The Best Wallpapers

Dress up walls without much fuss, thanks to these new wallpapers that are easy to apply and even easier to love.

By Andreana Lefton and Alyssa Gautieri | Updated Jun 20, 2022 1:28 PM

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The Best Wallpaper Design Options

Photo: grahambrown.com

Forget the grandmotherly chintz. Innovative materials, vibrant colors, and designer patterns make today’s wallpaper a thing of beauty and sophistication. Not all wallpaper is created equal, of course, so it’s good to know which wallpaper material is best for a specific room, as well as helpful qualities such as washability and removability.

To help shoppers find the best look for any room in their homes, here are some guidelines to keep in mind. We researched dozens of wallpapers and found patterns and prints for every room, keeping individual style and budgets in mind. Read on for technical specs, shopping considerations, and, of course, design inspiration.

  1. BEST OVERALL: Graham & Brown Mushroom Vinyl Wallpaper
  2. BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Joss & Main Mid Century Wallpaper
  3. BEST FOR THE KITCHEN: Soleil Moroccan Removable Wallpaper
  4. BEST FOR LIVING ROOMS: Farrow & Ball Lotus
  5. BEST FOR BEDROOMS: Latitude Run Bentley-Jay Wallpaper Roll
  6. BEST FOR BATHROOMS: Tempaper Pink Botanical Havana Palm Wallpaper
  7. BEST FOR KIDS’ ROOMS: Chasing Paper Life Aquatic
  8. BEST FOR HISTORIC HOMES: Strawberry Thief Morris & Co. Wallpaper
  9. BEST GEOMETRIC: Graham & Brown Sashiko Navy Wallpaper
  10. BEST TEXTURED: Serena & Lily Grasscloth Wallcovering
  11. BEST FLORAL: Rifle Paper Co. Wildwood Wallpaper Roll
  12. BEST BOTANICAL: NuWallpaper NU2906 Maui Peel and Stick Wallpaper
The Best Wallpaper Design Options

Photo: rejuvenation.com

Types of Wallpaper

When it comes to wallpaper, weigh practical considerations such as upkeep in addition to aesthetic preferences. Vinyl and printed wallpaper are affordable and come in an array of colors and patterns, but there are other options, too. Foil, flock, and woven grasscloth are luxe alternatives and can transform a room, depending on the desired look.

Washable

Washable wallpaper is typically made of vinyl, which comes in three main varieties: solid sheet, vinyl-coated fabric, and vinyl-coated paper.

  • Solid-sheet vinyl wallpaper is made of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or acrylic vinyl. Because it is not applied as a coating and is pure vinyl through and through, it boasts the most durable construction.
  • Vinyl-coated fabric or paper is still a good choice for highly trafficked rooms. It is easy to clean with a little soapy water and can stand up to humid conditions and cooking fumes.

Liner

Made of thick paper, wall liner isn’t intended for decoration but rather to conceal flaws and create a smooth surface for wallpapering or painting. It comes in two varieties: bridging and blankstock liner.

  • Bridging liner, which is thick and textureless, is good for covering cracks.
  • Blankstock liner, a thinner paper pulp, provides a smooth surface to hold wallpaper.

Either type of liner can be applied directly to the bare wall and then covered with paint or a decorative paper. Liner extends the longevity and quality of a wall’s surface, providing a sturdy, smooth underlayment for paint or decorative paper.

Printed

Printed wallpaper is what is traditionally thought of as “wallpaper.” It consists of a coated paper backing printed with a color or pattern. Sometimes a prepasted adhesive layer is applied to the backing. Printed wallpaper that does not have an adhesive backing must have wallpaper paste applied before hanging. Removable and peel-and-stick varieties of printed wallpaper are gaining in popularity. Unlike pasted wallpaper, removable wallpaper is easy to install and peels away without much effort, leaving little to no residue.

