How to Create a Stunning Feature Wall with Wallpaper — The Complete UK Guide
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A feature wall is one of the most effective ways to transform a room without redecorating the whole space. One wall, the right wallpaper, and your room looks completely different. But knowing which wall to choose, which pattern to use, and how to get it right first time can feel overwhelming.
This guide covers everything you need to know about creating a feature wall with wallpaper — from choosing the right design to hanging it perfectly.
What is a Feature Wall?
A feature wall (sometimes called an accent wall) is a single wall in a room that's decorated differently from the other three. It creates a focal point, adds depth, and gives the room a sense of intention and design.
Done well, a feature wall makes a room feel bigger, more stylish, and more considered — without the cost or commitment of wallpapering an entire room.
Which Wall Should Be the Feature Wall?
This is the most common question — and the answer is simpler than most people think.
Choose the wall your eye naturally goes to first when you enter the room.
In most rooms this is:
- Bedroom — the wall behind the bed (the headboard wall)
- Living room — the wall behind the sofa, or the chimney breast wall
- Hallway — the wall at the end of the hallway facing you as you walk in
- Dining room — the wall behind the main seating area
Avoid choosing a wall with lots of windows or doors as the feature — broken surfaces make it harder for the pattern to read properly.
Choosing the Right Wallpaper for a Feature Wall
Not all wallpapers suit feature walls equally. Here's what works best:
Popular Feature Wall Wallpaper Styles
Then include:
Bold Floral Prints
Large-scale floral wallpapers — think oversized chrysanthemums, botanical leaf prints, or dramatic roses — make exceptional feature walls. The pattern has room to breathe on a single wall and creates a real wow moment without overwhelming the space.
Our Floral Wallpaper Collection has some of our most popular feature wall choices, particularly the Mustard Floral and Willow Trail designs.
Geometric Patterns
Strong geometric patterns add a graphic, modern edge to a feature wall. They work particularly well in home offices, living rooms, and bedrooms where you want a contemporary feel. A bold geometric on one wall paired with plain painted walls on the other three is a classic combination.
Browse our Geometric Wallpaper Collection for options that work beautifully as feature walls.
Damask Wallpaper
Metallic damask wallpapers are one of the best choices for a luxurious feature wall. The shimmer catches the light differently throughout the day, giving the wall a dynamic, living quality. They suit both traditional and contemporary interiors depending on the colourway.
Dark and Dramatic Colours
Dark wallpapers — deep greens, charcoal, navy, and black — work incredibly well on a single feature wall. They add depth and drama without making the whole room feel dark. Pair with lighter painted walls and warm lighting for the best effect.
Brick Effect Wallpaper
Brick effect wallpaper is another popular choice for creating a feature wall with character. It adds texture and the look of exposed brick without the cost or disruption of installing a real brick wall.
Rustic brick designs work particularly well in living rooms, kitchens, hallways, and home offices. They pair beautifully with natural wood, industrial furniture, and neutral colours to create a warm, relaxed interior.
For more inspiration, read our guide on Rustic Brick Wallpaper: The Easy Way to Create a Characterful Feature Wall.
How Many Rolls Do You Need for a Feature Wall?
For a standard UK feature wall (approximately 3.5–4 metres wide and 2.4 metres high), you'll typically need 2–3 rolls depending on the pattern repeat.
Each of our rolls covers 5.3sqm, so for most feature walls 2 rolls is sufficient. We always recommend ordering 3 if your design has a large pattern repeat, as you'll need extra for matching.
Always order a spare roll — if you damage a drop or need to repair a section later, having a matching roll from the same batch is invaluable. Dye lots can vary between print runs.
Feature Wall Wallpaper Ideas by Room
Bedroom Feature Wall
The headboard wall is the most popular choice in the UK. A large floral or botanical print creates a luxurious, hotel-style feel. Choose warmer tones — blush, sage, mustard, taupe — for a relaxing atmosphere. Pair with simple linen bedding and wooden furniture to let the wallpaper do the talking.
