11 spaces on Instagram that prove wallpaper can totally transform a room

Thinking about adding wallpaper to a room but scared to commit? We say go for it. 

While wallpaper has certainly taken its turns going in and out of vogue over the years, today's cutting-edge designs are the epitome of chic. Plus, gone are the days when wallpaper was high maintenance or impractical. Current papers combine contemporary motifs with the latest materials and technology. Think crayon-proof fabrications and luxurious removable applications (looking at you, renters).

The best part is, a patterned wall can instantly elevate a room by bringing in a pop of color, creating the illusion of more space, or acting as art. Don’t believe us? Meet these 11 incredible wallpapered spaces.

Thinking about giving your furniture a makeover, too? Check out our list of the best paint for furniture. 

1. Watercolor Sitting Room Mural

Joyfire designs created this watercolor mural for Mitchell Black, seen here in peachy hues. Note how designer Kami Gray selected the artwork to complement the accent wall in this petite sitting room. Plus, the paper is available as removable peel-and-stick vinyl or pre-pasted to cater to your commitment level. 

2. Vaulted Ceiling Makeover 

Claudia Interiors flawlessly transformed a challenging sloped ceiling into an elegant bed canopy with tropical Cole & Son wallpaper. Strategically placed along the back wall and eaves, the Frutto Proibito pattern creates the optical illusion of a higher ceiling. Plus, the vintage design utterly charms alongside antique furnishings. 

3. Collector’s Statement Entryway 

With the help of her adorable pooch Teddy, Carly Home uses this vintage “Ciao Cilantro” wallpaper to create a stunning entryway vignette. A distressed table, mix of collectibles and rattan baskets complete the look. Plus, the peel-and-stick application can be changed when the mood strikes. 

4. Chic Breakfast Nook 

Used by Arcadia Hair Salon to create a sleek waiting area, this Charcoal wallpaper by Aimee Wilder would be right at home in a eat-in kitchen or dining nook. Add a modern cafe table and a few chairs anchored by a great light fixture to finish the look. 

5. Luxurious Girl’s Nursery 

Los Angeles mom Miss Enocha created an utterly luxe nursery for her daughter with the help of Tempaper. The Bird Watching print has a soft pink ground and subtle gold overlay that offers just enough shine. Natural materials like wood, rattan and macrame keep the space soft and soothing for little ones. 

6. Playful Half Bathroom 

If you’re nervous about installing wallpaper in your home, a half-bath is the perfect place to start. These small spaces can afford large-scale installations. Anna at Dust and Daydreaming chose these adorable pups from Graham and Brown for a neutral color palette along with white subway tile, a porcelain pedestal sink and gray wood-look flooring. 

7. Grasscloth Viewing Area 

Textured walls feel utterly luxurious. Blue sisal grasscloth turns this simple space by Peti Lau into a glamorous movie palace. And, with a solid wallcovering, you can really have fun with patterned furniture — like these Art Deco geometric armchairs. 

8. Creative Open Floor Plan 

Open floor plans have exploded in popularity in recent years, but they can often feel vast and overwhelming. D2 Interieurs used a geometric Phillip Jeffries wallpaper to separate this “hallway” from a sunken living room without blocking the space visually. Meanwhile, built-in bookcases were painted in a complementary sage green to cohesively bring the spaces together. Photo above by Tim Lenz Photo. 

9. Contemporary Dining Room

Forget the formal dining room and its chinoiserie wallpaper. We love this abstract pattern by Lee Jofa in a contemporary design by Kelly Wearstler. The avant garde design (created by Zoe Feldman for Lee Jofa) works perfectly with a modern bubble light fixture and bright red leather chairs. 

10. Rainbow room

We have a pretty hard stance that all kids rooms should have a fun feature wall. Just check out this one from Tempaper, above. Not only is it adorable, but the rainbows are actually decals, so they're easy to remove or rearrange as your little one grows and tastes change. 

11. A modern spot

The best way to add a modern touch to a traditional space? A large-scale abstract wallpaper, like this one from Mitchell Black. The contemporary pattern provides a style contrast to the classic bones of the room, but the neutral palette keeps the overall effect elevated.

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