Wallpaper is having a real moment. It’s one of the quickest ways to add character, set a mood, and make a room feel pulled together. This year’s looks lean eclectic, lived-in, and a little adventurous. Whether you’re after calm and tonal or bold and joyfully maximal, choosing the right wallpaper and being aware of all of the latest trends is essential.
1) Flora and fauna that feel alive
Nature prints aren’t going anywhere. Think botanicals, birds, and woodland scenes that bring the outdoors in. To stop busy patterns from overwhelming a space, pair them with quiet furnishings and wood tones. Darker palettes add drama, lighter backgrounds feel breezy. Let the paper be the star and keep everything else supporting.
2) Earthy, grounded colour
Colour is as important as pattern in 2025. Warm browns, greens, ochres, and clay-like neutrals are everywhere because they instantly make rooms feel calm and connected to nature. If you’re nervous about pattern, choose a subtle print in these hues and build the rest of the room around that palette.
3) Scenic murals that tell a story
Murals are back in a big way. Landscapes, abstract gardens, hand-drawn scenes… they all create instant atmosphere. Use one to frame a dining area, define a reading nook, or set the tone in a bedroom. The key is scale: measure carefully so the focal point lands where you want it, then keep nearby decor simple so the mural can sing.
4) Papers with personality
Plain and polite has stepped aside for expressive and bespoke. Illustrative patterns, painterly motifs, and quirky repeats bring real personality into a room. If maximalism scares you, try it in a small dose first: a powder room, bookcase back, or entry wall. A confident print says something about you the minute you walk in.
5) Palms, botanicals, and a hint of the exotic
If classic florals feel too traditional, try bold leaves, jungle motifs, or fauna with a playful edge. These prints bridge timeless and spirited, especially in kitchens, sunrooms, and guest rooms. Choose saturated greens and deep jewel tones for impact, or fine-line drawings for a lighter, modern take.
6) Pretty plaid and tailored checks
Stripes are forever but checks and plaids are stepping forward for that crisp, tailored look. They bring a preppy, heritage vibe without feeling old-fashioned. In bedrooms and studies, a soft, muted plaid adds warmth and order. Keep fabrics textured and simple to stop the room from feeling too matchy.
7) A touch of metallic
A little shimmer goes a long way. Metallic inks woven through geometric or vintage-inspired patterns bounce light around and add a subtle glow. They’re brilliant in spots that benefit from mood and sparkle, like dining rooms, bars, or powder rooms. Think silver, champagne, bronze, or soft gold accents rather than full glitz.
8) Don’t forget the fifth wall (the ceiling)
Ceilings are getting dressed too. Wallpapering above your head can make a small room feel intentional and cocooned, or turn a large space into an immersive experience. Extend the wall pattern up for a seamless wrap, or choose a coordinating stripe or micro-print for contrast. Keep lighting simple so the pattern stays legible and lovely.
9) Tonal on tonal for instant calm
Tone-on-tone schemes are big this year because they feel serene and sophisticated. Choose a wallpaper in a single color family, then repeat that hue across paint, trim, and soft furnishings in slightly different shades and textures. The result is layered, calm, and grown-up without being dull.
10) Vintage-inspired classics
Chinoiserie, toile, and historic repeats are back, refreshed with modern color and scale. They bring romance and a sense of history to living rooms, dining rooms, and primary bedrooms. Balance ornate patterns with clean-lined furniture and a few antique or gilt touches, and you’ll hit that timeless-meets-today sweet spot.
How to choose the right paper (quick tips)
Scale matters: Large prints suit bigger walls; small-scale repeats flatter compact rooms or awkward nooks.
Test first: Order samples and check them at different times of day. Natural and artificial light change everything.
Plan the edges: Consider how patterns meet at corners, trim, and cabinetry. A clean termination can make a budget paper look luxe.
Think longevity: Trend-forward pattern, timeless palette. If the colors feel right to you, you’ll love it longer.
Start smart: Try a single wall, a ceiling, or a small room to build confidence before you commit to larger spaces.
2025 is all about spaces that feel personal, layered, and lived-in. Choose a paper that sparks joy, build a simple scheme around it, and you’ll have a room that looks great now and still feels right next year.
