Bedroom wallpaper ideas: Turn simple walls into works of art

Although you could argue bedroom wallpaper ideas are wasted given how much time you spend in the room with your eyes closed, creating the right bedroom environment is essential - not least of all for encouraging rest and repose.

Plus, if you've invested time and effort into your overall bedroom design, the last thing you'll want to do is to leave the room looking unfinished or unloved.

But with the revival of wallpaper showing no signs of abating, how do you choose from the abundance of designs on offer and how can you use it in your bedroom to best effect?

Bedroom wallpaper ideas add personality but can be practical too

"Wallpaper is a versatile tool in interior design, offering endless possibilities to transform a bedroom into a personal sanctuary," says Chelsea Clark, head of marketing at I Love Wallpaper.

"Whether you're looking to create a bold statement or a serene retreat, the right wallpaper can make all the difference."

However, let's also not forget the practical value of wallpaper in covering up less than perfect walls. If you're renovating a home where the walls are slightly too uneven for a matt paint, wallpaper could help hide those minor imperfections and give you a more polished and professional finish.

We asked the experts to share their top wallpaper advice including recommendations for colour, patterns and where to use it in your bedroom ideas.

Chelsea Clark

Launching anything but ordinary wallpaper brand, Lust Home, in 2021, Chelsea Clark is now Head of Marketing across the Henderson Design Group that includes Lust Home, I Love Wallpaper and Lucie Annabel making her unquestionably an expert on everything wallpaper.

1. Wallpaper your ceiling - wallpaper's not just for walls

Wallpaper may well be suited to walls, but don't dismiss its ability to equally work as well on the fifth wall - otherwise known as your ceiling.

"Wallpapering the ceiling can draw the eye upward, making the room feel more spacious and adding a unique twist," says Chelsea Clark. "For a serene look, consider using soft, calming patterns like soft geometric patterns or subtle textures. For a dramatic effect, a bold print or dark colour can create a luxurious, immersive feel."

Find out how to paper a ceiling and when complete, top with a chandelier as part of your bedroom lighting ideas and you'll transform your room into a Bridgeton-worthy boudoir.

2. Neutral wallpapers will create a more soothing space

If neutral bedroom ideas are your preferred approach to bedroom bliss, you don't simply have to rely on paint to achieve your goal. Wallpapers aren't always about detailed patterns and bold design. Instead, choose a softer colour way and a simple repeated pattern for an elegant and refined approach.

Sarah McCann, print and product expert at Voyage Maison explains just why wallpaper is the perfect addition to a neutral scheme.

“When decorating your bedroom, it's key to find the right combination of textures, shapes and colours to achieve a harmonious and calming balance. The designs and colours that you choose will ultimately determine the overall ambience of your bedroom, so consider how you want to feel when resting and spending time in this area of the home.

“Neutrals, are a classic but fitting choice when it comes to bedroom styles," says Sarah. "I like to work with these calming colours through wallpaper over paint to introduce some texture to the space. I find feature walls usually work really well in the bedroom, with this wallpaper style being a great compromise between blank and busy spaces. 

Sarah McCann

Sarah McCann is Design and Development Manager at Scottish-based premium interiors brand, Voyage Maison. As a print and product expert, Sarah is passionate about both design and the creative process.  With a wealth of experience, Sarah can share commentary on interior trends, offer styling advice and also practical product knowledge. 

3. Create a bespoke wallpaper headboard

Prefer wall panelling ideas to wallpapered walls? Wallpaper can still find a spot in your bedroom if you think outside of the box. 

Rather than using it to cover your walls or as an infill in your panels, instead craft a bespoke headboard and apply your wallpaper to this instead. Just be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions for applying it correctly and consider adding a protective layer of clear varnish at the end to make it hard-wearing.

Alternatively, removable wallpaper often has a more hard-wearing vinyl finish and could be more suitable. I used it last year to decorate the inside of a metal cupboard that I was turning into a drinks cabinet and I'm pleased to say it's still wearing well.

4. Opt for a maximalist approach

"Whether you opt for a more traditional pattern repeat or an on-trend mural look, don’t shy away from bringing colour and pattern into any room with striking wallpaper," says designer, Matthew Williamson.

"Not only will a hand-drawn or detailed wallpaper give a bedroom a unique feel, but it will invariably lift your spirits. Another benefit of hanging a bold, maximalist wallpaper is that it provides something of a list of colour ingredients you can apply to the rest of your space. 

"Pluck colours from the repeat and use these to choose your soft furnishings and accessories," advises Matthew. "You can consider these wallpapers artworks in themselves. The greatest pleasure is that the more you look, the more you’ll see.”

Matthew Williamson

Matthew Williamson is an award-winning British interior designer, known predominantly for his unique and unrivalled use of pattern and colour. Having begun his illustrious career in fashion under his namesake brand over 20 years ago, Matthew has drawn on his decades of experience and pivoted seamlessly into the world of interior design.

5. Mix and match patterns with textured finishes

"Don't be afraid to mix and match patterns and textures," says Chelsea Clark. "Combining different wallpapers can add interest and personality to your bedroom. 

