Smaller spaces can handle pattern beautifully, especially when the palette stays neutral. Stone, tile and floral prints in the bathroom are especially popular for creating a spa-like retreat. (Florals for bathrooms? Groundbreaking, we know!) We love wallpaper like Olivia and Line Blossom as neutrals in bathrooms and powder rooms. The sophisticated silhouette of the lines and the low-contrast color palette pairs well with porcelain-white sinks and tubs as well as more colorful towels and decor.

If you’re planning to wallpaper your bathroom, be sure to check out our guide to installing bathroom wallpaper first.

Bedrooms are where neutrals really earn their keep. You want calm, cozy and a little bit dreamy. Oversized florals in soft, low-contrast palettes are perfect here because they add movement without jolting your nervous system. We love wallpaper like Sierra for bedrooms with its quiet silhouettes of beige blooms against a sage backdrop. The softness of the overall effect reads almost like a sponge painted wall – just a lot more sophisticated and a lot less ‘90s DIY. If you’re looking for something on the moodier side of the neutral spectrum, Tulum is gorgeous against white bedding and furniture.

In nurseries, you want something that will feel just as lovely during 2 a.m. feedings as it does in daylight. Neutrals can add a gentle storybook quality without locking you into a super specific color scheme. Patterns like Climbing Roses are a perfect example. The handpainted taupe-pink roses trail across a dynamic linen background, with brushstrokes that feel soft and painterly. It’s the kind of print that looks adorable with a crib and rocker now, and still feels elevated when the nursery morphs into a big-kid room filled with books, toys and personality. The whimsical ocean waves in Sayulita are also a favorite for joyful nurseries.

Kitchens are full of hard lines and shiny surfaces, which is exactly why a neutral pattern can make the space feel warmer and welcoming. Instead of another flat coat of paint, a subtle geometric or mosaic print – like Marrakech – adds just enough texture to break things up. This Moroccan-inspired geometric pattern in rich sand and beige tones adds a global sensibility to the room without clashing with your cabinets or backsplash. Consider it your permission slip to experiment with new recipes and flavors!

Your living room does a lot of heavy lifting – Netflix nights, rainy day reads, and welcoming visitors that pop by to say hi. It deserves walls that feel as cozy and pulled-together as the rest of the space. Grasscloth wallpaper is designers’ favorite neutral for good reason. Grasscloth adds unexpected texture with a luxe finish. Faux Grasscloth in Rose delivers on the designer look with an extra twist: a whisper of pink woven into its earthy straw tone. It’s subtle enough to still read as a neutral, but just rosy enough to feel current and chic.

Home offices walk a fine line. You want them to feel calm and grounded, but not so bland that you’re nodding off between emails. This is where a neutral pattern with a bit of structure shines. Patterns like Happy Adventure and Earth nail it with imperfect, hand-drawn lines. The effect is organized but still organic, which gives the space a little extra energy without veering out of the neutral lane. The movement of these designs help to soften masculine office furniture, like dark wood desks and bulky leather chairs. And they’re sure to look great as your new backdrop on Zoom.

Dining rooms are all about atmosphere. You want a backdrop that feels special enough for holidays and dinner parties, but not so bold that it clashes with every tablescape you put down. A neutral pattern with a dynamic repeat is the sweet spot. Geometric Floralsdoes this beautifully. Dusty blush and burnt orange petals form a mesmerizing scalloped motif across an off-white, linen-inspired ground. The organic shapes keep it soft, while the structured repeat adds a little architectural rhythm. Thanks to the refined color palette, it still behaves like a neutral – letting candlelight, florals and dishware take center stage. If you have seagrass or rattan cabinets or accents, Kintamani is another favorite in dining rooms to subtly nod to the existing texture.