Geometric walls will give your space a trendy, retro feel, and our pick of the best geometric wallpapers, paint designs and even tile designs show just what striking repeat patterns and cool color combinations can do to the feel and dimensions of a space.
From intricate designs and 3D prints to standout patterns and bold wallpaper ideas, there's a style to suit all tastes and all bedroom or living room redesigns.
1. Use a geometric wall to make a space seem wider (or taller)
Hanging wallpaper with an intricate repeat pattern so that the design runs horizontally (see below) is an easy design trick that will make a space seem wider. Want to add height to a room? Simply reverse the trick and hang wallpaper so the design runs vertically.
We love the combination of the Scion Sioux Wallpaper, available at John Lewis & Partners, with Mid-century furniture.
Find more Mid-century modern room design ideas in our gallery.
2. Inject colour and energy into a space
Opting for a wallpaper with a bold colour – such as orange – is an easy way to inject energy into a space. Pair a bold wallpaper with toned-down interiors if you're worried about a space being overwhelmed, or choose fabrics that match for a more cohesive look.
Find this P.L.U.T.O Wallpaper in Tangerine Dream and Silver at Mini Moderns.
3. Limit your geometric wall to a cupboard door
This homeowner's obviously no stranger to a bit of colour, but she's managed to squeeze a bit more in with that cool curved pattern on the cupboard door at the end of her hallway. If you're a dab hand with a paintbrush you can try freestyling it, but we recommend getting hold of some stencils to avoid anything less than a smooth finish. Cupboard doors are a great way to make a statement when you want to experiment with some new ideas but don't fancy taking on a full feature wall.
Check out the full tour of this colour-packed bungalow.
4. Pair patterns with natural materials for a toned down look
If you like the idea of a bold, geometric wallpaper but worry that it will leave your home looking overwhelmed, there are a few tricks that can help to tone things down.
Firstly, consider pairing one wallpapered feature wall with plainer painted walls – we think this Green Blocks Wallpaper from Susi Bellamy would work perfectly with Bowery Blue from Abigail Ahern or Soft Linen from Crown, depending on your taste.
Choosing furniture with unfussy, natural textures is also helpful in toning down a vibrant print.
5. Pick pastels for a geometric wall with less punch
Paints by Fired Earth
It doesn't get much more 'wow!' than this. Get the ultimate geometric effect by taping a pattern onto your wall and filling the triangles in using three or four paint shades. Keep white in the mix to stop the wall looking too dark, and make like this room by using two shades of one colour, plus one complementary but contrasting accent colour, for a stand-out look.
6. Use 3D effect wallpapers for geometric walls
If you're keen to incorporate a retro inspired, geometric wallpaper into your home, feature walls can be the best choice as they prevent a room from feeling overwhelmed. 3D effect wallpapers are particularly useful if you're looking to add depth to a space.
We love this Geometry Wallpaper by Mind The Gap. Find more (toned down) feature wall ideas in our design gallery.
7. Opt for a muted print if bold brights aren't your thing
Offering a great alternative to the many bold and bright geometric wall prints available, wallpapers with an earthy toned, neutral colour palette can make for a more sophisticated finish. Pair with similarly neutral toned furniture and natural materials.
Find this Perspectives Wallpaper at Mind The Gap.
8. Choose a geometric wallpaper that's almost a work of art
The great thing about geometric wallpapers is that some of them are so intricately designed they function almost like an artwork, with endless details to be discovered.
This gorgeous, 3D effect Miami Wallpaper from John Lewis & Partners has a distinctly Escher-inspired feel to it, meaning it not only adds depth to a space, but won't get boring any time soon.
9 Pair a retro wall mural with a complementary paint colour
To create a space with a cohesive feel, try to pair your choice of retro geometric wall mural with a complementary paint colour – this is most easily achieved by choosing a paint that either matches, or has the same hue as a shade featured within the mural itself.
We love this Miami Electric Wall Mural from Wallsauce.
10. Opt for a geometric wallpaper with a pared back colour palette
If you love the idea of geometric prints, but don't want to commit to big, bold patterns and colours, opt for a wallpaper with a pared back colour palette.
We love this Navy Eclipse Wall Mural from Wallsauce. Its large repeat print and pop of happy yellow detail works perfectly in a contemporary setting, hinting at the retro geometric trend without overwhelming the space.
11. Pair bright yellow with woods and whites
We're a big fan of yellow if you're looking to channel the retro geometrics look. If you really want the sunnier shades to pop, pair them with lots of natural materials – we're talking stripped back wooden floors – and white accessories with simple silhouettes.
Find the Horseshoe Arch Wallpaper at Not On The High Street.
12. Choose a bright and bold mural for a minimalist space
A bright and bold geometric wall mural is an easy way to transform a tired looking space and is well suited to a room with otherwise pared back interiors – we're talking neutrals, natural materials and simple silhouettes.
We love this Night Club Geometric Wall Mural from Wallsauce. Made to measure, it's easy to put up and can be removed as soon as your interiors tastes change (or as soon as you move out, right renters?).
13. DIY a geometric wall as a splashback
If you want to do something really different, try applying a geometric paint pattern to your kitchen splashback. This homeowner has lined the pattern with gold paint for a stylish metallic accent and we're in love. Durable paint is best for splash-heavy areas, but protect with a clear acrylic splashback for a statement that will last for years.
14. Don't limit geometrics to walls – paint them on furniture, too
So you're keen on the idea of a geometric paint effect but don't want to go overboard. We present to you: an upcycling project you can get done in an afternoon! Choose a piece of furniture that needs a bit of love, then try out a design in a colour of your choice. We love the bold colour-block effect on this wardrobe, perfect for adding a bit of drama to a kid's room. And doesn't the black contrast gorgeously with the beautiful original wood?
Take a tour of this monochrome home for more statement ideas.
Into the idea of wallpaper and need more inspiration?