Choosing wallpaper for small rooms might be a little intimidating. We get it! This guide will show you what patterns work and what doesn’t.
Wallpaper is one of the best ways to add character, style, and personality to your home. It’s also an inexpensive way to change up your space without spending a lot of money on new paint or furniture.
But if you have limited wall space, choosing the right pattern can make all the difference in how well-designed your room looks.

Stripes
Stripes are perfect for small spaces because they’re easy to apply. Plus, they come in lots of fun shapes and sizes.
Here are some examples:
Cottage Core Ceiling Stripes
Looking for something a bit different? Why not play around with some beautiful ceiling stripes! The light colors here are perfect for not overwhelming the space.
Bold Grey And Black Vertical Stripes
These bold monochromatic stripes are perfect for adding height and interest to any small room.
Candy Pink And White Wallpaper
This light pastel-colored stripe is a great way to do a subtle stripe. It’s a perfect pink and latte shade that would work very well with soft cream accents in a small room. It’s also vinyl adhesive, making it super easy to apply!
Rainbow Stripes Wall Décor
These peachy-toned subtle rainbow stripes would be perfect for a nursery! As they are easy to remove, it makes it the perfect solution for a room that can grow as quickly as your baby does!
Bold Pink Striped Paper Accent
One bold stripe can say a lot! It can add intrigue to your room, maximize your ceiling height and add a splash of color all at once.
Florals
Flowers are always a great choice for small rooms. They add texture and dimension without taking up too much space.
Here are some floral inspired patterns that will bring life into your little space:
Botanical Tale Wallpaper
When going for a big, bold floral, opt for a large piece of artwork as it can elevate your small space. This one is a beautiful example that lets light bounce off of its pastel tones perfectly.
Pink Whimsy Floral Wallpaper
This cute and whimsical design would be amazing in a nursery, or in a feminine-themed study or workspace.
Pastel Wildflower Mural
This mural-style piece is a great way to incorporate nature and color into a room. Pair it with crisp white accessories to really maximize its appeal and not distract from its beauty.
Chinoiseries Wallpaper Print
What’s more full of whimsy than a gorgeous bird and flower scene? This bathroom idea is sure to have you smiling every time you step into this small space and the pattern is elevated by accents of gold in the mirror and light fixtures. A perfect example of how sometimes more really is more!
Blue Fern Print Wallpaper
Who said floral couldn’t be subtle? This beautiful fern pattern is a great way of doing a two-toned bathroom without feeling dull and boring. The blue and white tones give a cheeky hint to nautical whilst still looking fresh and on-trend.
Textured Wallpaper
It may not be your first go-to but there are so many reasons why we love it! Texture adds depth and dimension to a small space and textured wallpaper works very well with smaller furniture pieces.
It creates an interesting focal point in a small space and can give a sense of calmness and serenity to a small space.
If you’re after a textured wallpaper look in a small room but don’t want to go crazy with it, then check out these options:
Traditional Cream Textured Paper
Keeping it classy with a beautiful, subtle cream and traditional pattern, this patterned wallpaper would be a great way to add depth and character to any small room if you are worried about feeling overwhelmed.
Paint-Over Square Patterned Wallpaper
This handy wallpaper is easy to paint over so you can add texture and dimension to your walls whilst also creating a look that is totally unique to your aesthetic!
Cream Textured Dotted Wallpaper
If you are looking to do over a small space that has damaged or uneven walls, this is a perfect solution! Textured wallpapers like this are very forgiving so you have a little more leeway than trying to wallpaper over a damaged wall with traditional styles.
Textured Faux Wood Wallpaper
Why not add some interest and dimension with a faux textured wallpaper? This wooden-look wallpaper is the perfect easy solution to create a cosy snug room!
Bold Print
When choosing a bold print, think about what will work best in your small space. If you have a lot of natural elements in your home, such as plants, flowers, and greenery, then a bolder print might feel overwhelming.
Adding a bold print to a small space can make all the difference between feeling cosy and claustrophobic. If you are looking for something bold, take a look at these ideas:

Tangerine Crab Wallpaper
How amazing is this psychedelic crab print? This only works because the rest of the room has been tailored to be muted- letting the bold print stand on its own. It is also only on a small area of the wall, whilst still having a huge impact visually.
Mountain And Tree Peel and Stick
This beautiful graphic mural is perfect for adding magic to a creche or children’s room. Whilst it may seem counterintuitive to put such a big picture up, it adds cosiness and playfulness to the room.
Rainbow Wonderland Wallpaper
Another great example of how you can add happiness and playfulness to a room with a bold print. The colors used here are bright and happy which makes the large print really pop off the wall.
Botanical Nature Mural
This green and tropical scene look perfect with golden accents and a simple surround. A fun choice for a regal-looking bathroom, or to add drama to a coatroom.
Bold Underwater Seascape
Subtlety is overrated. Subtlety can often mean boring, whereas bold prints can bring life into even the smallest rooms. This strong print is busy, but teamed with a matching color pallet will accentuate this loud pattern and bring your small room to life.
Tips And Tricks For Decorating A Small Room
So let’s start with some general tips about picking out wallpaper that works for small spaces.
Pick A Pattern That Fits Your Room Size
If you want to keep things simple, stick to a single pattern. If you’re looking for something more complex, try using multiple patterns in different sizes.
For example, if you have a large living room, use a bold pattern like this geometric print. You could even use a smaller version of the same design as accent walls throughout the house.
Use Large And Bold Prints In Small Spaces
Large prints are great for small spaces because they cover a lot of ground quickly. They also look good when framed by a window or doorway.
Don’t Overdo The Pattern
Don’t go crazy with the number of patterns you choose. Too much pattern can overwhelm a small room. Stick to two or three main colors.
Choose A Comfortable Color Palette
You don’t need to match every color in your room to a specific hue. Instead, pick a few key hues that help define your space.
Keep Things Simple With One Main Theme
A monochromatic palette has one dominant color. It’s easy to create a cohesive look with just one color.
Avoid Clashing Colors
Avoid mixing too many colors together. When you do, it makes it hard to see where one ends and another begins.
Make Sure To Match Up The Décor
It’s tempting to put a patterned piece of art against a plain wall. But if there isn’t any other décor in the room, it won’t really fit in.
Consider Adding Texture
Texture adds interest to a room. Try adding a rug or throw pillow to break up the pattern.
Add Some Lighting
Lighting changes the mood of a room. So if you want to give off a cosy vibe, consider adding dimmer switches.
Mixing Materials Is Great
Mixing materials gives you options for creating unique designs. For example, you could combine wallpaper with fabric, wood, or metal.
With those few tips and tricks out of the way, let’s have a look at some of the best ideas of how you can make the most of a small room with some awesome patterns!
Final Thoughts
Wallpaper is an affordable option for decorating a small room. You don’t need to spend a fortune to get a good result. With just a few tips, you’ll be able to find the right wallpaper for your tiny space.
You don’t need to go dull and boring to make your small room look good, in fact, a loud print when well placed can really make a small room into a great design feature in your home.
What is your favorite way to use wallpaper? Let us know!
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