What wallpapers are modern now?

Flowers, stone, and palm leaves: if you're looking for a change of scenery, you have a wide variety of wall coverings to choose from. Monochrome wallpaper in your favourite colour, paintable wallpaper, durable vinyl wallpaper with a retro design, or affordable paper wallpaper with floral patterns - the options are almost endless. But which wallpapers are considered modern nowadays?

In this article, we will introduce you to the wallpaper trends for 2023 and explain which types of wallpaper are particularly popular at the moment. You will also learn what actually defines a wallpaper as modern and how trends develop.

What wallpapers are modern now? And who decides?

When it comes to determining which wallpapers are fashionable at present, there is no single correct answer. If something is "modern," it is usually considered hip, trendy, or popular. So, modern wallpaper isn't always synonymous with "contemporary." Designs from the 60s or 70s can also be described as modern as long as they maintain popularity in the present. A modern wallpaper can feature flowers, stripes, or abstract patterns. The key is that the design reflects current popularity. Therefore, modern wallpaper isn't limited to just geometric wallpaper with grey patterns.

But which wallpapers are considered modern now? Since modern wall design is less about the spirit of the times and more about popularity, each year has its own trendy wall coverings. One year, it might be all about clean shapes and subdued colors, while the next year, bold shades and organic shapes dominate. Patterns and designs from past decades are often reintroduced. To determine which wallpapers are currently fashionable, let's analyse the current trends. It's worth noting that these trends usually last longer than a year and are more enduring. In countries like Germany, the Netherlands, or France, we tend to be slightly slower in adopting trends. We are not as daring and often rely more on grey tones and subtle patterns.

How do trends develop?

But who actually decides what is currently trending? There is no single authority to turn to when seeking trends. However, certain entities play a significant role in trend development. These include manufacturers or designers of furniture, wallpaper, decorations, and home accessories. They rely on market analyses and draw inspiration from other countries, past eras, art, and culture. Various influences come into play here. Additionally, magazines and design agencies play an important role.

When it comes to colours, the Pantone company, for example, is considered an important authority. Pantone has developed a colour system that has a significant impact on wall design worldwide. Each year, a trend color is announced. In 2023, "Viva Magenta" is all about energy, power, and strength. Magazines such as Schöner Wohnen analyze different living styles, take note of cultural differences, and often give trends the necessary push by showcasing the latest living trends to a broad audience.

Wallpaper, wall murals, and textured wallpaper - which wall coverings are in style?

The question "Which wallpapers are modern now?" doesn't only pertain to colour and design. Trends can also be observed in terms of material, properties, and texture. In the past, paper wallpaper was particularly popular due to its affordability, but for years now, the trend has clearly been shifting towards non-woven wallpaper. Prominent manufacturers like A.S. Création hardly produce paper wallpaper anymore due to its drawbacks despite the lower cost. For instance, paper wallpaper strips need to be soaked with paste before application and are prone to tearing.

Non-woven wallpaper has the advantage of allowing the direct application of paste onto the walls. Additionally, it can be easily removed in whole strips. Non-woven wallpaper comes in various types such as embossed wallpaper, vinyl wallpaper, and foamed wallpaper. The fleece backing can be embossed to create a sense of depth and unique textures. A vinyl coating often makes the non-woven wallpaper more impact-resistant and resistant to abrasion. Sometimes, additional foaming is used to create special structural effects.

Currently, digital print wallpaper is experiencing a surge in popularity. Initially, this technique was mainly used for wall murals. However, due to its ability to realistically reproduce any design or motif, digital printing is becoming increasingly popular. It's worth noting that digital print wallpapers are usually very smooth and lack noticeable texture. The depth effect solely relies on the print itself, unlike non-woven wallpapers with vinyl or embossing, which offer additional plastic effects.

Wallpapers or wall murals - which ones are currently fashionable?

When searching for modern wallpaper, many people no longer differentiate between traditional wallpaper and wall murals. The most important factors are the motif, pattern, or style. In the case of canvas, the pattern is not continuously repeated like in traditional wallpaper rolls. Wall murals usually display a two-dimensional motif and are delivered in parts instead of rolls. Many wall murals can be easily customised to fit individual dimensions, and protrusions can often be trimmed.

A special feature can be found in the new wallpapers from the collection The Wall II by A.S. Création's Metropolitan Stories series. These digitally printed wallpapers present designs in roll form. The fleece digital prints are available in 4, 5, or 7 panels to create a wall-filling motif or as a 280 cm high panel of 3 that can be seamlessly continued. Thanks to markings, numbering, and high-quality fleece backing, these digital print wallpapers are easy to apply and represent a real game changer in-wall design.

What wallpapers are modern now? These patterns are currently trending

Designs inspired by nature and the environment are currently in vogue, as are subtle textures and abstract patterns. Art Nouveau and Wilhelminian styles are also experiencing a revival in wall design. In terms of colours, grey wallpapers are particularly popular. Complementary floral and foliage motifs and idyllic patterns are highly sought after. Jungle wallpapers are incredibly modern, often featuring a nostalgic and creative touch. They are frequently depicted in a stylised manner, reminiscent of old paintings or drawings found in antique encyclopedias.

Conclusion

Answering the question "What wallpapers are modern now?" is relatively straightforward. Modern wallpapers encompass designs and colours that are currently enjoying great popularity. Botanical wallpapers with a touch of nostalgia and creativity, plain wallpapers with textured appearances like linen or sisal, digital print wallpapers, non-woven wallpapers, and Swedish-inspired country house wallpapers are currently in vogue. These wall coverings can be described as "modern," even if their designs draw inspiration from past eras.

You can find the right modern wallpapers at BRICOFLOR, your expert for walls and floors!