Deco trend: Decorate with newspaper prints

Decoration prints of a home say a lot about who lives in them. Inspiration can come from anywhere, even from an everyday element such as the newspaper. Although its physical presence has declined because more and more people prefer to read the news on the Internet, its soul of paper has inspired the impression of old and modern editions in armchairs, paintings, cushions and all kinds of upholstery and wallpapers.

Wall decoration – 56 most current trends

Where and How to Use Newspaper Prints in Your Home

So, you’re intrigued. But how do you actually use newspaper prints in a way that’s chic rather than kitsch? Here’s where it gets interesting.

1. Statement Walls
Wallpaper is the easiest — and arguably the most effective — way to embrace this trend. A single wall covered in newspaper print can anchor a room. Ideal for home offices, reading corners or even powder rooms, it’s a look that reads as both intellectual and edgy. Just remember to keep surrounding elements simple. You don’t want your space looking like Fleet Street on deadline day.

2. Soft Furnishings and Textiles
Newspaper-print cushions, throws or even bedding bring a playful twist to living spaces. They’re also easy to swap out if you tire of the trend. Go for pieces that use print sparingly — perhaps just a section of an article or headline. That way, it feels curated rather than chaotic.

3. Furniture with a Twist
Upcycled furniture has had a major moment lately, and some savvy DIYers are decoupaging side tables and cabinet fronts with actual newsprint (sealed, of course). The effect? A one-of-a-kind piece that doubles as a conversation starter. And yes, you can even use replicas if you’re worried about the ink smudging.

4. Accessories and Art
Framed vintage newspaper pages — think iconic headlines or foreign-language prints — make for intriguing wall art. Alternatively, you can go abstract: artworks that mimic the newspaper style with blocks of type, columns and grayscale imagery. It’s design meets editorial.

5. Kitchen and Dining Quirks
Believe it or not, newspaper print has crept into ceramics too. Plates and mugs patterned with clippings or faux advertisements add a quirky touch to mealtimes. It’s kitsch, but when balanced with sleek modern kitchenware, it creates a delightful contrast.

The Sustainability Angle: Old News, New Use

One of the more compelling aspects of this trend is its eco-friendly potential. Upcycling actual newspapers into décor pieces, from lampshades to drawer liners, keeps waste out of landfills and adds authenticity. There’s something rather poetic about turning yesterday’s headlines into tomorrow’s homeware.

Several small brands have leaned into this aspect. I came across a workshop in Devon using reclaimed newspaper to create papier-mâché bowls and light pendants. The result? Raw, sculptural pieces that are lightweight, textural, and 100% recycled.

It’s not just about aesthetics — it’s a philosophy. In a time when interiors are increasingly curated and pristine, using newspaper print adds a rough-around-the-edges human touch. It reminds us that design doesn’t always need to be polished to be powerful.

Balancing the Bold: Avoiding Visual Overload

Of course, a word of caution. Newspaper prints can go from chic to chaotic if overdone. The key is restraint. Think of it like a punctuation mark in your design scheme — an exclamation point, not the whole paragraph. Use it to punctuate a space, not dominate it.

To balance it out, pair newspaper prints with natural materials like wood and linen. Keep the colour palette muted elsewhere — creams, beiges, soft greys — to let the black and white typography stand out. And don’t be afraid to leave negative space. After all, what’s a newspaper without a good margin?

The Allure of the Everyday

Perhaps what makes the newspaper décor trend so enduring is its relatability. It’s familiar. Approachable. There’s a story in every line, quite literally. And in a world that often leans towards the glossy and curated, there’s an honesty to newspaper print that feels refreshing.

Whether you opt for a full-on feature wall or just a subtle printed cushion, the effect is the same — a touch of vintage wit, a whisper of history, and a whole lot of personality. It’s design that doesn’t take itself too seriously, and perhaps that’s exactly what we need right now.

So go on, make headlines — in your home.