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Creative Wallpaper Ideas – 8 Ways to Go Beyond the Walls

Looking for creative wallpaper ideas that don’t involve a long-term commitment? Read on!

Last Updated: December 2020

I spent a crazy amount of time removing wallpaper in my kitchen and powder room as part of our whole home redesign. During the hours of scraping and peeling, I made a promise to myself that I’d never decorate with wallpaper in my home again (although I broke that promise by using wallpaper in our coastal bathroom makeover years later).

Using wallpaper on your walls requires a serious long-term commitment, since installing it and removing it are both labor-intensive (and often very aggravating!) processes. Wall coverings are also much more expensive than paint, so you’re typically less inclined to “change it up” every few years.

So what do you do if you’re like me and often find yourself smitten with a particular wallpaper pattern that you come across on Houzz or a home decor blog, but you can’t muster up the nerve to commit to it for the long haul?

What if I told you that you can incorporate that gorgeous wallpaper pattern into your home decor without the huge commitment?

After spending some time on Pinterest the other day, I quickly discovered that there are a ton of creative wallpaper ideas that you can use to introduce a punch of gorgeous color and pattern into a room in bite-size, non-committal doses.

Today I’m sharing some of my favorite creative wallpaper ideas with you.

Let the inspiration begin…

collage of unique wallpaper decorating ideas - text "8 creative ways to decorate with wallpaper".

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8 Creative Wallpaper Ideas

 

1. Bookshelf Wallpaper

 using wallpaper to decorate the back of bookshelves.
 
If the thought of adhering the paper directly to the wall/bookshelf back is too scary, affix the wallpaper to pieces of foam board cut to fit the space.

 

2. Wallpaper Art

Example of using wallpaper as framed art pieces.

Combine wallpaper scraps or samples with inexpensive frames to create a stunning, budget-friendly gallery. I just love this Pottery Barn-inspired wallpaper gallery that I came across on the Postcards from the Ridge blog.

3. Wallpaper Drawer Liners

using wallpaper samples as drawer liners.

 

If you’re looking for a subtle way to add color and/or pattern to your room, use wallpaper remnants to line your drawers throughout your home. It’s such a fun surprise.

4. Tabletop Wallpaper

example of using wallpaper on top of a table to decorate.

 
Another creative wallpaper idea I love — Cut a piece of wallpaper to fit the top of a console table, desk, or end table and top it with a piece of cut-to-order glass. Voila…a stunning decor conversation piece!

5. Wallpaper Table Runner

using wallpaper as a table runner.
 
 Pull out those rolls of wallpaper remnants the next time you’re planning to entertain to create a beautiful table runner to anchor your tablescape. Just how gorgeous is this Easter-themed tablescape by Kate at Kate’s Creative space?

 

6. Wallpapered Door Panels

 

wallpapered door panels. 

Leave it to Martha Stewart to serve up this clever wallpaper repurposing idea.

Use moulding+wallpaper remnants to create colorful door panels that will liven up any space.

7. Wallpaper Stair Risers

wallpapered stair treads.
Make your home the talk of the neighborhood by using wallpaper remnants on stair treads to create a one-of-a-kind stairway. This photo makes me swoon each time I look at it!

 

8. Removable Wallpaper

room displaying removable wallpaper.

 

Of course, there IS a way to decorate with wallpaper on your walls, even for commitment-phobes — removable wallpaper. Is your interest piqued? I know mine’s been when I’ve come across this product in some local retail stores.

If you decide to take the plunge, check out these sources for removable, peel and stick wallpaper:

 

Feeling inspired? Which one of these creative wallpaper ideas will you try in YOUR home?

 

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Natalie Gallagher is a former professional organizer and home stager who has spent the past 12 years helping people achieve their vision of an organized and beautiful home via the Refined Rooms brand. During her time as a professional organizer, she was a member of the National Association of Productivity & Organization Professionals, serving as Director of Communication and Technology for the North Coast Ohio Chapter.

She is also an APPO-certified photo organizer who specialized in helping her clients with photo organizing and paper management. Natalie earned her staging and redesign certification through Home Staging Resource in 2013. She loves to teach home sellers how to stage their homes to attract buyers.

When not blogging about home organization, decluttering or decorating, she's likely making plans to tackle the next DIY home improvement project on her never-ending To Do list.

4 Comments

  1. Because I live in a rental, there are some restrictions as to what I can do, so I can definitely see using wallpaper to cover the back of the wall unit with coordinating pieces in picture frames to really punch up my living room. Thanks for the inspiration!

    Reply

    1. Yes, all of these ideas are ideal for renters! I remember feeling like my “decorator” hands were tied during my years as a renter. I would have LOVED the opportunity to use removable wallpaper

      Reply

  2. My favorite wallpaper option is wallpapering the risers on the stairs. When we change our stairs to wood, I want to do it. My husband has an aversion to wallpaper so this will be a struggle to get him to agree. Wish me luck.

    Reply

    1. Well the beauty of using the repositionable wallpaper is that it’s not permanent. Is he averse to the permanency of it, or the general look of it?

      Reply

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