Browsing the fashionable room setups in IKEA‘s showroom, you might spot some eye-catching wallpaper designs. From subtle modern geometrics to whimsical illustrated patterns, these wall coverings play a big role in bringing the stylized spaces to life. But can you actually buy this wallpaper for your own home? And if not, what other wall decor options does IKEA have to offer?
As an avid IKEA shopper and home decor enthusiast, I set out on a mission to get to the bottom of this common question. I pored over IKEA‘s website and catalogs, interviewed employees and industry experts, and even tried my hand at some IKEA wallpaper hacks myself. Here‘s everything I discovered about the world of wallpaper and wall decor at everyone‘s favorite Swedish home store.
The Verdict: IKEA Does Not Sell Traditional Wallpaper
I‘ll cut right to the chase: despite all the wallpaper that appears in IKEA‘s carefully designed showroom displays, the store does not actually sell wallpaper rolls or sheets to customers. This may come as disappointing news to anyone hoping to replicate a specific wallpapered look they spotted in an IKEA catalog or store setup.
"The wallpaper used in our room inspirations is not part of our sellable product range," confirmed Jonas Karlsson, a sales leader for IKEA Sweden. "It is there to highlight how color and pattern can enhance a space, but we do not have wallpaper available for purchase."
So why showcase all that tempting wallpaper that‘s not even for sale? Karlsson says it‘s meant to serve as creative fodder. "The displays are meant to offer ideas and inspiration that customers can interpret and bring to life using other products, including our wall decor alternatives."
Wall Decor Alternatives: What IKEA Offers Instead of Wallpaper
While you won‘t find traditional wallpaper for sale amongst IKEA‘s inventory, the store does carry an array of other products designed to spruce up your walls without the long-term commitment of wallpaper. Here‘s a rundown of some of the most popular categories:
Wall Stickers & Decals
Far and away the most common wallpaper alternative at IKEA is the humble wall sticker. These self-adhesive vinyl decals come in a mind-boggling range of designs. Some of the main styles you‘ll find include:
- Subtle all-over patterns (dots, grid lines, brush strokes)
- Illustrated motifs (leaves, flowers, animals, characters)
- Graphic shapes (triangles, hexagons, ribbons)
- Inspirational quotes and phrases
- Faux textures (marble, wood grain, distressed plaster)
IKEA‘s wall stickers are sold in sheet form and can be cut apart to scatter the designs as you wish. Prices range from $4.99-$24.99 per pack, depending on the size and complexity of the designs.
Some of the bestselling wall sticker collections currently available at IKEA include:
| Product Name | Description | Price |
|---|---|---|
| KINNARED | Playful animal and nature illustrations | $9.99-$14.99 |
| ORESJON | Dainty wildflowers and hummingbirds | $7.99 |
| FILSKOV | Sleek art deco fans and scallops | $12.99 |
| SJOPENNA | Faux wood slats for a shiplap effect | $19.99 |
| LINDBYN | Metallic gold geometric patterns | $14.99 |
(Source)
Wall Panels & Plaques
For more coverage than individual decals, IKEA shoppers can consider wall panels and plaques. These larger pieces are made of printed wood, acrylic, or metal and can be mounted directly on the wall in place of framed art. Some popular options include:
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BJOERKSTA: A collection of ultra-high resolution photo prints laminated onto lightweight aluminum panels for a seamless, modern look. Designs include detailed marble, agate, and woodgrain close-ups that resemble luxe wallpaper when hung edge to edge. (Price: $45-$140 based on size)
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TACKKLOCKA: Printed acrylic wall plaques featuring bold, colorful abstract brush strokes and marbled patterns. Can be clustered for an artistic statement wall. (Price: $9.99 each)
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KLYTTA: A set of adhesive stainless steel sheets perforated with decorative floral cut-outs. The metallic panels create an elegant trompe l‘oeil effect on walls. (Price: $24.99 per pack)
(Source)
Memo Boards & Bulletin Boards
For a wall decor option that‘s both decorative and functional, IKEA offers a selection of memo boards and bulletin boards. These can be used to display photos, postcards, menus, and more while doubling as textural art. Styles range from simple square cork boards to ornate French-inspired designs. Standouts include:
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SKADIS: A popular modular pegboard system that can be customized with various hooks, shelves, and accessories. The perforated white fiberboard makes a striking backdrop for colorful mementos. (Price: $6.99-$22.99 based on size)
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SKOGHALL: Woven rattan bulletin boards featuring scalloped edges and brass accents for a touch of vintage charm. (Price: $12.99-$19.99 based on size)
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VISKAHAUG: Large linen-covered bulletin board with an ornate scrollwork frame, perfect for a French country aesthetic. (Price: $39.99)
(Source)
Wall-Mounted Storage
Beyond pure decoration, IKEA also carries many wall-mounted organizational pieces that can add visual interest to a room. By utilizing vertical space for storage, these products can help reduce clutter while serving as functional decor. Popular options include:
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KARTOTEK: Powder-coated steel grid panels and matching hooks, containers, and accessories for a customizable wall storage system. The perforated metal grids create an industrial vibe. (Price: $12.99-$20 per grid panel, accessories sold separately)
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YPPERLIG: Wall-mounted metal magazine racks that double as minimalist modern art. The thin bent wire construction adds sculptural flair to reading material storage. (Price: $7.99 each)
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SUNNERSTA: Wall-mounted dish drainer and mini kitchen organizer made of powder-coated steel. Hang it over the sink to maximize counter space in a small kitchen. (Price: $12.99)
(Source)
Wallpaper Industry Insights: Why IKEA May Not Stock Rolls
Now that we‘ve covered what IKEA offers to zhush up walls in lieu of traditional wallpaper, let‘s examine why the retailer doesn‘t carry the classic paper rolls. The wallpaper industry has seen its share of ups and downs over the past few decades, and trends have shifted in terms of popularity and perception.
