Complete Guide: Wallpaper Trends 2025 (From Patterns to Materials)

Wallpaper is making a spectacular comeback in interior design. Gone are the tacky patterns of the past; today it is a key element for personalising a space, creating an atmosphere, and even structuring a room. This reference guide reveals the wallpaper trends for 2025, the different types available, how to choose the right one for your needs, and the mistakes to avoid for a decorator-worthy result. Whether you are a fan of minimalism or maximalism, here you will find all the keys to adopting trendy wallpaper.

The Different Types of Wallpaper

Non-Woven Wallpaper

Non-woven wallpaper is the top favourite among decorators and DIY enthusiasts. Made from cellulose and polyester fibres, it is strong, breathable, and does not warp in humidity. Hanging is simplified: you paste the wall, not the strip, which prevents bubbles and allows better pattern alignment. It can be removed dry, without damaging the wall.

Vinyl Wallpaper

Vinyl wallpaper is coated with a thin layer of PVC, making it washable and resistant to knocks. Ideal for kitchens, bathrooms, or children's rooms, it withstands humidity and stains. Its downside: it is less breathable and can be more difficult to hang in corners.

Traditional Wallpaper (or Paste-the-Paper Wallpaper)

Traditional wallpaper is the most classic. Made of simple paper, it is economical but fragile, sensitive to humidity, and difficult to hang. It requires pasting the strip and a soaking time. Best reserved for dry rooms and perfectly smooth walls.

Textured Wallpaper (Non-Woven, Velvet, Embossed)

Textured wallpapers add relief and a tactile dimension. You can find velvet, embossed, linen, or even jute effects. They are perfect for creating a warm and sophisticated atmosphere. Hanging them requires a bit more care, especially for aligning relief patterns.

Panoramic Wallpaper

Panoramic wallpaper is a wall mural made up of several strips that form a continuous image. Very trendy for accent walls, it often depicts landscapes, forests, or large-scale abstract patterns. It draws the eye and adds depth to the room.

How to Choose Your Wallpaper: Essential Criteria

According to the Room

For a bedroom, choose non-woven or textured wallpaper in calming tones (soft greens, blues, beiges). Avoid vinyl as it can be less breathable. For a bathroom, washable vinyl is essential. For a kitchen, choose vinyl resistant to splashes and steam. For a living room, all types are possible, but non-woven offers the best quality-to-hanging ratio.

According to the Desired Effect

Geometric patterns energise a space, floral or botanical patterns bring softness, marbles and trompe-l'œil add luxury. Matte finishes are modern and elegant, while satin or glossy finishes reflect light and visually enlarge the room.

According to Quality and Price

Price ranges vary from single to triple. A roll of quality non-woven wallpaper costs between £25 and £70. Check the grammage (the higher it is, the thicker the paper) and lightfastness (good durability over time). For easy hanging, opt for a paper with a straight match rather than a drop match.

Wallpaper Trends 2025: Patterns and Materials

The Return of Botanical and Nature

Botanical patterns are everywhere: monstera leaves, palm trees, ferns, but also stylised flowers in a watercolour style. Earthy colours (terracotta, ochre, sage green) pair with cream or light grey backgrounds. This trend brings a breath of fresh air to urban interiors.

Revisited Geometric Shapes

Geometric shapes remain current, but with softer lines: rounded motifs, waves, chevrons. Contrasting colours (black and white, navy blue and gold) create a very contemporary graphic effect. Striped wallpapers with vertical stripes increase the ceiling height, while horizontal ones widen the room.

Natural and Sustainable Materials

Natural fibre wallpaper (linen, jute, bamboo) appeals with its raw and eco-friendly look. Textured finishes imitating concrete, wood, or stone are perfect for a loft or industrial style. Recycled paper or FSC-certified wallpapers meet a growing demand for responsible decoration.

Maximalism and Bold Patterns

For the bold, oversized patterns and bright colours (fuchsia, mustard yellow, electric blue) are making a strong comeback. Animal print wallpapers (zebra, leopard) revisited in a chic version, or Art Deco geometric and gold patterns, add a glamorous touch.

Mistakes to Avoid When Choosing and Hanging

• Not ordering enough rolls: measure the surface precisely, add 10–15% margin for waste and pattern matching. Note the batch number to ensure the same shade.
• Ignoring the wall condition: a porous, damp, or uneven wall will ruin the hanging. Apply a primer if necessary.
• Choosing a pattern too busy for a small room: prefer subtle patterns or a single accent wall.
• Neglecting light levels: in a dark room, avoid very dark colours that will further darken the space.
• Attempting complex hanging without experience: drop match or panoramic wallpapers are best left to experts.

Care and Cleaning Tips

Washable Wallpaper

Vinyl wallpaper can be cleaned with a damp sponge and a little mild soap. Avoid abrasive sponges that scratch the surface. For stubborn stains, use a microfibre cloth lightly dampened with rubbing alcohol (test on a hidden area first).

Non-Washable Wallpaper

Non-woven or traditional wallpaper does not tolerate water. Dust it regularly with a feather duster or a vacuum cleaner fitted with a soft brush. Fingerprints can be removed with a magic eraser (very slightly dampened).

Textured Wallpaper

Velvet or embossed wallpapers are delicate. Use a vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment to remove dust. Avoid any contact with water.

Comparison Table of Wallpaper Types

How to Hang Wallpaper: Key Steps

Wall Preparation

The wall must be clean, dry, smooth, and coated with a suitable primer. Fill holes and sand rough spots. For non-woven wallpaper, a specific primer improves adhesion.

Measuring and Cutting

Measure the wall height and add 5–10 cm for adjustments. Cut the strips respecting the pattern match (straight or drop). Number each strip in hanging order.

Pasting and Hanging

For non-woven, apply paste to the wall with a roller. For other types, paste the strip and fold it accordion-style to let it soak. Hang the first strip using a plumb line, then smooth with a wallpaper brush from the centre to the edges to remove bubbles.

Finishing

Trim excess at the top and bottom with a sharp utility knife. Roll the seams with a seam roller. Wipe off excess paste with a damp sponge.

Conclusion

The wallpaper trends 2025 offer a range of possibilities for all styles: from calming botanical to dynamic geometric, through natural materials and bold patterns. To succeed in your project, choose non-woven wallpaper for its ease of hanging and maintenance, select a pattern suitable for the room and lighting, and avoid classic mistakes of quantity or preparation. Whether you want to create a spectacular accent wall or paper an entire room, let your desires guide you. Discover our collection of trendy wallpapers to find the one that will transform your interior.