Choosing wallpaper can shape the mood of a room, from a cozy breakfast nook to a softly patterned guest bedroom. These wallpaper ideas come from Elsie’s 1904 home, where samples were considered in different rooms before the final designs were selected. The examples below show how pattern, color and room function can work together, along with practical answers to common wallpaper questions.

Wallpaper ideas from Elsie’s home
Katherine Sage in the bedroom
The bedroom features Katherine Sage Wallpaper by Lulie Wallace. The design is also available in dusty blue. When comparing color options, look at samples in the room at different times of day, since natural and artificial light can affect how a shade appears.

Medlar in the breakfast nook
Medlar Wallpaper brings a cozy, homey feel to the breakfast nook beside the kitchen. It has been in place for more than a year, and its pattern was chosen to feel suitable throughout the seasons. The blue details also inspired the idea of repainting the built-ins in dusty blue. Before committing to a paper, consider nearby finishes such as cabinetry, trim and furniture.

Butterflies in the library nook
Butterflies Wallpaper in Parchment covers a small window nook on the third floor of the home library. The rest of the room, including the ceiling, is painted in a moody trim color, making the lighter nook a distinct feature. This pattern was chosen instead of a mural. For a small area, a sample can help show how much of the pattern will be visible around windows and other architectural details.

Saint Sebastian in a treescape
Saint Sebastian by Rebel Walls has a soft, low-contrast treescape that suits the home’s period. The selection was also considered in relation to seasonal decorations, from Halloween and Christmas to a child’s birthday party. If a room is used for different occasions, a quieter pattern can provide a flexible backdrop.

Storyline in Delft Blue
Storyline Wallpaper in Delft Blue is a second design from Hygge & West used in the home. The same design had been used in a previous home in a lighter color. Its pattern reads as subtle from a distance, while small characters such as swans and pigs offer details to discover up close.

Fruit Design in Wine
Morris Wallpapers Fruit Design in Wine adds a deep, moody look. Darker prints have become favorite spots in the home, showing that a rich color can feel welcoming rather than overwhelming. For a bold design, testing a sample against the room’s lighting and furnishings can make the choice feel more considered.

London Rose in Smoke Grey
London Rose Wallpaper in Smoke Grey decorates the guest bedroom. Pink was also considered, but the smoke grey version was selected for this space. The print has a long history, and this room provided an opportunity to use a much-loved pattern at home.
Frequently asked questions about wallpaper
What affordable wallpaper is worth considering?
Wallpaper costs can add up, particularly when professional installation is included, and there is no single option that is inexpensive for every project. Set a budget that accounts for both the paper and labor before ordering. For a decorative look at a lower cost, consider DIY projects that create a wallpaper-inspired effect, while keeping in mind that the finish will differ from actual wallpaper.
Is it better to install wallpaper yourself or hire a professional?
Elsie hires a professional installer because wallpaper needs to be aligned with reasonable precision. Installation has often cost roughly as much as the wallpaper in this home. It is also useful to have the installer measure the walls and calculate the number of rolls needed, which can reduce the chance of running short and needing to reorder. Confirm the measurements and roll requirements before placing an order.
Is removable wallpaper a good choice?
Removable wallpaper does not always come away without affecting the wall, while some traditional wallpaper can be straightforward to remove. Results depend on the product and the wall surface. If you rent or want to try a removable design, test a small, inconspicuous area first and check the product’s instructions before covering a full wall.
Final thoughts on wallpaper ideas
These wallpaper ideas show how a design can suit a room’s purpose, architectural details and changing seasonal decor. Comparing samples in place, planning for installation costs and checking how a pattern works with existing finishes can help narrow down the options. Written by Elsie.
