The rainbow wallpaper trend is perfect for colour lovers – or those who simply can’t decide on a colour scheme. Rainbows are universally loved too, and it’s easy to see why when you examine their meaning and symbolism throughout history. Known to many as being happy, bright and friendly, a rainbow has the power to raise spirits and improve your mood in any room of the house.
From biblical and cultural links to emblems of good fortune or a sign that the storm has ended, the humble rainbow marks peace and new beginnings. It has been represented in art across the centuries and it has been used to spread joy and positivity in the world of design.
Today’s rainbow interiors aren’t just for kids either. While these colourful arches are reminiscent of children’s play areas, nurseries or teen bedrooms, they evoke as many warm feelings for us adults. Whether inspired by memories of children or beautiful homes seen on Instagram, rainbow wall murals are this year’s must-try design trend. Here are some of the top wallpaper ideas to check out if you want to inject some colour into your life.
Sophisticated designer wallpaper
Mural in photo: Uplifting
Who said rainbows were for kids? This incredible work of art, by talented designer Shandra Smith, is a grown-up take on the red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo and violet hues that come after rainfall. A quick and easy way to brighten up a dull living space, this Uplifting mural works well for feature walls. Not only is it seriously eye-catching and an easy conversation starter, but it also creates a focal point for your room.
The unique brush stroke pattern points inwards, guiding the eye to the central interior pieces of your space. Whether you want to brighten up your fireplace or draw attention to a seating area, this rainbow coloured wallpaper will complement the layout and create a sense of flow and energy throughout the home.
As with many creations from the Shandra Smith wallpaper collection, the colours here demand attention, but they don’t overdo it. Giving you enough of a canvas to add other decorative touches. Style with grey upholstery for a clean, modern look. Or add more colourful rainbow decor! You can have lots of fun getting crafty and upcycling your current furniture and room accessories with fantastic rainbow paints!
Rainbow wallpaper with a touch of sparkle
Mural in photo: Rainbow and Pastel Glitter
This Rainbow and Pastel Glitter mural is super versatile. It makes a gorgeous wall design for nurseries and kids’ bedrooms while also having Instagrammable appeal for teens and young adults, spanning every age range.
While it’s unapologetically girly, there’s also a fun and funky edge to this design, making it perfect for inspiring creativity. This means that it also works well for home art studios or offices, as well as reading rooms and music rooms. Any space that needs an injection of razzle-dazzle will benefit from something as glam and glittery as this! Just be sure to makeover a wall that receives plenty of natural light so the rainbow really shines.
Calming rainbow landscape
Mural in photo: Kauai Rainbow
Rainbows are beautiful to look at and are soothing for the soul. And this Kauai Rainbow mural is escapism at its best, transporting you to the fourth largest island in Hawaii, where the beaches have served as backdrops for some of the most famous Hollywood movies. Often referred to as the “Garden Island”, Kauai is a nature lover’s paradise – and this wallpaper captures its natural charm, bringing nature into the home.
In a minimalist bedroom, a landscape rainbow mural will set the scene for relaxation. Style with light wood finishes and organic decor such as wicker, rattan and woven storage baskets. In a home office, photographic landscapes are the ultimate morale-boosting backdrop for your desk. Style with modern furniture and choose colours that complement the imagery. Or in a brightly lit living area, scenery with oceans can create an illusion of movement and space. To make the wallpaper the focal point, style with muted hues such as grey, beige or cream.
Stained glass rainbow mural
Mural in photo: Rainbow Glass
Designed for drab, dreary rooms that need a new lease of life, the Rainbow Glass mural is one that adds instant drama and intrigue. This elegant rainbow wallpaper emulates the beauty of a stained glass window while drawing your attention to one area of the wall. With the growing popularity of texture wall murals and façade wallpapers which give homeowners a non-labour intensive way to redecorate, it’s now easier than ever to achieve the look you want for less.
Textures such as stone, concrete, marble, on-trend terrazzo and other natural-looking surfaces are commonly copied for feature walls, giving instant makeovers without the high cost of renovation. Stained glass is another one to try if you prefer bold colours vs. clean and minimalist.
Textured rainbow wall
Mural in photo: Pastel Parrot Print
This Pastel Parrot Print mural brings a splash of texture to a one dimensional home - inspired by the playful safari wallpaper trend that has exploded in 2020. Whether you’re looking to bring a bedroom to life or you want to add depth to a living space, the application of feathers and fur will help you achieve a look of layering.
A lot of bird, tiger, leopard and animal wallpapers also go well with the ever-popular jungle print. It is an interior trend that has dominated for a number of seasons and shows no sign of slowing down. As more and more homeowners show their passion for bringing the outdoors in, nature will continue to be our design muse.
Rainbow art mural for trendy homes
Mural in photo: Crazy Rainbow
There’s a saying that goes, “art is the only way to run away without leaving home”. This is something that we can all relate to, no matter how invested we are in the art world. You can be a connoisseur or a novice – art is still important and it can instantly transform a room.
Modern abstract art, in particular, is a great way to get the creative juices flowing because it’s designed to challenge the norm. It provides a playground of visual delights and opens up all possibilities of colour and contemplation. This Crazy Rainbow wallpaper by Studio Arterie is a fantastic example of how abstract lines, textures, patterns, composition and colour can work together to evoke emotions in a nonlinear way.
Style with mid-century mod interiors and a muted colour scheme for a seriously polished look. Or go all out with your colour scheme to make your home stand out.
Painterly wallpaper
Mural in photo: Multi-Coloured Watercolour
Watercolour wall murals are an interior designer’s dream, being both subtle and bold at the same time. For modern apartments that are super stylised and minimalist, this Multi-Coloured Watercolour wallpaper is an easy way to add drama without overcrowding the space. Colourful yet clean, this design is a balanced way to celebrate the rainbow.
With painterly wallpapers still as popular as ever in interiors, it’s easy to achieve a timeless feature that never loses its relevance. If you want to support our featured painters, pattern designers and artists, be sure to check out people like Shandra Smith, Carol Robinson, Katy Clemmans, Katy Smeets, Marc Pasternack, Danielle Nelisse, Kathy Shimmield, and Anne Farrall Doyle.
Love these rainbow wallpaper designs as much as we do? Tell us about your favourite mural in the comments below. And don’t forget to let us know which trends you’d like us to cover next!
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