Modern living room wallpaper ideas for 2024

Wallpaper disappeared from many homes in the latter half of the 20th century, with paint and panelling becoming popular. But wallpaper is back with a bang in the 20th century, and homeowners everywhere are now opting for modern living room wallpaper ideas as a clean and cost-effective way to freshen up their homes.

Forget the drab and dull wallpapers you might remember. Choose from a vast array of modern living room wallpapers to suit any decor in 2024.

Choose from revived retro patterns, whimsy and moody murals or bold botanicals, to name but a few.

If you’re wistful for wallpaper, read on to find out what modern living room wallpaper ideas homeowners are choosing in 2024.

Modern living room wallpaper ideas

We could be here all day listing the currently trending wallpaper living room ideas. But from exciting textures, bold and big prints, subtle shades, and stunning stripes, we’ve narrowed it down to the absolute best. Read them here.

1. Transform your living room with textures

Do you like the thought of making your wallpaper living room ideas richer in texture and feel? If so, consider textured wallpaper.

Using interesting textured wallpapers in conjunction with neutral colour schemes or minimalist interior design adds dimension, depth, and interest.

Textured wallpapers with organic feeling shapes and patterns can make your home feel cosy and warm. Grasscloth textures in natural fibres like bamboo, hemp seagrass or Jute are a modern living room idea that offers a soft and relaxing vibe.

2. Make a feature with a wallpaper mural

Adding a wallpaper mural to create a feature wall is a cheap and easy way to add personality and artistic flair to your interior design.

Choose bold abstract designs or geometric shapes for a contemporary and cutting-edge look. Both styles look vibrant in expansive living rooms when you want to fill a space. Or, go for a more subtle wallpaper mural for serene or moody vibes.

You can’t beat a scenic mural like this breathtaking mountainous vista. This wallpaper mural adds interest and calm to this neutral, minimalist living room.

When there are just too many wallpaper choices, consult a professional interior designer to help you create your dream decor or modern living room idea. Learn how to find the best interior designer near you, or read up on how much they charge.

3. Go bold with geometric patterns

Make a statement with your wallpaper living room ideas by wallpapering your whole living room in bold geometric patterns. Boastful geometric shapes and colours can turn your living room into an eye-catching and exciting space.

Look for modern living room wallpaper ideas rich in colour and shapes for a striking effect.

For example, this predominantly teal, black and grey geometric wallpaper with subtle hints of shimmering blush pink is totally at home paired with contemporary furniture. The crisp, clean angles of the wallpaper pair perfectly with the modern furnishings’ sleek lines to create a striking and impressive look.

This type of modern living room wallpaper looks best when professionally done; you want the lines to be clean and crisp. Hiring a professional painter and decorator is a fuss-free way to achieve this look. 

4. Design with nature in mind

Decorating your living room with natural scenic wallpaper lets you bring the outdoors in. Florals aren’t only for traditional or feminine spaces. 2024‘s trending nature-based modern living room wallpapers sport floral and organic patterns that combine a feminine and masculine vibe.

Tropical-botanical prints, floral patterns, scenic landscapes, organic patterns and prints with a hint of watercolour are the ones to look out for.

Taking the various shades of white, gold, pink and teal in this floral wallpaper and incorporating them in your furniture in a modern way results in a stunning and professionally styled space. Why not go all out and wallpaper the ceiling for a truly modern living room idea?

Got a feel for floral? Get inspired with more Bloomcore interior design ideas.

5. Metallic modern wall decor ideas for your living room

Consider metallic accents for a truly chic living room design. Some of the most modern living room wallpaper ideas include gold, silver or copper accents that add a contemporary touch of class to your home.

Watch as the eyes of your guests are drawn to your metallic wallpapers in awe and admiration. Metallic wallpapers also add a touch of glimmer to pared-back colour schemes.

When your walls are adorned with wallpaper as striking as this metallic gold and teal design, you needn’t do much to your decor to create a luxurious but modern living room.

6. Make the traditional spin on its head

Homeowners not ready for a blast of colour or bold patterns can go the more traditional wallpaper route. Try a fresh spin on the English style by sprucing up traditional wallpapers in classic designs like paisley, toile or damask.

