As we move into 2026, we will start to see a stronger shift toward maximalism, where people are more adventurous with how they decorate at home. Instead of playing it safe, people will embrace louder pattern repetition, layers of colours and playful motifs.
Here our 2026 Wallpaper Design Trend Predictions for 2026:
Botanical and Nature-Inspired:
Large-scale botanicals are returning with strength. Think White Lotus season one, that modern luxury meets slightly nostalgic island escape. Nature-inspired themes more broadly, such as landscapes, sky scenes and bird prints, are being used to create full mood environments rather than simple feature accents.
People are choosing interiors that feel restorative, connected to the outdoors, calm and grounded. As a result, wallpaper is shifting into the primary visual statement in a room, rather than sitting quietly as a neutral background.
Rich Colour, Bold Patterns & Maximalist Looks:
There is a clear shift away from ultra minimal and extremely subtle wallpaper treatments toward richer colour, bolder pattern and stronger personality in the room. Homeowners are far more willing to make a statement, which is driving demand for designs that carry visual weight rather than disappear into the background.
Geometric and art deco-inspired patterns, layered 3D effects, sculptural repetition and strong graphic forms are becoming more prominent. High-impact visuals are being used to create an intentional sense of drama, rather than simply providing light texture.
Interiors are no longer viewed as neutral containers. They are expressive spaces that reflect identity, taste and mood. Wallpaper is becoming an active design tool to build narrative, not a quiet passive surface, and this is pushing pattern direction into a more confident and character-led territory.
Texture & Tactile Wallpapers:
The materiality of wallpaper is becoming far more significant. Texture is moving into focus as a core design driver. Think grass cloth effect, woven linen finishes, faux stone surfaces and soft sculptural relief. The emphasis is on walls that feel tactile and dimensional, rather than simply printed and flat.
People want surfaces that invite touch and create visual depth, and these textural qualities communicate a higher level of craft and intentionality. As the market becomes fatigued by minimal flat white walls, this direction introduces warmth, character and a sense of considered detail.
Relief, texture and material variation bring a premium feel to a space. They elevate a room and make the wall itself part of the design story, not just a backdrop.
Sustainability, Innovation & Functionality:
Wallpaper is evolving beyond pure decoration. Performance is becoming a defining part of the conversation. Expect more focus on waterproof finishes, recyclable or lower impact substrates and eco-conscious material choices. There is also growing experimentation with smart integrations, where wallcoverings do more than simply dress a surface.
This aligns with the wider interior trend for 2026, where wellness, adaptability and inclusivity are central themes. People want materials that support daily living, that are durable, easy to maintain and that feel aligned with responsible decision making in the home.
More than ever, people are looking to create spaces that aren't just stylish: they are personal, meaningful, and reflective of a deeper connection to the environment they live in. From statement murals to eco-friendly textures, wallpaper is becoming a key element in designing spaces that feel as individual as you are.
