Prices, Promotions, styles, and availability may vary. Our local stores do not honor online pricing. Prices and availability of products and services are subject to change without notice. Errors will be corrected where discovered, and Lowe's reserves the right to revoke any stated offer and to correct any errors, inaccuracies or omissions including after an order has been submitted.

Modern and Contemporary Wallpaper Ideas

Lowe's Editorial Team

By Lowe's Editorial Team
Updated September 16, 2022

Wallpaper is an exciting alternative or complement to painted walls that allows you to let your unique style shine through in every room of your home. Learn about some of the current trends in wallpaper and find what speaks to you.

A smiling woman hanging a sheet of pink wallpaper.

Peel-and-Stick Decals

If you’re not quite ready to commit to regular wallpaper or you’re living in a rented space, removable peel-and-stick decals are a great way to try out wallpaper without any risk. These decals come in a variety of sizes and types, including large decals that look like pieces of art, murals that take up an entire wall and small decals that you can apply in whatever formation you prefer. They’re removable, so you can reposition them while you’re putting them up. The adhesive is still strong enough to hold but won’t damage your walls.

Good to Know

To determine how much wallpaper you’ll need for your next project, use our Wallpaper Calculator.

Good to Know

Be sure to check the product details to see if the decal is easily removable.

Bold Prints for an Accent Wall

A modern dresser and potted plant in front of a blue and white wallpapered wall.

For a pop of something different, cover one of your walls with striking wallpaper instead of just painting it a brighter color. This modern wallpaper technique allows the pattern of your chosen paper to shine without overpowering the room. Botanical, nature-inspired prints are really popular. They range from monochromatic green-on-green plant patterns to technicolor wonders.

If you prefer a more geometric pattern, search for art deco-inspired patterns that would make Gatsby proud. Look for modern designs inspired by classic wallpapers from the past, such as patterns inspired by Chinese or Japanese art. Whatever you choose, your accent wall is sure to pop if you paint the other walls a coordinating color that matches an element of your wallpaper’s pattern.

Minimalist Patterns

A table in front of a wall with gray patterned wallpaper.

If subtlety is an important part of your design style, you may be more drawn to simple, understated patterns that complement your room. Look for patterns with neutral color palettes and details like geometric patterns made from thin lines, abstract brushstrokes or dots. Striped, chevron or geometric wallpaper options with thick lines in black and white are sure to draw the eye if you’re looking for something bold and straightforward. Or keep it simple yet unique with a quirky pattern that’s neutral in color but incorporates unexpected images or designs.

Textured Wallpaper

A person’s hand touching blue and black patterned wallpaper with a pine cone design.

Give your room a new look and feel with textured wallpaper. This kind of paper adds depth to your room and can even mimic expensive wall treatments like tile or wood paneling. This is a great choice if you want to add interest to your walls but would rather keep your color palette neutral. Consider wallpapering your bathroom — another up-and-coming trend — with a print that mimics the look of tile. Contemporary wallpaper that re-creates the look of Mediterranean tile will have you feeling like you’ve stepped into a villa in Mykonos.

Related Tags: