The Pattern Journal is Peel & Pattern's editorial publication covering wallpaper, decorating, room inspiration, and practical design guidance. This is our cornerstone buying guide — every decision you need to make before purchasing wallpaper, in the right order.
Buying wallpaper confidently comes down to making the right decisions in the right order. This guide walks you through every step — from understanding what you need to placing your order — so you arrive at the right wallpaper, in the right quantity, for the right room.
Step 1: Understand Your Options
Before choosing a specific pattern, understand the type of wallpaper that's right for your situation.
- Peel-and-stick wallpaper is removable, repositionable, and DIY-friendly. The right choice for renters, frequent refreshers, and anyone who wants flexibility. The Complete Peel-and-Stick Wallpaper Guide
- Traditional paste wallpaper is more durable and permanent. The right choice for homeowners who want a decades-long installation. Peel-and-Stick vs. Traditional Wallpaper
Step 2: Define Your Room and Wall
Every wallpaper decision flows from the room and wall you're decorating:
- Which room? (bedroom, living room, bathroom, kitchen, hallway, home office)
- Which wall? (accent wall or full room)
- What are the wall conditions? (smooth, textured, freshly painted)
- What is the room's light direction? (north, south, east, west facing)
Browse our room-specific buying guides: Bedroom • Living Room • Bathroom • Kitchen • Hallway • Home Office
Step 3: Choose Your Pattern
Pattern is the soul of wallpaper. The right pattern depends on the room's purpose, size, and the mood you want to create.
- How to Choose the Right Wallpaper Pattern — category, scale, density, and room-by-room guidance
- Botanical Wallpaper — nature-inspired, versatile, works in every room
- Floral Wallpaper — romantic, characterful, from delicate to maximalist
- Geometric Wallpaper — graphic, contemporary, structured
- Tropical Wallpaper — bold, lush, immersive
- Heritage Wallpaper — traditional, timeless, deeply characterful
- Textured Wallpaper — subtle depth without bold pattern
Step 4: Choose Your Colour
Colour sets the emotional tone of the room before pattern even registers. The right colour depends on your room's light, purpose, and existing decor.
- How to Choose the Right Wallpaper Color — light, room purpose, and colour-by-room guidance
- Green • Blue • Pink & Blush • Neutral • Terracotta • Black & Dark
Step 5: Order Samples
This is the most important step before committing to a full order. A sample on your actual wall — in your actual light — tells you more than any screen image can. Never skip this step.
- How to Order Wallpaper Samples — why samples matter and how to use them
- Order Samples
Step 6: Measure and Calculate
Getting the quantity right before you order prevents the most common and most frustrating wallpaper mistake: running short mid-project.
- How to Measure a Wall for Wallpaper
- How Much Wallpaper Do I Need?
- Wallpaper Calculator — instant roll count for any wall
Always order at least one extra roll beyond your calculation, and order all rolls in a single order to guarantee consistent dye lot.
Step 7: Place Your Order
Once you've chosen your pattern, tested a sample, and calculated your rolls, you're ready to order. A few final checks:
- All rolls ordered in a single order (same dye lot)
- At least one extra roll included
- Delivery address and timeframe confirmed
Mistakes to Avoid
The most common wallpaper buying mistakes are entirely avoidable. See our complete guide: Wallpaper Buying Mistakes to Avoid
After You Order: Installation
Once your wallpaper arrives, our installation guides cover everything: The Complete Wallpaper Installation Guide
Shop Wallpaper at Peel & Pattern
Browse our full collection by style, room, or colour. Order samples before committing. Use our Wallpaper Calculator to calculate your rolls.