Wallpaper Accent Wall Ideas: The Latest Trends With Photo Inspiration

Accent walls have been growing in popularity over the past few years, allowing homeowners to add visual interest and personality to any room. While paint has traditionally been the accent wall material of choice, wallpaper is now emerging as a stylish option that packs a major design punch.

From florals to geometrics, wallpaper opens up an exciting world of possibilities for your home design. In this article, I’ll be breaking down the most popular wallpaper accent wall trends I’ve been seeing lately – including several photos for inspiration. Whether you’re looking to make a bold statement or prefer a more subtle approach, there’s a stylish wallpaper out there for you!

Related Post: 14 Helpful Tips For Accent Walls: Do’s And Don’ts Before You Begin

Wallpaper Accent Wall Trend #1: Florals & Botanicals

Floral wallpaper (and anything nature-related) is currently a top trend for accent walls. Search on Pinterest: “accent wall” and you’ll see an array of floral and nature designs. The reason why is because florals are so versatile. For example, designs can include large, vivid blooms that command attention and are perfect for making a bold statement in entryways, dining rooms, or master bedrooms.

Yet they can also be tiny, delicate prints that provide subtle elegance ideal for creating a serene atmosphere in living rooms, home offices, or above a bed.

Nature-inspired wallpaper not only allow bring a peaceful nature feeling inside, but can also come in vibrant, tropical-inspired prints that infuse life into your home when paired with complementary decor like rattan furniture.

Wallpaper Accent Wall Trend #2: Geometric Prints

Geometric wallpaper patterns are a timeless and versatile choice for accent walls. The structured shapes and repeating lines create visual interest while remaining classic. Geometric prints work well in both traditional and contemporary spaces.

Some popular modern geometric wallpaper designs include:

• Hexagons – Honeycomb-like hexagons create a statement. Their six-sided shape makes for an intricate repeating pattern. Hexagons work great in dining rooms, bathrooms, and bedrooms.
• Herringbone – The chevron look of herringbone makes for fun accent walls, especially in spaces with high ceilings. Herringbone adds a sense of height and works well in living rooms, offices, and hallways.
• Chevron – Bold zig-zag chevron stripes make a dramatic impact. They help draw the eye upward, working nicely behind beds or sectionals.
• Geometric shapes – Circles, triangles, diamonds, and other shapes interconnecting in graphic designs are on-trend. They bring visual energy when used in moderation on an accent wall.

The structured look of geometric wallpapers keeps the overall aesthetic clean and modern. Their patterns make a strong style statement without overwhelming a room.

Wallpaper Accent Wall Trend #3: Bold, Vibrant Prints

Bold, vibrant graphics on your wallpaper are an exciting way to make a statement with your accent wall. Bold prints work especially well in living rooms, dining rooms, bedrooms, and home offices. They create an eye-catching focal point and give spaces personality. I love using bold prints in smaller spaces like hallways or alcoves because they can make a tight space feel more expansive. A vivid graphic print on an accent wall surrounded by neutral walls and furniture really pops. Some fun ideas for bold prints:

The key with bold prints is not going overboard. Pair them with simple solids and textures so the print can take center stage without being overwhelming. Bold prints command attention, so use them intentionally to create an impactful accent wall.

Wallpaper Accent Wall Trend #4: Minimal Designs

Minimalist wallpaper accent walls are all about understated elegance. Rather than bold patterns, minimalist style focuses on solid colors, subtle textures, and clean lines. This creates a soothing, zen-like backdrop in your home.

Some examples of minimalist wallpapers include:

• Solid matte colors like navy, charcoal grey, or soft white.
• Subtle patterns like tone-on-tone dots, stripes, or abstract shapes.
• Textured materials like grasscloth or cork.
• Metallic sheens in rose gold, copper, or silver.

Minimal wallpaper accent walls create a calming oasis that reduces visual clutter. I often recommend minimalist wallpaper for homeowners that want a refined, luxurious look without overwhelming patterns. The simplicity provides the perfect backdrop for layering in furniture and accessories. Even with a more detailed print, selecting softer colors can create a calming space.

Wallpaper Accent Wall Trend #5: Unique Placements

One of the hottest trends in wallpaper accent walls is using unique placements to create drama and interest. Rather than just covering a standard wall, consider an alcove, panels, or a-frame wall for your statement wallpaper. To start, alcoves are the perfect small space to make a bold style statement. The confined space allows the pattern to really pop.

For extra drama, consider wallpapering an a-frame wall. The steep angles emphasize the wallpaper design and the a-frame draws the eye upwards, creating a feeling of expanded space.

You can also create a large panel area and wallpaper only inside this panel. This will make the wallpaper look like a masterpiece hanging in your room.

Wallpaper Accent Wall Trend #6: Ceilings

My personal favorite, wallpaper ceilings! Wallpaper on ceilings is an unexpected way to make a dramatic statement in any room. This eye-catching trend is gaining popularity, bringing color, pattern and visual interest to overhead spaces.

Wallpapered ceilings work wonderfully in entryways, dining rooms, bedrooms and living spaces. A bold print or colorful floral transforms plain ceilings into an artistic highlight. Geometric patterns and nature scenes also look striking on ceilings. Consider using the wallpaper on the entire ceiling, and bring the wallpaper down a 1-2 feet on the walls to make the space feel even larger.

This trend allows you to have fun with a space and make a stylish statement. The possibilities are endless for creating an artistic, custom look by wallpapering ceilings. It’s an easy upgrade that packs visual impact and gives rooms a modern, on-trend vibe.

Tips for Picking and Caring for Wallpaper Accent Walls

When it comes to choosing wallpaper for an accent wall, several key considerations will ensure the success of your project.

Here are some tips:

• Room Size & Layout: For smaller rooms, don’t shy away from bold prints and patterns as they can add depth and interest. Larger spaces, however, often benefit from subtler designs that complement the room’s scale without overwhelming it.
• Style Consistency: Select a wallpaper style that harmonizes with your overall decor aesthetic to create a cohesive look throughout your space.
• Sample Before You Commit: Order samples to test the wallpaper in your intended room, checking how the color and style mesh with your current furnishings and the space’s lighting. This helps gauge the wallpaper’s texture and quality as well.
• Preparation is Key: Clean your accent wall thoroughly, removing old wallpaper or flaking paint, and patching and sanding any imperfections for a smooth base that ensures optimal wallpaper adhesion.
• Installation Care: Adhere to the manufacturer’s instructions or seek out video tutorials for added guidance. Apply the wallpaper carefully, using a squeegee to eliminate air bubbles and a damp sponge for fitting around corners and edges. Promptly clear away any excess glue.
• Maintain to Sustain: Protect your wallpaper from direct sunlight to prevent fading, and clean it gently using a mild soap and damp sponge without harsh scrubbing or abrasive cleaners to avoid damage.

By adhering to these guidelines, your wallpaper accent wall can enhance your home’s aesthetic and remain in pristine condition for years to come.

Wallpaper Accent Walls In Your Home

Wallpaper accent walls are a fun and stylish way to add personality to any room. This trend definitely isn’t going anywhere anytime soon! When chosen thoughtfully, wallpaper accents can enhance the overall design of a space; no matter if you keep it minimal or make it bold, your entire space will be elevated!