Choosing classic patterns with a modern spin (like a metallic sheen) can create a renewed nostalgia in your interior design.

Why not choose abstracts, murals or geometric designs in more traditional colours like muted tones or earthy hues? Combining the old with the new is an excellent way to add class to your living room.

7. Moody modern wallpaper designs for your living room

Our list of modern living room wallpaper ideas would be incomplete without the deep tones and dark hues of moody wallpapers.

Immediately elevate the tone of your living room with a dark and dramatic wallpaper. Try contrasting trims and bold wall treatments for an easy, moody fix that doesn’t overwhelm the room. Or, try wallpapering behind curious spaces like bookshelves to create a sense of intrigue that’ll leave visitors wanting more.

Some moody wallpaper designs to watch for include textured grey and blue patterns, dark and dramatic hues of oversized blooms and ombre wallpaper in a light-to-dark gradient.

8. When only whimsy will do

Add a sprinkle of creativity and playfulness to your interior design with whimsical wallpapers. Interior designers are seeing demand increase for this modern living room wallpaper trend.

You’ll recognise whimsical wallpapers by their fun and imaginative designs that catch everyone’s attention. Whimsical wallpapers are available in various designs, including floral scenes, curious creatures, and starry nights. If it’s fun, bright, and quirky, it’s whimsy.

If you want to create a focal point in a room or draw attention to specific areas, like an accent wall or sofa, whimsical wallpaper can help you do this.

Why not go further and be entirely inspired by this living room concept image? Scottish-highland-inspired 3D wallpaper in shades of gold and forest green make a striking statement.

9. Imitation and faux effects

Homeowners are using imitation and faux effect wallpapers to bring a hint of the natural world into their living space.

This modern living room idea lets you bring in the warmth and depth of nature with its rustic hues and textures to create relaxed, homely environments.

Choose wallpapers in disguise if you like the idea of chic veneer slats, modern boiserie panels or tongue and groove cladding but without the price tag or mess. To create a warm and inviting cabin feel, opt for rich and warm shades of brown in a woodgrain pattern.

10. Retro revival

Anyone with just a bit of nostalgia for decades past will love the new retro wallpaper living room ideas. This retro wallpaper comes with a toned-down contemporary twist.

If you want to redo your already retro living room or start afresh with a total return to retro, consider any variety of modern retro patterns and colours. Look for oversized floral prints in pastel shades, abstract colours, subtle shades of geometrics, and groovy patterns.

Adding retro wallpaper to a neutral colour scheme is an easy way to make your home more visually appealing. For example, this stunning retro wallpaper compliments the green shades and 70s vibe of this homely but modern living room.

11. Stunning stripes

Striped wallpaper has never gone out of fashion.

Go from moody and dramatic with bold blooms to subtle and serene with pastel shades. With so many designs and colours available, finding a design to suit your taste and living room decorating ideas is straightforward.

Striped wallpaper is a great choice when using stripes’ linear design to add depth and movement to a room. By drawing your eyes upwards to the ceiling, it can also make the room look bigger. Go white and light blue for a fun but classic nautical look, or choose brightly striped wallpaper.

12. Subtle and subdued

When you still want to breathe some contemporary life into your living room without overwhelming the room, consider subtler shades and patterns of wallpaper.

Muted colours and soft patterns create a sense of serenity and elegance in your home decor while making a space look lighter and brighter because it reflects the light. Delicate florals in pastel shades and geometrics in soft hues are an ideal choice.

Make your modern wallpaper design for living rooms a reality 

Whatever your preference, always choose a wallpaper that complements your existing decor and personal style. After all, your home is your castle so it needs to feel like you!

To ensure a high-quality finish, use the services of a professional painter and decorator. Checkatrade Approved painter and decorators have to pass up to 12 checks and are regularly reviewed by homeowners. So, you can feel confident that you’re hiring a reputable painter and decorator who can bring your modern living room wallpaper ideas to life.

If you’re looking for a trusted and home-owner-reviewed painter and decorator today, pop your postcode in the box below to get a conversation going. Or, why not read our wallpapering cost guide?