
We Asked Designers If Wallpaper Is Finally Out in 2026—And Their Answer Surprised Us
Wallpaper, despite its historical popularity and recent resurgence, continues to be a subject of debate in interior design circles. While it faced a period of disfavor in the late 20th century due to associations with dated styles like wallpaper borders and Tuscan murals, it has seen a significant comeback over the last decade. This return began with accent walls, progressed to bold powder rooms, and now commonly features full room patterns and dramatic murals.
Designers generally agree that wallpaper is not going out of style, asserting its timeless appeal as a powerful tool for shaping the mood, personality, and intention of a space. Darci Hether, principal designer and founder of Darci Hether Interior Design, emphasizes that wallpaper makes a greater impact than paint or singular pieces of upholstery or drapery. It can be utilized in various ways, from creating an unforgettable statement in powder rooms with bold patterns to adding tonal prints in bedrooms and playful motifs in unexpected areas like laundry rooms or walk-in pantries.
However, the type of wallpaper gaining traction is shifting. The era of "one-size-fits-all" patterns—those that quickly become ubiquitous on social media platforms like Instagram—is fading. Instead, the emphasis is now on thoughtful, space-specific selections that reflect individuality rather than fleeting trends. Hether notes that the staying power of wallpaper lies in these deliberate choices, moving away from overly busy or generic designs.
The timelessness of wallpaper depends significantly on the chosen pattern and colorway. Susan Jamieson, founder of Bridget Beari Designs, explains that while wallpaper itself remains en vogue, specific patterns and color schemes can fall out of fashion. She highlights certain motifs as inherently timeless, such as delicately colored Chinoiserie and Toile de Jouy, as well as grasscloth and Art Deco designs. Classic patterns like moody William Morris botanicals are also cited as maintaining sophistication across centuries.
For those hesitant about the commitment of wallpaper, decorative paint offers a compelling alternative. Techniques such as lime wash or Roman clay are gaining popularity among designers. These decorative paint treatments provide a design-forward look with less permanence compared to wallpaper. Jamieson points out that paint is often a more affordable option for larger surfaces and allows for creative play and customization of palettes. Despite decorative paint also having its own historical trends, it offers a lower-stakes way to introduce style to a room, as a design choice can be easily changed with another coat of paint.
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