Infusing a fresh dose of personality into a home office can be as simple as installing wallpaper. And these days, there is no shortage of inspired options to shop, ranging from wild and whimsical botanical prints to patterns that can create optical illusions. If you should choose to do so, make a statement with a bold motif, stick to the basics with a near-solid, or opt for textured wallpaper. Regardless of what you choose, it can be easier and faster (not to mention, cleaner) than having to paint your workspace.
If you're wary about the installation process, take comfort in the fact that there are plenty of tutorials at your disposal, and when all else fails, consider hiring a professional to get the job done right. Seeking a less permanent route for your office space? Go for the removable, peel-and-stick variety, which can be relatively affordable and always rental-friendly.
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Video of the Day
To help you get going, we've compiled a shortlist of our favorite home office wallpaper design ideas to date. Take a look!
1. Stick to a palette.
When carving out a workspace in this East Village Duplex, interior designer Louisa Roeder operated within a single color family to achieve a cohesive finish. Despite the vibrant and illustrated nature of the wallcovering and the subtle pattern of the window treatments next to it, she was able to mix and match the eclectic motifs in the room by sticking to a reserved palette of moody reds.
Get the look: Thibaut Goa Wallpaper in Sun Baked, $178 per roll
2. Play with shapes.
If you're craving modern wallpaper with a bit more movement, experiment with geometric motifs as the creative behind the blog Seasons in Colour did in her home office. The interlinked pattern makes for an easy way to usher in a subtle, two-tone detail while inviting a major dose of visual interest in an otherwise modest space. Follow the blogger's lead and use the print to freshen up a midcentury scheme.
Get the look: Farrow & Ball Enigma Wallpaper, $280 per roll
3. Set a theme.
When it came to refreshing her home office design, the lifestyle blogger behind Kelly in the City went with an ethereal wallpaper pattern to emulate the room's nautical palette of blue and white. The free-flowing vines of the print establish a serene backdrop that's rich in character yet still subtle enough that it feels like a seamless extension of the decor. A few natural touches, such as woven baskets and framed wall decor, add distinction with effortless cool.
Get the look: Serena & Lily Priano Wallpaper, $98 per roll
4. Create contrast.
Working with a two-tone color scheme not only makes your life easier when it comes to choosing the decor but also lends a refined element to any space. When choosing a wallpaper pattern for a home office, strive to find one that can tonally complement the existing colors in the room. Allow this beautiful black and white workspace featuring Rifle Paper Co.'s chic floral print to serve as inspiration.
Get the look: Rifle Paper & Co. Hydrangea Wallpaper, $110 per roll
5. Tell a color story.
In this contemporary home office from Chris Loves Julia, the wallcoverings are undeniably the focal point. Not only does the leafy print invite a natural element to the workstation, but it also sets the tonal theme of the room and doubles as a mural of sorts. The dark shades of green are emulated by the velvet sofa, the soft brown of the branches by the leather chairs, and the lighter off-white notes by the walls and chic built-ins, for a seamless finish.
Get the look: Sandberg Special Edition Raphael, $182 per double roll
6. Finesse the backdrop.
Source a wallpaper pattern that can serve as the main event of a feature wall, in lieu of the standard paint job. In this contemporary scene from Making Joy and Pretty Things, the idea is played out with the help of built-ins that are instantly elevated by minimalist removable wallpaper that's cleverly layered in the background.
Get the look: Walls Need Love Sketch Floral Wallpaper, $4.44 per square foot
7. Make it an accent.
For those seeking home office ideas that make a statement, follow Lust Living's lead and go for high-contrast removable wallpaper to set the mood. Black and white is as timeless as it gets and optimal for a variety of decorative aesthetics. Introduce warm metal finishes for a glam detail or fill the space with an eclectic array of potted greens to create your very own oasis.
8. Do more with less.
Even the tiniest home offices deserve a design-forward redux and what better way to introduce a bold splash of interest than with a captivating wallpaper pattern? The cheeky print in this closet-turned-workspace, spotted on Chasing Paper, is a prime example of the impact a colorful print can have on a small space. Keep the color palette limited to avoid a busy finish.
Get the look: Chasing Paper Parrots Wallpaper, $40 - $120