How to Use Wallpaper to Create Spring Accent Walls
Spring is finally here, and I can feel the renewal in the air! After months of winter grays and neutrals, I’m craving color and pattern in my home. If you’re anything like me, you’re itching to refresh your space without committing to a complete redesign. That’s why I’m so excited to share my favorite spring decorating secret: accent walls using seasonal wallpaper.
I’ve transformed countless spaces with this simple technique, and today I’m going to walk you through everything you need to know to bring spring indoors with beautiful wallpaper accent walls.
Why Wallpaper for Spring?
When I first started in interior design, paint was my go-to for accent walls. It’s affordable and straightforward. But over the years, I’ve fallen head over heels for wallpaper—especially for seasonal refreshes.
Wallpaper brings texture, pattern, and personality that paint simply can’t match. With today’s removable options, it’s no longer the commitment it once was. You can easily swap patterns seasonally without damaging your walls.
For spring specifically, wallpaper offers unmatched versatility. Florals are an obvious choice (and I’ll share some gorgeous options), but botanical prints, light geometrics, and even subtle textures can breathe fresh life into your space. The dimension wallpaper adds is perfect for shaking off winter’s flatness.
Choosing the Right Wall
Not all walls are created equal when it comes to creating an accent. I’ve learned this lesson through plenty of trial and error!
The ideal accent wall typically:
- Serves as a natural focal point
- Has clean, uninterrupted space (fewer windows or doors)
- Is visible from the main entry point of the room
- Anchors important furniture (like behind the headboard or sofa)
In my living room, I chose the wall behind my couch. It’s the first thing you see when entering the space, and it frames my favorite sitting area perfectly. In my home office, I wallpapered the wall behind my desk, creating an inspiring backdrop for video calls.
Don’t be afraid to break the rules, though. Sometimes an unexpected wall—like the one alongside a staircase or the ceiling in a small powder room—can become the star of your spring refresh.
Spring Wallpaper Trends for 2025
This spring, I’m seeing some gorgeous trends in wallpaper design that are perfect for accent walls. After browsing design shows and working with clients on spring refreshes, here are the patterns I’m most excited about:
1. Watercolor Florals
Soft, dreamy watercolor florals are everywhere this spring. Unlike the bold, graphic florals of recent years, these have a gentle, artistic quality that adds sophistication without overwhelming a space. Look for larger-scale patterns in soft pinks, lavenders, and buttery yellows for a quintessential spring feel.
I recently used a watercolor peony pattern in my guest bedroom, and the way it catches the morning light makes the whole room feel like a garden in bloom.
2. Botanical Illustrations
Scientific-style botanical illustrations are making a huge comeback. These detailed renderings of plants, often on light backgrounds, add intellectual interest while maintaining a fresh, spring-appropriate vibe.
What I love about this trend is its versatility—it works in traditional spaces, modern rooms, and everything in between. In my dining room, I used a botanical print featuring herbs and garden vegetables, which feels perfect for spring and summer entertaining.
3. Abstract Nature
For those who find florals too obvious, abstract nature patterns offer a subtle nod to the season. Think organic shapes, gentle curves, and nature-inspired color palettes without literal leaves or blooms.
I’ve used these in more contemporary spaces where traditional florals might feel out of place. A client’s minimalist living room came alive with a pale blue abstract pattern that hints at rippling water and spring skies.
4. Light Geometrics
Geometric patterns haven’t disappeared, but they’ve evolved for spring. Look for lighter colorways and more organic interpretations of geometric forms. Hexagons that recall honeycomb, gentle waves, and imperfect circles all feel fresh for the season.
In my entryway, I installed a pale green geometric that suggests growing vines without being literal. It welcomes guests with spring energy without screaming “theme decor.”
Removable vs. Traditional Wallpaper
If you’re new to seasonal decorating with wallpaper, you might be wondering whether to invest in traditional paste wallpaper or try removable options. Both have their place, and I’ve used both extensively.
