Framed Wallpaper Panels Makes Any Room...

Wallpaper has been gracing our walls since the 16th century, and even in 2025, its appeal shows no signs of fading. While wallpaper remains a constant, our technological ingenuity and uses for it are continuously evolving. Our walls quietly reflect our tastes, personalities, and aspirations, setting the tone for how we live. This year, framed wallpaper panels have taken precedence over fully wallpapered walls. Read on to learn all about the trend and seven designer-approved tips on how to get it right in your own home.

What to Know About the Trend

“Wallpaper panels represent not just a design choice but a shift in how we view our living spaces,” says Laura Hammett, founder of the eponymous design studio and luxury homeware brand Laura Hammett Living. “Unlike traditional rolls, which cover walls uniformly, inset panels create intentional focal points that draw the eye.” They also effectively introduce layering within a room, making the space feel more intentional, cozy, and refined.

Think of framed wallpaper panels as dressing your walls with tailored artwork. They allow for bold expressions of color, pattern, and texture—but in manageable doses. “Framed wallpaper panels provide a more curated and architectural approach,” explains Hammett. “They’re perfect for those who might find an entire wallpapered room too bold but still want to embrace decorative detailing.” The trend also evokes the sophistication and grandeur of 18th-century interiors, where wallpaper and paneling were synonymous with luxury and refinement.

A further look into the past reveals the technique definitely isn’t new. Ancient Roman frescoes often employed visual frames, such as painted borders or trompe l’oeil columns, to break up the artwork. This created order and harmony, and gave the artist control over the viewer’s gaze, prompting them to focus on specific design features one fragment at a time. In today’s homes, framed wallpaper panels serve the same purpose, transforming plain walls into harmoniously curated galleries and creating a dynamic backdrop for your home. 

7 Tips for Decorating with Framed Wallpaper Panels

To better understand the art of creating flawlessly framed wallpaper panels, we spoke with three interior designers for their expert insight. Here are seven expert-backed tips to help you create your own version of the trend.

1. Plan Ahead

While wallpaper is easier to install and remove than ever before, framed panels still require planning and precision. “Modern production techniques have addressed many historical pain points with more durable, easier-to-install, and removable options,” says Rebecca Hughes, founder of Rebecca Hughes Interiors. But, don’t be fooled by peel-and-stick options—wallpapering within frames still demands a careful hand.

Hammett cautions against wallpapering without a plan and skipping preparation. “The wall surface needs to be smooth and primed. Otherwise, you’ll end up with bubbling or peeling.” Plan the pattern repeat for patterned or mural designs to ensure it fits perfectly within the frame and flows seamlessly across panels. And when in doubt, call in a pro for help.

2. Focus on Proportions

Framed wallpaper panels can elevate the proportions of a space, but only when thoughtfully executed. Consider the panels’ size and position in comparison to the room’s size to ensure they look intentional and in proportion. Start with a sketch—or mark dimensions directly on the wall—to visualize balance and symmetry.

“We usually design with an odd number of panels, starting with three, to create a central panel,” says Sarah Stacey, interior designer and founder of Sarah Stacey Design. Grouping things in odd numbers creates a more balanced composition and stronger visual impact. “Sometimes we make the central panel larger than the ones flanking it, to create a main centerpiece,” adds Stacey.

Use the shape of the panels to manipulate the perceived size of the space. “Vertical formats will add height to a space and showcase your wallpaper design.” Whereas portrait panels direct the gaze up, landscape panels lead the gaze along, elongating the room. 

3. Scale Matters

Consider the scale of the pattern in relation to the size of the room. “Large-scale designs need a relatively large room and space to breathe,” says Hughes. “Smaller spaces benefit from more compact motifs.”

Think about which room of the home you are applying it to. Wallpaper is more expensive than paint, but framed panels also offer a more cost-effective way to use premium wallpaper. “Start with your powder room if you want to experiment,” suggests Stacey. “Wallpaper panels make a big impact in small spaces where you don’t need much to make a statement. This means less financial commitment and more enjoyment for you and your guests when you host!”

4. Get the Frame Right

The frame is just as important as the wallpaper itself. Decorative moldings or trims offer a finished, architectural look and help integrate the panels into the room. “Choose the paneling to suit the building vernacular,” advises Hammett. “Don’t force ornate panelling into a modern new-build with no other period features, as it will look out of place.” Instead, opt for something clean-lined and contemporary for a cohesive look.

5. Stick to a Cohesive Color Palette

With so many wallpapers on the market, narrowing down your choice can feel overwhelming. Start with your room’s existing materials, finishes, and tones. “Pull colors from other elements in the room, like upholstery or artwork,” suggests Hughes. “If you want a bold statement, opt for contrasting hues or intricate patterns, but ensure they tie into the overall design scheme.”

If you’re designing from scratch, start with the wallpaper and take it from there. Trust your instincts. What catches your eye? What makes you feel good? Pull the colors from the wallpaper design to inform the rest of the scheme.

6. Play with Pattern and Style

Mixing traditional paneling with contemporary prints—or vice versa—can create unexpected and delightful contrasts. “Traditional panels with modern wallpaper designs create an interesting contrast, while classic motifs in contemporary spaces can add a pop of unexpected character,” says Hammett.

You can also balance plain, textured wallpaper with more patterned furnishings (and again, vice versa). “We often mix eye-catching printed fabrics with plain linens, velvets, or wools to prevent the space from feeling too busy,” Hughes adds. “I also love pattern mixing and playing with varying scales in a scheme, whether that be large prints, small ditsy florals, bold stripes, or solid expanses of color.” The trick for a well-executed maximalist look? Stick to a consistent color palette, vary the scale of patterns, and add solids in between to allow the eye a moment to rest.

7. Make It Personal

“Interiors should authentically reflect those who inhabit them,” says Hughes, true to her design ethos. “Avoid trends and think about what you really love, so whatever you choose will be enjoyed in the home for years to come.” Remember, it’s not about what other people might like or think; it’s your home, and you will be the one living with it every day. “Think about what colors, patterns, and textures speak to you and go from there,” she adds. Choose what sparks joy or calm, and let that emotional connection guide your design decisions.