Textured

The softness, sheen, or all-natural weave of textured wallpapers can boost the drama, dimensionality, and eye appeal of any room. There are many options, and the most popular are:

  • Foil wallpapers are difficult to hang but stunning to look at. Made of thin layers of metal, their highly reflective surface magnifies even the smallest defect in the wall underneath, so professional installation is highly recommended. Consumers can choose plain metallics, repeat patterns, or textured finishes.
  • Flocked wall hangings, originally invented to imitate luxury fabrics such as velvet and damask, date back to the 1700s. Today, natural woolen flock has been replaced with artificial fibers that include polyester, nylon, and raylon. Flocked wallpapers consist of a smooth background overlaid with a repeating pattern, typically with a velvety finish.
  • Mylar’s shiny surface is created by applying a polyester film over a paper backing. Similar to foil wallpaper, Mylar creases easily and shows every imperfection, so it is harder to install. Because it can withstand, and even be cleaned up with, a little soapy water, it’s often seen in kitchens and bathrooms.
  • Grasscloth includes any wallpaper constructed of hand-woven natural fibers. Made of hemp, jute, seagrass, arrowroot grass, bamboo, and raffia, grasscloth wallpapers offer subtle texture. They are more sustainable and eco-friendly than man-made materials, but they’re also more expensive—at least double the cost—because of the handmade construction. However, shoppers can find good vinyl grasscloth imitations as well as commercial fibers that mimic the handmade look and feel.

What to Consider When Choosing a Wallpaper

Wallpaper is a decent investment, but it requires a time commitment to install. Depending on the room in which it will be featured, unique wallpaper needs to hold up to daily wear and tear. It also needs to improve the appearance and value of a home in the long run or be easy to remove if the homeowner decides to sell. Therefore, consumers need to think about what they need from their wallpaper of choice.

Location and Intended Use

When considering what type of wallpaper is best, first decide how it will be used on a daily basis. Divide a home into “use” zones:

  • Kitchens, bathrooms, and kids’ rooms are “high use” areas. If the walls are exposed to higher humidity levels, cooking fumes, or “artistic” additions from little hands, washable vinyl wallpaper is typically best.
  • Bedrooms, living rooms, and home offices are typically “medium use.” For medium-use zones, vinyl can also be used, though homeowners may want the softer look and feel of printed or textured wallpapers.
  • “Low use” rooms may include formal dining rooms and guest rooms. More-delicate materials, especially foils, flock, and natural fibers, should be reserved for areas that have low humidity so they won’t risk getting stained over time.

Design and Pattern Selection

Solid and textured wallpapers are in some ways easier to choose. As with paint, shoppers will want to get some swatches—most online brands will supply them, sometimes for a small charge. Next, make sure the color complements a room’s lighting and fabrics. Neutrals such as ivory, taupe, gray, and natural bamboo rarely go out of style, especially if the selected tones and textures are made from high-quality materials that pair well with appliances, fixtures, and overall ambience (classic or contemporary).

Patterned wallpapers can be trickier to select. If shoppers love a wallpaper pattern but fear it may be too busy, they should consider a single accent wall. Another option is to cover only the lower or upper half of the walls with accent wallpaper. For a bold and unique approach, consider wallpapering the ceiling.

One final consideration is whether to choose a flat or a textured pattern. Flat and moderately flat patterns are easier to keep clean and are good for bathrooms and kitchens. Patterns that are more highly textured, especially flocked wallpapers, are more suitable for bedrooms, living, and dining rooms. In all cases, a wallpaper should enhance, not overwhelm, a space.

Application and Pattern Matching

Whatever your selection, walls that are smooth and clean are best for applying wallpaper. Uneven, damaged, dirty, or textured surfaces will create bumpy, unprofessional finishes, so first ensure that the chosen surface is sanded, cleaned with soapy water, and fully dry. Homeowners may also want to prime the wall, giving it at least two hours to completely dry before hanging wallpaper.

Before getting started, a few tools may be needed. Traditionally, wallpaper is hung using wallpaper paste, an adhesive that is spread evenly onto the back of the paper before pressing it firmly to the wall. The sheet is then pressed flat with a wallpaper brush. Removable and peel-and-stick varieties don’t require additional paste, but DIYers will still need to measure accurately. A plumb vertical line and a straight horizontal line will help to guide the application.

