Photo via Flickr (Creative Commons)
Rooms
Hallway and Stairwell Wallpaper Ideas
These transitional spaces are perfect for a confident pattern that sets the tone for your whole home.
The Most Underrated Walls in the House
Hallways and stairwells are often treated as afterthoughts, but they are some of the best places to use wallpaper. As transitional spaces you pass through rather than linger in, they can carry a bolder pattern than you might choose for a living room, and they set the tone for the whole home.
Why Pattern Works Here
Because you move through a hallway, a strong pattern reads as a delightful moment rather than something to live with all day. Entryways especially make a first impression, so a confident wallpaper greets guests with personality from the moment they arrive.
- Bold prints feel exciting in spaces you pass through.
- Murals can turn a long wall into a journey.
- Tonal textures add warmth to narrow or dark corridors.
A dramatic Cole & Son print, a sweeping Rebel Walls mural, or a characterful Divine Savages design can all transform these spaces.
Handling Stairwells
Stairwells are visually dramatic but practically tricky, with tall walls and awkward angles. A continuous pattern can emphasize the height beautifully. If full installation feels daunting on a soaring wall, consider professional help, since the payoff on a well-papered stairwell is significant.
Practical Considerations
Hallways take knocks from bags, shoes, and busy traffic, so durable, wipeable papers are worth considering, especially at lower levels. Good lighting helps a windowless corridor show off its pattern. And because these spaces are narrow, a large sample is especially useful for judging how a print will feel up close.
Tying It Together
Since hallways connect rooms, choose a palette that bridges the spaces it links. A color echoed from adjoining rooms makes the whole home feel cohesive, turning your hallway into a thread that ties the house together.
FAQs
Can I use a bold pattern in a hallway?
Absolutely. Because hallways are transitional spaces you pass through rather than linger in, a bold pattern reads as a delightful moment. Entryways in particular benefit from a confident, welcoming first impression.
Is wallpapering a stairwell difficult?
Stairwells have tall walls and awkward angles that make installation tricky. A continuous pattern emphasizes the height beautifully, but for soaring walls it is often worth bringing in professional help.
Keep reading
Bathroom Wallpaper: Beating Moisture
Wallpaper can absolutely work in a bathroom when you choose the right product, placement, and ventilation.
Nursery Wallpaper Ideas That Grow With Baby
Create a soothing, joyful nursery with wallpaper that suits a newborn today and a toddler tomorrow.
Accent Wall Ideas to Try With Wallpaper
A single papered wall is the easiest way to add character. Here is how to choose the right wall and pattern.