See How Iconic Trellis Design Is Making a Refreshed Return to Interiors This Spring

The rise in maximalist interiors, with its charmingly-busy look, has no shortage of pattern—and the next having its main character moment this spring involves the reimagining of one of the most timeless design staples: trellis.

Also known as lattice, (or treillage in French) trellis is typically used in exteriors as a base for climbing vines or as a decorative detail on pergolas and arbors, but it’s also been a long-time favorite accent in sunrooms, breakfast nooks, and other bright indoor spaces in traditional homes. Legendary designers Elsie de Wolfe (considered America’s first interior designer) and Sister Parish used trellis patterns lavishly in many of their projects, and more recently, designer Phoebe Howard featured it in the primary bedroom in the 2024 Palm Beach Kips Bay Show House.

Typically, trellis work is hung on walls and ceilings to add texture, but it can be done more creatively to make a room feel more modern: Go for multiple layers of trellis to emphasize its dimensional impact; weave in some faux vines to bring the outdoors in.

And while traditionally white, there’s no reason a trellis treatment can’t be painted sunny yellow or light green to coax out its garden-related energy or even a contrasting moody black or anunexpected red. When you think of trellis you probably think of a diamond-shaped pattern, but switching it up and hanging it as squares, similar to larger-scale molding, immediately makes it look contemporary.

To get the lattice look without making it a full-on project, try finding it in wallpaper form. First introduced by William Morris in 1862, trellis wallpaper has made for a consistently popular choice for traditional homes, from formal living rooms to a cottagecore-themed kitchen.

Many trellis wallpapers also come with coordinating fabrics, so you can envelop your entire room in the style. Decorator’s Best reports that designer Kelly Wearstler’s Imperial Trellis is one of their top-selling wall coverings—proving classics are classic for a reason.

Installing real-deal trellis work is a fun DIY task you can take on, though precision and careful measuring are essential for a polished look. You can purchase trellis at most home improvement stores and generally install it with just nails and wood glue. Add a white trellis over a pale blue wall for a dream-like mood, or hang it on a pastel pink wall in your bedroom for a whimsical, coquette touch. Just know that wherever it's used, it's going to become the focal point.