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Livingetc
Livingetc
James Cunningham

Painted Walls Are So Basic in 2026 — Here’s What Designers Are Replacing Them With in Bedrooms

A contemporary bedroom with tiled and wood-paneled walls.

Interior designers know that walls are a place to wow — so why do so many simply default to paint? While it’s true that some of the most compelling spaces are, in fact, painted, it’s also the case that practically all of the flattest, most standard ones are too. This is especially so in bedrooms, where paint has an unfortunate habit of retreating into the background.

Material and textural contrast is one of this year’s biggest interior trends, and walls provide the perfect surface for design experimentation. The most stylish spaces aren’t simply swapping from matte paint to flat wallpaper; they feature multi-dimensional treatments that create a richer, more dynamic effect. “On walls, there’s a definite shift toward authentic, tactile materials that bring a real sense of warmth and character,” explains interior designer Alex Main.

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