Wallpaper doesn’t have to be limited to large surfaces like walls. A clever way to introduce pattern and color into a space is by using wallpaper on smaller, unexpected areas such as cabinets, shelves, and even drawer linings.

– Cabinet Interiors: For kitchen or bathroom cabinets, wallpapering the inside adds a pop of personality every time you open them. This works especially well with glass-fronted cabinets where you can see a peek of pattern behind neatly arranged dishes or décor items.

– Shelving Units: Apply wallpaper to the back panels of bookshelves or open shelving units. This adds depth and makes items on display stand out against a patterned or textured background. 🪴📚

– Drawer Linings: Line the inside of drawers with a fun print or bold color. It’s a subtle but delightful detail that adds character to dressers, nightstands, or even office drawers.

3. Frame Wallpaper as Art 🖼️

If you want to use wallpaper in a more restrained way, framing it as artwork is a chic and cost-effective option.

– Gallery Wall: Create a gallery wall by framing sections of wallpaper in different sizes. This approach lets you experiment with various patterns and colors without the commitment of covering an entire wall.

– Oversized Statement Art: For a bolder look, frame a large piece of wallpaper as an oversized art piece to hang above a sofa, bed, or console table. This turns the wallpaper into a statement feature, giving your room a modern and creative edge.

By using wallpaper as framed art, you can change up your décor easily and without having to re-wallpaper an entire room. 🎨

4. Highlight Architectural Features 🏛️

Wallpaper can be used to accentuate a room’s architectural features, making them stand out and adding an extra layer of elegance.

– Wainscoting Panels: Wallpapering the panels above or within wainscoting can create a classic, sophisticated look. For a more contemporary feel, pair bold wallpaper with sleek, minimalist wainscoting in neutral tones.

– Niches and Alcoves: If your home has built-in niches or alcoves, adding wallpaper to these areas will highlight them and create a cozy, intimate vibe. This works especially well in reading nooks or entryway alcoves. 📖

– Fireplace Surrounds: For an eye-catching centerpiece, wallpaper the wall around your fireplace. Whether you choose a bold geometric design or a soft floral pattern, this can make the fireplace area a true focal point.

5. Elevate Stairs and Stairwells 🚶‍♂️

Stairs are often overlooked when it comes to interior design, but they offer an excellent opportunity to get creative with wallpaper.

– Stair Risers: Apply wallpaper to the risers (the vertical parts) of your stairs for a fun and unexpected detail. This is a great way to add pattern and personality without overwhelming the space.

– Wallpapered Stairwell: If you have a tall, narrow stairwell, wallpapering the entire space can add dimension and interest. Vertical stripes or large-scale patterns work particularly well in creating a sense of height and drama.

Wallpapering stairs and stairwells is a playful way to enhance an area that’s typically purely functional, turning it into a design feature. 🏡

6. Transform Doors and Room Dividers 🚪

Doors and room dividers are another often-overlooked opportunity to bring in wallpaper. By adding wallpaper to these surfaces, you can create a focal point and make these functional elements more visually appealing.

– Interior Doors: Wallpaper an interior door with a bold print or textured wallpaper. Whether it’s a pantry door in the kitchen or a closet door in the bedroom, it adds an unexpected element of surprise and elevates the room’s design.

– Room Dividers: For homes with open floor plans, room dividers are a practical way to create separate spaces. By wallpapering the panels of a folding screen or built-in divider, you can add texture and visual interest while maintaining the open feel of the space. 🎨

7. Use Wallpaper to Add Texture🪵

Wallpaper doesn’t always have to be about bold patterns or colors — textured wallpapers can add depth and warmth to a room without overwhelming it.

– Faux Textures: Wallpapers that mimic materials like wood, stone, or brick can be used to create the look of textured surfaces. These add a sense of luxury and dimension without the cost or maintenance of real materials.

– Grasscloth and Linen Wallpaper: For a more subtle approach, grasscloth or linen wallpapers bring a natural, tactile quality to the space. These textured wallpapers work well in living rooms, dining rooms, and bedrooms, adding warmth and sophistication.

Wallpaper is far more versatile than many people realize. Whether you’re looking to create a bold statement on the ceiling, add charm to furniture, or accentuate architectural features, wallpaper offers endless creative possibilities. 🎨✨