If the wallpaper is a solid color or texture, the job will be easier. Repeat patterns are more difficult to hang, and the installer will have to learn pattern matching. Random patterns are easier to match and can be handled by beginners. More-complex “straight across” and “drop match” patterns may require a professional contractor. These terms refer to how patterns repeat on a single roll of wallpaper and require special measurements and trimming to ensure the patterns align perfectly when placed on the wall.

Our Top Picks

Balancing beauty and function, the following wallpapers will delight and add depth to most living spaces.They provide timeless designs paired with new, high-quality materials designed to make life easier. Totally transform rooms for the better with one of these subtly chic or boldly brilliant patterns.

Best Overall

Photo: homedepot.com

The beautiful twig design on this Graham & Brown wallpaper brings the beauty of nature inside the home. Available in six soothing colors, the organic-inspired design is versatile enough for any room in the house. The vinyl textured surface and soft color palette works well as an accent wall while still being neutral enough to use across an entire room.

For those with imperfect walls, this is a great option, as the textured finish helps to cover minor cracks and bumps. The surface is also easy to clean and can be removed in full strips when it’s time to make a change. This option, however, does require separate adhesive, which makes installation slightly more difficult than other options.

Product Specs

  • Finish: Textured
  • Application type: Nonpasted
  • Color options: 6
  • Dimensions: 33 feet long by 20.5 inches wide

Pros

  • Covers wall imperfections
  • Easy to clean
  • Moisture-resistant
  • 6 color options
  • Removes in full strips

Cons

  • Requires adhesive
  • More difficult to hang

Get the Graham & Brown Mushroom wallpaper at Amazon, Graham & Brown, The Home Depot, or Lowe’s.

Best Bang for the Buck

The Best Wallpaper Option: Joss & Main Mid Century Wallpaper
Photo: jossandmain.com

The metallic finish on this 21-inch-wide by 33-foot-long roll of Mid Century Wallpaper offers a subtle drama that’s ideal for powder rooms, bedrooms, dining rooms, and more. Its sheen complements an interlocking geometric pattern reminiscent of Art Deco architectural themes, particularly in the gold-on-beige option. This paste-on wallpaper from Joss & Main comes in five sophisticated color combinations.

For lasting style, the metallic surface is easy to clean with water. Although adhesive must be purchased separately, this high-end wallpaper appears to look much more expensive than it actually is. With a price that’s hard to beat, Mid Century Wallpaper is made for the 21st-century home, too.

Product Specs

  • Finish: Metallic
  • Application type: Nonpasted
  • Color options: 5
  • Dimensions: 33 feet long by 21 inches wide

Pros

  • Luxury look
  • Wipes clean with water
  • 5 color options
  • Lower price point

Cons

  • Requires adhesive
  • More difficult to hang

Get the Joss & Main Mid Century wallpaper at Joss & Main.

Best for the Kitchen

The Best Wallpaper Option: Soleil Moroccan Removable Wallpaper
Photo: potterybarn.com

Quickly and easily transform an interior with the Soleil removable wallpaper, which is a snap to remove or swap out at any time. Drawing inspiration from Moroccan tile design, the funky wallpaper is made up of black starbursts with a mustard-yellow center and dusty blue stars. The stylish wallpaper is moisture- and steam-resistant, which also makes it a great option for bathrooms or powder rooms.

To apply, peel away the backing and smooth the self-adhesive paper onto the surface. Although this option is among the easiest to apply, it works best on smooth surfaces that have been primed and painted. The removable wallpaper is not recommended for flat and matte paints or textured surfaces.

Product Specs

  • Finish: Matte
  • Application type: Peel-and-stick
  • Color options: 1
  • Dimensions: 16.5 feet long by 20.5 inches wide

Pros

  • Easy DIY application; includes adhesive
  • Removes cleanly
  • Moisture- and steam-resistant

Cons

  • Requires a smooth surface that has been primed and painted
  • Not recommended for matte or flat paints
  • Only 1 color option

Get the Soleil Moroccan wallpaper at Overstock, Pottery Barn, or The Home Depot.

