Bored of Your Walls? Here’s What Designers Recommend in 2025

Wallpaper trends—https://www.wallmur.com/— like fashion or music, aren’t just about what looks cool right now. There’s a whole ecosystem of cultural shifts, social moods, technology, and even psychology at play. Let’s pull back the curtain (or, unroll the wallpaper) and take a closer look.

What Defines the Trend?

• Versatility—The best designs work now and in a few years, evolving with your taste and your space.

• Personal Expression—Your walls tell your story. Whether it’s a mural, a subtle geometric, or a tactile natural weave, it should feel like you.

• Tactile Comfort—People want homes that are beautiful to touch as well as see. Texture matters.

• Smart Practicality—Easy to install, easy to remove, easy to clean. Beauty shouldn’t create stress.

Who’s Making the Best Stuff Right Now?

A few brands consistently get love from designers and homeowners alike:

• Chasing Paper and Tempaper (for high-quality peel-and-stick, lots of indie artist collabs)

• Graham & Brown (classic and contemporary prints, great textures)

• Farrow & Ball (known for their paint, but their wallpapers are super refined and timeless)

• Wallpaper Direct (UK-based, huge selection from many brands)

• House of Hackney (bold, maximalist, luxurious patterns)

• Hygge & West (chic, modern, often playful)

If you want something extra-special, look for small-batch or artist-made wallpapers on sites like Etsy or Spoonflower. These can really make a space feel custom and personal. The heart of good wallpapering is this: grounded in what you love, but open to a little bit of the unexpected future.

How Do Wallpaper Trends Actually Form?

Social Shifts & World Events

When the world feels uncertain or stressful (like during the pandemic or war), people crave comfort and nostalgia—think cozy textures, calming colors, or patterns that remind us of nature and home.

In more optimistic times, boldness comes back: big prints, playful patterns, and vibrant colors. It’s a way for people to express hope and personality.

Cyclicality of Taste

Trends are definitely cyclical! What was “out” twenty years ago often comes back with a twist. Right now, we’re seeing a revival of 70s and 80s motifs (like funky geometrics and earthy color palettes), but reinterpreted with modern materials and cleaner lines.

Designers look to the past for inspiration, but update it for today’s lifestyles—hence the “retro-futuristic” vibe you can see in a lot of new collections.

Technology & Materials

Advances in printing and materials have exploded what’s possible: high-res digital printing, peel-and-stick tech, eco-friendly inks, and textured finishes that would’ve been impossible (or wildly expensive) a decade ago. This accessibility means more people can experiment, so more ideas circulate, and trends evolve faster than ever.

Influencers, Designers, and Social Media

Instagram, Pinterest, design blogs, and even TikTok are all driving how fast trends spread. A single viral post can make a pattern or color the “next big thing” almost overnight. So, people can see what’s possible in real homes, not just fancy design studios, and it’s inspiring.

And, sometimes, it’s just about what feels right. After years of minimalism, people want more personality and coziness. Wallpaper is an easy way to infuse soul into a space.

Reading the Trends to See the Future of Your Own Walls

By tuning into why certain patterns, colors, and materials are getting popular—not just what is hot—you’ll get a sense for where things are headed. For example:

• If people are craving more warmth and connection, expect rich textures and earthy tones to stick around.

• If sustainability keeps gaining steam, more washable, recycled, and natural-fiber papers will pop up.

• If tech keeps advancing, expect even wilder custom designs and maybe even interactive wallpapers (think: smart home integration).

Modern Wallpaper Trends: What’s Actually Happening

Removable & Peel-and-Stick Wallpapers

These are huge right now, largely because people want flexibility—commitment issues, but make it stylish! Renters love them. They’re also great if you like to switch things up every few years (or seasons).

Quality has skyrocketed: new tech means even temporary papers can look and feel luxe.

Best Qualities—Easy to install and remove, low-commitment, forgiving of mistakes (you can reposition!).

Watch Out For:

• Wall surface—Works best on smooth, clean, non-textured walls. Rough or freshly painted surfaces can cause poor adhesion.

• Humidity—Peel-and-stick can struggle in bathrooms or kitchens where steam is an issue unless it’s specifically rated for moisture.

• Removal—While marketed as removable, on some surfaces (like matte paint), they can pull paint off or leave residue.

Pro Tip: Always buy a sample first and test a patch before committing to a whole wall.

Bold Prints & Murals

Murals (think: a hand-painted landscape or an artistic cityscape) are big for those who want an “art gallery” effect at home.

Large-scale florals, moody botanicals, geometric abstractions, retro curves—designers aren’t playing it safe. One accent wall wrapped in a lush, oversized pattern can change the whole energy of a room.

Textured & Natural Materials

Some newer wallpapers even mimic plaster or concrete, bringing in that organic, architectural vibe. For example, grasscloth, linen, cork, woven sisal, and even faux wood or stone finishes. These add dimension and warmth—an instant upgrade from flat paint.

Pro Tip: Gorgeous texture, but not scrubbable—avoid in high-traffic or messy areas (kitchens, kids’ rooms). Sensitive to humidity and sunlight (can fade or warp).

Sustainability & Practicality

Eco-friendly papers, inks, and manufacturing. People care about what’s on their walls, not just how it looks but how it lives with them—non-toxic, easy to clean, and made to last.

Remember that the traditional wallpaper materials are more durable, rich textures, sometimes more eco-friendly, but require more effort to install/remove. They require proper paste and prep (sometimes a liner paper), and removal can be a bigger project.

Color Stories

What colors to look for? Earthy greens and deep blues, calming neutrals, and the occasional pop of dusky pink or burnt orange. The palette is sophisticated, not shouty—think “quiet drama.” And, those metallic accents (copper, brass, matte gold) add a futuristic but still warm edge.

Pro’s Advice

Remember Raymond Loewy and his “Most Advanced Yet Acceptable” (MAYA) principle is perfect not just for product design, but for personal style and interiors. The best choices are the ones that feel fresh and forward-thinking, but never so wild that they lose their timeless appeal.

1. Go for a pattern or texture you’ll still love when the novelty wears off. Trendy is good, but “MAYA” is better—choose the most advanced style you genuinely like, but make sure it still feels right to come home to.

2. Textured neutrals or abstract geometrics are safe bets for longevity. They’re interesting, but not so specific that you’ll tire of them.

3. If you’re feeling bold, do one accent wall. That way, you get the impact without overwhelming the space.

4. Always think about lighting. Some wallpapers come alive with natural or accent lighting, showing off their details at different times of day.

5. If you’re an artist at heart, consider a mural or a custom design. Your home, your canvas. Anything made with love and intention tends to outlast the trends, because it’s not just wallpaper—it’s a little piece of you, woven into your space.

Common Mistakes to Be Aware Of

• Skipping wall prep (dust, dirt, or bumps = sad wallpaper).
• Not measuring accurately—buying too little (or too much) paper.
• Ignoring pattern repeats (that’s how you get awkward seams).
• Using the wrong adhesive on traditional papers.
• Not checking lightfastness—some papers will fade quickly in sunny rooms.
• Overcommitting to a wild pattern in a small, frequently used space (it can get overwhelming fast).

Ask yourself, “Would this still look good in five years?” If the answer is yes, you’re on the right track. Combine the practical (removable, washable, high-quality) with the expressive (pattern, texture, or color that excites you). The future belongs to those who embrace both.