How To Make The Most Of Your Wallpaper Samples

Before selecting samples, take a step back and consider your decorating goals. This will help you narrow down your choices and avoid unnecessary spending. Ask yourself:

• What’s my color palette? Think about the existing colors in your space and what tones will complement them. Neutral, bold, or pastel – knowing this will help refine your selection.

• What’s my interior theme? Whether you're going for modern minimalism, classic vintage, or a botanical aesthetic, identifying your theme will guide your choices.

• Am I looking for wallpaper or a mural? Wallpapers offer repeating patterns, while murals provide a larger, statement-making design. Knowing which one suits your space will help you focus your selection. Still struggling? Read our wallpaper vs wall murals blog post for more inspiration.

Once you've considered the basics, it’s time to pick your samples strategically.

• Order a variety but keep it relevant – Choose a few different patterns and shades, but avoid ordering excessively to prevent overwhelm.

• Stick to your vision – If you have a clear idea of your style, don’t get distracted by trends that don’t align with your space.

• Think about scale – Consider how a pattern will look in your room. Large print wallpaper, like our Henge design, may suit open spaces, while smaller prints such as Twist Green can work well in compact areas.

Once your samples arrive, take the time to assess them properly in your space.

See it in every light

Move your samples around the room at different times of the day to see how they interact with natural and artificial light. Consider how morning, afternoon, and evening light impact the colors and patterns. If your space relies on artificial lighting, check how the samples look under warm, cool, and LED lights.

Style check: does it work with your space?

Hold your samples next to furniture, flooring, and decor pieces to ensure they complement your existing elements. Think about contrast and cohesion - does the wallpaper stand out in the right way? If your walls will be a backdrop for artwork or shelving, consider how the pattern will interact with these elements.

Stick, step back, and stare

Temporarily attach samples to your walls to get a real sense of how they’ll look. This helps you visualise how patterns and colors will work in the space. Leave them up for a few days to see how they feel over time. You might love a large floral print at first but find it overwhelming after a few days…or vice versa!

View from every angle

Look at your samples from different viewpoints – across the room, up close, and in the context of your overall design. How does the wallpaper look when entering the room? Consider how the pattern works on different sections of the wall - some designs work well in small doses and some really shine when used to cover an entire room.

Dealing with awkward spaces?

If your room has slanted ceilings, alcoves, or other tricky features, choosing the right wallpaper can be a challenge. Our guide to wallpapering awkward spaces has plenty of tips to help you find the perfect fit.

Working through this guide step by step is a great way to feel confident about your choice of design. You've got your vision, you've done your research and you've found your perfect wallpaper match!

We also offer a free mock up service, simply just get in touch with our friendly team and we’ll mock up your chosen design so you can see what it looks like before committing.

Looking for something more temporary? We also offer peel and stick wallpaper, a great solution for renters or those who love to switch up their style. It's easy to apply and remove without damaging your walls - perfect for a flexible decorating option.

Looking for inspiration? Browse our full range of designs and order your samples today!