How to Choose the Perfect Wallpaper for Every Room
Wallpaper is the magic ingredient that can transform your home into a personal haven. The ability to add a vibrant statement wall, a playful texture, or a touch of luxury with the right wallpaper can enhance the mood and personality of any space.
However, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the vast selection of colors, patterns, and textures available. Which wallpaper is best for the living room? The bedroom? The bathroom?
Don’t worry—we’ve got you covered. This guide will help you navigate the most common types of wallpaper, explore best choices for each room, and ensure your selections align with your style and lifestyle.
Know Your Wallpaper Types
The first step in finding your perfect wallpaper is learning about the different wallpaper types and materials and what spaces they work best in.
1. Traditional Wallpaper
The traditional kind of wallpaper you paste on the wall is long-lasting and comes in endless options, from matte and flat finishes to luxurious textured wallpapers.
✅ Ideal for: Living rooms, dining rooms, and bedrooms
❌ Avoid in: Bathrooms or high-moisture areas unless sealed
2. Peel-and-Stick Wallpaper
The ultimate DIY friendly wallpaper, peel and stick wallpapers are removable and don’t damage your walls when taken down. Ideal for renters, short-term projects, or if you like updating your style often.
✅ Ideal for: Apartments, kids’ rooms, and temporary designs
❌ Avoid in: Humid spaces, or textured walls.
3. Vinyl Wallpaper (traditional and peel-and-stick)
Vinyl is one of the most durable wallpapers on the market and is also water-resistant, making it perfect for kitchens and bathrooms.
✅ Ideal for: Kitchens, bathrooms, high-traffic areas
❌ Avoid in: Formal or luxurious spaces if a refined finish is preferred
4. Textured & Fabric-Backed Wallpaper
Luxury wallpapers with depth, texture, and a tactile experience. Textured wallpapers can feature real materials like grasscloth, silk, linen, or faux textures like linen or canvas.
✅ Ideal for: Formal areas, offices, and statement walls.
❌ Avoid in: Bathrooms or kitchens, or moisture could cause damage.
Perfect Wallpaper for Every Room
Now that you know your wallpaper basics, let’s take a look at our favorite wallpaper recommendations for each room in your home.
Living Room: Make a Statement
The living room is a space to share with family and guests and often plays host to social gatherings and family time. Your wallpaper should reflect your style but still help you create the right mood and ambiance.
Best Wallpaper Choices for the Living Room:
Bold Geometric Patterns – For a sleek, sophisticated edge.
Textured or Grasscloth Wallpaper – Adds a luxurious and elegant dimension.
Soft Neutrals with Metallic Accents – Makes the room feel airy and open while still adding some glamour.
Art-Inspired Murals – For an eye-catching, artistic focal point.
💡 Pro Tip: If you’re not ready to wallpaper your entire living room, try a feature wall behind your sofa or fireplace for a simple but stylish approach.
Bedroom: Create a Relaxing Retreat
Your bedroom should be a place for rest and relaxation. Wallpaper can help you create a more inviting, cozy space that adds character and style to your room.
Best Wallpaper Choices for the Bedroom:
Soft Pastel or Neutral Tones – Soften the room for a relaxing atmosphere.
Floral or Botanical Prints – Bring in a nature-inspired feel.
Velvet-Textured Wallpaper – Add warmth and sophistication.
Dark, Moody Colors – For a cocooning, dramatic look.
💡 Pro Tip: Try wallpapering the wall behind your bed to create an instant headboard alternative and draw attention to your room’s focal point.
Dining Room: Set the Mood for Entertaining
Your dining room is a gathering space, and it should make your guests feel relaxed and welcome. Wallpaper is a great way to add warmth, elegance, and coziness to your dining space without overwhelming it.
Best Wallpaper Choices for the Dining Room:
Elegant Damask or Baroque Patterns – Classic, timeless, and sophisticated.
Metallic or Textured Finishes – Add understated luxury and depth.
Moody Jewel Tones – Create an intimate, high-end vibe.
Nature-Inspired Murals – Add interest and variety to your space.
💡 Pro Tip: Consider choosing a washable or scrub-resistant wallpaper in case of wine or food spills if you frequently host guests.
Kitchen: Style Meets Functionality
The kitchen is the heart of the home, but we all know it’s also the most high-traffic area, so you want durable, easy-to-clean wallpaper. That doesn’t mean you need to skimp on style, though.
Best Wallpaper Choices for the Kitchen:
Subtle Textures or Faux Brick Designs – Add depth without overwhelming the space.
Small-Scale Geometric Patterns – Keep your kitchen looking modern and fresh.
Botanical or Herb Prints – Ideal for a cozy farmhouse aesthetic.
Vinyl or Washable Wallpaper – Clean-up made easy.
💡 Pro Tip: Consider adding wallpaper to a backsplash area (keep it away from heat) or use it for an accent wall in your breakfast nook.
Bathroom: Waterproof & Stylish
Few people consider the bathroom when it comes to wallpaper, but it’s one of the best places to bring in color, pattern, or add a design statement in an otherwise neutral room.
Best Wallpaper Choices for the Bathroom:
Waterproof Vinyl Wallpaper – Protects against moisture and damage.
Coastal or Tropical Prints – Relaxing, spa-like designs.
Marble or Stone-Effect Wallpaper – Elegant without the price tag.
Minimalist Neutrals with Metallic Accents – Refined and modern.
💡 Pro Tip: Avoid using traditional wallpaper in bathrooms or high-moisture areas unless it is sealed with a protective coating.
Home Office: Boost Creativity & Productivity
Working from home in an inspiring, energizing space is key to productivity. Wallpaper is a fun way to set the tone, encourage focus, and let your creativity shine through in your home office design.
Best Wallpaper Choices for the Home Office:
Subtle Geometric Prints – Focus without distractions.
Dark & Dramatic Colors – Sophisticated and impactful.
Inspirational Murals – Create a more productive environment.
Minimalist Textures – Polished and professional.
💡 Pro Tip: If you’re on frequent video calls, why not use your style to make a lasting impression with a cool wallpaper as your Zoom backdrop?
Choosing the Right Wallpaper
✔ Don’t Forget About Lighting – Darker wallpapers can make a small room cozy and inviting, but in a room with less natural light, it may be best to use lighter, airier colors.
✔ Scale Matters – Larger patterns can make a big impact in an oversized room, while small-scale prints or wallpaper details are better suited for smaller spaces.
✔ Match Your Decor – Consider the other elements in your room when choosing wallpaper, like your furniture, rugs, and accessories.
✔ Test Before You Invest – Order wallpaper samples and test them out on your walls to see how they look in different lighting.
✔ Invest in Quality – High-end wallpaper not only looks better but will last longer and be more durable with a more professional finish.
Wall Artifacts: The Destination for All Your Wallpaper Needs
From bold, statement wall designs and luxe textures to modern classics and timeless neutrals, Wall Artifacts offers a beautiful, curated collection of high-end wallpaper designs for every room in your home.
Ready to start your own design journey? Visit our shop to browse the full range of wallpaper collections today!
