How to choose the right wallpaper for your home
From classic floral papers to contemporary geometric designs and panoramic murals, wallpaper is a truly personal choice that can bring beauty and an element of texture to your home. With so many styles and colourways to choose from, it can sometimes be difficult to know where to begin as you embark on a wallpaper project.
There are a few key considerations that will enable you to choose the right wallpaper for your home – from the level of colour contrast in the paper, to the room you are decorating and the mood you want to create. Read our expert guide to help you to choose a wallpaper that is perfect for your scheme.
Discover your personal taste and style
Choosing a wallpaper for your project has lots to do with your personal taste and style. The right design will please your eyes and mind every time you look at it. You should also make sure you are comfortable living with your chosen wallpaper, especially if you are decorating a room that you spend lots of time in, such as your living space or bedroom.
Explore inspiration on social media, Pinterest, and on the Little Greene Inspiration pages to discover which designs you are drawn to. You can browse all our wallpapers to gain a broad overview of the different prints and patterns available. Find a few designs that you really love and order samples, as you build a scheme that reflects your own sense of style.
Browse all Little Greene wallpapers and order wallpaper samples.
Choose the right design for your room
Two key considerations when selecting a wallpaper are: the scale and the purpose of the room you are decorating. The scale of the wallpaper should generally reflect the scale of the room. But you also need to make sure that the wallpaper works in harmony with your lifestyle and reflects the atmosphere you want to create.
Consider the scale of wallpaper design
Larger patterns tend to work best in spacious rooms with tall ceilings – typically entranceways, dining rooms, bedrooms, living spaces and bathrooms. If you are considering a large-scale print or even a mural wallpaper, keep in mind that these are usually most effective when featured on a large expanse of wall, where their entire scope can be showcased all at once.
On the other hand, smaller motifs and all-over prints may feel a little lost in a larger space. Instead, use these designs to create cosier, more intimate settings in small bedrooms and snugs. These papers can also provide a beautiful, textural backdrop to high-traffic spaces such as your kitchen or laundry room, softening hard surfaces and creating an inviting, homely ambience.
Consider the atmosphere of your space
Using wallpaper is a wonderful opportunity to create a strong sense of atmosphere in your space. Spend time considering what kind of mood you want to create – lively, peaceful, comforting, alluring – and choose wallpapers that will reflect this.
Botanical wallpapers replicate the sense of calm we gain from time spent in the outdoors, making them an ideal choice for an inspiring study or a relaxing living space. Whereas stylised floral wallpapers can be used to create a sense of intimacy, especially in warm and gentle, softly contrasting colourways.
Geometric or damask wallpapers work well to bring a sense of focus to home offices, or to provide a classical backdrop to your hallway and living space. Alternatively, traditional Toile de Jouy designs like Lovers’ Toile are the perfect choice for your master bedroom and bathroom, creating a timeless yet luxurious feel.
Choose a colour palette for your scheme
Once you have decided on the style of wallpaper, the next step is selecting a colour scheme. Think about the existing elements in the room you are decorating – any furniture, artwork or soft furnishings should coordinate with your chosen paint and wallpaper. Or if you already have a specific paint colour in mind, you will need to select a wallpaper colourway that complements this.
All our wallpapers are presented in a range of colourways, each featuring a selection of Little Greene colours. This means you can confidently combine your chosen wallpaper with its coordinating paint colours on the woodwork, ceilings and adjacent walls to create a truly harmonious, integrated scheme.
If you already have a design in mind, explore the available colourways to find the perfect one for your scheme.
Or browse wallpaper by colour to see designs that complement your chosen palette.
Consider the level of colour contrast
A key factor when choosing a wallpaper colourway is the level of contrast in the design, as this will greatly affect the impact of the paper in the room. For example, a strong pattern in softly contrasting colours – whether light, dark, pastel or bold – will be considerably easier on the eye than a smaller design that uses many different, contrasting colours.
Highly contrasting designs such as Ditsy Block – Green Verditer and Hencroft – Punch offer real vibrancy. They are an excellent choice if you want to use wallpaper to enliven your space, adding a boost of energy to your morning room, or creating a statement in your guest bathroom. But these designs are also available in softer colourways with fewer colour contrasts, such as Hencroft – Blue Primula or Ditsy Block – Bombolone. These gentle variations will instead create an elegant and understated finish, perfect for an inviting hallway, guest bedroom or living room.
Find the perfect wallpaper with a Little Greene Colour Consultation
If you are looking for bespoke guidance to pick find the perfect wallpaper for your project, consider our Colour Consultancy service. Our experts will guide you through our collections, giving you the confidence to transform your home with wallpaper. They will listen to your specific requirements and present ideas you may not have considered previously, helping you create the perfect scheme that combines paint and wallpaper.
Contact our Greenwich Showroom to discuss booking a Little Greene Colour Consultancy, with options for in-home, in-store and video appointments.