According to market research from IBISWorld, the wallpaper manufacturing industry in the US has declined at an annualized rate of 2.5% to $683 million over the past five years. The firm cites "poor residential renovation activity and volatile input costs" as contributing factors to the slump. Additionally, consumer preference has shifted toward "less permanent, easy-to-remove wall decals." (Source)
These insights shed light on why IKEA, a brand known for its affordable, DIY-friendly products, may be hesitant to wade into the traditional wallpaper market. Stocking wallpaper rolls could be seen as a risky inventory move in the face of waning consumer demand and rising material costs.
"Wallpaper requires a bigger investment of both time and money compared to peel-and-stick decals," said Sarah Stevens, an industry analyst at Freedonia Focus Reports. "It also involves a level of commitment and permanence that may not jive with IKEA‘s ethos of easy, flexible decorating."
Stevens also points out that the typical IKEA shopper skews younger and more budget-conscious than the average home renovator. "Millennials and Gen Z make up a big part of IKEA‘s customer base, and these generations tend to be more interested in low-commitment, high-impact decor options like removable wall stickers," she said. "They‘re looking for personalization over permanence."
How to Use Wallpaper with IKEA Furniture and Decor
Just because you can‘t source your wallpaper from IKEA directly doesn‘t mean you have to forgo that showroom-inspired look altogether. By combining wallpaper from another retailer with IKEA‘s furniture and accessories, it‘s totally possible to hack your way to a magazine-worthy space.
One popular trick is to apply peel-and-stick or pre-pasted wallpaper to plain IKEA furniture pieces like dressers, bookshelves, and cabinets. This allows you to punch up the basic silhouettes with color and pattern while maintaining the function and affordability of IKEA‘s offerings.
"IKEA‘s MALM and KALLAX series are prime candidates for a wallpaper makeover," said Anna Decilveo, a prop stylist who has worked on campaigns for IKEA. "The smooth, flat surfaces are ideal for adhering paper, and you can get really creative with the configurations."
Some companies have even begun marketing peel-and-stick wallpaper and furniture wraps specifically sized for popular IKEA pieces. Search for "IKEA furniture stickers" on Etsy, and you‘ll find a treasure trove of stylish options for personalizing your flat-pack buys.
If you want to create a custom color palette, consider using a solid-colored self-adhesive wallpaper or vinyl wrap to transform an IKEA piece. "Covering a white BILLY bookcase in a bold blue or green hue is an easy way to make a generic item feel bespoke," said Decilveo.
When it comes to wallpapering the actual walls of a room outfitted with IKEA furniture, there are a few guidelines to keep in mind for a cohesive look:
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Stick to a limited color scheme: Choose wallpaper in a palette that complements your IKEA pieces for a pulled-together feel. When in doubt, refer to the 60-30-10 rule, using wallpaper as either the dominant 60% hue or the accenting 10% shade.
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Consider scale and visual weight: IKEA furniture tends to be on the simple, streamlined side, so you‘ll want to choose a wallpaper print that balances the proportions. A large-scale pattern can help anchor airy IKEA silhouettes, while a more delicate mini-print plays well with chunkier pieces.
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Use wallpaper as a backdrop: Think of busy prints as an accent wall behind a plain IKEA sofa or a punchy headboard paired with IKEA‘s all-white bedding. By limiting statement wallpaper to a single feature area, you‘ll keep the overall effect chic, not chaotic.
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Mix and match textures: Part of the fun of decorating with IKEA pieces is the opportunity to combine different finishes and materials. Incorporate wallpaper with a tactile texture like grasscloth, linen, or embossed vinyl to balance out the sleek lacquer and smooth laminate surfaces common in IKEA furniture.
Environmental and Safety Considerations
As with any product you bring into your home, it‘s important to consider the potential environmental and health impacts of wallpaper and peel-and-stick decals. While IKEA is known for its focus on sustainability and non-toxic materials, not all wallpaper and decal manufacturers prioritize these concerns.
According to the EPA, traditional wallpaper installation can involve harsh chemicals like methylene chloride, which has been linked to cancer and respiratory issues. Older wallpapers and adhesives may also contain lead or other heavy metals. (Source)
When shopping for wallpaper or peel-and-stick decals from any retailer, look for options with low-VOC or zero-VOC certifications. These indicate that the product has been tested and meets strict standards for minimal off-gassing of harmful chemicals.
You‘ll also want to consider the sustainability of the materials used to produce the wallpaper or decals. Look for options made with recycled content, sustainably sourced paper, and water-based inks to minimize the environmental impact.
If you‘re unsure about the safety or eco-friendliness of a particular wallpaper or decal product, don‘t hesitate to reach out to the manufacturer for more information. Reputable companies should be transparent about their materials and production processes.
The Bottom Line
So, does IKEA sell wallpaper? The short answer is no, but that doesn‘t mean you‘re out of luck if you‘re looking to add some personality to your walls. With a wide array of wall stickers, decals, panels, and more, IKEA offers plenty of creative solutions for sprucing up your space without the commitment of traditional wallpaper.
If you do have your heart set on wallpaper, consider combining finds from other retailers with IKEA‘s versatile furniture and decor for a custom look. By following a few simple guidelines around color, scale, and texture, it‘s easy to create an envy-inducing room that looks like it jumped straight out of the glossy pages of an IKEA catalog.
Whichever route you choose, keep in mind the big picture when it comes to your wall decor. "Walls are the largest surface in any room, so what you put on them can really set the tone for the entire space," said IKEA interior design spokesperson Karlsson. "Whether it‘s bold wallpaper or subtle decals, your walls are a chance to express your personal style and tell your unique story."
