Goodbye dull walls: 10 illusion wallpapers and herringbone patterns to transform your space

1. Bring the space to life with color

Color is a quick and budget-friendly way to change a room’s mood. A standout shade can define a space, highlight details, or create a three-dimensional effect—by painting a door or dividing the wall into sections. The latest shades in Swedish paint manufacturer Nordsjö’s Mio collection range from the lively Energi hue on the door to the serene Sidenband pink.

2. Add a tile surface

You can cover all sorts of surfaces with narrow tiles. Try them on cabinet doors, door frames, or even as a workspace backsplash. For small projects, silicone or construction adhesive works well. The newest soft pastel tones and embossed patterns in ABL’s Biscuit tile series add intriguing texture to any surface.

3. A lighter take on stone

Woodio Wall panels look like stone but are actually a lightweight, easy-to-work-with wood composite. This Finnish-made material withstands water and heat, and its dirt-repellent surface makes it an excellent choice for the kitchen or as decorative wall paneling. You can cut and install the panels with standard woodworking tools.

4. For those craving variety

Living in a rental but still want a fresh look on your walls? Made of Sundays has devised a new type of paper wallpaper sticker that lets you choose your own color. The wallpapers are made to order and arrive pre-cut. You can install them without paste or special tools. The patterns and borders match each other, so creating a colorful half wall or brightening up an entire room is easy.

5. Two-in-one

How about a wall that dampens sound and doubles as a bulletin board? It’s the perfect solution for a home office or entryway. Made of cork, Nordgröna’s Saga panels can be arranged into any shape. They’re produced in Portugal from leftover wine corks. Cork is naturally acoustic and easy to keep clean.

6. The rugged beauty

Tile isn’t just for bathrooms. A rod-shaped, slightly curved tile on a living room accent wall brings structure and a striking three-dimensional look. The tile surface stands up to everyday life and splashes, but acoustics may vary. Choose a matte finish for a calm effect, or go glossy to emphasize light and texture. The sofa shown is Bebé by Interface.

7. Herringbone

Herringbone floors have been popular for a while—now the pattern has climbed onto walls. Wonderwall Studios’ Herringbone panel is made from recycled pine, and its three-dimensional surface brings structure and energy to a living room, bedroom, or kitchen wall. The panels work in dry indoor areas and attach easily with construction adhesive. The result looks as though it’s always been there.

8. A fresh take on paneling

Ordinary trim can build a surprisingly structured wall surface to liven up a dull room. Attach the strips with wood glue or small nails, fill the seams, and paint them the same color as the wall. The lower section here is Cinnamon Cake from Sweden’s Nordsjö Modern Heritage palette, and the upper is Misty Montrouge.

9. Let it splash!

Wallpaper in the kitchen backsplash doesn’t have to be risky if you choose the right material. Italian brand Wall & decò’s Wet System wallpaper finish looks like a painting, but it’s waterproof and washable. This seamless finish also fits a bathroom or laundry room, and it can be applied over an older, even surface.

10. Fool the eye

What if that gorgeous paneling were just wallpaper? Casadeco’s Moulures & Co collection of decorative panel wallpaper makes it surprisingly simple to achieve a classic look. No nails, no trim—just put up the wallpaper, and you’re good to go.