12 handsome natural effect wallpapers

Create texture and interest with our pick of the most handsome natural effect wallpapers, from concrete and wood panelling to terrazzo and unpainted plaster effects

grey panelled wood effect wallpaper by woodchip & magnolia
(Image credit: Woodchip & Magnolia)

Opting for a natural effect wallpaper is an easy decorating solution that's effective in achieving a variety of on-trend design outcomes. 

Whether you're looking for a luxe oil-slick inspired wallpaper to complement a sophisticated scheme, or want to achieve a wood panelling effect (for a fraction of the price of the real thing) in a space with a stripped back, industrial feel, our pick of the best natural effect wallpapers provides the inspiration required for redecoration.

For more things wallpaper, go to our hub page. And, once you've made your all important choice, check out our step-by-step guide to hanging wallpaper

1. Create a sophisticated look with an oil slick inspired wallpaper

Successfully creating a subtle and sophisticated effect that's fascinating to look at, oil-slick inspired wallpaper makes the perfect addition to a scheme with a luxe feel. Pair with on-trend pastel tones and delicate copper pieces for a look that's reminiscent of a high-end hotel. 

Find this Anthology Obsidian Panel in Snowflake at John Lewis & Partners.

natural effect wallpaper by sofa.com

(Image credit: Sofa.com)

2. Embrace bold animal prints in small spaces

If you're nervous about using a bold animal print, consider limiting it to a small space, like a cloakroom or small bathroom, where it will make a dramatic impact without looking overwhelming. 

If you're tempted by zebra, try this Serengeti Nights textual print wallpaper from Wallpaper Direct.

Find more advice about designing a small bathroom in our guide.

zebra print wallpaper by arthouse

(Image credit: Arthouse)

3. Incorporate on-trend terrazzo into your space

 Get on trend with a wallpaper design that recreates the look of a classic terrazzo floor. Paper above the dado rail, pairing with a shade that complements specks of colour within the design for a cohesive finish.

Pair this gorgeous Ferm Living Terrazzo Wallpaper from Cloudberry Living with Invisible Green from Little Greene or Gull's Wing from Designer Paint. 

terrazzo wallpaper by cloudberry living

(Image credit: Cloudberry Living)

4. Use concrete to create a contemporary effect

If you're looking to design a space with a distinctly contemporary feel, consider opting for a natural effect wallpaper with a concrete look. This stripped back look is particularly effective when paired with furniture in pastel shades and other grey interiors. 

Recreate this look using the Concrete Texture Effect Wallpaper from Woodchip & Magnolia. 

concrete effect wallpaper by woodchip & magnolia

(Image credit: Woodchip & Magnolia)

5. Use wood-effect wallpaper to design a space with an unfitted feel

If you like the feel of a space with a laid back, unfitted style, wood-effect wallpaper makes a great addition and requires minimal effort to install.

Simply pair a white-grey toned natural effect wallpaper – we love the Plank It Wallpaper from Woodchip & Magnolia – with furniture of a similar hue for a contemporary space with a distinctly laid back feel.

wooden board wallpaper from woodchip & magnolia

(Image credit: Woodchip & Magnolia)

6. Opt for an edgy, plywood effect wallpaper

The go-to aesthetic for hipster hotspots, plywood (or in this case plywood effect wallpapers) are an easy option for a space that's contemporary and minimalist. Pair with low maintenance furniture and muted artworks for a stripped back, unfitted finish.

Find this NLXL Plywood Wallpaper at John Lewis & Partners.

plywood style wallpaper by john lewis & partners

(Image credit: John Lewis & Partners)

7. Achieve the stripped back plasterboard effect

For a pared back, natural effect, we love the idea of using a wallpaper that replicates plasterboard – sounds ridiculous, but the results are surprisingly stylish.

The Plaster Texture Wallpaper in neutral from John Lewis & Partners bridges the gap between elegant and industrial, making it the perfect addition to a contemporary living space. 

natural plaster style wallpaper by john lewis and partners

(Image credit: John Lewis & Partners)

8. Choose a wallpaper that doesn't use repeat patterns for a more realistic finish

When designing a space with a natural effect wallpaper, opting for a design that doesn't have a repeat finish is a must if you're adamant about creating a realistic looking finish.

This gorgeous NLXL Brooklyn Tins Wallpaper from John Lewis & Partners not only avoids repeat patterns, but is also paste-the-wall, allowing for easy application. Available in a variety of shades, you're guaranteed to find a style that suits your space.

stone effect wallpaper from john lewis and partners

(Image credit: John Lewis & Partners)

9. Incorporate a marble effect in a millennial shade  

Marble effect wallpapers make a pretty addition to a home with a distinctly millennial feel, particularly when paired with a collection of abstractly shaped house plants and furniture made from natural materials. 

We love the use of blush and white shades in this Marble Effect Wallpaper from Woodchip & Magnolia. 

pink toned natural effect wallpaper by woodchip and magnolia

(Image credit: Woodchip & Magnolia)

10. Opt for a paper with a brick-wall effect

If you love the idea of a stripped back, brick wall but either can't, or don't want to, commit to the real deal, a wallpaper can achieve a similar effect for a fraction of the effort. 

Thanks to its quality design, this Vtwonen Large Factory Wall Ready Made Mural from Graham & Brown creates a realistic looking finish.

Find out how to use brick to create a feature wall, don't miss our feature.

brick wall effect wallpaper from graham & brown

(Image credit: Graham & Brown)

11. Consider a subtle, wood effect wallpaper

If you like the idea of animal print (like the zebra print we showed further up), but don't want to commit to something quite so bold, a wood effect wallpaper can make a toned back alternative – especially if it's in a light brown or white colour way.

Find this Cypress Beige and Rose Gold Wallpaper at Graham & Brown.

wood style natural wallpaper by graham & brown

(Image credit: Graham & Brown)

12. Use a herringbone, wood-effect wallpaper for a sophisticated finish

If you like the idea of a wood-effect wallpaper, but the rustic or unfitted feel of wooden planks doesn't appeal, consider opting for a design that replicates the effect of wood laid in a herringbone style. The lighter the finish, the better, if you're looking for a more subtle look.

We love this Painted White Chevron Wallpaper from Woodchip & Magnolia, paired with other neutral toned accessories.

living room with white scheme and wood effect herringbone wallpaper by woodchip and magnolia

(Image credit: Woodchip & Magnolia)

Looking for more wallpaper inspiration?

Emily Shaw

Emily first (temporarily) joined the Real Homes team while interning on her summer break from university. After graduating, she worked on several publications before joining Real Homes as Staff Writer full time in mid-2018. She left the brand in 2020 to pursue another career, but still loves a second-hand bargain and sourcing unique finds to make her rented flat reflect her personality.

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