8 Things to Consider When Choosing Your Wallpaper

For a simple but striking update to your home, why not look to wallpaper? From delicate, floral prints to bold illustrative motifs, wallpaper adds a unique layer of texture or pattern to a room and we use it as often as possible!

If you’re looking to decorate your walls with wallpaper, we’ve created our Penny Morrison Where to Start: Wallpaper Guide to help you choose your wallpaper and design and hang with confidence.

1. Consider the purpose of the wallpaper and the mood you want it to evoke. Is it for a specific room, a smaller space or to create an accent wall? For example, a bedroom may be more suited to a calming and minimalist wallpaper, while a smaller space such as a cloakroom, can always benefit from a bold and vibrant coloured wallpaper pattern. Thinking about this will help you decide the type of wallpaper to choose.
2. Look for inspiration online or from interior designers to determine the style of wallpaper you want for your space. Choosing a style can depend on many factors, including the purpose and mood of the room, any existing architectural features, the colour scheme, and of course your personal taste and what you love most.
3. First, we recommend speaking to your wallpaper specialist or whoever shall be applying your wallpaper to your chosen room. It is important to remember that large-scale patterns can make a small room feel even smaller, whilst small-scale patterns may get lost in a larger room. You can also look at your furniture to help determine the wallpaper scale that you would like to choose as a room with large pieces of furniture benefits from a larger-scale pattern to create a maximalist look, while a room with smaller pieces may require a delicate pattern for a balanced and harmonious feel.
4. Using a corresponding wallpaper with its counterpart in fabric form is a great way to create a chic look in your home. This approach is especially good for bedrooms that may have smaller windows and Roman blinds, as it can help to visually expand the space and create a cohesive design. The key to successfully using a corresponding wallpaper and fabric is to choose patterns and colours that complement each other. For example, if you have a bold floral wallpaper, you might choose a coordinating fabric with a smaller-scale floral pattern or a solid colour in a similar tone. This will create a harmonious look that feels both intentional and effortless. In a bedroom, this approach can be particularly effective when used on the headboard and window treatments. By using the same pattern or colour on both, you'll create a sense of continuity and make the space feel more cohesive. This is especially helpful in smaller bedrooms, where you want to avoid creating too many visual distractions that can make the space feel cluttered or cramped.
5. Wallpaper works really well in big or small bathrooms—a large, light bathroom can take more whimsical and fun patterns with a large print, whereas in a small bathroom you can use a wallpaper with a bolder tone to create a wonderfully warming atmosphere.
6. Be playful and creative with your wallpaper and think about the look and feel you want to invite to your home. A floral pattern can create a cosy or feminine feel, while a worn, rustic finish creates a vintage and hand-dyed look. Don’t be afraid to mix and match patterns and colours—a big pattern on the wall or furniture will look more stylish alongside a selection of carefully chosen smaller patterns or even some blocks of plain colour for a unique look.
7. We recommend you try a sample of your selected wallpaper designs first to see if it complements your interior. Place the sample in the room for a bit of time to see how it looks at different times of the day and to help you get comfortable with it. Take into consideration how much light the space receives and if the pattern suits the shape and size of the room. This will help you visualise how the pattern will look and ensure that you are happy with your choice before ordering the amount you need.
8. If you are hanging your own wallpaper, be sure to prepare your walls beforehand. They must be clean, smooth and free of cracks or bumps. If necessary, fill in any holes or imperfections and sand the walls before applying the wallpaper. Follow the instructions carefully when hanging the wallpaper or if you are unsure about how to install it, consider hiring a professional wallpaper hanger who can ensure that the wallpaper is hung correctly.

Evolving from Penny Morrison's love for print and pattern, our collection of luxury wallpapers, printed in the UK, feature a diverse range of styles and palettes. Discover our collection of unique wallpapers for stunning designs to suit any space.