The Once-Popular Wallpaper Trend That Instantly Cheapens Your Space

Textured accent walls made up of materials like exposed brick and shiplap have been a popular design trend for years — with shiplap becoming especially popular in the 2010s thanks in part to HGTV stars Chip and Joanna Gaines, who put the farmhouse aesthetic on the map. But because these kinds of textured feature walls aren't always a practical or budget-friendly upgrade, many homeowners started turning to faux textured wallpapers to mimic the look of exposed brick, stone, or wood paneling for a much lower price. 

And while it might have been a clever design hack for a while, faux textured wallpapers are quickly going out of style because they tend to cheapen your space. Very rarely do they look convincingly like the real thing, and when you see them up close, the difference is especially obvious. Plus, as with any wallpaper, they can rip or tear, which only ruins the illusion even further. 

If you're on the hunt for a wallpaper that will give your walls some texture, consider instead opting for one made from natural materials, like grasscloth, bamboo, jute, sisal, linen, or cork. Wallpaper made from natural materials is actually a wallpaper trend that's been making a comeback with a more modern look. Of course, there are ways to add texture to your walls without the use of wallpaper — such as using a limewash or mineral paint. And if texture isn't your main priority, there are plenty of other contemporary wallpaper trends that will bring more personality and charm to your space without cheapening or dating it.

Wallpaper trends are often coming and going, which makes it one of those design elements that can be quite tricky to stay on top of. If you want to incorporate wallpaper into your space that doesn't feel cheap or dated, a great trick is to take a look at what's trending in interior design. For example, according to Zillow's 2026 Home Trends Report, color drenching is expected to be one of the boldest trends next year. So a great way to incorporate wallpaper into that trend would be to drench both your walls and ceilings with wallpaper for a bold, statement-making look.

Artisan, vintage, and whimsical styles are also going to be having big moments in 2026 — so searching for wallpapers to match that aesthetic would be a great way to keep your wallpaper feeling fresh and stylish. Opting for a vintage, floral, or nature-inspired wallpaper — like something from the Morris & Co. wallpaper collection, for example — would be stunning as a feature wall or combined with the wallpaper drenching technique. Wallpaper murals are having a moment, too, and can be a fun way to introduce wallpaper into your home. In fact, "Fixer Upper" star Joanna Gaines loves using wallpaper murals as a trick to open up small kitchens.

Of course, if you're interested in adding a feature wall to your space, you don't have to stick to wallpaper. There are plenty of other accent wall ideas that can bring your home to life, like wood wall paneling — another trend we'll be seeing in 2026.