For the Pattern Lovers
If you’re here, you’re probably the sort of person who gets excited by colour and texture, and who saves pins faster than you can actually look at them properly. Feature walls are lovely, but they’re not the only way to use wallpaper. There are so many playful, unexpected ways to bring pattern into your home, and some of them are surprisingly simple.
You don’t need to commit to four walls to let your love of pattern shine. These are the kind of creative wallpaper ideas that feel bold, beautiful, and quietly genius.
Creative Ideas for Wallpaper That Actually Work
Back of Shelves, Bookcases, or Alcoves
Adding wallpaper to the back of shelves or built-ins is a brilliant way to create depth without clutter. It’s especially effective in kitchens, living rooms, or anywhere you want a splash of personality without committing to an entire wall. If you’re trying this in a kitchen, skip peel-and-stick, traditional wallpaper cut to size will hold up better against steam and humidity.
Stair Risers
Wallpaper on stair risers is a little design surprise with every step. It’s perfect for hallways or entryways, and it instantly adds charm. Peel-and-stick is a great way to test the waters, but if you want a finish that lasts, paste-the-wall wallpaper is the way to go.
Ceilings (aka the Fifth Wall)
Wallpapering the ceiling is dramatic in the best way. It works particularly well in small spaces like WCs, hallways, or kids’ rooms. Large-scale prints and organic shapes tend to work best overhead. Use traditional wallpaper here, as peel-and-stick doesn’t cope well with gravity and steam.
Furniture Makeovers
Wallpaper can completely transform plain furniture. Drawer fronts, tabletops, or even desktops can all take on new life with a patterned covering. Drawer liners are especially satisfying, they’re hidden surprises that make opening a drawer feel like a treat. Peel-and-stick is fine for bedroom furniture, but in kitchens it’s best avoided, as heat and moisture can make it peel.
Wardrobes and Closet Backs
Wallpapering the back wall of a wardrobe or cupboard is such a small detail, but it adds daily joy. Whether it’s a linen cupboard, a child’s wardrobe, or your own dressing space, it makes an everyday routine feel more considered. Plus, if you use peel-and-stick, you can change it up as often as you like.
Pantry Walls
Pantries are often overlooked, but they’re perfect places for pattern. Bold or whimsical designs can make even the most functional of spaces feel special. For durability in a high-use area, non-pasted wallpaper works best.
What to Do with Leftover Wallpaper (Or Just One Roll)
If you’ve ever wondered what to do with leftover wallpaper or what to do with a single roll, the answer is: plenty. Even a small amount can make a big difference. You can frame it as art, line drawers or wardrobe backs, cover stair risers or the back of a bookcase, or even create a statement ceiling in a WC or pantry. Covering a tabletop or the inside of cupboard doors is another easy win. The best part is that these small projects make use of scraps and prevent waste, while giving you a chance to experiment with bolder colours and patterns.
Quick Guide: Choosing the Right Wallpaper Type
If you’re not sure which wallpaper type to use, here’s a quick guide. Peel-and-stick is best for bedrooms, rentals, and anywhere you might want flexibility, like drawers or furniture accents.
Traditional non-pasted wallpaper is ideal for humid areas like kitchens or bathrooms, and it’s also the most reliable choice for ceilings.
Paste-the-wall wallpaper is the option to go for if you’re after permanence and a polished finish.
Start Small, Go Bold
The beauty of wallpaper is that you don’t need to cover a whole room to create impact. Just one clever touch, whether it’s a patterned stair riser, a pantry wall, or a hidden cupboard surprise, can completely shift how a space feels. These creative ideas for wallpaper prove that boldness doesn’t need to be big.
Want help picking the right pattern or figuring out which wallpaper type works best for your space? Message me or explore the collection, I’m always happy to help you bring your space to life.