Looking for creative wallpaper ideas that don’t involve a long-term commitment? Read on!
Last Updated: December 2020
I spent a crazy amount of time removing wallpaper in my kitchen and powder room as part of our whole home redesign. During the hours of scraping and peeling, I made a promise to myself that I’d never decorate with wallpaper in my home again (although I broke that promise by using wallpaper in our coastal bathroom makeover years later).
Using wallpaper on your walls requires a serious long-term commitment, since installing it and removing it are both labor-intensive (and often very aggravating!) processes. Wall coverings are also much more expensive than paint, so you’re typically less inclined to “change it up” every few years.
So what do you do if you’re like me and often find yourself smitten with a particular wallpaper pattern that you come across on Houzz or a home decor blog, but you can’t muster up the nerve to commit to it for the long haul?
What if I told you that you can incorporate that gorgeous wallpaper pattern into your home decor without the huge commitment?
After spending some time on Pinterest the other day, I quickly discovered that there are a ton of creative wallpaper ideas that you can use to introduce a punch of gorgeous color and pattern into a room in bite-size, non-committal doses.
Today I’m sharing some of my favorite creative wallpaper ideas with you.
Let the inspiration begin…
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8 Creative Wallpaper Ideas
1. Bookshelf Wallpaper
2. Wallpaper Art
3. Wallpaper Drawer Liners
If you’re looking for a subtle way to add color and/or pattern to your room, use wallpaper remnants to line your drawers throughout your home. It’s such a fun surprise.
4. Tabletop Wallpaper
5. Wallpaper Table Runner
6. Wallpapered Door Panels
Leave it to Martha Stewart to serve up this clever wallpaper repurposing idea.
Use moulding+wallpaper remnants to create colorful door panels that will liven up any space.
7. Wallpaper Stair Risers
8. Removable Wallpaper
Of course, there IS a way to decorate with wallpaper on your walls, even for commitment-phobes — removable wallpaper. Is your interest piqued? I know mine’s been when I’ve come across this product in some local retail stores.
If you decide to take the plunge, check out these sources for removable, peel and stick wallpaper:
Feeling inspired? Which one of these creative wallpaper ideas will you try in YOUR home?
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Janet Barclay says
Because I live in a rental, there are some restrictions as to what I can do, so I can definitely see using wallpaper to cover the back of the wall unit with coordinating pieces in picture frames to really punch up my living room. Thanks for the inspiration!
Natalie Gallagher says
Yes, all of these ideas are ideal for renters! I remember feeling like my “decorator” hands were tied during my years as a renter. I would have LOVED the opportunity to use removable wallpaper
Sabrina Quairoli says
My favorite wallpaper option is wallpapering the risers on the stairs. When we change our stairs to wood, I want to do it. My husband has an aversion to wallpaper so this will be a struggle to get him to agree. Wish me luck.
Natalie Gallagher says
Well the beauty of using the repositionable wallpaper is that it’s not permanent. Is he averse to the permanency of it, or the general look of it?