Best for Living Rooms

The Best Wallpaper Option: Farrow & Ball Lotus
Photo: farrow-ball.com

The Art Nouveau–inspired lotus design pairs perfectly with traditional or modern interiors. Responsibly sourced and recyclable, the trendy wallpaper exudes a simple sophistication that works well in the living room. Each of the 71 colorways, including large and small repeating patterns, are handcrafted with richly pigmented paint.

Each intricate bloom is printed with Farrow & Ball paint, creating a tactile finish and making each batch slightly unique. The differences are subtle, but noticeable. For this reason, it’s best to order the rolls at the same time to ensure consistency. This nonpasted wallpaper requires adhesive, and professional consultation and installation is recommended.

Product Specs

  • Finish: Painted followed by a coat of glaze
  • Application type: Nonpasted
  • Color options: 70-plus
  • Dimensions: 10 meters long by 21 inches wide

Pros

  • Wipes clean
  • Sustainably sourced and recyclable
  • Printed with Farrow & Ball paint
  • Available in large-pattern and small-pattern repeat
  • 70-plus color options

Cons

  • Adhesive required
  • Professional installation recommended
  • Subtle differences between batches of the same design
  • Higher price point

Get the Farrow & Ball Lotus wallpaper at Farrow & Ball or Anthropologie.

Best for Bedrooms

The Best Wallpaper Option: Latitude Run Bentley-Jay Wallpaper Roll
Photo: wayfair.com

Printed on a smooth vinyl, this wallpaper makes for a great DIY project in the bedroom. The contemporary wallpaper works well as an accent wall behind the bed, but it’s also elegant and simple enough to cover all four walls. This peel-and-stick wallpaper, which comes in two color options, presents a fast way to upgrade an interior.

Perfect for renters or homeowners, this self-adhesive wallpaper is easy to install and presents the same quality and durability as a permanent wallpaper. It easily removes in strips and doesn’t leave behind a sticky residue. It’s important to order everything needed for a project up front because different batches may have slightly different designs.

Product Specs

  • Finish: Satin
  • Application type: Self-adhesive
  • Color options: 2
  • Dimensions: 18 feet long by 20.5 inches wide

Pros

  • Easy to apply and reposition; includes adhesive
  • Wipes clean
  • Removes in strips without sticky residue
  • Lower price point

Cons

  • Only 2 color options
  • Subtle differences between batches of the same design

Get the Latitude Run Bentley-Jay wallpaper at Wayfair.

Best for Bathrooms

The Best Wallpaper Option: Tempaper Pink Botanical Havana Palm Wallpaper
Photo: amazon.com

Inspired by Miami Beach’s Art Deco movement, the tropical pastel print from Tempaper brings the beauty of the tropics into the home. The green banana leaves and bright mix of foliage stand out against a light-pink backdrop. The peel-and-stick wallpaper is great for those looking for a pop of pattern in the bathroom without committing to it permanently. It also works well to cover furniture, bookcases, or stair risers.

The fun wallpaper is easy to apply and does not require any additional pastes or glues. This option is ideal for beginners who have never applied wallpaper because it’s easy to reposition and doesn’t leave behind a sticky residue when it’s removed. However, this wallpaper does require a smooth and primed surface, and it may not stick well on matte or flat paints.

Product Specs

  • Finish: Matte
  • Application type: Peel and stick
  • Color options: 1
  • Dimensions: 16.5 feet long by 20.5 inches wide

Pros

  • Easy DIY application; includes adhesive
  • Moisture- and steam-resistant
  • Wipes clean
  • Removes cleanly

Cons

  • Requires a smooth surface
  • Not recommended for matte or flat paints

Get the Tempaper Pink Botanical wallpaper on Amazon or at The Home Depot.

Best for Kids’ Rooms

The Best Wallpaper Option: Chasing Paper Life Aquatic
Photo: chasingpaper.com

Brighten up a little one’s room with hand-drawn illustrations of sea creatures, including whales, narwhals, stingrays, crabs, seahorses, and shells. Cute, simple wallpapers such as this one, with its light-blue and gray design and contrasting white background, create a soft and soothing design that makes a statement without overpowering a space.

