If your walls could talk, they might confess they’re craving a little excitement. When furnishing a home, most people start with the essentials—a plush rug, a comfortable sofa, soft sheets—and for good reason. But by the time they turn their attention to blank walls, decision fatigue often sets in, leading to a few framed photos and a coat of neutral paint. With a bit of time and a few panels, however, wallpaper can work wonders.
Vogue’s Guide to the Best Designer-Approved Wallpaper:
– The Bold Stripes: West Elm Pierce & Ward wallpaper – $149
– The Geometric Print: Backdrop Home Puntini Sisal wallpaper – $154
– The Tile Effect: Anthropologie Azulejo tile floral wallpaper – $48
– The Classic Toile: Spoonflower Manhattan toile – $129
– The Minimalist Texture: West Elm tempaper grasscloth wallpaper – $59
– The Blue Botanicals: Lulu and Georgia Scalamandre Linnea wallpaper – $219
– The Cozy Cottagecore: McGee & Co. mulberry wallpaper – $228
– The Verdant Vines: Serena and Lily Priano wallpaper – $128
The right pattern can turn a plain beige room into a space full of personality. If you only have the energy and budget for one big change, few updates make a bigger impact. “Items rely on a strong background or ‘envelope,’” explains Los Angeles-based interior designer Oliver Furth. “Nothing transforms a space more than a good envelope. I love using wallpaper to create mood or add coziness.”
One note of caution: with so many brands, patterns, and colors to choose from, finding the right combination can be overwhelming. That’s why we asked 15 interior designers where they buy wallpaper—from textured grasscloths to intricate frescos, these are the trusted, under-the-radar sources they return to again and again.
Gabrielle Bove
“Milton & King offers beautiful options at a lower price point than many vendors. They have an accessible range of creative prints, from geometrics to murals. This floral print, for example, feels otherworldly with its color story and depth. These wallpapers are perfect for high-impact spaces like powder rooms, laundry rooms, and jewel-box interiors.”
Milton & King bouquet metallic wallpaper – $550
Courtnay Tartt Elias
“I adore everything de Gournay does, so they’re my go-to for a splurge. Their hand-painted quality is unmatched—they’re true artisans—but the magic is in the customization. In one client’s dining room, we used the Colony pattern and made it their own: the big cat wears a lei of her favorite flowers, and a monkey delivers a letter addressed to their actual home. Every time a guest notices it, the room tells a story that belongs only to them. There’s nothing else like it!”
de Gournay The Colony wallpaper
Mary Graham and Nicole Salvesen
“We turn to Antoinette Poisson for their romantic, richly detailed wallpapers inspired by 18th-century French design. They blend florals and geometrics while maintaining a historic quality, giving their patterns a timeless yet distinctive depth. We especially love Baies, which is softer and more delicate. It’s a favorite we return to for its playful nuance.”
Antoinette Poisson Baies wallpaper – $170
Claire Staszak
“French wallpaper house Isidore Leroy caught my eye because their papers are so immersive and beautifully crafted. For me, wallpaper is the ultimate storytelling tool in a room—it always sets the tone. I ended up designing my own collection with them, and one print in particular has been…”Here are some favorite wallpapers from designers:
Marbré de Venise by Isidore Leroy ($276)
Melissa Lee says this marbled paper, inspired by Venetian bookbinding, adds incredible movement and depth to a room.
Petal wallpaper by Greenly Living ($245)
Robin Rains recommends this for spaces that can’t use permanent wallcoverings, as it evokes a similar look.
Amitié wallpaper by The Porter Teleo Shop ($773)
Ryan Saghian praises this brand for its hand-painted, fully customizable panels. He loves large pattern repeats for a bold statement that adds movement.
Capricorn by Little Greene ($495)
Beth Diana Smith is drawn to heritage brands for their craftsmanship. She loves scenic, transportive wallpapers and highlights Capricorn for its quiet, rhythmic quality that adds subtle movement and texture.
A Song for Mollie by Chasing Paper ($125)
Karen Asprea appreciates this brand for its color, pattern, and material flexibility. She loves this fun, abstract, and curvy pattern that looks like funky rainbows.
Vintage Clouds by Rebel Walls ($76)
Jessica Risko Smith uses this brand for simple, quality solutions, offering both traditional and peel-and-stick options. She’s currently installing Vintage Clouds in her bedroom.
Bird & Pomegranate by Morris & Co. ($432 at Wallpaper Direct)
Cynthia Ferguson notes these patterns have been produced for over 150 years due to their perfect proportions, livable colors, and versatility in any context.
