Wallpaper isn’t just making a comeback. It’s leading the design revolution of 2026.
If you’ve been scrolling through Instagram lately, you’ve probably noticed something shifting in Canadian homes. Those stark white walls? They’re getting a gorgeous makeover with bold colours, immersive murals, and textures that beg to be touched. Modern wallpaper has evolved from a forgotten décor option into the centrepiece of contemporary interior design.
In 2026, wallpaper is about more than just covering walls. It’s about creating spaces that feel deeply personal, utterly stunning, and genuinely sustainable. We’re so excited to share what’s fresh, stunning, and totally perfect for your Canadian home this year.
Trend Overview
- Deep jewel tones and moody colours (emerald, sapphire, plum) create luxury and intimacy in every room.
- Oversized botanicals and scenic murals bring nature indoors with immersive, painterly designs.
- Sustainable materials meet growing demand for eco-conscious, non-toxic wallpaper options.
- Warm earth neutrals (terracotta, clay, warm taupe) ground spaces with organic, calming vibes
- Textured finishes add depth beyond flat prints – think canvas textures and natural fibres.
What Colours Are Trending for Modern Wallpaper in 2026?
Let’s talk colour because 2026 is bringing some stunning shades to Canadian homes. Deep jewel tones like emerald and sapphire, warm earth neutrals including terracotta and clay, and moody near-black shades lead 2026’s colour revolution.
Pantone’s Official 2026 Colour Forecast
Pantone’s “Welcome Home” forecast for 2026 tells a compelling story. According to colour expert Lee Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute, the 2026 trends are “deeply rooted in the past, with a mixing of different eras.” When people feel uncertain about the future, they look to heritage hues that provide comfort and connection.
The forecast includes seven distinct palettes ranging from “Out of the Ordinary” (Scandinavian-Japanese fusion neutrals) to “Ancestral” (raw, earthy warmth inspired by caves and early dwellings). What ties them together? A shared emphasis on balance, nature, and colours that evoke emotion through multiple senses.
Deep Green and Forest Tones
Green wallpaper dominated 2025, and it’s absolutely not going anywhere in 2026. Deep forest greens, dusty sage, and rich emerald tones continue to reign as the colour of calm and luxury. Canadian designers are drawn to these shades because they bring the serenity of our vast forests indoors while creating an enveloping, sophisticated atmosphere.
Dark green wallpaper works beautifully in bedrooms where you want to create a cocooning retreat, or in living rooms where it acts as a stunning backdrop for brass accents, warm woods, and creamy textiles. The shade complements our Canadian love affair with biophilic design.
Moody Jewel Tones (Plum, Teal, Navy)
If you’re ready to embrace drama, 2026 is your year. Velvet plum, transformative teal, and deep navy blues are making waves across Canadian homes. These jewel tones deliver luxury without feeling overwhelming, especially when used on a single feature wall.
Graham and Brown named Divine Damson (a deep, luxurious plum hue) as their 2026 Colour of the Year, inspired by ripe figs and plums. Behr chose Hidden Gem, a smoky jade that’s “quietly expressive,” while numerous forecasters highlighted teal as a symbol of sustainability and emotional well-being.
Warm Neutrals and Earthy Minimalism
Neutral colours aren’t boring anymore. The 2026 palette embraces what designers call “new neutrals”: warm khakis, terracottas, clay tones, and soft taupes that ground your space without fading into the background.
Sherwin-Williams’ Universal Khaki, Glidden’s Warm Mahogany (a rich, grounded red), and Valspar’s Warm Eucalyptus all point to the same truth. We’re craving colours that feel organic, sustainable, and deeply connected to the earth. These shades work gorgeously in open-concept Canadian homes where you want visual flow between rooms, or in smaller spaces where they create warmth without closing things in.
What Design Styles Are Shaping Modern Wallpaper?
We’re moving away from small repetitive prints toward immersive, artistic designs that transform walls into statement pieces.
