6 Stylish Spaces That Make the Case for Accent Wallpaper

Time Several Hours

Budget $ $$$

Skill Level

WORDS BY The Havenly Team

Fill 1Created with Sketch.

Published on March 1, 2023

Gone are the days where wallpaper meant unstylish and outdated. To us, wallpaper has never felt chicer. But let’s face it, wallpapering entire rooms can be tricky (and for that matter, quite expensive), which is why we’re making the case for the wallpaper accent wall. Whether you’re wallpapering in a hallway, nursery, or living room, one wallpapered surface is enough to make a room feel anything but ordinary. 

From playful florals to small-scale patterns, there’s a wallpaper out there for every space and style—just pick your accent wall! (How to choose? A good rule of thumb is the one you see first when you walk into a room.) Keep scrolling for our designers’ best accent wallpaper ideas that will have you rethinking this “outdated” decorative staple. 

1. Out of the Blue

Accent wallpaper choice

Delightfully bold accent wallpaper in an unexpected spot lends an energetic layer to white-walled rooms. A hallway is a low-stakes space to play around with bright colors and hand-painted patterns—bonus points for matching your door and ceiling!

2. Decorative Details

Accent wallpaper choice

When you’ve got the itch to wallpaper your living room but don’t want to break the bank, try it on a windowed wall to add just the right amount of interest with limited yardage. This elegant pattern not only plays well with others, but adds depth to more bright, south-facing rooms. 

3. Guest Room Flair

Accent wallpaper choice

Who said attics had to be drab? In fact, don’t shy away from using your imagination when it comes to an attic bedroom and make clever use of that awkwardly shaped wall with accent wallpaper. We can’t get enough of the striking contrast of allover florals with softer, neutral shades. 

4. Dresser Glam

Accent wallpaper choice

This floral accent wallpaper is the perfect backdrop for a calming bedroom that doesn’t overwhelm your wind-down. Keep the look from falling flat (or better yet, feeling too granny) by layering modern-minded accents like a brass mirror and touches of greenery.

5. Entryway Accent

Accent wallpaper choice

With entryways and in-between spaces, get a little adventurous with colors or patterns you might not feel comfortable living with in other spaces. In this mudroom, a classic black-and-white gingham packs just the right amount of punch without making you want to run for the hills. 

6. Nautical Nursery

Accent wallpaper choice

In nurseries and playrooms, a large-scale pattern on accent wallpaper feels more like a mural or one-of-a-kind artwork that will actually grow with your kids. Use your wallpaper accent wall to guide the entire room’s look and feel—here, blush pink mingles with shades of blue for a nursery that’s playful without feeling too child-like. 

Want expert advice on your actual home, straight from an interior designer? Start with our style quiz to work with a design pro one-on-one.