When I first started daydreaming about our second daughter’s nursery, I knew exactly the vibe I wanted—vintage and cottage-inspired, something timeless and sophisticated but still feminine and pretty. The images that came to mind were of beautiful wallpaper paired with intricate trim work to create character, charm, and coziness. I wanted the room to feel lived-in and whimsical yet also functional enough to grow with her over the years.
But here’s the thing about wallpaper: once you dive in, you quickly realize there are so many stunning options out there. During my pregnancy, I spent what felt like hours (okay, maybe days) scrolling through inspiration pictures and comparing patterns, textures, and color palettes. And if you’re anything like me, that journey can feel equal parts exciting and overwhelming.
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The good news? After navigating this process firsthand, I’m sharing my best tips to make finding the perfect wallpaper easier for you. Whether you’re designing a nursery, a playroom, or any cozy corner of your home, these steps and recommendations will help you create a space that feels uniquely you.
1. Start with a Vision
Before you get lost in an endless scroll of wallpaper options, take a step back and imagine the overall vibe you want the room to have. What color scheme did you have in mind? Is it playful and colorful? Sophisticated and neutral? Vintage-inspired or modern chic?
For me, I was drawn to a vintage/cottage look with soft colors and delicate patterns. Pinterest and Instagram were lifesavers during this phase—I created a mood board filled with images of nursery designs I loved. Doing this helped me narrow down my preferences and avoid getting sidetracked by options that didn’t fit my vision.
Pro Tip: Don’t limit yourself to nursery-specific inspiration. Look at bedrooms, living rooms, and even boutique shops to get ideas for patterns and textures that speak to you.
2. Think About Longevity
When choosing wallpaper for a child’s room, it’s tempting to go for something super kid-specific. But trust me, you’ll thank yourself later if you pick a design that can grow with your little one.
Instead of going for a cartoonish print or something overly trendy, I looked for timeless patterns like florals, subtle stripes, and classic toile. These designs feel whimsical enough for a nursery but can transition beautifully into a little girl’s room—or even a teenager’s!
Here’s a Tip: Ask yourself, “Will I still love this pattern in five years?” If the answer is no, keep looking.
3. Order Samples (Lots of Them!)
Pictures online can be deceiving—colors look different in person, patterns can feel too large or small for your space, and textures might not be what you expect. What you thought would be the perfect fit might turn out to be a huge and expensive mistake. Ordering samples is essential.
When I was picking out wallpaper for my daughter’s room, I ordered at least 10 different samples. I taped them up on the walls and looked at them during different times of day to see how they interacted with the natural light. Some patterns I thought I’d love ended up feeling too busy, while others looked perfect in the space. Another factor I kept in mind with the samples was durability. You’ll want to ensure the wallpaper will last in a space with children so having one made from more durable materials is important if that’s where your wallpaper will be!
Pro Tip: Even if samples come with a small fee, it’s worth it to make sure you’re happy with your final choice.
4. Consider the Rest of the Room
Wallpaper is a statement-maker, but it doesn’t exist in a vacuum. Think about how it will pair with other elements in the room—furniture, curtains, rugs, and even trim work.
For the nursery, I chose a wallpaper with a delicate floral print in soft pinks and greens. It complemented the white wainscoting we planned to install and worked beautifully with the vintage-inspired furniture we picked out. The result? A cohesive, cozy space that feels like it was meant to be.
If you’re starting with existing furniture or decor, keep those colors and styles in mind when picking a wallpaper. And if you’re starting from scratch, let the wallpaper guide the rest of your choices—it can set the tone for the whole room!
5. Choose the Right Type of Wallpaper
Not all wallpaper is created equal. Here are a few options to consider:
- Peel-and-Stick: Perfect for renters or anyone who wants an easy installation process. It’s removable, which makes it ideal for kids’ rooms where your style might change over time.
- Traditional Wallpaper: Offers a more polished, permanent look but requires glue and professional installation (or a lot of patience if you’re DIYing!).
- Textured or Fabric Wallpaper: Adds depth and dimension but can be trickier to clean, so it might not be the best choice for high-traffic areas.
6. Get Creative with Placement
Wallpaper doesn’t have to cover an entire room. If you’re hesitant to go all-in, consider using it on an accent wall:
- Create a feature wall behind the crib or bed.
- Use it inside a closet or built-in shelves for a great pop of color or pattern.
- Frame a section of wallpaper with molding to create a unique art piece. I’ve also seen people do this with wall murals!
- If you’re feeling daring and have the ability to hire this one out – try wallpapering the ceiling!
This approach lets you experiment without committing to wallpapering the whole space.
7. My Top Picks for Timeless Nursery Wallpaper
To save you from endless scrolling, here are a few different types of wallpaper patterns I absolutely adore:
- Delicate florals: A soft, romantic floral print with muted tones. Perfect for a vintage or cottage-inspired kids bedroom.
- Classic Toile: Timeless and elegant, toile patterns add a sophisticated touch to any space.
- Whimsical Woodland: Think delicate illustrations of trees, animals, and flowers—whimsical designs without being too cutesy.
- Subtle Stripes: Clean and versatile, stripes pair beautifully with wainscoting or other trim work.
- Block print: Tiny, repeating patterns that feel sweet and feminine without overwhelming the room.
I’ve linked a few of my favorites below to help you get started:
- Yael Floral Wallpaper
- Cole and Son Lepidoptera Wallpaper
- Fable Wallpaper – Rifle Paper Co.
- Floral Field Wallpaper
- Huset I Solen Folklore Blue
- Willowberry – Rifle Paper Co.
- Hawthorne Wallpaper
- Poppy Blush Wallpaper
- Cream Terrene Wallpaper
- Wallpaper Direct: Great for high-quality traditional wallpaper.
- Etsy Shops: A treasure trove of unique, handmade designs.
- Anthropologie: Gorgeous, dreamy patterns with a modern twist.
- Loom: I have heard rave reviews about these removable wallpaper options actually being very easy to remove – perfect for renters!
8. Take Your Time
Finally, don’t rush the process! Choosing wallpaper is an investment—both financially and emotionally. Give yourself time to fall in love with a design and feel confident about your choice.
For me, finding the right wallpaper for my daughter’s nursery felt like the final puzzle piece. The floral pattern I chose brought the entire room together, turning it into a space that’s cozy, charming, and oh-so-special. Every time I walk in, I’m reminded of all those hours spent dreaming and planning—and it was 100% worth it.
When in doubt, wallpaper really is the perfect way to add a bit of extra charm to your space – whether it be a guest room, girls room, or the laundry room it’s an easy way to truly elevate your space.
You’ve Got This!
Creating an inviting atmosphere for your child is such a joy, and wallpaper is one of the best ways to make it truly special. Whether you’re going for vintage charm, modern whimsy, or anything in between, I hope these tips help you find a design that makes your heart happy.
And remember: it doesn’t have to be perfect to be wonderful. At the end of the day, it’s about creating a space where memories will be made—and that’s the real magic.
Happy decorating! ❤️
I love the way you’ve categorized décor styles! Would you consider adding a section on incorporating vintage or antique pieces?