Farmhouse Chic: How to Use Wallpaper to Elevate Rustic Interiors

When my husband and I moved from our downtown San Antonio loft to the suburbs of Oklahoma, we had no clue how popular the white farmhouse we chose to live in would wind up being. Discover how farmhouse wallpaper can transform a room by adding an elegant focal point to any rustic interior.

Wallpaper Gives Your Farmhouse Design a Unique Style

When people think of farmhouse interiors, they often imagine natural wood beams, cozy textiles, and a timeless blend of rustic and refined. But there’s one design element that can instantly elevate a farmhouse look from “charming” to truly unforgettable—wallpaper.

Wallpaper has made a huge comeback in interior design, and in farmhouse style homes, it adds warmth, personality, and sophistication. Whether you’re designing a modern farmhouse living room, a rustic chic kitchen, or a cozy nursery with farmhouse flair, the right wallpaper transforms plain walls into show-stopping design features.

In this post, we’ll cover:

• Why wallpaper is perfect for farmhouse style homes

• The best wallpaper patterns for rustic interiors

• How to use wallpaper in different rooms (living room, kitchen, nursery, bedrooms, bathrooms)

• Common questions about farmhouse wallpaper (durability, installation, best colors, etc.)

• Expert design tips to help you bring farmhouse chic to life

Why Wallpaper Works Perfectly in Farmhouse Interiors

Unlike flat paint, wallpaper introduces texture, pattern, and character that echo farmhouse traditions while still feeling modern. Here’s why it’s such a perfect fit:

• Adds dimension: Shiplap and wood beams create depth, but wallpaper brings in soft layers of texture that balance rustic materials.

• Creates cozy focal points: A statement wall behind a bed or in a breakfast nook makes the space feel intentional and styled.

• Balances rustic with refined: Farmhouse interiors thrive on contrast—mixing rugged wood with delicate florals, or vintage-inspired patterns with sleek lighting. Wallpaper bridges that gap beautifully.

• Endless versatility: From toile wallpaper with pastoral scenes to subtle textures like linen or grasscloth, farmhouse wallpaper adapts to any mood.

Best Wallpaper Styles for Farmhouse Interiors

Not all wallpaper designs are created equal when it comes to rustic homes. Here are the top wallpaper styles that elevate farmhouse interiors:

1. Toile Wallpaper

Classic toile designs with hand-drawn farm scenes, botanicals, or cute woodland animals are perfect for capturing an old-world farmhouse aesthetic. They add storytelling to your walls while feeling timeless.

2. Botanical & Floral Prints

Delicate florals, leafy vines, or wild meadow patterns bring the outdoors in—a hallmark of farmhouse style. Stick to muted tones like sage, dusty blue, and soft cream for authenticity.

3. Textured Neutrals

Faux linen, grasscloth, or plaster-effect wallpaper creates subtle warmth without overwhelming the space. Perfect for minimal farmhouse chic.

4. Plaids & Checks

For a cozy country farmhouse vibe, gingham or plaid wallpaper in soft neutrals or faded pastels works beautifully in kitchens and mudrooms.

5. Rustic Motifs

Designs inspired by hunting, horses, farm animals, or vintage prints tie directly into farmhouse living and storytelling.

Where to Use Wallpaper in a Farmhouse

Wallpaper works in every room of a farmhouse-style home—you just need to know how to apply it strategically.

Farmhouse Living Room

• Create an accent wall behind a sofa or fireplace.

• Pair botanical wallpaper with reclaimed wood furniture.

• Add depth with subtle textured wallpaper in neutral shades.

Farmhouse Kitchen

• Line the back of open shelves with patterned wallpaper for a hidden surprise.

• Use plaid or gingham wallpaper as a backsplash alternative (with protective covering).

• Highlight a breakfast nook with warm florals.

Farmhouse Bedroom

• Install toile wallpaper behind the bed as a statement headboard wall.

• Use calming botanical prints for a serene farmhouse retreat.

• Mix soft neutrals with chunky knit throws and rustic wood nightstands.

Farmhouse Nursery

• Soft animal toile or botanical wallpaper creates a timeless backdrop that grows with your child.

• Pair wallpaper with natural wood cribs and cozy textiles.

• Choose peel-and-stick wallpaper for flexibility as the nursery evolves.

Farmhouse Bathroom

• Add charm with small-scale florals or textured wallpaper above wainscoting.

• Waterproof peel-and-stick options make bathrooms wallpaper-friendly.

rustic hunting dogs toile de Jouy wallpaper by surface pattern designer Rose Lindo for modern farmhouses, nursery decor, & boys bedrooms.

FAQ: Common Questions About Farmhouse Wallpaper

1. What colors work best for farmhouse wallpaper?
Stick to muted, earthy tones like cream, soft white, sage green, dusty blue, and warm taupe. Avoid overly bold or neon colors, as farmhouse interiors thrive on a natural, timeless palette.

2. Can you use wallpaper with shiplap or wood walls?
Yes! Wallpaper pairs beautifully with shiplap. Try using shiplap on the lower half of the wall (wainscoting style) and wallpaper above it for a polished farmhouse look.

3. Is peel-and-stick wallpaper good for farmhouse homes?
Absolutely. Peel-and-stick wallpaper makes it easy to update your home with farmhouse charm without the long-term commitment of traditional wallpaper. It’s especially great for renters or seasonal refreshes.

4. What patterns make a farmhouse look modern vs. traditional?

• Traditional: Toile, plaid, small florals

• Modern: Large-scale botanicals, minimalist textures, abstract rustic patterns

5. How do I choose the right wallpaper scale?
Large prints make a bold statement and work well in open areas like living rooms. Smaller patterns suit intimate spaces like nurseries, bathrooms, or entryways.

Design Tips for Elevating Rustic Interiors with Wallpaper

• Layer textures: Mix wallpaper with natural wood, rattan, and linen to create depth.

• Balance pattern with simplicity: If wallpaper is bold, keep furniture and decor understated.

• Repeat tones: Pull colors from your wallpaper into pillows, rugs, and accents for a cohesive look.

• Think about longevity: Choose timeless patterns that will feel stylish years from now.

Transforming Farmhouse Chic with Wallpaper

Farmhouse interiors have always been about comfort, character, and timeless beauty. Wallpaper adds that extra layer of design magic—transforming plain walls into works of art. Whether you’re designing a farmhouse nursery filled with charm, a kitchen with cozy country flair, or a modern rustic living room, wallpaper is the secret ingredient that ties everything together.

Ready to bring farmhouse chic into your home? Explore our curated collection of luxury farmhouse wallpapers designed for nurseries, bedrooms, and elevated rustic spaces.