Alright, let's talk about the elephant in the beautifully decorated room. Is wallpaper still a thing in 2026, or is it time to roll it up for good? I've been seeing so much conflicting chatter online, so I dove deep into what the actual pros are saying. Spoiler alert: the answer isn't a simple yes or no.

Remember the wallpaper of our parents' era? Those floral borders and Tuscan murals that made every room feel like a time capsule from 1995? Yeah, that stuff earned wallpaper a pretty bad rap for a while. It got ripped down left and right, replaced with the safety of plain paint. But then, something shifted. Wallpaper started sneaking back in—first as a bold accent wall, then taking over entire powder rooms. Now, it's everywhere again. But is this a lasting comeback or just another fleeting trend? I asked myself that, then went straight to the experts.

Darci Hether, principal designer at Darci Hether Interior Design, put it bluntly: "Wallpaper isn’t going anywhere." Boom. She calls it one of the most powerful tools for creating mood, personality, and a sense of intention in a space. Think about it. A bold print or a subtle texture can shape the feeling of a room in a way a can of paint just...can't. It makes a bigger impact than your favorite armchair or that perfect drape.

So, how are we using it now? It's all about being thoughtful and space-specific.

• Powder Rooms: Go BOLD. This is the place for that unforgettable, jaw-dropping pattern. No one spends hours in there, so you can really have fun.

• Bedrooms: Think tonal, soothing prints. We're creating sanctuaries, not sensory overload.

• Unexpected Spots: Laundry rooms? Walk-in pantries? YES. A playful motif here adds so much personality to functional spaces.

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Here's the real tea ☕: What's out are the trendy, one-size-fits-all patterns that flood your Instagram feed one month and disappear the next. You know the ones. That super specific print you see in every influencer's foyer for six weeks straight. Darci Hether says it perfectly: "The staying power lies in thoughtful, space-specific selections." We're over doing something just because it's the 'pattern of the moment.'

Susan Jamieson, founder of Bridget Beari Designs, backed this up with some historical perspective. "Wallpaper is always en vogue," she explains. "It’s the patterns and colorways that can fall out of fashion." The material itself is timeless; it's the design on it that dates a room.

So, what patterns are timeless according to the pros? Here's your cheat sheet:

Susan even shared a secret from her own line: "I have a Parisian-inspired pattern called Roux, printed on a silvery grasscloth, that has worked in everything from modern lofts to traditional homes for years." That's the goal—finding patterns with longevity.

Okay, but what if you're still nervous? Committing to a whole roll of paper feels...permanent. I get it! Here's the 2026 alternative that designers are loving: decorative paint treatments. 🎨

We're not talking about your basic eggshell finish. Think lime wash, roman clay, ethereal cloud motifs on ceilings, ombré effects, or bold hand-painted stripes. Susan Jamieson uses these all the time for clients who waver on wallpaper. "Paint is often the more affordable option for larger surfaces," she says, "and it allows you to creatively play and customize your palette."

The best part? It's lower stakes. Remember the sponge-paint era? (We don't talk about it 😅). If you tire of a decorative paint treatment, another coat covers it. No steaming, no scraping, no adhesive residue.

So, my final take for 2026?

• Wallpaper is IN, but thoughtless wallpaper is OUT.

• Skip the fast-fashion prints. Invest in patterns with history and texture.

• Use it intentionally to define a space's mood.

• If you're scared, dip your toe in with decorative paint. It's the perfect trial run.

The consensus is clear: wallpaper isn't dying. It's just evolving. We're choosing character over clutter, intention over imitation. And honestly? That's a trend I can get behind. Now, who's ready to transform their powder room?