Oversized Botanicals and Immersive Murals
Large-scale floral wallpaper and oversized botanical prints are absolutely stunning this year. We’re talking floor-to-ceiling tropical leaves, sweeping garden scenes, and florals so big you feel like you’ve stepped into a lush conservatory.
The key to using oversized botanicals without overwhelming your space is balance. Pair your dramatic wallpaper with simpler furniture in neutral tones. Let the walls do the talking while your sofas, beds, and chairs provide visual rest. This approach works brilliantly in bedrooms where you want that spa-like retreat feeling, or in dining rooms where you’re creating an experience, not just a meal.
Check out our mural collections for designs that bring the outdoors in without the maintenance of actual houseplants (because let’s face it, we’ve all killed at least one fiddle leaf fig).
Scenic and Painterly Designs
Landscape murals are having a moment. Think watercolour sunsets, misty mountain ranges, and abstract cloudscapes that blur the line between wallpaper and fine art. These scenic designs serve as daily reminders to pause and breathe – something we all desperately need.
Canadian designers particularly love scenic wallpaper in home offices where you’re staring at walls during long Zoom calls, or in living rooms where you want to create a sense of expansiveness. The painterly quality adds sophistication that photographs simply can’t match. It’s art you can live with, literally.
Minimalist Modern and Geometric Subtlety
Not everyone wants to go maximalist (though we fully support those who do). Minimalist wallpaper in 2026 leans into understated patterns with clean lines, intentional spacing, and monochromatic designs that whisper rather than shout.
Geometric wallpaper works when the pattern feels sophisticated rather than busy. Think subtle stripes with natural texture, tonal shapes that create depth without repetition, or abstract designs that reward closer inspection. This style suits contemporary Canadian condos beautifully, especially in Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal, where modern architecture calls for equally modern interiors.
How Sustainable Is Modern Wallpaper in 2026?
Sustainability is huge right now, and Canadian homeowners are absolutely loving the eco-friendly options available:
Materials that matter: Modern eco-friendly wallpaper uses renewable wood pulp, recycled paper (60-80% post-consumer waste), and natural fibres like bamboo and cork. Look for certifications like GREENGUARD Gold (low chemical emissions) and FSC. It’s vital for families with kids and pets.
What Canadians are choosing: Peel-and-stick wallpaper made without PVC or vinyl, using water-based adhesives that are safe for your health and perfect for renters. Non-woven wallpaper is also brilliant because it’s breathable (prevents mould in humid bathrooms) and easy to remove.
Durability equals sustainability: Here’s something most people don’t realise: quality eco-friendly wallpaper lasts 10-15 years versus paint that needs refreshing every 3-5 years. Proudly made in Canada options (like ours in Vancouver) reduce carbon emissions from overseas shipping while supporting local manufacturing. That’s a win-win worth celebrating.
How Do You Shop for Modern Wallpaper in 2026?
Start by identifying your design aesthetic, then prioritise quality over trends – look for commercial-grade materials, proper certifications, and well-designed products.
Finding Your Personal Style
Before you fall in love with every gorgeous wallpaper you see (guilty!), take a moment to define your aesthetic. Are you drawn to maximalist spaces with layered patterns and bold colours? Or does minimalist modern with clean lines speak to you?
Your personal style should guide your wallpaper choices more than any trend forecast. Trends come and go, but you’re the one living with those walls every single day.
Trend vs. Timeless (What Will Age Well?)
Some trends have serious staying power: deep greens, warm neutrals, and oversized botanicals fall into the “timeless trend” category. They feel fresh now but won’t look dated in five years. For example, Faux brick wallpaper and heavily geometric prints might get old fast.
When choosing modern wallpaper, ask yourself: Will I still love this in three years? If the answer is yes, you’ve found a winner. If you’re unsure, order samples first. Our samples are large enough to see the pattern repeat and texture quality, which helps you make confident decisions.
