
Vintage ’70s Wallpapers Are This Year’s Unexpected Decor Trend, Designers Say
If you’ve been keeping up with this year’s home decor trends, you’ll already know that vintage has been making a big comeback—but the vintage wallpaper trend in particular is one you’ll want to have on your radar.
With some clever ideas from our interior design experts, you’ll be able to bring the throwback patterns and cozy charm of the family home you grew up in to your own space, all while keeping things chic, modern, and a little unexpected.
Meet the Expert
- Jenni Jacobs is an interior designer at McGuire + Co Kitchen and Bath in Massachusetts.
- Lauren Davies is a co-founder of MALA Interior, a design firm based in Zurich, Switzerland.
- Emily LaMarque is the founder and principal interior designer of her eponymous California-based firm.
Why Vintage Wallpaper Is on the Rise
Ever since the pandemic, more and more homeowners have been taking on decorating DIY projects themselves—and installing wallpaper is a popular place to start. But more than just adding wallpaper, designers noticed that the trend was also pulling more toward vintage designs and styles.
“In uncertain times, there’s a natural pull toward nostalgia—surrounding ourselves with designs that feel familiar or reminiscent of the past can create a comforting, grounding effect in our homes,” interior designer Jenni Jacobs explains. “Vintage wallpaper offers a fantastic way to add personality and individuality to a space, and we’re thrilled to see it making a comeback.”
Although the definition of vintage covers anything between 20 to 100 years ago, our experts have their eyes on the warm earthy tones, groovy patterns, and nature-inspired designs of one specific decade for 2025.
“We’re seeing a strong influence from the 1970s right now,” designer Lauren Davies says. “Bold, vibrant geometrics and large florals are making a statement again. People are craving spaces that feel lively, unique, and full of character—something that vintage patterns do beautifully.”
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How to Use Vintage Wallpaper
Even though the name is pretty self-explanatory (wall, paper, therefore paper for your walls), there are a surprising number of different ways you can incorporate wallpaper into your home without dousing your walls. Here are just a few ways designers suggest you can bring this pop of personality into your home.
Framed as Artwork
The Spruce / Jacob Fox
The punchy patterns, wavy lines, and funky florals of the ’70s can feel like a dive into the deep end— so whether you’re a renter or new to the world of wallpaper, consider easing your way in in smaller ways.
“If committing to entire walls feels overwhelming, there are plenty of creative ways to introduce vintage wallpaper,” Davies says. “Try framing smaller sections to create unique artwork.”
In a Small Room
If you love the decade’s rich tones, botanical and floral motifs, and an opulent, maximalist look, reach for a roll of vintage wallpaper to create an immersive effect in a bathroom, nook, nursery, or office that feels just like stepping into a giant jewelry box.
“We love the saying ‘go big or go home’ when it comes to wallpaper,” Davies spills. “So, why not embrace a full room of bold pattern?”
Redoing a primary bedroom for something you’re not sure you’ll love is a huge commitment, so you can always start a little smaller while still aiming for the fences.
“Install vintage in a smaller space like a powder room, laundry room or pantry, or even a lesser-used room like a guest or dining room,” Jacobs says. “This makes a big impact that will bring a smile every time someone uses the room.”
As an Accent Wall
@houseofharvee / Instagram
A tried and true classic, one of the best ways to bring a touch of vintage wallpaper into your space is through the humble accent wall.
The signature warm tones and florals of the ’70s are ideal for a guest or children’s bedroom, and some of the more abstract patterns can make for a bold and inspiring office space, games room, or den.
On the Ceiling
If the idea of a vintage accent wall behind your sofa or bed feels outdated, our designers all say to think outside the box. Remember every room actually has five walls, not four, and looking up could give the accent concept a fresh and modern twist.
“Wallpaper is such an easy and quick way to make a huge impact,” interior designer Emily LaMarque says. “More people are embracing creative risk, so try using wallpaper on ceilings. Just make sure the wallpaper will hold up to high-traffic spaces or moisture in bathrooms.”
On Furniture
Another unconventional and renter-friendly way to embrace the vintage wallpaper trend that LaMarque loves? Applying smaller sections to furniture for a pop of joy every time you open up a cabinet or dresser.
“Wallpaper is so versatile, and doesn’t need to be limited to just walls,” she says. “Use it on on the back of bookshelves, on the backs of cabinets, in drawers, on backsplashes, on doors, and even on baseboards, cabinetry, and molding.”