The one mistake we always make with wallpaper (2024)

This common mistake will save you time and money.

By Olivia Heath and Charlotte BoydPublished: 02 May 2017

The one mistake we always make with wallpaper (1)

Wallpapers are great for breathing life into a room and can instantly transform a living space. They're also ideal if your walls are far from smooth as it can hide minor bumps and cracks - but there's one mistake that can make walls look less than perfect.

When it comes to buying wallpaper, always check that the batch number of each roll is the same, as mismatched batches often mean the paper won't match up and the colours will vary too.

It's a simple thing to do but many of us forget to double check when making our in-store purchase. You're unlikely to face the same problem when buying online, as wallpaper manufacturers should send out the same batch numbers, but of course, when your delivery arrives double check for good measure before you do any pasting!

Longstock Wallpaper, Multi £28, John Lewis

Speaking of buying wallpaper online, always order a sample of your chosen design first. The colours may look different in your room and it's also important to check how the scale of the pattern works in the space. Accurately assessing a design online can be misleading as it's hard to judge the proportions of the pattern without something to compare it with.

If you want to create more light in your room, opt for a design with a slightly metallic finish as they're great for bouncing light around a darker space. And remember, if you're papering a kitchen, child's room or busy hallway, choose a vinyl paper which can be wiped clean.

Our final tip? Many papers are 'paste the wall' so carefully read the hanging instructions before you start and always check you have the design the right way up - these mistakes do happen! If in doubt, check the sample which should be clearly marked.

Get inspiration, ideas and advice wherever you are! Follow us on Facebook: House Beautiful UK | Pinterest: House Beautiful UK | Twitter: @HB | Instagram: @housebeautifuluk

Olivia Heath

Daily Editor, House Beautiful UK

Olivia Heath is the Daily Editor at House Beautiful. Heading up all things digital, Olivia loves nothing more than uncovering tomorrow's biggest design trends and sharing the best decorating tips, small space living solutions, and houseplant care and gardening advice. Week by week Olivia compiles the most stylish high street homeware buys to help you get the look for less, and showcases the best makeovers, as well as the hottest and most unique properties on the market. She also loves covering some of the biggest events in the calendar, including all the action from the RHS Chelsea Flower Show, Colour of the Year forecasts from Pantone to Dulux, and exclusive previews of all the new Christmas collections before it hits the shops.

Olivia has been writing about homes and interiors for the past seven years, and her work has also been published on Elle Decor US, Country Living, Good Housekeeping, Red, Prima, Elle Japan, Modern Living and Micasa Revista.

Prior to joining House Beautiful, Olivia worked at Reveal magazine, where she reported on celebrity and entertainment news by day, and attended showbiz parties and red carpet events by night! Olivia has an MA in Journalism with an NCTJ qualification, as well as a BA in Journalism and Media & Cultural Studies.