"For example, you could use a bold pattern on a feature wall and a coordinating, more subtle pattern on the remaining walls. This approach can balance the room and keep it from feeling too busy."

Alternatively, take inspiration from this bedroom loft conversion idea which doubles up as a home office.  A simpler, less detailed design is used on the walls and the sloped ceiling is covered in a different pattern to create a canopy like effect. 

Searching for wallpaper to use in green bedroom ideas? You can find this Rustic Weft Calma wallpaper from Graham & Brown.

6. Match fabric patterns to wallpaper choices

All good interior schemes share an element of commonality, something that ties every element of the room together. In the case of bedroom wallpaper ideas, it can easily be achieved with the use of patterned fabric that either colour matches, or in the case of this bedroom, pattern matches – but in a reverse colourway.

It's a bold and extravagant idea that exudes a sense of opulence and luxury and could be perfect if you're seeking ways to bring character to master bedroom ideas or perhaps renovating a period property.

7. Use coastal wallpaper to create a retreat-like sleeping spot

Who doesn't love the thought of falling asleep in a bedroom that makes them think of holidays or times spent by the coast. 

“2024 is a big year for blue," says Hannah Swift, marketing manager at Beautiful Walls, "and it has the added benefit of creating a calming atmosphere.”

“Coastal wallpapers look great when working with softer pastel shades, instantly creating a sense of sanctuary and tranquillity," adds Sarah McCann.

Pair with natural wood, jute or sisal rugs and follow our expert advice for painting floorboards to add a weathered finish to your bedroom flooring ideas to complete a coastal-inspired scheme.

8. Choose pretty florals for a children's bedroom 

It's never too early to instil a sense of style into children and using their bedroom to develop a lifelong love of design is a great starting point.

If you're seeking a wallpaper that won't date in a girl's bedroom idea, choose one that isn't too simple or childlike in design, such as the Gorgeous Gardenia Wallpaper shown in this image. The more detailed or true to life the pattern, the easier it will be to make it work as she transitions through life.

"Floral wallpapers are a popular choice," says Sarah McCann, noting how they also encourage a relaxing atmosphere. When it comes to choosing the print, she suggests "for larger feature walls go for an oversized statement pattern and for smaller spaces, opt for small yet busy prints.” 

9. Wallpaper a feature wall in complimentary tones

If you've decided on your bedroom layout ideas but are looking to interior design ideas to help further define your space, feature walls are a well-known trick you can easily embrace.

“A wallpapered feature wall behind the bed creates a focal point for your room and can be complemented with matching bed linen and cushions," says Hannah Swift.

"Alternatively, a small or subtle pattern on all four walls, looks effortlessly sophisticated and has a calm and cocooning feel. For a look that is bang on trend," she adds, "why not combine a beautifully patterned wallpaper with panelling in a coordinating colour?"

For a seamless finish, follow our tips on how to wallpaper a feature wall and choose your scheme using the best bedroom colours.

Hannah Swift

Hannah Swift brings more than 14 years' industry expertise in the wallpaper, interiors, and paint sectors. Hannah's career is fuelled by her passion for interior design, and she has an affinity for dark colours and bold, intricate patterns. Hannah likes to take her work home with her and is continually surprising her partner with creative and innovative DIY projects for the home.

10. Add a graffiti inspired mural to a teen's bedroom

While younger children may benefit from more calming colour schemes and bedroom wallpaper ideas, teens or older boys entering a more rebellious phase may be asking for something more dramatic.

Wallpaper murals can be a great way of adding something that looks handmade or bespoke, but you'd never quite achieve yourself unless you're a trained artist. It's also a feature favoured by designers themsleves.

“These days, when using wallpaper, I would be inclined to either go super-sized and mural-like, or alternatively use a tiny micro pattern print. It’s perhaps the middle ground pattern scales which now feel a little dated for me," says Matthew Williamson. 

"I’m also enjoying hand painting walls at the moment for a one of a kind quality. Murals, particularly landscape scenes, can work really well in bedrooms. They are large scale and dramatic,  yet restful and romantic.”

And while this graffiti inspired mural from may not be to everyone's taste, it could be perfect for your young teen and would likely last them into young adulthood. 

When applying a mural or any patterned wallpaper, it's essential to get your paper matched correctly so if you're trying the task for the first time, make sure you find out how to wallpaper like a professional.

11. Pick a geometric print to liven up a grey bedroom

Grey bedroom ideas lend themselves well to bedroom wallpaper ideas. As grey is generally a fairly flat colour, with less warmth, using a patterned wallpaper is a clever way of injecting a sense of detail and texture, without deviating from an all over grey approach. 

"For a modern look, geometric patterns or metallic finishes can create a chic, contemporary vibe," suggests Chelsea Clark. For a more dramatic look, "covering all four walls with wallpaper can create a cohesive and immersive environment. This approach works well with neutral or subtle patterns that won’t overpower the room. Light colours and small-scale prints can make the space feel larger and more open."

If you're keen to get started but have a raft of practical wallpapering questions you need answers to, browse through our expert articles to find out what wallpaper tools you'll need to hand, how to wallpaper corners and make sure you avoid these common decorating mistakes.