Juicy Jute by Phillip Jeffries (Shop at Phillip Jeffries)
Jennifer Miller turns to this brand first for grasscloth, praising its wide color range and durable vinyl options. She loves Juicy Jute for its wider weave and phenomenal texture.
Fox in the Snow (Scots colorway) by Lake August
A favorite for its origin as paintings and hand-carved block prints, giving it unique depth and soul. The brand is also more affordable and supports original artists in the digital age.At first glance, a whimsical, almost abstract pattern reveals a beautiful interplay between animal and botanical motifs.
Lake August
Fox in the Snow – $232
Designer: Gerald Isaac
Belarte Studio
Clay Marble Burgundy – $85
Designer: James Huniford
Belarte Studio, based in Sweden, combines artistic integrity with Scandinavian sensibilities. Each design is scaled and printed to fit your exact space, allowing for seamless installation and significantly less material waste—a win-win that doesn’t sacrifice style. We’re excited to install their Clay Marble pattern on a bedroom ceiling in an upcoming La Jolla, California project.
House of Hackney
Artemis Wallpaper in Petrol – $345
Designer: Diana Lombaxrd
House of Hackney excels at creating immersive, transportive designs. Their patterns have a romantic, almost nostalgic quality, yet always feel current and full of personality. The Artemis style in Petrol offers a moody, cocooning backdrop with a richness that can completely transform a room.
Elworthy Studio
Portal Wallpaper – $76
Elworthy Studio is a favorite for its artistic and thoughtful approach. Founded by an artist, each design starts by hand, resulting in wallpapers that feel organic, grounded, and earthy. I’m especially drawn to their muted, sophisticated palettes and the sense of movement in the patterns. We recently used one of their papers in a teen lounge, where it struck the perfect balance between youthful energy and refinement—quickly becoming one of the home’s most memorable features.
Shop more designer-worthy wallpaper:
From bold patterns to subtle textures, the 16 options below offer something for every style and budget.
– West Elm – Floral Grid Wallpaper – $149
– Serena and Lily – Priano Wallpaper – $128
– McGee & Co. – Mulberry Wallpaper – $228
– Lulu and Georgia – Scalamandre Linnea Wallpaper – $219
– Backdrop Home – Painter’s Stripe – $119
– The Inside – Traditional Wallpaper Roll – $89
– West Elm – Tempaper Grasscloth Wallpaper – $59
– Sanderson – The Stumpery Wallpaper – $416 (via Lulu and Georgia)
– Backdrop Home – Wabi-Sabi Wallpaper – $56
– Schumacher x Miles Redd – Brighton Pavilion Panel – $959 (via Anthropologie)
– Backdrop Home – Gambit Panel – $654
– Spoonflower – Manhattan Toile – $129
– Spoonflower – Vertical Stripes – $129
– Anthropologie – Azulejo Tile Floral Wallpaper – $48
– West Elm – Pierce & Ward Wallpaper – $149
– Backdrop Home – Puntini Sisal Wallpaper – $154
Frequently Asked Questions
FAQs Top Wallpaper Retailers Recommended by Interior Designers
Q Why should I care about where interior designers shop for wallpaper
A Interior designers have insider knowledge They know which retailers offer the highest quality most durable materials the best customer service and the most unique or trendforward designs that you wont find in bigbox stores
Q What are the main benefits of buying from a designerrecommended retailer
A You typically get superior quality paper a wider range of premium brands expert advice and access to exclusive patterns and custom options that elevate a rooms look
Q Im new to this What are some wellknown trusted retailers that designers love
A Some consistently top recommendations include
Wallpaper Direct Huge selection of major brands excellent filtering tools and great sample program
Graham Brown Known for stylish accessible designs and innovative materials
Sandberg Renowned for their highquality Scandinavianinspired designs and extensive color palettes
Farrow Ball Famous for their rich pigmentrich colors and traditional elegant patterns
Hygge West Offers bold artistic and modern designs from collaborations with artists and designers
Q Are these retailers more expensive than what Id find at a hardware store
A Often yes Youre paying for better design higherquality materials and more durability Think of it as an investment in your homes decor that will last longer and look more professional However many offer options at various price points
Q Whats the 1 tip designers give for buying wallpaper online
A ALWAYS ORDER SAMPLES FIRST Viewing a small swatch on a screen is completely different from seeing the true color texture and scale in your own rooms lighting Most recommended retailers make this easy and affordable
Q I see terms like pastethewall and prepasted Whats the difference and why does it matter
A This is about installation