Yes! there is a method to looking for wallpaper, read on.......
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......Looking for wallpaper can be daunting. Most wallpaper stores will have thousands of books with hundreds of choices in each book.
Before going shopping I think it is a good idea to think of the room and the feeling you want it to have, and what colors you like. It is also good to keep in mind what patterns you tend to gravitate towards.
Imperial Trellis seems to be a favorite pattern for so many people.
Save those images, so when you look back you will have a frame of reference. It is amazing how unconsciously you will gravitate towards certain patterns.
The best way to look at a wallpaper book is to pull the book out slightly on the edge of the shelf so it can open just enough to fan through the pages. If you see a color or a pattern you like in the fanning process then pull the book off the shelf and take a closer look, if not put it back on the shelf.
There is no reason to spend time turning page by page in a book of flocked papers when you are looking for grass cloth or looking at a floral when you want stripes.
The fanning process will make your looking go more quickly.
Also in my experience after about two hours of looking your brain can no longer digest anymore color or pattern so take a break and come back another day to do more looking if you do not find what you are looking for.
Wallpaper stores have their books in order of style or types of wallpaper. They will also have a wallpaper resource guide that is like a wallpaper dictionary. The wallpaper books will be put into categories for you.
Let’s say you are looking for sail boats, they will list all the books that have sail boats in them or stripes or a geometric pattern. Ask to see the resource guide book and then the clerk can direct you to the books that are listed that they actually carry in the store.
Most stores will also allow you to check the books out and take them home for a day or so just like the library does.
Once you have the books home I suggest that you open the books up to the patterns you are considering and place them in the room where you will see them first thing in the morning.
I prefer to look at whatever I am trying to decide on for my home first thing in the morning.
Your perspective is fresh and uncluttered with the thoughts of the day. You will automatically gravitate towards the paper that you truly love. As we look throughout the day we will talk ourselves in or out of something several times.
Being fresh in the morning has always worked for me in my decision making process. What I talked myself into loving at night, I will usually not like in the morning when I am being true to myself!!
Once you find a few patterns that you like ask to order samples of each. Wallpaper companies offers samples for a price, but the size of the sample will vary from company to company. Get the longest sample you can a good 6-8 foot drop is the best way to go.
Some companies have pre-cut samples measuring only a little under two feet. Ask to order 3 of those samples, then you can get a better idea of how the pattern will possibly lay out.
This is exactly what Sherry from Design Indulgence blog has done with her own wallpaper choice.(Be sure and visit Sherry's blog she is a delight and her blog is inspirational and a fun read!!)
I never, ever order wallpaper without sampling it first. Once you have the samples inside your home the decision will become more obvious.
These are just a few of the pointers I have learned from personal experience when looking at wallpaper.
Since I plan on looking for new paper for my entry I am reminded of just how to look for wallpaper and I thought I would pass along my thoughts on the process.
I have a few more pointers, so come back, and hopefully I will be able to show you some of the papers I am contemplating!!
“Enjoy the Process” of:
Looking for wallpaper more strategically!
Kathysue
14 comments:
I cant wait to see what wallpaper you choose. For years I have wanted to use a greyish type grasscloth wallpaper. When I get a space I can do that in, that will probably be the first thing I buy. Some people think wallpaper is still a bit 80s. I think it has re-emerged for our modern society and is in keeping with trends as it did when it was very very "it".
I will be back to read more tips.
Mr. Goodwill Hunting
Hi kathy....I am in love with wallpaper and have 3 rooms in my home with it. My advice is to not go way too wild....stick to a fairly classic pattern. A small room or an accent wall in a bedroom is a good place to start. Don't be afraid because if it is applied properly it is easily pulled down. Good luck!
I know you will pick something wonderful. Great tips. Hope your day is super. Hugs, Marty
Great advice on how to pick out wallpaper! You are absolutely right...that is can become too much to look at it all! I happen to really love wallpaper and think going with one's gut is the best way to achieve a timeless look that one will love. I also believe it's best to not ask for opinions from others who don't live in the home. I'm going to have to see your home one day!
Haven't been wallpaper shopping in ages and now that I have your tips, the job seems less daunting! And now that temporary wallpaper is in vogue, you can always change your mind if you make a mistake.
I tend to want to re-color my many and multiple wallpaper picks, to a simple white-on-white scenario.
On-line wall-paper window shopping, I find to be the best, and the most entertaining.
Astek or Designyouwalls.com
Cheers!
Oh Lisa, nothing would thrill me more. If you are ever in California, let me know!! Oh the long talks we could have!!! xo Kathysue
Hi Kathysue, I guess I'm not into trends, because I have been using wallpaper in various rooms of all the houses I've lived in through the 80's, 90's and the last 11 years too! Another good idea for choosing a pattern you will like is to observe it in your friends' houses. An entire room really looks different than a sample! I think there is always a place for the right paper. The colors and prints go in and out of vogue. Right now the study, part of the kitchen, one powder and one bath are papered in my house. I would love to do my foyer, but I need to win the lottery first. Linda
I have always found looking for wallpaper very daunting...you have some wonderful tips here. Thank you.(-:
Love these ideas...thanks for the tips!!
Great advice!
I'm so glad that wallpaper is vogue again, though I have to admit looking for the perfect one is a daunting task and not my favorite. These are some great tips.
Kathysue I'm so glad you're posting about wallpaper! We built our house ourselves 8 years ago, and I haven't done anything with our bedroom yet because I've been hemming and hawing over wanting just one wall done with paper. It's amazing how many people have tried to talk me out of it though, saying I'll regret it. Well, it's been 8 years and I haven't painted or anything, so I think the hunt for a wallpaper is about to begin. Thanks so much for your tips..I can't wait to see what patterns you are contemplating! Lisa
Such good advice on picking out wallcoverings Kathysue, and boy I can't wait to see what you choose! I hope you have a lovely weekend :)
Nancy xo
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