Wallpaper Patterns: Our Tips for Choosing the Right One

Are you torn between stripes, geometric patterns, or textures? This guide answers your key questions for choosing the right patterned wallpaper to transform your space. Which colors and shades to prioritize, how to visually enlarge a room, and which 2025 interior design trends to follow. We cover it all.

Table of Contents

• What is patterned wallpaper?
• How to choose the right patterned wallpaper
• Which wallpaper pattern can make a room feel larger?
• The most trending wallpaper patterns
• How to choose the right wallpaper pattern for a living room
• Can you mix multiple wallpaper patterns in the same room?

What is patterned wallpaper?

Patterned wallpaper is a decorative wall covering printed with repeating designs or continuous images: geometric patterns, stripes, florals, and more.

• It can cover an entire wall or be used as an accent to create a focal point in a room.
• When placed thoughtfully, facing the entrance, behind a sofa, or behind a headboard, it structures the space and can visually enlarge it by playing with height, depth, and light.
• You can also go for a total look by covering multiple walls, or even use it on the ceiling for a cozy, enveloping effect.

Note: Our patterned wallpapers are sold exclusively in rolls (not custom-made, which is reserved for our panoramic designs).

How to choose the right patterned wallpaper

Here’s a simple method with 6 tips + tricks:

1. Analyze the room and light

Consider orientation, windows, and natural light. Light colors and white reflect light, while darker shades create a cozy, enveloping feel.

2. Define your goal (ask the right questions)

-->Create depth? - Patterns with perspective; slightly darker tones on the back wall and lighter colors on the side walls create an illusion of space. Matte textures (linen, lime) absorb light and enhance the sense of depth.

-->Add height? - Vertical stripes, stems or branch patterns pointing upward, geometric patterns with vertical axes; keep the upper border plain to visually stretch the room.

--> Warm up a large space? Warm textures, earthy tones (terracotta, ochre, golden brown), organic or soft geometric patterns on a large scale.

--> Liven up a corridor? - Small rhythmic geometric patterns with contrasting colors.

3. Choose the scale of the pattern

• Large pattern = impact, perfect for an accent wall.
• Small pattern = subtle rhythm, ideal for small spaces (entrance, WC).

4. Lock in your palette : Stick to 2–3 colors + 1 neutral tone and harmonize with furniture and flooring (wood, stone, rugs).

5. Select the material : Non-woven (easy to use), HPC (more durable), or specialty textured options (sisal).

6. Test before installing : Order an A4 sample to see the effect, color, and how it reacts to light.

Which wallpaper pattern can make a room feel larger?

To visually enlarge a room, play with optical illusions :

• Vertical stripes → height. Perfect for low ceilings.
• Light shades & soft contrast → brighter, airier feel.
• Small, regular patterns → won’t overwhelm the space, ideal for very small rooms.
• Light-colored ceiling → draws the eye upward for a surprising effect.
• Single accent wall facing the entrance → attracts the eye and expands the visual scene.

Tip: Paint other walls in a coordinated color or off-white to enhance the sense of openness.

The most trending wallpaper patterns

• Stripes: Chic and timeless, like Joséphine and Juliette from our 1900 archives.
• Floral: Small stylized flowers, herbarium-inspired, leafy motifs… Pastel shades for a child’s room (Summerfield) or an elegant heritage style for an entryway or office (Frondaison).
• Geometric: More graphic and bright, these patterns simplify the room’s visual flow, enlarge the space, and fit contemporary design interiors, like our Cascade wallpaper.
• Trompe-l’œil textures: Timeless options like Éternelles or Terrazzo.
• Art Deco: Celebrating 100 years this year, vintage patterns are back in style. Explore our 19th- and 20th-century archives-unique, timeless designs perfect for classic or Haussmannian interiors, adding character, depth, and a cozy atmosphere.

Recommended models: Bambous, Gally, Marronnier & Rayure Aurèle

How to choose the right wallpaper pattern for a living room

• Large scale: Living rooms handle bigger patterns for visual impact.
• Friendly palette: Warm and neutral tones (beige, greige, terracotta) with a color accent.
• Reading & relaxation: Avoid harsh contrasts near lounging areas.
• Light: For dim rooms, choose a light pattern to brighten the space.

Can you mix multiple wallpaper patterns in the same room?

Yes, and it looks amazing if you follow these tips:

1. Common palette: 3–4 colors across the whole area.
2. Different scales: Pair a large pattern with a smaller one for balance.
3. Rhythm & breathing: Alternate walls with bold patterns and walls with minimal patterns to avoid visual overload. You don’t need to cover every wall.
4. Divide by zones: Reading corner, living room, bedroom, dining area—give each space its own atmosphere.
5. Plain light ceiling: If walls are bold, keep the ceiling neutral to maintain height and readability.

Quick FAQ

How to avoid mistakes when choosing a wallpaper pattern?

Avoid very small patterns in large spaces (they can look “speckled”) and very dark patterns in dim rooms. Always test a sample first.

Can you use patterned wallpaper in a small room?

Yes, especially with soft colors and light tones. Using it on all walls can also make the room feel important and stylish.

Can you put wallpaper in a bedroom?

Focus on applying it to a single wall to avoid overwhelming the space. Check out our headboard-inspired models.

What are the downsides of self-adhesive wallpaper?

Self-adhesive wallpaper may be less durable than non-woven, can struggle to stick to uneven surfaces, and may bubble if not applied carefully.

Which wallpaper pattern is easiest to install?

Simple geometric patterns or wide stripes are easiest to align, making installation faster and more uniform.

Conclusion

The right wallpaper pattern isn’t just about style ; it’s a tool to shape the space, the sense of light, height, and depth. With the right guidance, your choices become simple, and your decor gains character, without sacrificing comfort.