Wallpaper Isn’t Just for Walls—7 Unexpected Spaces Just Waiting for Color and Pattern

Kelsey Clark · April 8, 2022

Bold coral wallpaper with Asian-inspired pattern creates vibrant dining room with neutral upholstered chairs

We hate to break it to those many brave souls that spent days removing 70s-era wallpaper with a spray bottle and putty knife, but wallpaper is officially back. Thanks in part to the much-needed advent of peel-and-stick wallpaper, this once-dated design feature has been given a second lease on life.

Not only are there endless neutral, textured options that feel fresh and new, classic patterns like floral, geometric, damask, and more are also making a comeback (in other words, yes, that retro wallpaper you removed is in style again).

But, being interior designers, we can’t help but love a creative, non-traditional wallpaper moment. Peel-and-stick has opened a whole new world of design opportunities, from wallpapered ceilings and staircases to bookcases, cabinets, and beyond. Ahead, find the creative wallpaper ideas our design team is bookmarking this season:

1. Wallpaper on a staircase

Bold teal paneled wall treatment creates modern living room with warm wood credenza and geometric rug

A little strip of wallpaper is all you need to make a dash upstairs that much more exciting. Keep it low-maintenance with a peel-and-stick option that you can easily clean or switch out if it gets a lot of wear and tear.

2. Wallpaper on shelves

Warm, earthy mid-century modern space with botanical patterned glass cabinet and natural wood furnishings

Line cabinets, drawers, or the back of bookshelves with peel-and-stick wallpaper for a touch of subtle pattern. Little details like this are what make a house feel truly homey and unique to you — even if it’s hidden behind a cabinet front.

3. Wallpaper on the ceiling

Eclectic dining room with floral ceiling wallpaper, dark walls, and mixed vintage wood furniture

We’ll never tire of statement ceiling wallpaper. Go with something subtle for a little added texture, or embrace a bold print to create a subtle design feature in your space. Either way, ceiling wallpaper definitely adds a punch of excitement to your space – particularly when paired with a dramatic shade of paint.

4. Wallpaper on a dresser

Contemporary bedroom with blue arched headboard wallpaper and serene botanical styling

This is such a fun and easy way to breathe new life into an old, thrifted, or found piece of furniture, from dressers to armoires and beyond. It’s an easy weekend DIY project, especially if you go the peel-and-stick route.

5. Wallpaper as framed art

Sophisticated master bedroom blends mid-century modern furniture with warm wood and neutral palette

We love a low-commitment wallpaper moment. If you want a pretty and unique accent without spending time and money wallpapering your space, frame a favorite print of yours as a large-scale statement piece, or add it to a gallery wall. It’s a great way to test the waters with pattern without committing to an all-over look.

6. Wallpaper surprise moments

Bold patterned wallpaper bringing an unexpected pop of personality to an overlooked corner

In our opinion, it’s the secret spaces that nobody pays attention to that deserve a little bling. Try wallpapering your floating shelves, kitchen island, bar backsplash, coffee table, and more for an unexpected touch of personality.

7. Wallpaper behind wainscoting

Playful coral wallpaper with whimsical pattern transforms compact home office with feminine charm

Plot twist: add your wallpaper before panel moulding for an unexpected application of both wallpaper and wainscoting. Choose a high-contrast paint color for the moulding to really make the look pop!

Frequently asked questions

Is peel-and-stick wallpaper easy to remove?

That is the whole appeal. Peel-and-stick is designed to be low-commitment, so you can clean it, switch it out, or take it down if it sees heavy wear. That makes it ideal for renters and for testing a pattern before you commit to an all-over look.

Where can you put wallpaper besides the walls?

Almost anywhere you want a little pattern. Try it on ceilings, staircases, the backs of bookshelves, inside cabinets and drawers, on dressers and armoires, or on overlooked spots like floating shelves, a kitchen island, or a bar backsplash. You can even frame a favorite print as art.

Will peel-and-stick wallpaper damage walls or furniture?

Peel-and-stick skips the paste and mess of traditional wallpaper, so it is generally gentle on surfaces and renter-friendly. As with anything adhesive, it is smart to test a small, hidden area first, especially on older paint or unfinished wood.

Is wallpaper still in style?

Very much so. Wallpaper is back in a big way, from fresh neutral and textured options to classic florals, geometrics, and damask. The difference now is how creatively people use it, well beyond a single accent wall.

Ready to find the right wallpaper moment for your space?

A Havenly designer can help you choose a pattern, scale, and placement that feels like you, not a showroom.

Take the Havenly style quiz—10 minutes, and you'll be matched with a designer who can plan wallpaper moments that fit your rooms.

Not ready to commit? Try Havenly AI—snap a photo of your room and see it reimagined with pattern in unexpected places.