Removable Wallpaper Pros:
- Easy DIY installation and removal
- Perfect for seasonal changes
- No wall damage
- Great for renters
- Lower commitment if you’re unsure about the pattern
Traditional Wallpaper Pros:
- Often higher quality appearance
- More luxurious textures (grasscloth, silk, etc.)
- Greater selection of high-end designs
- Better longevity if you fall in love with the pattern
For my seasonal accent walls, I typically use removable wallpaper. The technology has improved dramatically, and even design professionals like me can’t tell the difference in many cases.
I save traditional wallpaper for spaces where I want a year-round statement or areas that need the extra durability, like powder rooms where moisture might be an issue.
How to Install Removable Wallpaper for Spring
Installing removable wallpaper is absolutely doable as a weekend DIY project. I’ve done it countless times, often by myself, though having a helper makes the process even smoother.
Here’s my step-by-step process:
- Clean your wall thoroughly. Any dust or debris will affect adhesion. I use a mild soap solution and let the wall dry completely—usually overnight.
- Measure carefully. Measure your wall height and add 2-3 inches for trimming. Mark light pencil lines on the wall to guide your placement.
- Cut your first panel. I always cut one panel at a time rather than pre-cutting everything. This gives me flexibility if I need to adjust.
- Start in a corner. Peel back about 12 inches of the backing paper. Line up the top edge with your ceiling or molding, leaving that small overhang for trimming.
- Smooth as you go. Using a plastic smoothing tool (or even a credit card wrapped in a soft cloth), press the wallpaper to the wall, working from the center outward to push air bubbles to the edges.
- Peel and smooth gradually. Continue pulling down the backing while smoothing the wallpaper onto the wall. Work in small sections—about 12-18 inches at a time.
- Trim excess. Once the panel is in place, use a sharp utility knife to trim the excess at the ceiling, baseboards, and corners. I change blades frequently to ensure clean cuts.
- Match patterns for subsequent panels. Line up the second panel to match the pattern of the first, allowing for that same small overlap at the top for trimming.
The beauty of removable wallpaper is forgiveness—if you make a mistake, you can usually peel it back and reposition without damage. Take your time and don’t rush the process.
Creating a Cohesive Spring Look
An accent wall should enhance your space, not fight with it. Here are my tips for creating a cohesive spring look:
Coordinate Colors, Don’t Match
Pull one or two colors from your wallpaper for accessories, but avoid matching everything perfectly. When I installed a blue and green botanical wallpaper, I added solid blue pillows and green glass vases—not more botanical prints.
Balance Pattern with Solids
If your accent wall has a busy pattern, balance it with solid-colored furniture and simple textiles. My floral accent wall looks perfect behind a solid cream sofa with textured neutral pillows. The wall remains the star without competition.
Add Natural Elements
Spring is about bringing the outdoors in. Enhance your wallpapered accent wall with fresh flowers, potted plants, or branches. These natural elements reinforce the seasonal feeling without adding competing patterns.
In my own living room, I place a large vase of cherry blossom branches near my spring accent wall. The real blooms echo the wallpaper’s pattern and create a magical sense of immersion.
Layer Textures
While your accent wall adds visual texture, don’t forget physical texture in the room. Lightweight linen curtains, a jute rug, or a chunky knit throw can add dimensional interest that complements your spring wallpaper.
Budget-Friendly Tips for Spring Accent Walls
Creating a seasonal accent wall doesn’t have to break the bank. Here are some money-saving tips I’ve learned over years of designing:
Focus on a Small Wall First
If you’re new to wallpaper or working with a tight budget, start with a smaller wall. A narrow wall beside a window or the back of a bookshelf can make a big impact without requiring as much material.
Use Wallpaper Remnants Creatively
Check for wallpaper remnants or end-of-roll discounts. These can often be perfect for smaller accent walls or creative projects like framed wallpaper “art.”
Try Upper/Lower Wall Applications
Instead of covering an entire wall, try applying wallpaper only to the upper half above a chair rail (real or added). This creates the impact of wallpaper while using less material.
DIY Wall Stencils
If wallpaper is beyond your budget, consider using a spring-themed wall stencil with paint. While more labor-intensive, this approach can achieve a similar effect at a fraction of the cost.
