15 Creative Ways to Use Wallpaper

Wallpaper has always been a great way to decorate walls, but that’s the past because there are so many creative ways that you can use wallpaper. Not only is it modern, but also super-affordable, and you’ll be able to do little, but effective tweaks to your home spaces just with wallpaper.

Today, we’re discussing some cool ways you can use wallpaper to give your living spaces a little boost.

Use it as drawer Liners

Give your plain dresser drawers an unexpected touch by lining them with wallpaper that matches or contrasts nicely with your room’s palette. It’s a subtle design element, but one that feels surprisingly luxe every time you open a drawer.

This trick works particularly well in bedrooms or kitchen cabinetry and adds a layer of personality that feels intentional without being over-the-top.

Bookshelf backing

Swapping out a basic bookshelf back with wallpaper is a clever way to add depth and style. It turns the background into part of the design, helping everything from books to vases stand out more.

Just choose a pattern that balances well with your room’s tones while offering enough contrast to be visually interesting.

They’re great for staircase risers

Staircases often get overlooked, but applying wallpaper to the risers can totally change that. It brings pattern and personality to an area of the home that usually feels strictly functional.

Whether you go bold with geometric prints or keep it soft with florals, it’s a surprisingly easy way to give your stairs a designer touch.

Picture frame matting

Instead of traditional matting, try using wallpaper to frame your artwork or photos, it’s a simple way to add texture and visual richness. This DIY upgrade not only ties your framed pieces to the room’s design but can also make your wall art look more expensive than it really is.

Just cut the wallpaper to fit the frame and layer it behind your image for a polished, custom effect.

As a mini furniture makeover

Rather than reaching for paint, consider using wallpaper to refresh old furniture pieces. It works great on flat surfaces like tabletops, cabinet faces, or the backs of shelves.

Doing this is especially useful if you’re looking to add personality to plain or outdated furniture without diving into a full renovation.

Ceiling accents

Applying wallpaper to the ceiling might sound a bit daring, but it can completely change how a room feels. It draws the eye upward, which helps smaller spaces feel a bit larger or cozier, depending on your pattern choice.

Lighter prints work well for brightening a space, while darker tones can create an intimate, high-end vibe.

Closet interiors

Closets don’t have to be dull. Adding wallpaper to the interior walls instantly gives the space a boutique-like charm.

Since closets are smaller and mostly hidden, it’s the perfect place to try out bold prints or luxurious materials you wouldn’t necessarily use elsewhere in your home.

Kitchen cabinet interiors

If you have glass-front cabinets or open shelving, wallpaper can be a smart way to add color and keep things looking tidy. It hides the visual clutter behind plates and cups while bringing a sense of cohesion to your kitchen design.

Just be sure to pick a pattern that complements your dishware rather than competes with it.

An alternative headboard

No headboard? No problem. Apply wallpaper directly behind your bed to mimic the look of a custom headboard, without spending a fortune.

For a more finished appearance, frame the wallpapered area with molding or trim to give it depth and structure.

Lampshade covering

Tired of boring lampshades? Try wrapping them with wallpaper to bring in color, pattern, or texture. Using wallpaper as a lampshade covering works best with smooth, simple shapes like drums or cones.

The result filters light beautifully and helps tie your lighting in with the rest of the room’s style.

Excellent tray linings

Serving trays, drawer organizers, or even jewelry boxes can be easily upgraded with just a bit of wallpaper. This small touch makes a big impact, turning everyday items into pieces that feel elegant and well-designed.

It’s a fun and easy project that lets you use leftover scraps from bigger wallpaper jobs.

Accent walls in small doses

You don’t need to go all-out with wallpaper to make a statement. Try using it on a small section of a wall, like behind floating shelves or inside a built-in nook.

These little pops of pattern can create interest and depth without overwhelming the space—or your wallet.

Gift wrapping paper

If you’ve ever held a roll of high-quality wallpaper, you’ll know it makes a beautiful alternative to traditional gift wrap. It’s thicker, more decorative, and often comes in patterns you just can’t find in standard wrapping paper.

Use it for special gifts where the presentation matters just as much as what’s inside.

Art projects and framing

Even scraps of wallpaper can be turned into artwork. Cut out interesting patterns or sections, then frame them as standalone pieces or arrange them into a gallery wall.

It’s a great way to use leftovers creatively and add art to your walls without buying expensive prints.

Cabinet door panels

Give flat cabinet doors a new identity by inserting wallpaper into the panel areas. The wallpaper adds pattern and personality while keeping the structure of your cabinetry intact.

It’s an especially good option in bathrooms or kitchens where a small design touch can go a long way.

Pattern play that never gets old

These creative wallpaper applications show that good design isn’t about following rules; it’s about finding ways to bring beauty into your daily life. Whether you’re covering drawer bases that only you’ll see or creating statement ceilings that wow every visitor, wallpaper offers endless possibilities for personal expression.

The best part is that most of these techniques require minimal commitment and investment, making it easy to experiment with bold patterns and colors you might never dare to use on entire walls.

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