There are two types of people in this world: Those who view their home as a convenient crash pad, and those who treat their space as a blank canvas for their most creative ideas. And, since you made it to this corner of the internet, let’s face it: You probably fall in the latter camp. You might’ve painted your doorway, added a stool to your powder room, and experimented with different hardware finishes, but what if you want to add even more personality to your space? Line your shelves and bookcases with wallpaper, of course.
Sure, a vibrant cabinet color is a textbook way to spruce up your storage, but wallpaper creates a “jewel box” moment designers like Jocelyn Chiappone simply can’t resist. “Storage is so often stale and devoid of personality,” says Chiappone, who helms Digs Design Company in Newport, Rhode Island. “We spend so much time in these spaces—why not make them delightful?”
Wallpaper can make one of the home’s most practical (and, truthfully, boring) spaces feel special, but you don’t have to be a diehard maximalist to see its appeal. Mary Kathryn Wells explains it’s a great way to dip your toes into bolder decor choices.
“It gives you the punchiness without the full commitment or the full spend of wallpapering an entire room,” explains the Nashville-based designer. “For clients who are wallpaper-curious but a little hesitant, this is often a solid gateway move.”
The right repeat, she adds, can depth and a layered effect—something a fresh coat of paint can never achieve on its own. Though you may want to exercise caution in a children’s bedroom—Wells cautions kids might be tempted to pick at a repeat’s edges—she says this tactic is “Zoom call goals” in an office or living room.
“When someone sees your built-ins behind you on a video call and asks where that wallpaper is from, you know you've nailed it,” she says.
So how do you nail the look? For starters, Wells says scale is “everything.” “A beautiful wallpaper can fall completely flat if the repeat doesn't work within the shelf opening,” she explains. For example, applying an oversized sprawling motif to relatively small shelves will read “fragmented,” so petite repeats are typically a safe bet.
In a recent project, Chiappone incorporated an atmospheric, slightly animal-centric repeat from Twigs Fabric & Wallpaperfor a touch of whimsy. “Vibrant colors and thoughtful details make the architecture feel fresh and inviting,” she notes. “High-quality hardware and custom details are timeless and bring a sense of history and significance to the design.”
There are a lot of options to sift through, but Wells recommends finding a pattern that gels well with the rest of the room. Highlighting an accent hue or introducing a new complementary color will offer cohesion.
Whether you opt for a ditsy floral, slim stripe, or something unexpected, you’ll want to show off your handiwork. “If the wallpaper won't be visible, there's no point,” Wells says. Need some inspiration? Follow these smart tips for a well-styled shelfie.
Kelsey Mulvey is a freelance journalist who has over a decade of experience in print and digital media. She covers interior design and lifestyle content for a breadth of publications, including Good Housekeeping, Country Living, House Beautiful, Veranda, and more. Her hobbies include themed spinning classes, Netflix, and nachos.
