Have you ever fallen in love with a wallpaper only to feel unsure whether it would really work in your home? To sit and question it, and not commit? You’re not alone. Choosing wallpaper can feel exciting but also a little daunting, especially when you’re investing in something you’ll see every single day.
As a surface pattern designer, I’ve helped many clients (and partly decorated my own home! – a work in progress) through the same decision. Over time, I’ve discovered that finding the perfect wallpaper isn’t about following trends, it’s about understanding what makes a space feel right for you.
Here are a few simple, timeless steps to get you started.
1. Think about the feeling you want, not just the look.
Before opening a sample book, ask yourself: How do I want this room to feel? Calm, uplifting, creative, cosy? The answer will narrow your search faster than any Pinterest board.
For instance, soft botanicals or watercolour motifs bring tranquillity, while stripes and geometrics can energise a space. Choosing with the emotion of the room in mind ensures your wallpaper still feels right years from now.
Matilda Trailing Leaves wallpaper
2. Work with what you already love.
Look around your home – or even your wardrobe! The colours, textures, and patterns you’re naturally drawn to hold clues to your true aesthetic.
If you adore a certain artwork, vintage textile, or favourite dress, start there. Often, the things we already love most point directly to the kind of pattern that will make us happiest on our walls.
Tip: A patterned wallpaper, even if just behind the sofa or around a fireplace can instantly lift the room and make it feel finished.
3. Sample first, but sample with intention.
It’s tempting to order a pile of samples, but that can quickly become overwhelming. Instead, narrow your choices to a few that fit your mood and colour direction.
Tape them up on different walls, and live with them for a few days. Notice which one makes you smile every time you pass it – that’s your instinct speaking.
These are just the first steps. In my free guide, Finding the Perfect Wallpaper, I share my three golden rules for choosing wallpaper intentionally, mixing prints with confidence, and telling a visual story that feels timeless.
Download your free Perfect Wallpaper Guide here.
Why Choosing Wallpaper Matters
Wallpaper does more than add pattern or colour – it shapes how a space feels. A soft floral can bring calm and comfort after a long day, while a bold stripe might add energy to a busy kitchen.
When chosen with care, wallpaper becomes part of the story your home tells, one that reflects who you are and what brings you joy.
So if you’re wondering how to choose wallpaper that feels right for your space, start with the guide. It’s full of designer insight, simple rules, and timeless inspiration to help you find the one you’ll love for years to come.
Matilda Woodland Dreams, hand-drawn wallpaper in blush pink
If you’re looking for unique wallpapers to add warmth and personality to your living room, browse my hand-drawn collection here. I’m always happy to help you choose the perfect sample to start your design journey.
If you are feeling overwhelmed by your pattern choices, and pulling together a scheme that brings you joy, check out my Pattern Consultations – get my help and suggestions (and no, they won’t include my own designs unless they particularly match what you are looking for!)