Navigating the Digital Wallpaper Bazaar—The Joys of Online Wallpaper Hunting
You get to dream big! Online wallpaper shopping is all about possibilities. You can go bold, classic, moody, or playful. The only limit is your imagination (and maybe your ceiling height).
If your heart skips a beat when you see those juicy designs in the wallpaper store, trust your inner decorator. Life’s too short (and walls too blank) not to take a chance on something that makes you smile every time you walk in the room.
- If you want instant drama, personality, and a change you’ll feel every day—wallpaper is unbeatable. It’s not just a backdrop; it’s the showstopper, the mood-setter, the “wow, you really live here” moment.
- But it’s a commitment. If you’re the type who gets bored easily, maybe stick to an accent wall or removable options
To wallpaper, or not to Wallpaper Online? —the existential décor question. Here’s the online wallpaper shop take.
- Endless Selection—You’ll see patterns and colors that would never show up in your local DIY store.
- Convenience—Browse in your pajamas, coffee in hand, no judgment.
- Inspiration Galore—Most sites have “in-room” previews and customer galleries. It’s like Pinterest, but you can actually buy what you see.
#1. Skipping the Room’s Function
Biggest mistake, right out of the gate!
Jumping straight to reviews, patterns, or the “ooh, pretty!” moment before asking: What vibe do I want in this space, and what will this room actually be used for?
- Bedroom—Calm, cozy patterns or textures.
- Kitchen or bathroom—Look for washable, moisture-resistant options.
- Living room—You’ve got the most leeway—express yourself!
Why start here? A jaw-dropping wallpaper that’s wrong for the space will never feel right, no matter how many stars it has. Function and feeling come first—reviews and price tags are the next layer.
#2. Trusting Only the Website Photos
It’s easy to fall in love with those perfectly lit, model-home shots. But colors and scale can look wildly different in your own lighting and on your walls. Pro tip here: Order a sample! Most reputable sites offer them for a small fee. Tape it up on your wall and live with it for a few days. It’s the cheapest way to avoid major regrets of Wallpaper Online.
#3. Underestimating How Much You Need
This one trips up even the pros!
- Measure every wall you plan to cover (height x width).
- Don’t forget to subtract for large windows or doors.
- Check the roll’s usable width and pattern repeat (some patterns waste more paper due to matching).
Calculate your rolls, round up (never down!), and add one extra roll for repairs, future touch-ups, or that inevitable “oops” moment. If your walls need 5.2 rolls, round up to 6, then add 1 more = 7 rolls.
Why? Wallpaper batches can vary—if you run out later, you’ll never get an exact color match. This “heritage roll” is like wallpaper insurance.
#4. Forgetting About Wall Prep & Tools
It’s not just paper and paste!
- You might need a primer or special adhesive, especially for tricky surfaces.
- Common tools: smoothing brush, sharp snap-off knife, straight edge, level, seam roller, sponge.
- Don’t forget drop cloths to save your floors (and your sanity).
Sneaky mistake here: Some wallpapers (like peel-and-stick) don’t work well on textured or unprimed walls. Always read the manufacturer’s prep instructions before you buy!
#5. Ignoring Customer Reviews & Return Policies
Room function comes first, but reviews come next. Look for feedback on:
Color accuracy
Ease of installation
Customer service (returns, damage, etc.)
Check if the company accepts returns on unopened rolls. That extra peace of mind is worth its weight in gold (or, well, wallpaper).
Mistake #6: Overlooking Material
Here we caught a big one! The material matters just as much as the pattern.
- Paper—Beautiful, but thin and can be fussy. Shows wall flaws and tape underneath.
- Vinyl—Durable, washable, hides imperfections, and a solid bet for kitchens/bathrooms.
- Non-woven—Breathable, easy to hang and remove—kind of the “modern miracle” wallpaper.
- Textured or Fabric—Gorgeous, but usually pricier and trickier to hang.
Always check the type before you click “buy now.” If in doubt, order a sample and do a little hands-on test at home.
Mistake #7: Chasing the Lowest Price
Focusing on price alone is like buying a pair of shoes just because they’re cheap. They might look good in the box, but if they pinch your toes (or peel off your wall), all the savings go out the window.
- Cheaper wallpapers are often thin, harder to install, and more likely to fade or tear.
- High-quality doesn’t have to mean “most expensive,” but it’s usually worth a bit extra for better material, easier hanging, and longer-lasting style.
Look for sales on last season’s patterns or ask about “end rolls” for a deal without sacrificing quality.
Order of Operations for Maximum Chill
- Start with the room’s function and feel.
- Narrow down patterns and colors, but order samples before deciding. And, the material of the wallpaper.
- Measure, calculate rolls, and add one extra. Check the price.
- Double-check wall prep needs and buy all your tools at once.
- Only then—read reviews and check that return policy.
Plan B, C, and even Y—the Toolkit For When the Wallpaper Doesn’t Play Nice
Wrong Material? No Tears, Just Cheers!
- Gift Wrap Extraordinaire—Wallpaper makes gorgeously unique gift wrap—thick, fancy, and oh-so-impressive. Your presents will be the best dressed at any party.
- Drawer & Shelf Liners—Cut to size and pop it in drawers, cabinets, or bookshelves. Instant upgrade!
- DIY Wall Art—Frame a swatch or stretch it over a canvas for bespoke artwork.
- Notebook Covers—Jazz up journals, folders, or even your laptop cover with those leftover bits.
- Origami, Cards, & Crafts—Let your creativity run wild—wallpaper is sturdier than most craft paper.
Thanks for reading—why not stick around and see what else is new?
Bought Too Much? Lucky You!
- Accent Wall or Nook—Use leftovers for a closet interior, a feature strip behind a headboard, or an entryway nook.
- Furniture Facelift—Apply to drawer fronts, tabletops, or the back of a bookshelf for a designer look.
- Switch Plate Covers—Wrap light switch plates for a seamless, coordinated vibe.
Applied It and… Yikes! (Bubbles, Peeling, or Pattern Panic)
- Don’t Panic—If it’s still wet, gently peel it back and smooth out bubbles with a brush or smoothing tool.
- Tiny Bubbles—Prick with a fine pin and smooth out the air—most will settle as the paper dries.
- Seam Gaps—Use a tiny artist’s brush and matching paint to disguise gaps on patterned wallpaper (a classic pro trick).
- Pattern Mismatch—Hang a big mirror, a gallery of art, or a floating shelf right over the “oops” zone. Instant distraction!
Just Not Feeling It? (Wallpaper Regret)
- Try Removable Options—Next round, look for peel-and-stick paper—easier to change up, especially for renters or commitment-phobes.
- Accent Pieces—Use the leftover paper for smaller, less intimidating projects—sometimes a little goes a long way for a boost of style.
Mistakes are just the universe’s way of giving you new ideas for creativity. If Plan A doesn’t work, Plan B might be even cooler—and way more “you.” Besides, every good project has a story behind it, right?
You’ll find even more guides and resources on 2A Magazine.
