Wallpaper stores and home centers have dozens of sample books with hundreds of colors, patterns, and textures. Before you choose a wallcovering, know the effect you want to achieve. If possible, take along samples of the room’s upholstery fabric and carpeting, as well as a list of prominently featured textures and colors. Also bring along a photo and scale drawing of the room to help you visualize different wallpapers in the space. Then, before buying, bring home samples to see how they look in the room—by day and night.

Don't necessarily think in terms of papering an entire room. Perhaps you can get the look you want by papering just one wall or the ceiling. You may decide to use two coordinating papers (if they are both hung on one wall, the darker pattern should be on the bottom), separated by a border. At the ceiling line, a border can accentuate a crown moulding or compensate for the lack of one; chair rail borders lend a traditional feel to a room.

More about Buying Wallpaper:

• Choosing Wallpaper Materials
• Estimating How Much Wallpaper You’ll Need
• Planning Proper Wallpaper Layout

Beautiful color photos bring to life great ideas for every room of a house. This is a comprehensive resource guide that covers design and style basics such as pattern, color, and texture—and shows you how to put them to work with excellent results.

 

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Photo courtesy of Thibaut Wallcoverings and Fabrics