Ornamental Wallpaper: The Guide to Elegant Wall Design

Ornaments on the wall are polarizing. Some people immediately think of grandma's living room, others of Moroccan riads and boutique hotels. Both are valid – but the truth usually lies somewhere in between. An ornamental wallpaper can give a room exactly what a solid-colored paint never can: depth, character, and a story.

The only question is: Which ornament suits you and your room? This determines whether the result becomes "wow" or "too much."

The four major styles

Oriental and Arabesque

Intertwined vines, geometric stars, floral symmetry – arabesques are perhaps the most elegant ornament of all. They appear both playful and meditative, warm and complex. In warm colors on a creamy base, they fit perfectly in the living room or as an accent wall in the dining room. In deep blue or terracotta on a dark background, it becomes more dramatic – perfect for grand hallways or a bedroom with a boutique-hotel ambiance.

Our Arabesque collection includes 35 designs in this style – from delicate to opulent.

Baroque and Damask

Baroque wallpaper is currently experiencing a real renaissance. Lush floral vines, sweeping acanthus leaves, the classic damask repeat – this doesn't look old-fashioned at all if the color choice is right. Bordeaux on creamy white is timeless. Emerald green on black is bold. Gold ochre on midnight blue is spectacular. This style works particularly well in the bedroom behind the bed, in libraries, or in dining rooms where you like to linger.

Art Déco

Art Déco is the style for those who like ornaments but don't want organic shapes. Fan motifs, concentric arches, strict symmetry in metallic tones – this has a self-confident elegance that fits surprisingly well in modern homes. Black-gold and navy-gold are the classic color combinations. Works in the living room, in the bedroom, and even as an accent in the bathroom.

Vintage and classical European

Lilies, medallions, subtle stencil vines – the most understated version. Classic ornaments in tone-on-tone (creamy white on white, sage green on light green) never look overwhelming and fit into almost any interior. Ideal for those who like patterns but don't want a statement wall. Particularly beautiful in hallways, stairwells, and bright bedrooms.

Color combinations: What works

The pattern alone isn't what decides – the contrast between the background and the pattern color makes the difference.

Tone-on-tone patterns (creamy white on white, gray on light gray) look subtle and elegant – the safe choice for smaller rooms. Strong contrasts (gold on midnight blue, copper on black) are true statement walls – here, a single wall is definitely enough.

A rule of thumb that is almost always true: the more intricate the pattern, the lighter the base tone should be. Otherwise, the room will visually tip over.

Which room, which ornament?

Small rooms and hallways: Intricate patterns on a light base – character without overwhelming the room. Arabesques in creamy gold work excellently here.

Living room: Here you can be bolder. A large-scale damask or arabesque pattern behind the sofa or dining table brings depth and character. The other three walls should remain neutral.

Bedroom: Ornaments have a calming effect when the colors are warm and dark. Bordeaux, dark blue, or forest green behind the headboard create a cocooning atmosphere.

Matching furniture: less is more

An ornamental wallpaper already carries a lot of visual weight. The furniture shouldn't try to outdo it. Clear, simple shapes let the pattern shine. Wood tones work universally – light oak with arabesques in creamy gold, dark walnut with damask in bordeaux. Metallic accents (brass lamps, copper picture frames) pick up on the gold elements found in many ornaments.

What you should avoid: patterned textiles directly next to an ornamental wallpaper. Solid-colored cushions and curtains give the room tranquility. And: Don't hang ten more pictures on the ornamental wall – the pattern is enough.

Installation tips for patterned wallpaper

With ornaments, precision is more important than with other motifs because offsets and crooked transitions are immediately noticeable. Start in the middle of the wall or at a symmetry axis – ornaments benefit from this. A spirit level is your best friend when hanging the first strip.

Our wallpapers are repositionable – so you can make corrections without damaging anything. You can find detailed instructions in the installation guide.

Frequently asked questions

Do ornaments quickly look old-fashioned?
Only if the color choice is wrong. Classic patterns in contemporary colors – sage green, midnight blue, terracotta – are more current than ever. It depends on the overall combination.

Is one wall enough?
Yes – and that is exactly what we recommend. An ornamental accent wall with three neutral walls is the most powerful principle for this type of pattern.

Do ornaments also go with modern furniture?
The contrast between clear, modern furniture and a historically inspired wallpaper is a strong stylistic device. Art Déco is particularly well-suited for this.

Can I remove the wallpaper again?
Yes – without residue and without wall damage. Perfect for rental apartments or if you want something new in a few years.

Discover the Arabesque collection – 35 peel-and-stick ornamental wallpapers that give your wall what it deserves: character.