When it comes to transforming a space, few design elements are as impactful as bold wallpaper. Whether you’re going for a dramatic feature wall or want to contrast neutral furnishings with a colorful backdrop, bold wallpaper opens up a world of design possibilities.

For home decor enthusiasts, interior designers, and DIYers, adding eye-catching wallpaper can elevate a space from ordinary to extraordinary. This guide walks you through everything you need to know about using striking wallpaper to add personality and depth to your interior designs, while providing helpful tips for seamless application and complementary decor.

Choosing the Right Wallpaper for Your Room

To achieve the perfect look for your space, it’s essential to tailor your wallpaper choice to your room’s function, size, and lighting. For instance, bold patterns can add energy to a living room, while softer tones create a calming atmosphere in a bedroom. Similarly, lighter wallpapers can make small spaces feel larger, while darker tones add coziness to bigger rooms. Here’s how to decide and make your wallpaper work for you.

1. Match Colors to the Room’s Mood

Color plays a significant role in setting the tone for a space. For example:

Dark Wallpaper: Perfect for creating a moody, intimate atmosphere, dark wallpaper adds depth and sophistication to any space. It's an excellent choice for snug bedrooms, where it provides a cozy and relaxing vibe, or for dramatic dining areas, where it sets the stage for elegant gatherings and memorable meals.

Preppy Wallpaper: Known for its playful patterns, vibrant colors, and pastel tones, preppy wallpaper brings a cheerful and stylish feel to your home. It works beautifully in home offices, adding energy and personality to your workspace, or in airy living rooms, where it creates a welcoming and uplifting environment.

Blue Wallpaper: A timeless and versatile choice, blue wallpaper is renowned for its calming and tranquil qualities. It's ideal for bathrooms, where it evokes a fresh, spa-like serenity, or in bedrooms, where it promotes a soothing ambiance, helping you unwind and relax after a long day.

2. Consider Patterns and Scale

The scale of the pattern can determine how bold your wallpaper feels:

Large Patterns: Flowers wallpaper with oversized blossoms can create a stunning focal point and add drama to a spacious room with high ceilings. These bold patterns work especially well in living rooms, dining areas, or master bedrooms, where they can bring elegance and sophistication to the space.

Small Patterns: Heart wallpaper or preppy geometrics are ideal for adding charm and personality to smaller spaces like powder rooms, entryways, or cozy nooks. Their delicate designs keep the space from feeling overwhelmed while still making an impact with their subtle details.

Keep in mind that busy patterns may overwhelm small, cluttered rooms, so strike a balance with minimal furnishings.

3. Be Mindful of Lighting

Natural light can impact how the wallpaper’s colors appear throughout the day. Consider testing swatches to see how they look in sunlight versus artificial light. Glossy finishes are great for reflecting light in dim rooms, while matte textures provide subtle elegance in well-lit areas. Don’t forget to think about the direction of the light source in your room. North-facing rooms may appear cooler, while south-facing ones often enhance warmer tones.

Inspiration to Get Started

Not sure where to start? Choosing the right wallpaper can transform any room, but it can be hard to decide what fits best. Here are a few bold wallpaper ideas tailored for specific spaces to help inspire your next design project:

Living Room

Experiment with funky wallpaper featuring bold geometric designs to create an energetic, modern vibe. The Green London Metro Lines Removable Wallpaper from Livette's Wallpaper is a perfect fit for this look, offering a unique, urban touch with its striking geometric pattern. It's also easy to apply and remove, making it ideal for renters or anyone who loves to change up their space. Pair it with sleek furniture and vibrant decor accents to energize your room and create the perfect spot for entertaining guests.

Bedroom

 Enhance intimacy and create a cozy, relaxing atmosphere with dark wallpaper featuring subtle floral or abstract prints. The Dark Floral Removable Wallpaper from Livette's Wallpaper is a perfect choice, as its elegant design adds depth and warmth to the space. Pair it with soft lighting and plush textiles to transform your bedroom into a personal sanctuary.

Kitchen

Try preppy wallpaper with playful stripes or whimsical patterns, like fruits, coffee cups, or kitchen utensils, to add a cheerful and inviting touch to your kitchen. The Fruit Picnic Pattern Wallpaper from Livette's Wallpaper is a perfect example, bringing personality and charm to your space while making it a fun and vibrant spot for cooking and gathering.

Kids’ Room

Heart wallpaper or fun designs with animal motifs can make a child’s room feel extra special and imaginative. For example, this Vintage Safari Animal Removable Wallpaper from Livette's Wallpaper is perfect for adding a playful and creative touch. Pair it with colorful furniture and toys to complete the look and create a space that inspires creativity and playfulness.

 

Complementary Decor to Elevate Wallpaper Designs

Bold wallpaper is a visual focal point, so the surrounding decor should enhance—rather than compete with—it. Here are some ways to achieve balance:

1. Neutral Furniture

Pair statement wallpapers like dark patterns or funky prints with neutral furniture in shades like white, beige, or gray to keep the room harmonious. The Hale Sofa from McGee&Co. is a perfect example of neutral furniture, with its elegant and versatile design that blends seamlessly into any bold or patterned space.

2. Textured Accents

Add texture through soft furnishings like rugs, cushions, and throws. Velvet cushions, shaggy rugs, or soft drapes can complement bold wallpaper’s visual interest without clashing. Check out this stunning Abstract Line Shag Rug from West Elm. Its modern design and cozy texture make it a perfect addition to any space, combining style and comfort effortlessly!

3. Coordinating Artwork

 Choose artwork that mirrors the wallpaper’s color palette or theme. For instance, with heart wallpaper, opt for minimal art prints featuring complementary shades. This Brush Chain Art Print from Livette's Wallpaper is a great choice as its subtle design and harmonious colors perfectly complement a variety of wallpaper styles.

4. Metallic Elements

Introduce metallic decor elements, such as gold lamps or silver hardware, to create stunning contrast against preppy or pink wallpaper. Check out this stunning Rosetta XL Pendant from Anthropologie. Its elegant design and warm lighting make it a perfect addition to create a cozy and stylish atmosphere in any space!

Your Next Bold Move

Adding bold wallpaper to your home is more than a design choice—it’s a declaration of your personality. From cozy bedrooms to lively living rooms, the right wallpaper can reimagine any space.

Start your wallpaper transformation today by exploring our curated collection of modern, unique patterns. Whether you’re drawn to preppy, dark, or fun wallpaper designs, we’ll help you find your perfect match.

Your walls are ready for something bold. Are you?