Is the Wallpaper Trend Making a Comeback?

I admit, I have never been a fan of wallpaper in the house. But lately I’m seeing it pop up more and more in the world of decorating, and I’m left wondering…is the wallpaper trend making a comeback? 

When we moved into our first house ten years ago, the very first thing we did was remove the pink and lavender floral wallpaper that the previous owner had plastered throughout the house.  Nothing says 1980s like a heavy floral wallpaper with a bold clashing pattern of linoleum on the floor.  It was hideous!  Throw in some popcorn ceilings, wall-to-wall green carpet, and pink tile countertops in the kitchen, and you had a great starter home for a couple of fledgling DIYers. Ah, those were some fun times!

Ready for some ugly wallpaper pictures of the past? These should give you a little laugh (or an unfortunate trip down memory lane).

Source: uglyhousephotos.com

Source: uglyhousephotos.com

Today’s Wallpaper

But, the wallpaper trend that I’m seeing emerge today is nothing like those hideous pictures we just looked at. It’s much prettier, and is being used an a beautiful accent, rather than covering every inch of wall space. I’m finding myself actually considering using wallpaper again at some point, which is surprising on so many levels. Let me show you some of the beautiful wallpaper I’m seeing, and you tell me if you think wallpaper could become a huge new trend today, or it it’s just a passing fancy. Let’s start with a bathroom I would probably never want to leave.

Source: Crush Cul de Sac

Here’s another great little powder room. I love the way the wallpaper looks with wainscoting on the lower half of the wall!

This bold herringbone pattern is fun with the white wainscoting.  Such a bold pattern probably needs to be limited to just a half wall.

Here’s a sweet little nursery with a beautiful wallpaper feature wall. I like the idea of using wallpaper on just one wall!

This is such a nice, relaxing girls room with the gray wallpaper. The geometric patter is really sophisticated, and would probably look great in a master bedroom or small powder room, too.

Source: Pottery Barn Kids

I think this craft room wallpaper is so fantastic!  It wakes up the creative juices. I just love the black and white walls with lime green accents.

Check out this little dining nook with the wallpaper and the coffered ceiling.  It adds so much character! I don’t think I’d ever seen wallpaper on a ceiling before this.

OK, this may not be for everyone, but I’m really digging the crazy black and white herringbone wallpaper in this grand entry with the super dark (black?) hardwood floors and stairway.

I’m not a huge paisley person, but this wallpaper looks pretty great in a small powder room with the beadboard wainscoting. 

Here’s another idea for you. If you can’t fully commit to wallpaper on your walls, consider adding wallpaper to the back of your bookcases.  I love this!! I’m looking at a bookcase right now that could use a little pattern. 

When I first started thinking about whether or not the wallpaper trend was coming back into style, I thought to myself “No way! We’ve come too far to turn back now!”  But, the more beautiful examples of wallpaper that I see, the more I’m starting to like it.  I’m even considering using it in my house now (maybe just starting out small with a bookcase?).  So, what do you think?  Is a wallpaper trend making a comeback, or is it just passing through this decade for another quick visit before heading out of style again? Have you recently put up wallpaper in your house? 

For more ideas, check out other posts in our Trends category. Looking to purchase some wallpaper, check out the options on Wayfair!