The peel-and-stick wallpaper from Life Aquatic is easy to apply and includes adhesive. It’s also fade- and stain-resistant, which makes it ideal for an adventurous kid. Once a child outgrows the nautical design, the wallpaper is easily removed and can even be reused on another surface. The only downsides are that this option does require a smooth surface and shouldn’t be used on matte or flat paints.

Product Specs

  • Finish: Matte
  • Application type: Peel-and-stick
  • Color options: 1
  • Dimensions: 2 feet wide by 4 feet long; 2 feet wide by 8 feet long; 2 feet wide by 12 feet long

Pros

  • Easy DIY application; includes adhesive
  • Fade- and stain-resistant
  • Hand-drawn illustration
  • Removable, reusable, repositionable

Cons

  • Requires a smooth surface
  • Not recommended for matte or flat paints
  • Higher price point

Get the Chasing Paper Life Aquatic wallpaper at Chasing Paper or Crate & Barrel.

Best for Historic Homes

The Best Wallpaper Option: Strawberry Thief Morris & Co. Wallpaper
Photo: rejuvenation

William Morris was the 19th-century leader of the Arts and Crafts movement, and his textile designs are considered classics today. Strawberry Thief, one of his most famous patterns, has stood the test of time since 1883. Rejuvenation’s update on the wallpaper includes two colorful options on indigo and chocolate backgrounds.

The surflex-printed wallpaper doubles as artwork for the home, although these color combinations can be limiting, as they are quite bold and bright. Because of the complex bird and botanical pattern, professional installation is recommended for the 20.5-inch by 33-foot rolls of printed wallpaper, which does not come prepasted.

Product Specs

  • Finish: Surflex-printed
  • Application type: Nonpasted
  • Color options: 1
  • Dimensions: 33 feet long by 20.5 inches wide

Pros

  • Doubles as artwork
  • Design by William Morris in 1883
  • Ideal for a variety of surfaces

Cons

  • Adhesive required
  • Professional installation recommended
  • Only 2 color options
  • Higher price point

Get the Strawberry Thief wallpaper at Rejuvenation.

Best Geometric

Photo: grahambrown.com

A remastered classic, Sashiko Navy Wallpaper is inspired by Japanese stitching and embellished with copper detailing. The geometric pattern is both dramatic and calming, offering a lush optical backdrop for a living or dining space. Sashiko is a traditional printed wallpaper with a straight-across pattern. For pattern-matching perfection, it is probably best to hire a contractor.

However, with precise measurements and an eye for detail, it is possible for a DIYer to install this wallpaper. The backing is unpasted, so installers will need to apply adhesive before hanging the 20.47-inch-wide by 32.8-foot rolls. To figure out how many rolls are needed, Graham & Brown provides an online tool to figure this out. There are also three other color combinations: pearl, rose gold, and taupe.

Product Specs

  • Finish: Printed
  • Application type: Nonpasted
  • Color options: 4
  • Dimensions: 32.8 feet long by 20.47 inches wide

Pros

  • Luxury and versatile look
  • High-quality material
  • 4 color combinations

Cons

  • Adhesive required
  • Professional installation recommended

Get the Graham & Brown Sashiko wallpaper at Graham & Brown.

Best Textured

The Best Wallpaper Option: Serena & Lily Grasscloth Wallcovering
Photo: serenaandlily.com

From the living room to the bedroom, add instant texture and warmth to any interior with this luxury wallpaper from Serena & Lily. The natural grasses and fibers create an organic depth and beauty that helps cover wall imperfections, although the material is not recommended for moist spaces (such as a bathroom).

The unpasted roll is available in 13 calming colors, including coastal blue, pink sand, ecru, silver, and ochre. To make an impact without being visually cluttered, try this textured wallpaper as an accent wall. The natural fibers are easy to keep clean: Simply dust or vacuum the surface on a regular basis. This nonpasted option is pricier than most and may require the help of a professional installer.

Product Specs

  • Finish: Textured grasscloth
  • Application type: Nonpasted
  • Color options: 13
  • Dimensions: 24 feet long by 36 inches wide

Pros

  • Organic and natural look
  • Textured finish covers wall imperfections
  • Dust lightly or vacuum to clean
  • 13 color options

Cons

  • Adhesive required
  • Professional installation recommended
  • Not recommended for bathrooms or moist environments
  • Higher price point

Get the Serena & Lily Grasscloth wallpaper at Serena & Lily.

