How to Use Wallpaper in Your Closet: Tips and Examples

Top things to know about adding wallpaper in your closet:

• Wallpapering your closet can add depth and beauty and even influence organizational habits in your life.
• Wallpapering small spaces, like a closet, are great for taking design risks and choosing a loud pattern that would otherwise become overwhelming on a larger wall area.
• Wallpapering your closet isn't meant to be a total show-stopper like your "direct room" wallpapers. Rather, it's intended to add a little accent and beauty to an otherwise dull space.

My partner and I recently renovated an old barn (it's incredible!), and it was the first time I got to design a space from nothing, both from an architecture and interior design perspective. One of the things I spent a lot of time pondering was the use of closets. I didn't want to build a bunch of closets to toss stuff in; I wanted them to be functional and beautiful. I've seen the incredible, giant millionaire-type closets, but we were going for something else aesthetically. I wanted something personal that would spark joy whenever I opened the door. We did the DIY closet organizer things from Easy Closets, but before we installed them, I did wallpaper accent walls in each. BEST decision ever!

This article will walk you through how I accomplished my DIY wallpapered closet project. So if you're interested in learning how wallpaper can spruce up your small spaces, keep reading for some tips and tricks.

Choose your wallpaper.

The first step was choosing the wallpaper. I knew this was my chance to get funky with some patterns and colors. I suggest considering the surroundings and how/if they should fit in with the adjoining room. I like to stay within the same theme for bedroom closets so that it feels very continuous and well thought out. Hallway closets, laundry closets, and utility closets (etc.) can be a bit more exciting and out of the box. For example, I have a hallway linen closet that's pretty small, and I also have this wallpaper that I've loved for months but could never fit into any of my designs. It was the perfect combination! It's a bright-colored leaf wallpaper, and whenever I open my closet, it's like a beautiful surprise. It's the best.

Decide the placement of your wallpaper.

Next on the list was choosing where the wallpaper would go. A clear wall stands out in most closets as soon as you walk in. Generally, it's parallel to the door or doors; this was my chosen wall in the barn for each of our closets. Unless you have a huge closet, I recommend wallpapering only some of the walls, as it can be overwhelming.

Apply the wallpaper and admire the beauty of your new pop of pattern!

For me, the last step was installing the closet organization system. I built closet systems that were functional for us and our needs, and in some of our closets, the accent wall is 70% covered. So, take some time to consider what you need from your closets, what needs to go in there, and how accessible you need it to be. The wallpaper isn't meant to be a show-stopper like your "direct room" wallpapers. It's intended to add a little accent and beauty to a dull space.

The end result = some of my favorite corners in my home.

My closets are now some of the most exciting spots in my home! They stay cleaner and more organized than other closets (I think my subconscious secretly wants more wallpaper everywhere!). The other thing about closet wallpaper that I found to be huge perk was that I could finally get in some floral wallpaper without getting the "it's too fem" complaint. So if you've been looking for an opportunity to fit in that wild wallpaper that no one else in the house would be into, this is your chance!

PRO-TIP: If you're not starting completely from scratch and have full closets to work with, this is still an easy and effective job. It's also a great chance to declutter and reorganize. First, clean those closets, remove anything that no longer sparks joy or that you haven't used in over a year, and remove the current wall system. If your closet's wall system is outdated, consider updating them—Ikea has excellent inexpensive systems, and Easy Closets are great too. Then, follow the steps above to add a little spice to your closet. You'll be amazed at how much of a difference it makes!