Living Room Feature Wall
The chimney breast is the natural feature wall in most living rooms. It's already a focal point, so wallpapering it emphasises what's already there. Bold prints, metallic damasks, and geometric designs all work well here. If you don't have a chimney breast, the wall behind the sofa is the next best choice.
Hallway Feature Wall
In a hallway, the end wall — the one you see as soon as you open the front door — is the perfect feature wall. It sets the tone for the rest of the home and creates a strong first impression. Vertical patterns work particularly well in hallways as they draw the eye upward and make ceilings feel higher.
Home Office Feature Wall
A feature wall behind your desk doubles as a backdrop for video calls and gives your workspace a professional, designed feel. Concrete-effect, geometric, and dark botanical wallpapers are particularly popular for home offices.
Tips for Hanging Feature Wall Wallpaper
- Start from the centre — find the centre of the wall and work outwards so the pattern is balanced on both sides.
- Use a plumb line — always hang your first drop perfectly vertical. Don't trust the corner of the room as your guide — walls are rarely perfectly straight.
- Paste the wall, not the paper — all of our wallpapers are paste-the-wall non-woven vinyl. Apply paste to the wall using a roller, then hang the paper. This is much easier and less messy than pasting the paper itself.
- Allow the paste to soak in — give the paste 2–3 minutes on the wall before hanging the first drop.
- Use a smoothing brush — work from the centre outward to remove air bubbles.
- Trim cleanly — use a sharp craft knife and a straight edge for clean edges at the ceiling, skirting, and architraves. Change the blade regularly — a blunt blade tears rather than cuts.
Shop Feature Wall Wallpaper
Ready to transform your space? Browse our full collection of wallpapers perfect for feature walls:
- Floral Wallpaper
- Geometric Wallpaper
- Damask Wallpaper
- Industrial & Concrete Wallpaper
- All Wallpapers
Free UK delivery on orders over £25. Most orders dispatched within 24 hours.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best wall for a feature wall?
The best wall for a feature wall is usually the first one you naturally notice when entering a room. In bedrooms this is often the wall behind the bed, while in living rooms it is commonly the wall behind the sofa or chimney breast.
Does a feature wall make a room look bigger?
Yes, when chosen correctly. A well-designed feature wall can add depth and create the illusion of more space. Lighter wallpapers and vertical patterns can help smaller rooms feel brighter and taller.
Can any wallpaper be used for a feature wall?
Most wallpapers can be used on a feature wall, but bold patterns, textured designs, and larger prints usually have the biggest impact. A feature wall is the perfect place to use a design you love without covering the entire room.
Should a feature wall be darker than the other walls?
Not always. Dark feature walls can add drama and depth, but lighter wallpapers, botanical prints, and textured designs can work just as well. The best choice depends on the size of the room, lighting, and the overall style you want to create.
How many rolls of wallpaper do I need for a feature wall?
Most standard UK feature walls require around 2–3 rolls of wallpaper, depending on the wall size and pattern repeat. Always check the roll coverage and order an extra roll if the design has a large pattern repeat.
Are feature walls still popular?
Yes. Feature walls remain popular because they allow homeowners to add personality and style without committing to wallpapering every wall. They are especially popular in bedrooms, living rooms, hallways, and home offices.
What wallpaper is best for a living room feature wall?
The best wallpaper depends on your style. Floral, geometric, brick effect, damask, and textured wallpapers are all popular choices for living rooms. Consider the existing furniture, lighting, and colours in the room before choosing your design.
Is brick wallpaper good for a feature wall?
Yes. Brick effect wallpaper is one of the most popular choices for feature walls because it adds texture, warmth, and character. It works particularly well in living rooms, kitchens, and industrial-style interiors.
Should I wallpaper one wall or the whole room?
For bold patterns and statement designs, wallpapering one wall is often the best approach. A feature wall allows the design to stand out while keeping the rest of the room balanced.