Check wallpaper may be the smartest choice for a child’s room. It’s playful enough for a toddler, but just as lovely when your child is ten. Check wallpaper adds structure to the wall without feeling busy, and suits almost any style: from soft and romantic to colorful and quirky. I’ve rounded up my nine favorites, and left the tenth spot open.
Why check wallpaper works so well in a child’s room
A check pattern is something everyone knows, from picnic blankets to grandma’s dish towel. That makes it feel instantly familiar. At the same time, it can go in all sorts of directions: a fine check in soft shades is calm enough for a nursery, while large blocks in bright colors can transform a play corner in no time.
What I like about it: check wallpaper goes well with stripes, flowers, and solid colors. So you’re not stuck if your child develops their own taste later on.
01. Season Paper Étoffe: a check pattern like woven fabric
Étoffe looks like woven fabric placed on the wall. The lines cross in different widths, giving the pattern depth. In Étoffe Prairie, it’s bright green with pink and red, a real statement.
Prefer something softer? There are also Étoffe Terre and Étoffe Azur.
02. Rebel Walls Gingham: blue check wallpaper, hand-painted
This is the check pattern you know from picnic blankets, but painted. The lines aren’t quite straight, and that’s exactly what makes it so charming. Gingham Blue is calm and fresh.
There are seven colors in total, from pink and light green to brown and burgundy. A lovely choice if you want a classic check with a soft, handcrafted look.
03. Dekornik French Hearts Check: checks with hearts
Light blue and white squares, with a little red heart in each white square. French Hearts Check is sweet without being sugary, especially because the blue is so soothing.
Pair it with rust brown, rattan, and striped bedding, and you have a room that looks like it came straight from a French country house.
04. Meet Me at the Wall Playful Blocks: colorful block wallpaper
Yes, this is my own brand, so I'm not entirely objective. Playful Blocks was drawn by illustrator Aniek Bartels: rectangular blocks that aren't quite perfect, with a painted look. The multicolor version in pink, burgundy, and green is wonderfully bold.
Looking for something a little calmer? Then take a look at Playful Blocks Pastel or Moss.
05. Studio Pieni Toos & Mare: a graphic burgundy check
A clean grid of burgundy lines on a soft pink background. Toos is the large check, while Mare is a finer check in a deeper burgundy shade.
This is the most graphic check in the list and looks beautiful above wainscoting in a darker color.
06. Bibelotte Checkered: retro checks with matching paint
Checkered from Bibelotte is a cheerful mix of squares and fine lines, with a touch of retro style. Checkered Toffee combines ochre and soft pink, and there's also Checkered Sky and Checkered Raspberry.
Handy: Bibelotte also has paint in Toffee and matching Toffee Check wallpaper border, so you can coordinate the entire wall.
07. Rebel Walls Artisan Square: large watercolor diamond pattern
Large watercolor blocks, with a small dark square at each intersection. Artisan Square Green combines sage green with peach and chocolate brown.
Because the pattern is large, it works beautifully on a single accent wall. There are five colors, including a fresh light blue version.
08. Summer Gray Linen Checks: soft check wallpaper with a linen look
This diamond pattern looks like linen, with a fine texture in each section. Linen Yellow instantly gives a room a sunny, warm feel, even on a gray day. Beautiful under a sloping roof, where you want a little extra light.
Also available in Grey, Blue and Green.
09. Meet Me at the Wall Harlequin: the diamond pattern
Technically, it's a diamond, so it belongs on this list. Like Playful Blocks, Harlequin was designed by Aniek Bartels. The multicolor version is a real treat.
You can choose from seven colors, from Pink Sky to Circus.
10. Your favorite?
I’ll leave number 10 open. Missing a check from this list? Feel free to let us know in a comment.
How to choose the right checked wallpaper
- Set the mood. Calm and soft (Gingham, Linen) or cheerful and bold (Étoffe, Playful Blocks)?
- Consider the size of the check. A large check looks great on one wall; a small check is easy to use all around the room.
- Choose one main color from the wallpaper and repeat it in textiles, a lamp, or a cabinet.
- Order a sample first. Colors look different on every screen. Find all samples at wallpaper samples.
In the mood for even more patterns? Take a look at striped and block wallpaper or discover everything from Meet Me at the Wall.
Frequently asked questions about checked wallpaper in a child’s room
Is checked wallpaper too busy for a child’s room?
It depends on the size and colors. A fine check in soft shades, such as Linen or Gingham, is very calming. If you want a busier pattern, wallpaper one wall and keep the rest plain.
Which checked wallpaper is suitable for a nursery?
Choose a soft check in light colors, such as Linen Yellow, Gingham Blue, or French Hearts Check. They’re gentle enough for little ones and easy to grow with.
What’s the difference between checked wallpaper and block wallpaper?
With checked wallpaper, lines or stripes cross each other, as in gingham or tartan. Block wallpaper consists of separate blocks side by side, like Playful Blocks. Both create a playful, graphic effect.
Can I combine checked wallpaper with other wallpaper?
Definitely. Checks work well with stripes or a solid-painted lower half of the wall. Just choose two patterns that share a color to keep the look cohesive.
Can I order a sample first?
Yes, you can order a sample of almost all the wallpaper on this list first. That way, you can see the color and texture in the light of your own room.
How long does wallpaper delivery take?
Wallpaper is supplied by brand, so delivery times vary. Each product page tells you what to expect.
