Top 5 Ways to Choose the Perfect Wallpaper for Your Style

Wallpaper has made a major comeback and it’s not just for grandma’s house anymore. From bold statement walls to subtle textures that warm up a room, the right wallpaper can completely transform your space. But with so many styles, patterns, and colors to choose from, how do you know which one is right for you?

Here are our top five tips to help you confidently choose the perfect wallpaper to match your unique style and space.

1. Know Your Design Style

Before you even start browsing, take a moment to think about your overall aesthetic. Do you love clean, modern spaces with sleek lines? Or are you more drawn to vintage charm, soft florals, or bold, eclectic patterns?

Knowing your style can help narrow your search:

• Modern or Scandinavian: Stick with geometrics, neutral tones, or abstract designs.

• Traditional or Cottagecore: Think florals, toile, or classic damasks.

• Boho or Eclectic: Go wild with global prints, bold colors, or layered patterns.

• Grandmillennial: Opt for soft pastels, chintz-inspired prints, or preppy stripes.

Pro tip: Save your favorite interior images to a Pinterest or mood board. You’ll start to notice recurring themes in color, texture, and pattern.

2. Match the Mood of the Room

Wallpaper does more than decorate—it helps set the tone for a space. Think about the room’s purpose and how you want to feel when you walk in.

• Bedroom: Create a calming retreat with soft botanicals, muted colors, or watercolor patterns.

• Living Room: Make it cozy and inviting with textured neutrals or statement prints.

• Home Office: Inspire creativity and focus with structured patterns or nature-inspired designs.

• Powder Room: Go bold! This is the perfect space for playful prints and deep colors that make a statement.

When in doubt, ask: What feeling do I want this space to evoke?

3. Consider Scale and Pattern Size

Size matters—especially when it comes to wallpaper patterns.

• Small rooms often benefit from larger-scale prints, which can actually make the space feel bigger and more open.

• Large rooms can handle smaller, tighter patterns that create warmth and detail without dominating the space.

• Accent walls are the perfect opportunity to go bold with oversized florals, geometric designs, or eye-catching murals.

When choosing a pattern, imagine how it will look across an entire wall—not just in a sample square.

4. Coordinate with Existing Decor

Wallpaper should complement what you already love about your space. Look at your furniture, textiles, and overall color scheme:

• Does your sofa have a bold pattern? Pair it with a subtle, coordinating wallpaper.

• Are your wood tones warm or cool? Choose wallpaper colors that harmonize.

• Want everything to flow together? Pull a color from your rug, art, or throw pillows and use that as your wallpaper anchor.

Your wallpaper doesn’t have to match everything—it just needs to make sense with it.

5. Always Test a Sample First

This might be the most important step: try before you buy.

Order a sample of any wallpaper you're considering and tape it to your wall. Leave it up for a few days and check how it looks in different lighting—morning sun, midday, and soft evening glow.
Pay attention to how it feels, too. Does it energize you? Calm you? Clash with your favorite chair?

If you're using peel-and-stick wallpaper, testing also lets you check how well it adheres to your wall type (especially if you have texture or gloss paint).

Bottom line: If it makes you smile every time you walk in the room it’s the one.

Floral wallpaper for grandmillennial & traditional style home in preppy green striped design.

Choosing a Paper that Feels Right

Choosing wallpaper should feel exciting, not overwhelming. By keeping your style, room function, and color story in mind, you’ll find a design that doesn’t just look good, it feels just right.

Whether you're decorating a nursery, jazzing up a powder bath, or adding a little drama to your dining room, the perfect wallpaper is out there waiting for you.

Need help getting started? Explore our collection of curated designs that fit every style from soft and subtle to bold and bright.