Start With Wallpaper (If You Can)
When possible, wallpaper should be chosen first. It’s much easier to match paint colors, textiles, furniture, and accessories to a wallpaper you love than to find a wallpaper that perfectly matches everything else.
That said, if you already have many elements selected—furniture, tile, cabinetry, or finishes—you can absolutely work in reverse. Jump to Designing in Reverse below for tips on narrowing your options.
Understanding Wallpaper Substrates
Choosing the right substrate is just as important as choosing the pattern. Different rooms require different levels of durability, texture, and performance.
Performance Vinyl
Performance vinyl wallpapers are durable, washable, and moisture-resistant, making them ideal for high-traffic or hardworking spaces.
Best for:
- Kitchens
- Bathrooms
- Mudrooms
- Laundry rooms
- Kid spaces and playrooms
If a room needs to stand up to messes, humidity, or frequent cleaning, performance vinyl is usually the best choice.
Grasscloth & Paperweave
Grasscloth and paperweave wallpapers add natural texture and warmth. These materials create depth and a cozy, elevated feel but are more delicate and should be treated as decorative finishes.
Best for:
- Dining rooms
- Primary (master) bedrooms
- Living rooms
- Offices or studies
Because they are not washable and can be sensitive to moisture, they are best used in low-traffic, low-humidity spaces.
Traditional Matte Wallpaper
Traditional matte wallpapers are incredibly versatile and work well in most rooms of the home. They offer a soft, refined finish and come in a wide range of styles—from bold patterns to subtle textures.
Best for:
- Bedrooms
- Hallways
- Living rooms
- Dining rooms
- Powder rooms
When in doubt, a traditional matte wallpaper is often a safe and solid choice.
Designing in Reverse: When the Room Comes First
If you already have several design elements selected, like a rug, couch, etc; here’s how to choose wallpaper that works seamlessly:
- Pull 1–2 key colors from existing elements (upholstery, tile, cabinetry, or artwork)
- Decide whether the wallpaper should be the star or a supporting character.
- Look for patterns that repeat colors you already love, even if the scale or style is different. These can still play well together; we promise the look will come together.
- Don’t be afraid of subtle designs. Texture and tone-on-tone patterns can be super impactful.
Always Order Swatches
Wallpaper samples are essential. Colors, textures, and finishes can look very different in person than they do on a screen.
Our tips:
- Always order swatches before committing.
- If you’re on the fence, order a variety—different colorways or patterns you’re deciding between.
- Think of samples as a design tool, not an extra step.
View Swatches in Real Life (and Real Light)
Once your swatches arrive:
- Tape them to the wall where the wallpaper will be installed.
- View them at different times of day: morning, afternoon, and evening.
- Check how they look in both natural and artificial light.
- Observe how they interact with nearby finishes and furnishings.
Lighting can dramatically change how a wallpaper reads, so this step is really important. Also great to think about what time of day you will be spending the most time in the space and view it then.
Consult an Installer Before Ordering
Before placing your final order, we strongly recommend consulting a professional wallpaper installer.
An installer can:
- Confirm whether your walls are suitable for wallpaper.
- Let you know if walls need to be skim-coated or repaired.
- Advise on seams, pattern matching, and installation requirements.
- Help calculate the correct quantity to order.
Proper wall preparation makes all the difference in the final result.
Extra Tips to Know Before You Buy
- Order extra wallpaper: We recommend ordering 20% more paper to allow for pattern matching, installation errors, or future repairs.
- Check dye lots: Make sure all rolls come from the same dye lot to ensure color consistency.
- Understand pattern repeat: Larger repeats require more material.
- Consider scale: Large-scale patterns can feel bold and dramatic, while smaller patterns tend to feel softer and more subtle.
- Think long-term: Choose something you’ll love living with, not just what’s trending right now
Final Thoughts
Wallpaper is an investment in your home and your everyday experience of it. Taking the time to choose the right substrate, order samples, and prepare your space properly ensures a result you’ll love for years to come.
If you have questions or need guidance along the way, we’re always happy to help.