My Favorite Spring Wallpaper Sources
Over the years, I’ve found several reliable sources for beautiful spring wallpapers at various price points:
High-End Options:
- Anthropologie offers stunning artistic patterns perfect for spring
- Cole & Son has classic botanical prints that never go out of style
- Schumacher’s floral patterns are investment pieces that transform a space
Mid-Range Choices:
- Spoonflower has thousands of artist-designed patterns and excellent removable options
- Serena & Lily offers beautiful coastal-inspired patterns perfect for spring
- Rifle Paper Co.’s whimsical florals bring instant joy to any room
Budget-Friendly Finds:
- Target’s Opalhouse line features trendy patterns at accessible prices
- Wayfair’s peel-and-stick options include many spring-appropriate designs
- Amazon has surprisingly good removable wallpaper if you know what to look for
Seasonal Transitions: Beyond Spring
While we’re focusing on spring accent walls, I love how easy it is to transition these spaces through the seasons with removable wallpaper.
In my home office, I swap wallpapers quarterly:
- Spring: A light botanical pattern with soft greens and pinks
- Summer: A bolder tropical print with vibrant blues
- Fall: A warm abstract in amber and rust tones
- Winter: A subtle silver birch tree pattern
This seasonal rotation keeps my space feeling fresh and aligned with the world outside my window. It’s become a ritual I look forward to—a way to mark the passing of time and celebrate each season’s unique beauty.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
In my years of designing with wallpaper, I’ve seen (and made!) plenty of mistakes. Here are the most common ones to avoid:
Choosing a Pattern That’s Too Small
Small patterns can look busy and lose impact on an accent wall. I generally recommend medium to large-scale patterns that can be appreciated from across the room.
Ignoring Lighting Conditions
Wallpaper looks different under various lighting conditions. Always order samples and view them in your space at different times of day before committing.
I once selected a gorgeous pale pink floral for a client, only to discover it looked almost beige in their north-facing room. We switched to a pattern with more contrast, and the result was much more successful.
Mismatching Room Style
While contrast can be beautiful, your wallpaper should still respect the overall style of your room. A highly traditional toile might look out of place in an ultra-modern minimalist space.
Forgetting Scale
Consider your room’s size when selecting patterns. Very large patterns can overwhelm small spaces, while tiny patterns might get lost in grand rooms.
Making the Most of Small Spaces
Don’t have large walls to work with? Small spaces can actually benefit enormously from spring wallpaper accents.
Powder rooms, hallway nooks, closet interiors, and the backs of bookshelves are all perfect candidates for spring wallpaper moments. These smaller applications let you experiment with bolder patterns or colors that might be overwhelming in larger doses.
One of my favorite small-space transformations was wallpapering the interior of a client’s linen closet with a cheerful yellow floral. Every time she opens the door for fresh towels, she gets a hit of spring happiness.
Sustainability Considerations
As I’ve become more environmentally conscious in my design choices, I’ve started paying attention to the sustainability of wallpaper options:
Look for:
- Water-based, non-toxic inks
- FSC-certified paper
- PVC-free materials
- Companies with transparent manufacturing practices
Several companies now offer beautiful eco-friendly options that don’t compromise on style. These might cost slightly more, but the peace of mind is worth it—especially for seasonal changes when you’ll be removing and potentially discarding the wallpaper after a few months.
Final Thoughts: Express Your Spring Joy
What I love most about seasonal accent walls is how they give you permission to play with design. Spring is about renewal and joy—your home should reflect that!
Don’t be afraid to choose a pattern that makes you smile. The best spring accent walls capture not just the visual aspects of the season, but the emotional ones too: hope, growth, and fresh starts.
I’d love to see your spring wallpaper accent walls! Tag me on social media with your transformations, or drop questions in the comments below. Let’s bring spring inside together!
Happy decorating!
Have you created a spring accent wall with wallpaper? Share your experience in the comments! I respond to every comment and love seeing your beautiful spaces.
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