Wallpaper Buying Guide

There's a lot to consider when buying wallpaper. What style will look best in your home? What kind of material will be the most durable? How much should you expect to spend? In this guide, we'll walk you through everything you need to know before making your purchase. So whether you're a first-time buyer or an experienced pro, read on for some essential tips, advice and some great ideas for adding more personality to your interiors with wallpaper.

Advantages of Wallpaper

First off we should discuss why to redecorate your walls with wallpaper instead of paint. Wallpapers have a lot of advantages that consumers should know about before deciding to purchase them. The first is that wallpaper can completely change the look and feel of a room. It can also make a small room look bigger and a large room look more intimate. Wallpaper can also be used to add some colour or personality to a room that needs it.

Wallpaper is also an affordable way to update your home décor. It can be cheaper than painting or re-tiling your walls.

Another advantage of wallpaper is that it is relatively easy to install. Most wallpapers come with instructions, and even if they don't, we offer our own online tutorials that can guide you through the installation process. This means that you do not need to be an expert DIYer to install wallpaper - most people can do it with a little bit of instruction.

Finally, wallpaper is a great way to cover up flaws in and protect your walls. Unlike paint, which can chip and peel over time, wallpaper is much more durable and won't crack with age. This makes it a great choice for high-traffic areas or for homes with children or pets.

Where will the wallpaper be hung?

Feature Walls

A feature wall is a great way to add some interest to a room as it stands out and catches the eye.

You will need to decide on the size and shape of your feature wall. Some people choose to go with a large statement wall, while others prefer smaller walls in strategic locations.

You'll also want to consider what else you'll be accessorising your feature wall with. You can add furniture, art, or plants to help bring the space together. Be creative and have fun with it!

Size of the room

The size of the room is also an important consideration when buying wallpaper. If you have a small room, you will want to buy wallpaper that is not too busy or overwhelming. A simple design or pattern will make the room look bigger and more spacious.

If you have a large room, on the other hand, you can be more adventurous with your wallpaper choice. You can choose a bold or intricate design that will make a big impact in the space. Just make sure that the design you choose is not too busy, or it may overwhelm the room.

What is the theme of the room?

The theme of the room is another important consideration when buying wallpaper. If you are going for a traditional look, you will want to choose a wallpaper with a traditional pattern or design. If your room has a more modern feel, on the other hand, you may want to choose a contemporary pattern or design for your wallpaper.

How lighting affects your decision

When choosing wallpaper, it is important to consider the features of the space, including the lighting of the room. Some wallpapers are designed to reflect light while others are designed to absorb light. If you are looking for wallpaper that will brighten up a dark room, then you should choose a design that reflects light. If you are looking for wallpaper that will make a small room appear larger, then you should choose a design that absorbs light.

The type of lighting that you have in your room is also important to consider. If you have natural light coming in through windows, then you should choose a light or bright design to help reflect the light. If you have artificial lighting, then you can choose a darker design that will create a more intimate atmosphere.

Conditions of the walls

Before installing wallpaper, it is important to examine the walls and note any damage or imperfections. If there is any damage, it is important to repair it before installing the wallpaper. This will help to ensure that the wallpaper does not peel or bubble up after a few months.

If you are using wallpaper as a way to cover up flaws or minor damage on your walls, it is important to install a wallpaper lining first. A wallpaper lining is a thin sheet of material that is applied to the wall before the wallpaper goes on. It helps to protect the wall and makes the wallpaper installation process much easier.

Wallpaper lining comes with all wallpaper we sell. Follow the instructions on the package to apply it to your walls. Once the lining is in place, you can begin installing your wallpaper.

Wallpaper Designs

When you are ready to buy wallpaper, the first step is to decide on the design that you want. There are many different designs available in the market and you can choose from a wide variety. If you are unsure of what design to choose, below is a list of popular choices:

Floral

Floral wallpaper is one of the most popular types of wallpaper designs. It is often used to create a romantic and elegant feel in a room. There are many different types of floral designs available, so you can choose the one that best suits your style.

Another thing to keep in mind when choosing floral wallpaper is the size of the pattern. If you have a small room, then you may want to choose a wallpaper with smaller flowers. Conversely, if you have a large room, then you may want to choose a wallpaper with larger flowers.

Damask

Damask wallpaper is a popular choice for a traditional or elegant look. It is often made up of intricate designs and patterns that can add a lot of character to a room. If you are looking for a dramatic effect, then damask wallpaper could be for you.

Geometric

A geometric wallpaper design is a popular choice for modern and contemporary rooms. It is often made up of bold shapes and patterns that can add a bit of flair to a room. If you are looking for a daring and modern look, then a geometric wallpaper design could be a good option.

Textured

Textured wallpaper is a popular choice for those who want a unique and stylish look. It is often made up of different textures and patterns that can add visual interest to a room. If you are looking for something different, then textured wallpaper is a good choice.

