Charming Ways to Use Wallpaper in Unexpected Spaces

Wallpaper used to be reserved for statement walls or prim-and-proper parlors, but not anymore. Today’s prints range from whimsical to refined, and designers are using them in fresh, unexpected ways that feel anything but traditional. Whether it’s a cozy nook or a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it detail, wallpaper is the easiest way to add soul and surprise to your space. Here’s how to work it into places you might not have thought of—but absolutely should.

1. Inside Cabinets, Closets, and Built-Ins

Open a cabinet door and be met with a splash of botanical print or soft plaid? That’s the kind of quiet charm that makes a home feel layered and thoughtful. Line the back of a bookcase, the inside of a linen closet, or even your pantry for a little wink of style every time you open the door.

It’s like a secret detail you get to rediscover daily.

2. Behind Shelving or Open Storage

Wallpaper is the perfect backdrop for styled shelves. Whether it’s open kitchen shelving, a bar nook, or bathroom built-ins, adding a patterned or textured paper gives depth and definition to your display. Think grasscloth behind ceramics, or a delicate floral behind stacks of books and baskets.

It turns practical storage into a design moment.

3. On Ceilings (Yes, Really)

Ceilings are often called the fifth wall for a reason. Covering yours in wallpaper adds instant drama and creates a cozy, enveloping effect—especially in smaller rooms like powder baths, nurseries, or reading nooks. Go bold with a moody print or keep it ethereal with a soft watercolor or cloud motif.