Guide: How do I find a wallpaper to fall in love with?

A new wallpaper is a bit like a new life. In fact, it often heralds a new phase in your existence, e.g. after a move. Life is constant change, and what you liked 10, 5 or even 3 years ago might no longer work for you now. It is important that you listen to your inner self before you buy new wallpaper, because it is an expression of your individuality. You do not have to follow any trends, predetermined styles or spontaneous moods. Introduce a new atmosphere and aura into the room so that it reflects your personality and makes you feel good. 

Take some time to find out here and now which wallpaper suits you best. Which colours, patterns and styles do you like - either as a general rule or because of a newly acquired attitude towards life? Which designs are most appropriate to express your preferences and ideas through wallpaper? Find inspiration in our Wallpaper Shop and buy online.

Contents

• Which wallpaper pattern suits me?
• Which wallpaper colour works for me?
• Which wallpaper style is a good match for me?
• Which wallpaper material suit my needs?
• Which goal am I trying to achieve with the wallpaper?
• Does the wallpaper match the room?
• On which walls do I want to use the wallpaper?
• Which price range fits my budget?
• Why should I request samples?

Which wallpaper pattern suits me?

Define your preferences for certain pattern designs. Do you like discreet, rather unobtrusive patterns or do you prefer dominant, "loud" motifs? Maybe you also enjoy experimenting or love nostalgic patterns that evoke positive memories?

Discreet patterns

Discreet, unobtrusive patterns go with everything. They leave enough freedom and space for other style aspects and can effectively emphasise them. These mostly small-scale and delicate designs provide an underlining character, like soft music in the background. They exude a sense of peace and well-being. Their timeless effect also allows for frequent changes in terms of general interior design.  

Dominant patterns

Dominant and large-format patterns require space and undivided attention. They need to have sufficient room so they can develop their full effect. If the patterns are loud and eye-catching, the rest of the interior design must be perfectly matched and lean towards understatement in terms of form and colour. Dominant patterns are ideal for conveying messages, interests and preferences. 

Experimental and adventurous

Unconventional ideas and an artistic lifestyle or slightly unusual tastes can be reflected with the help of pattern designs that deliberately show the designer's willingness to experiment. Classic and bizarre, romantic and funny, or abstract and concrete patterns can be combined to create a whimsical atmosphere.  

Associated with positive memories

The right wallpaper can touch the heart, appeal to the emotions - certain wallpaper patterns are associated with beautiful, comforting memories of childhood, family or holidays. The damask wallpaper in granny's living room is synonymous with her heavenly marble cake, the lemon-pattern wallpaper in a hotel room on the Adriatic Sea with carefree holiday fun. We want to experience those feel-good moments again and again. 

Which wallpaper colour works for me?

Colours can have an impact on rooms in many ways: They can make them look larger or smaller, lighter or darker, add value and alter their characteristics. Which colours are suitable for you? Light or dark, monochrome or multicoloured, neutral and pastel? Do you prefer lively, contrasting, shimmering and brilliant colours, or natural shades?

Light or dark

Light colours appear fresh and lively, they stand for cheerfulness and openness. They widen the room and make it look larger. Dark colours spread a sense of intensity and passion and often add a touch of magic. They can be deep and profound, perhaps hiding a little secret. Dark hues can also add elegant accents.

Monochrome or multicoloured

Plain coloured wallpapers stand for clarity, a straight line and focus. The designer knows exactly what he or she wants. This one colour needs to be chosen with considerable care as it expresses or characterises a mood, an attitude to life. Multicoloured wallpapers deliberately focus on variety, adding dynamic movement to the design. 

Neutral and pastel colours

Neutral colours are the right choice for those who love modern design which leaves room for interpretation. The colours white, grey or black can also provide clean chic. Pastel shades bring out the pretty, fairytale, romantic side. They can be combined particularly well with neutral colours. 

Lively and rich in contrast

The primary colours red, blue, green and yellow, in their pure and bright form or combined in the Piet Mondrian style, attract the eye and have a stimulating and motivating effect. Strong, bright colours and clear contrasts appeal to creative people who are enthusiastic about design, art and the infinite variety of shapes and forms and to those who like to be inspired by their wallpaper.  

