Wallpaper has had its fair share of highs and lows over the years.
Once associated with dated florals and difficult removal (and installation!), it quietly disappeared from many homes in favour of safe neutrals and painted walls. But over the last decade, wallpaper has made a confident return.
So, is wallpaper simply another passing trend, or has it earned its place as a lasting interiors staple?
Wallpaper adds Instant Character
Modern interiors are moving away from perfection and towards personality. People want homes that feel layered, individual and expressive, and wallpaper offers an easy way to achieve that. From bold stripes like the fabulous ROW, to oversized florals like POP, and graphic prints (PEACH), wallpaper instantly adds identity to a room in a way paint alone rarely can.
Small Spaces Love Wallpaper
Hallways, cloakrooms, utility rooms and bedrooms are now some of the most popular places for statement wallpaper. Rather than trying to make every room feel bigger and brighter, people are creating spaces with mood, warmth and character.
Trends Come and Go, Good Design Lasts
The key is choosing designs you genuinely love rather than following short-lived trends. A well-designed wallpaper in colours that suit your home will always feel timeless.
The trick is to choose wallpaper because you love it, rather than because it's currently everywhere. Look beyond what's trending and think about the colours and patterns you naturally gravitate towards. A wallpaper that works with the architecture of your home, complements the things you already own and makes you happy to walk into the room is unlikely to feel dated when the next decorating trend comes along.
And don't be afraid of pattern. Sometimes the designs that feel like the biggest leap when you're choosing them are the ones you'll end up loving the longest.
Read the Room
Before choosing a wallpaper, look at the room as a whole. Consider the natural light, the colours already in the room and the pieces you want to keep. Think about who and how the room is going to be used. A busy pattern can be fun in a space you won't spend hours in (like a cloakroom or a hallway), but you might want to consider something more muted and restful for a bedroom.
It's Easier Than Ever
Modern papers can be easier to hang, easier to remove and are available in a huge range of finishes and styles. Whether you want to transform an entire room or simply create a pop of colour, there are endless ways to use wallpaper without committing to a full-scale redesign.
So, Wallpaper: Fad or Fab?
It’s a firm fab. Wallpaper allows spaces to feel expressive, layered and personal in a way few other decorating choices can. Whether you choose wallpaper for a hallway, a bedroom or a cloakroom, the best designs become part of the architecture of a home rather than simply decorating it. Choose something you genuinely love and it will continue to bring joy long after trends have moved on.
Meredith House Tip
If you're nervous about wallpaper, start with a cloakroom. Small rooms are often where bold pattern has the biggest impact. Order a sample first and look at it in the room at different times of day before making your decision.
IN A NUTSHELL
Ready to start experimenting with wallpaper?
Explore our Wallpaper Collection →
We believe the most memorable homes aren't created overnight. They're collected slowly, layered thoughtfully and filled with pieces that mean something to the people who live there.
And if you're feeling brave, why not have a read of our How to Make Maximalism Work, and put your walls to work with colour, pattern and a little more confidence?
To help you make the right decision for you and your home, we regularly share decorating inspiration and ideas in The Journal.