Curated Picks from Wallpaper Online
We’ve helped lots of clients get exactly what they’re looking for. You can browse our collections by colour, style, or room type to narrow down options that suit your vision. Looking for deep jewel tones? Check out our emerald and sapphire selections. Prefer warm earth neutrals? Our terracotta and clay designs are absolutely stunning.
Custom Options
Sometimes you need something truly unique: a specific colour, a custom size for that awkward wall, or a design that reflects your family’s personality. We can do it. Our custom printing service lets you transform your vision into reality, whether that’s scaling a favourite pattern or creating something entirely new.
Real Spaces: Modern Wallpaper Inspiration
Now, let’s bring these trends into real rooms you can totally recreate.
Bedroom Retreats with Calm Colours
For kids’ rooms, I’d definitely recommend peel-and-stick – it’s washable and removable, so when they’re in their teens and want something new, it’ll be easy to swap it out. In master bedrooms, deep greens paired with soft botanical prints create that hotel-worthy retreat you’ve been dreaming about.
Also, textured wallpaper adds dimension without pattern, which makes it perfect for spaces where you want calm sophistication. Canvas texture in warm neutrals brings subtle interest that changes with natural light throughout the day.
Home Offices and Creative Spaces with Energizing Jewel Tones
Plum, sapphire, and teal wallpaper will work beautifully in home offices where you need focus and inspiration. These colours stimulate creativity without the overstimulating effect of bright primaries. Scenic murals in these spaces will also provide visual breaks during long work sessions.
Living and Dining Room Drama with Statement Colours
Bold near-blacks, warm mahogany, and feature walls in jewel tones create dining rooms where dinner parties feel like events. In living rooms, a single accent wall behind your sofa anchors the entire space without overwhelming it.
The trick with dramatic wallpaper? Balance it with neutral furniture and keep accessories minimal. Let the walls be the star of the show.
Final Thoughts
Wallpaper in 2026 isn’t about following rules. It’s about creating spaces that feel authentically you, whether that’s moody and dramatic, calm and earthy, or boldly maximalist.
The trends we’re seeing reflect a broader cultural shift toward intentionality, sustainability, and designs that genuinely improve our daily lives.
Ready to transform your space? Explore our full collection of modern wallpaper for 2026 and discover designs that speak to your style. From peel-and-stick options for renters to custom murals for forever homes, we’ve got exactly what you’re looking for.
Share your transformation: Tag us @wallpaperonlinecanada on Instagram and show us how you’re bringing these 2026 trends to life in your Canadian home.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is modern wallpaper easy to remove if I change my mind?
Absolutely, peel-and-stick wallpaper removes cleanly without damaging walls or leaving residue. Traditional non-woven wallpaper also removes more easily than older paste-the-wall types.
Can I use modern wallpaper in bathrooms with high humidity?
Sure thing, you can use our peel-and-stick in bathrooms with water or steam, but we recommend a thin layer of clear caulking where the wallpaper might come into contact with standing water (like the edges of a bath or basin).
What’s the difference between commercial-grade and regular wallpaper?
Commercial-grade wallpaper uses heavier materials, more durable inks, and stricter quality standards. It lasts longer and resists wear better than basic options. It’s what we use for all our products.
How do I know if wallpaper is truly eco-friendly?
Look for certifications such as GREENGUARD Gold (low-emission products), FSC (responsibly sourced materials), or OEKO-TEX (non-toxic components). Eco-friendly wallpaper should also use water-based inks and avoid PVC or vinyl materials.
Should I hire a professional installer or DIY my wallpaper?
Peel-and-stick wallpaper is absolutely DIY-friendly. We include instructions and offer installation tips on our blog. However, professional installation ensures perfect alignment and zero air bubbles, especially for traditional wallpaper or large murals. If you need an installer? We’re happy to recommend trusted professionals in your area.