Solid Colours

Solid colour wallpaper design is a popular choice for those who want a simple and stylish look. It is usually made up of a single solid colour and can be used to create a homely look in a room. If you are looking for a timeless look, then a solid colour wallpaper design is for you.

Plaid

When it comes to choosing a wallpaper design, plaid is a popular choice for many people. Plaid wallpapers are often used to create a traditional and cozy feel in a room. They are typically made up of small, repeating patterns and can be used to add visual interest to a space. If you are looking for a classic look in your home, then plaid wallpaper is a good option.

Stripes

Another popular choice for wallpaper design is stripes. It is usually made up of different widths of stripes of various solid colours and can be used to create a more traditional or modern look, depending on the design of the stripes.

Nature

When it comes to choosing a wallpaper design, many people opt for natural designs. Examples of nature-inspired wallpapers include trees, plants, flowers, and landscapes. If you are looking for a soothing and relaxing environment, then a nature-inspired wallpaper may be the right choice for you.

Brick or stone

Brick and stone wallpapers are a popular choice for people who want a rustic and traditional look in their home. These types of wallpapers often feature realistic textures and patterns, making them a popular choice for people who want to add a bit of character to their home.

Kids

There are many different types of kid's wallpaper available on the market. If you are looking for a stylish and trendy look for your child's room, then you may want to consider using kid's wallpaper. Kids wallpaper is available in a wide variety of designs, so you can choose the one that best suits your child's style.

When it comes to choosing kid's wallpaper, there are a lot of different things to choose from. But the most important thing is to think about your child's age. For younger children, you will want to choose a wallpaper that is bright and colourful with fun designs. For older children, you may want to choose a more sophisticated design with muted colours or even a patterned wallpaper.

Wallpaper Colours

Wallpaper colours are an important consideration when choosing a wallpaper design. There are many different colours available, so you can choose the one that best suits your style and the overall look and feel of your home.

If you are looking for a simple and timeless look in your home, then you may want to consider using a neutral wallpaper colour. There are many different neutral colours available, so you can choose the one that best suits your style.

If you are looking for a vibrant and colourful look in your home, then you may want to consider using a bright wallpaper colour.

You will also want to compare the wallpaper to the existing walls in the room. If you have light-coloured walls, then you may want to choose a light-coloured wallpaper. Conversely, if you have dark-coloured walls, then you may want to choose a dark-coloured wallpaper.

It is also important to keep in mind the overall style of your home. If you have a modern and stylish home, then you may want to consider using a modern wallpaper colour. Contrarily, if you have a traditional home, then you may want to consider using a traditional wallpaper colour.

The furniture in the room will also play a big role in the choice of colour of the wallpaper. If you are using a lot of bold colours, then you may want to choose a wallpaper with bolder colours. However, if you have a more subtle style, then you may want to choose a wallpaper with softer colours.

Wallpaper Materials

When choosing wallpaper, it is important to consider the features that you need. Some attributes to consider include visual effect, water resistance and durability. These features can be seen in the various wallpaper materials we offer:

Vinyl Wallpaper

Vinyl wallpaper is made of a synthetic material that is water resistant and durable. It has become one of the most popular choices of wallpaper for people who want stylish and long-lasting wallpaper.

This type of wallpaper is a good choice for high-traffic areas such as hallways and kitchens. Vinyl wallpaper is also a good choice for bathrooms because it is waterproof and mould-resistant.

Pros

• Vinyl is durable and can withstand everyday wear and tear.
• Vinyl is easy to clean and can be wiped down with a damp cloth.
• Vinyl wallpaper is waterproof and mould-resistant, making it a good choice for bathrooms and kitchens.

Cons

• Vinyl is not as environmentally friendly as other materials such as paper.
• Vinyl can be difficult to remove once it is installed.
  

Fabric Wallpaper

Fabric wallpaper is made out of a natural or synthetic fabric. This type of wallpaper is soft and luxurious, making it a good choice for bedrooms and other intimate spaces. Fabric wallpaper is also a good choice for living rooms because it is durable and easy to clean though is not water resistant meaning it should not be placed in bathrooms or kitchens.

Pros

• Fabric wallpaper is soft and luxurious, making it a good choice for bedrooms and other intimate spaces.
• Fabric wallpaper is durable and easy to clean, making it a good choice for living rooms.

Cons

• Fabric wallpaper is not water resistant, making it a poor choice for bathrooms and kitchens.
• Fabric wallpaper can experience discolouration when exposed to heat.
  

Paper Wallpaper

By far the most popular type of wallpaper. Paper wallpaper is the most affordable option and comes in a variety of designs and colours. Paper wallpaper is a good choice for bedrooms, living rooms, and other spaces where you want to add a touch of colour.

Pros

• Paper wallpaper is extremely popular meaning there is a huge variety of designs and colours, making it easy to find the perfect match for your home.
• Paper wallpaper is affordable.
• Paper wallpaper is easy to install.

