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10 Modern Inspirations for Using Wallpaper in the Living Room

The wallpaper always tells something about who lives in that space — their references, their desires, their way of seeing the world

By CASACOR Publisher

Submitted at Jul 15, 2025, 5:00 AM

10 min de leitura
Carol Miluzzi Architecture - Legacy House. Project of CASACOR São Paulo 2024.

Carol Miluzzi Architecture - Legacy House. Project of CASACOR São Paulo 2024. (Camila Santos)

The wallpaper has returned to occupy space in projects with new intentions. Far from being just a decorative covering, it has become an element that communicates atmosphere, reveals style, and imprints identity to projects. In the living room, a space where affection and everyday life are lived, wallpaper can be the balance point between aesthetic presence and sensory welcome.
Felipe de Almeida - House Essential Memories. Project of CASACOR São Paulo 2023. In the photo, an office with a desk, shelves, pictures, and an armchair.

Projeto de Felipe de Almeida. (Evelyn Muller/CASACOR)

With infinite possibilities of patterns, textures, colors, and materials, this resource gains strength in projects that value visual narrative and tactile experience. It is also a practical choice, capable of renewing the living room without structural interventions. Below, we gather ideas and guidelines for applying wallpaper in the living room with lightness and intention — in dialogue with those who inhabit, with the projects, and with time.

Effect of the different types of wallpaper


The type of wallpaper chosen has a direct impact on the perception of the projects. Models with natural textures, such as linen or straw, warm the projects and bring a sense of welcome. Versions with gloss, graphics, or three-dimensional effects create focal points and visually move the living room. Artistic murals, in turn, function almost like an integrated work of architecture.

Cristiane Pepe, Maria Clara Marback and Ecatherina Brasileiro - Ares da Terra. Project of CASACOR São Paulo 2023. The photo shows a living room with tv, fireplace, green wall, and curved furniture.

These variations not only interfere with aesthetics but also with the behavior of light, the sense of depth, and the rhythm of the projects. Therefore, more than following a pattern, it is worth considering the desired effect: softness or intensity, continuity or contrast. The right wallpaper translates the intention of those who live there — and of the projects that houses them.

5 ideas for using wallpaper in the living room


Wallpaper is an invitation to experimentation. The following suggestions present possibilities for integrating this resource with lightness and intention, respecting the lifestyle of those who inhabit the projects.

1. A feature wall


Choosing a single wall to receive wallpaper is a subtle way to create depth in the projects. This choice works well behind the sofa, the bookshelf, or as a backdrop for works of art. The secret lies in the coherence between the pattern and the other elements of the projects.
Wallpaper with an aged gradient effect is the highlight of this apartment. Project by Manoela Fleck. In the photo, living room with terracotta sofa, bench, and vase.

Projeto de Manoela Fleck. (Raiana Medina/CASACOR)

2. Textured wallpaper


Wallpaper that mimics natural fibers, raw linen, straw, or scratched plaster adds tactile layers to the projects. Even in neutral tones, these models visually warm and offer silent sophistication. They are perfect for projects seeking a discreet and timeless elegance.
André Bastos and Pedro Luiz de Marqui - Arcadia Banco BRB. Project of CASACOR São Paulo 2025.

André Bastos e Pedro Luiz de Marqui - Arcadia Banco BRB. Projeto da CASACOR São Paulo 2025. (Israel Gollino/CASACOR)

3. Geometry to energize


Geometric patterns, when well applied, help to structure the projects and guide the gaze. Vertical stripes enhance the feeling of ceiling height, while diagonal lines and organic shapes create movement. In smaller rooms, prefer softer patterns and less contrasting colors.
Rodolfo Consoli - Studio Oniria. Project of CASACOR São Paulo 2025.

4. Mural style or applied art


Some wallpapers function as true murals — painted landscapes, botanical scenes, or abstract compositions. In these cases, wallpaper approaches art and transforms the wall into a protagonist element. Ideal for projects with more neutral furniture and a streamlined palette.
Fernanda Zulzke Interiors - Winter Garden. Project of CASACOR São Paulo 2025.

Fernanda Zulzke Interiores - Jardim de Inverno. Projeto da CASACOR São Paulo 2025. (Israel Gollino/CASACOR)

5. Papers with coating effects


Paper that simulates stone, wood, burnt cement, or tile creates interesting visual effects without the need for construction work. They are practical and quick-application resources that work well with contemporary proposals and integrated projects.
Romário Rodrigues Architects - Casa Cosentino - the Sharing. Project of CASACOR São Paulo 2025.

Romário Rodrigues Arquitetos - Casa Cosentino - o Compartilhar. Projeto da CASACOR São Paulo 2025. (Denilson Machado, do MCA Estúdio/CASACOR)

Tips for a harmonious application


Using wallpaper elegantly depends on choices that go beyond the pattern. The tips below help to compose with balance, ensuring that the result dialogues with the projects — and not just with the trend of the moment!
Luiz Otávio Debeus - Pied-à-Terre São Paulo. Project of CASACOR São Paulo 2023. In the photo, a room with a wall featuring a green geometric print, a painting, and a patterned sofa.

O projeto de Luiz Otávio Debeus chamado Pied-à-Terre para a CASACOR São Paulo 2023 (Romulo Fialdini/CASACOR)

Observe natural light


The lighting directly influences how the wallpaper will be perceived. In projects with plenty of natural light, papers with shine or striking texture stand out. In projects with indirect light, light tones and delicate patterns maintain lightness.

Choose a supporting palette


Before defining the paper, observe the colors already present in the furniture, curtains, floors, and works of art. The wallpaper should converse with this palette, reinforcing or softening contrasts. Repeated colors create harmony, while complementary tones offer dynamism.

Less is more!


Not every project needs entire walls covered. Often, a small piece of wallpaper, such as a strip behind a sideboard, already fulfills its aesthetic purpose. The important thing is that the use is intentional, respecting the visual rhythm of the projects.
Carlos Navero Architecture and Interiors - Collector's Hall. Project of CASACOR São Paulo 2023. In the photo, hall with wallpaper on the ceiling, frames and curvilinear sofa.

Carlos Navero Arquitetura e Interiores - Hall do colecionador. Projeto da CASACOR São Paulo 2023. (Adriana Barbosa)

CASACOR Publisher is an exclusive content creator agent, developed by the CASACOR Technology team from the knowledge base of casacor.com.br. This text was edited by Yeska Coelho.