Best Floral

The Best Wallpaper Option: Rifle Paper Co. Wildwood Wallpaper Roll
Photo: wayfair.com

A blend of radiant wildflowers and greenery, this printed wallpaper from Rifle Paper Co. is inspired by antique botanical drawings. Intricate details, metallic-gold ink details, and five color choices make this a beautiful option for any interior.

This nonpasted wallpaper is water-resistant and easy to wipe, which also makes it a great option for kitchens and bathrooms. Easily remove the wallpaper in strips when it’s time for a style update. This option does not include adhesive, and be sure to order all of the rolls up front to avoid subtle differences among batches.

Product Specs

  • Finish: Metallic
  • Application type: Nonpasted
  • Color options: 5
  • Dimensions: 27 feet long by 27 inches wide

Pros

  • Water-resistant
  • Wipes clean
  • Removes in full strips
  • 5 color options

Cons

  • Adhesive required
  • Subtle differences among batches of the same design

Get the Rifle Paper Co. Wildwood wallpaper at Wayfair or Rifle Paper Co.

Best Botanical

The Best Wallpaper Option: NuWallpaper NU2906 Maui Peel and Stick Wallpaper
Photo: amazon.com

The tropical palm and banana leaf print (also available in blue) is an affordable, fun, and versatile option. For those who are looking to get creative, this tropical pattern also works well as a kitchen backsplash, stair-riser decal, or a DIY art project.

Even beginners can apply and reposition this paper with ease. Pull off the backing to reveal the adhesive and smooth the paper onto the surface. Safe for walls, this option removes cleanly in strips and doesn’t leave behind a sticky residue. A smooth surface works best when putting up this wallpaper; otherwise there’s a risk of the design looking bumpy or uneven.

Product Specs

  • Finish: Matte vinyl
  • Application type: Peel-and-stick
  • Color options: 2
  • Dimensions: 18 feet long by 20.88 inches wide

Pros

  • Easy DIY application; includes adhesive
  • Fix mistakes easily by repositioning
  • Removes cleanly in strips
  • Lower price point

Cons

  • Requires a smooth surface
  • Only 2 color options

Get the NuWallpaper Maui wallpaper on Amazon or at The Home Depot.

Our Verdict

Our best overall pick, the Graham & Brown Mushroom wallpaper, comes in six neutral color options, resists moisture, helps to cover wall imperfections, and is easy to remove. We also recommend the Joss & Main Mid Century wallpaper, an affordable option that looks luxurious in all five color options.

How We Chose the Best Wallpapers

From elegant neutrals and pretty pastels to delicate florals and bold geometrics, personal style plays a big role in finding the best wallpaper. We looked at offerings from all of the best home decor brands to find a mix of wallpaper patterns, styles, and color palettes.

We also considered that different rooms have to meet different criteria—water-resistant finishes work better in the bathroom and kitchen while natural textures are great for a formal dining room or living room. It’s important to consider materials and finishes as well as durability when crafting this list.

To find the best wallpapers, we considered ease of application and removal. During our extensive product research, we also looked closely at the value and price of each selection.

FAQs

Before selecting a wallpaper, shoppers should make sure they have a good understanding of application and removal. Here are some extra tips to make the process easy and relatively stress-free.

Q: Will wallpaper hide cracks?

No, wallpaper will not hide flaws in the underlying wall, so be sure to fix any cracks, sand, and prime before hanging wallpaper. You can also apply wall liner underneath wallpaper for a perfectly smooth surface.

Q: What is the best adhesive for wallpaper?

Heavy-duty wallpaper adhesives work best. Zinsser, Solvite, and Roman have great options. DIYers may also want to use seam-repair adhesive to perfect edges.

Q: What is the best way to take off wallpaper?

The best way to remove wallpaper depends on its design. For removable wallpaper, including peel-and-stick varieties, simply pull one of the corners in a single direction. Pasted wallpapers must be soaked in hot water and stripped with a putty knife. For vinyl wallpapers, use a wallpaper remover instead of hot water.