Cons

• Paper wallpaper is not as durable as other materials such as vinyl.
• Paper wallpaper is not water resistant, making it a poor choice for bathrooms and kitchens.
• Paper wallpaper can experience discolouration when exposed to continuous sunlight
  

Flock Wallpaper

Flock wallpaper is made out of paper that has been coated with a synthetic material. This type of wallpaper is textured and brings a 3D effect to your walls. Flock wallpaper is a good choice for living rooms, bedrooms, and other spaces where you want to add a touch of texture.

Pros

• Flock wallpaper is textured, making it a good choice for adding visual interest to a space.
• Flock wallpaper comes in a variety of designs and colours, making it easy to find the perfect match for any room.

Cons

• Flock wallpaper is more expensive than other materials such as paper
• Flock wallpaper is not water resistant and susceptible to mould
• Flock wallpaper can be harder to hang than other types of wallpaper
  

Popular Wallpaper Brands

There are a number of popular wallpaper brands on the market, including Cole & Son, Thibaut and Anna French. These brands offer a wide selection of designs and colours, so you are sure to find something that matches your taste. They also offer high-quality products that are designed to last. So if you are looking for durable and stylish wallpaper, then be sure to check out these brands.

Wallpaper Samples

When it comes to choosing wallpaper, it is important to see the wallpaper in person before making a purchase. You can do this by ordering a sample of the wallpaper.

Wallpaper samples are a great way to see how a wallpaper will look in your home. They allow you to see the colour, design, style and texture of the wallpaper up close, and they also allow you to see how the wallpaper will look against the walls in your home.

When you receive the sample, you will want to compare it to the colour of the walls in the room. You will also want to compare the texture of the wallpaper to the texture of the walls.

Once you have compared the wallpaper to the walls, you will want to hang the sample on the wall and see how it looks. You may also want to move it around to different spots in the room to see how it looks in different lighting. Be sure to take into account whether or not you want to match the wallpaper with any existing furniture or accessories in the room.

Wallpaper Installation

Wallpaper installation can be a daunting task, but with the right tools and instructions, it can be done quickly and easily.

For a full guide on how to hang wallpaper, check out our How to Hang Wallpaper in Your Home: Tips and a Step-by-Step Guide article.

Wallpaper Calculator

Unsure how many rolls of wallpaper you'll need for a wall?

Our wallpaper calculator is a handy tool for figuring out how much wallpaper you will need for your project and will ensure that you have enough wallpaper to complete your project.

Wallpaper Pattern Match

Wallpaper pattern match is important if you want your wallpaper to look seamless. If the patterns on the wallpaper do not match, it will be noticeable and will ruin the overall effect.

Wallpaper pattern matching can be a difficult task, but with the right tools and instructions, it can be done quickly and easily.

There are three types of wallpaper pattern matches:

Random Match

If you are not concerned about matching the wallpaper patterns and you just want a quick and easy installation, then you can use a random match. This involves matching the patterns on the wallpaper as best as possible, but it does not have to be perfect.

Straight Match

If you are looking for a more polished and precise look, then you should use a straight match. This involves matching the patterns on the wallpaper to each other exactly. This can be a more challenging task, but with the correct measurements along with the right tools and instructions, it can be done quickly and easily.

Drop Match

The most common type of wallpaper pattern match is the drop match. This involves matching the patterns on the wallpaper so that they overlap each other by at least 1/8 inch. This type of pattern match is relatively easy to achieve and is often used for large areas of wallpaper.

Wallpaper Pattern Repeat

When choosing wallpaper, it is important to consider the pattern repeat. This is the amount of space between each repetition of the pattern on the wallpaper. If the pattern repeat is too large or too small, it will be noticeable and will ruin the overall effect.

Usually, the larger the pattern repeat, the more expensive the wallpaper will be. It is important to measure your walls accurately to ensure that the pattern repeat is suitable for your space.

Batch Numbers

Wallpaper often comes with batch numbers, which are used to track the production of each roll. If you are planning to order more wallpaper in the future, it is important to note the batch number so that you can order the same batch. This will ensure that the wallpaper is a consistent colour and design.

Common Errors

When hanging wallpaper, there are a few common mistakes that people make. Here are the most common errors and how to avoid them:

Not reading the instructions carefully

It is important to read the instructions carefully before starting the installation process. This will ensure that you know what tools and materials you need and how to properly prepare your walls.

Not measuring correctly

Before buying or hanging wallpaper, it is important to measure the space accurately. This will ensure that you purchase the right amount of wallpaper and that it fits correctly in your space.

Not mixing the paste correctly

If you do not mix the paste correctly, it can cause streaks or bubbles in your wallpaper. Be sure to follow the instructions closely to avoid this mistake.

Not using a level when hanging wallpaper

When hanging wallpaper, it is important to use a level to ensure that it is hung straight. This will help to prevent wrinkles and crooked lines in your wallpaper.

Not allowing enough time for the paste to dry

If you do not allow enough time for the paste to dry, your wallpaper may start to peel or bubble up after a few months. Be sure to follow the drying times specified in the instructions for the best results.