Trellis wallpaper designs can make small rooms feel larger – experts explain how

It’s no secret that trellis prints are on-trend right now. This pattern pays homage to the widespread craving to bring organic beauty indoors – and it’s one of the most stylish ways to cater to this desire. 

However, while this interior design trend ticks all the boxes in terms of its style, it is equally sought-after by designers for its power to make a small space feel bigger. 

If you’re looking to accentuate a compact kitchen or extend a small living room (almost) instantly, then this print may be the solution you need. 

How to use the trellis trend to create the illusion of space – according to designers

Olivia Deruelle, Design Director at Manuel Canovas, explains that the trellis’ size-enhancing power comes from the geometric shapes that make up the basis of the print.

‘The geometric interlacings of the caning provide a light structure to the design, and foliage can intertwine delicately all around,’ she says. ‘This pattern type has a natural movement towards the top and gives amplitude and a higher ceiling perception to the room.’

Therefore, if you were to invest in trellis wallpaper, you could elevate your ceiling ideas by encouraging the eye to follow the trellis’ natural vertical shape up to the top of the room. However, you can also achieve a similar effect without going maximalist with your wallpaper ideas.

‘The fact of seeing the sky through the trellis brings a nice perspective and is a clever way to add depth to the room too; it makes it very easy to use,’ the designer adds. ‘It fits perfectly with floral patterns and with deeper and unexpected green shades.’

Olivia certainly isn’t wrong. The trellis print is powerful when standing alone, but it is even more impactful when you layer it with another pattern.

‘The trick for me is making sure to use different scales and try to have a common color thread – even if it’s just a small note of the same color carried throughout,’ says Dara Caponigro, the Creative Director at Schumacher. ‘I love seeing how people layer pattern on pattern.’

If you’re looking for a powerful geometric pattern to experiment with the size-enhancing qualities of the trend, we suggest looking towards Trellis by Molly Mahon for Schumacher. Dara explains that this print’s geometric style allows it to work ‘beautifully and easily with all florals for a charming interior scheme’.

We’re entrusting this beautiful small space solution to transform our decorating ideas this season. 

Is this best way to make a small living room look bigger? We think it could be.