A feature wall is one of the quickest and most impactful ways to change the atmosphere of a room without a full renovation. With the right wallpaper, you can add depth, character, colour and personality — whether your style is bold and dramatic, soft and minimal, or modern and textured.

Done well, a feature wall becomes the focal point of a space and sets the tone for everything around it. Here’s how to choose the perfect wallpaper and create a feature wall that feels intentional, stylish and timeless.

Why Feature Wallpaper Works So Well

Most rooms benefit from a visual anchor — something that draws the eye and gives the space direction. Wallpaper adds this instantly. It can introduce pattern, movement, warmth or tone without overwhelming the room or committing to a full makeover.

A feature wall also allows you to experiment with styles you love but might be hesitant to use across an entire room. It’s a safe, affordable way to inject personality.

Choose the Right Wall

Not every wall makes a good feature wall. The best candidates are usually:

• The first wall you see when you enter the room
• The wall behind a bed or sofa, creating a natural frame
• A fireplace wall, adding depth and drama
• A dining room wall where guests naturally face

Avoid walls with too many interruptions: multiple doors, uneven angles, or lots of built-in fixtures.

Wallpaper Styles That Always Work

When choosing a feature wallpaper, you’re essentially choosing the mood of the entire room. Here are timeless styles that work in almost any home:

1. Textured Neutrals

Grasscloth, linen-effect, plaster-effect and woven textures add depth without demanding attention. These are perfect for calm, minimalist interiors and pair beautifully with warm wood, soft lighting and cozy textiles.

2. Modern Geometrics

Clean shapes, repeating patterns and architectural lines bring structure to a room. They work especially well in home offices, hallways or contemporary living rooms.

3. Botanical and Nature-Inspired Prints

Soft florals, palm leaves, eucalyptus designs or abstract nature prints create a fresh, organic feel. These suit bedrooms, bathrooms, and garden-facing rooms.

4. Dark and Moody Murals

Deep tones, oversized prints, or dramatic landscape murals add instant sophistication. They’re perfect for dining rooms, reading corners or spaces where you want atmosphere.

5. Peel-and-Stick Wallpapers

Ideal for renters or commitment-phobes. They offer the same visual impact with far less effort — and can be removed or replaced seasonally.

How to Style Around a Feature Wall

Once your wallpaper is in place, the rest of the room should support the wall rather than compete with it.

• Let the wallpaper lead the colour palette. Choose accessories that echo one or two tones from the print.
• Keep the rest of the walls simpler. This prevents the room from looking busy.
• Balance pattern with texture. If the wallpaper is bold, keep furniture and fabrics quiet and textural.
• Use lighting to enhance it. A floor lamp or soft uplighting casts shadows that highlight texture and print.

A feature wall should feel like an intentional design decision — not an accident.

Practical Tips Before You Install

Even the most beautiful wallpaper can fall flat if applied poorly. A few easy steps make all the difference:

• Make sure the wall is smooth, dry and clean.
• Order an extra roll to account for pattern matching.
• Start from the centre of the wall if the pattern is symmetrical.
• If using peel-and-stick, apply slowly and work out air bubbles as you go.

Good preparation makes the installation look professional, even if you’ve never wallpapered before.

Where Feature Wallpaper Works Best

Feature walls look incredible in:

• living rooms
• bedrooms
• dining areas
• home offices
• hallways
• bathrooms (with moisture-resistant paper)

Small spaces like entryways or under-stair corners can also take bold prints beautifully — sometimes more so than large rooms.