Dazzling and shiny

Wallpaper models in metal colours such as gold, silver, copper or chrome with magnificent sheen and seductive glitter stand for luxury, power and presence. They are glamorous, exotic and extravagant. The properties of certain metals can be reflected through specific metallic wallpaper colours and have a significant effect on the atmosphere in room.  

Natural and earthy

Infinite varieties of green and brown determine natural and earthy colours. These hues are perfect for those who feel closely connected to nature. Wood or stone colours which fill the room with cosiness complete the natural colour palette.

Which wallpaper style is a good match for me?

The question of style is not unimportant, as this thinking process determines the choice of material, pattern and design of your favourite new wallpaper. The options span from favourite art styles to specific historical eras to geographical and cultural preferences or favourite designers.

Favoured art styles

Are you enthusiastic about the world-famous art of Old Masters such as Rubens, Renoir or Monet? Traditional art styles include Classicism, Romanticism and Impressionism. Or perhaps you are a fan of modern art like Cubism, Dadaism, Pop Art, Bauhaus? Suitable wallpaper patterns bring your preferred art style into the room. 

Preferred historical eras

Embark on your own personal journey through time with wallpapers that are inspired by historical eras: romantic Renaissance, glamorous Baroque, playful Rococo. Create fantastic rooms in the style of the Roaring Twenties (Gatsby) or the fabulous Fifties. Immerse yourself in the design-loving 1960s or the colourful Flower Power era.

Geographic and cultural preferences

You can also demonstrate your own style according to geographical and cultural preferences. Scandinavia, Africa or the Orient are wallpaper themes boasting countless patterns and motifs. Turn a room into a field of lavender or a beach house by the sea. Create your own Robinson Crusoe island paradise with palm trees and tropical birds. 

Favourite designers

Today, fashion and wallpaper design often go hand in hand. Versace, Hermes, Armani or Laura Ashley are just a few famous examples. Browse our Wallpaper Shop to your heart's content and get to know other designers and manufacturers such as Dupenny, Ferm or Lisa Bengtsson who stand for exclusive, unusual and sophisticated wallpapers.

Which wallpaper material suit my needs?

The decision for or against certain wallpaper materials is influenced by a number of different factors. Should the wallpaper be easy to apply (and to remove later), should it appear robust or delicate, should it have a tactile surface structure? Or would you prefer a natural and environmentally conscious model?

Easy to put up and remove

Wallpapers with a non-woven carrier layer are really easy to put up and remove. With these models, the wallpapering paste is applied directly to the wall and dry pre-cut lengths can be put up immediately without having to observe any soaking times. The wallpaper can be removed, strip by strip, in a completely dry state. The non-woven carrier layer made of textile and cellulose fibres also conceals small wall surface irregularities. 

Robust or delicate in appearance

Wallpapers with a vinyl surface boast a thicker texture and, thanks to their great cleanability characteristics, are among the most sturdy models. Genuine or imitation surface materials such as linen or leather give wallpapers a robust appearance. On the other hand, textile surfaces made of silk or gossamer-thin natural paper have a delicate appearance. 

Tactile surface structure

Do you enjoy sensual surface structures that provide sophisticated visual and haptic stimuli? The high-low structure of soft flock wallpapers provides fine reliefs. Textile wallpapers come in a variety of fabric types from the finest silk to rustic linen. Grained imitation leather, bamboo, cork or glass beads add to the plethora of choice.  

Natural and environmentally conscious

If sustainability, ecological benefits and environmental protection are important to you, wallpapers made of natural and recycled materials are the right choice. This includes models made from paper and cellulose, recycled or natural paper, as well as wallpapers with paper carrier layers and untreated natural materials. The focus is on avoiding additives and chemicals as much as possible.

Which goal am I trying to achieve with the wallpaper?

Wallpapers are a great tool to implement functional as well as decorative concepts and determine the appearance of a room in a deliberate manner. They can lend the room elegance, warmth and comfort. 

Lending elegance to the room

Some like it opulent, glamorous, sparkly... Metal wallpapers in many variations and with irresistible shine and glitter effects as well as models with glass beads or natural mica stones are suitable for elegant, sophisticated rooms. Textile wallpapers with laminated, shimmering warp threads produce a luxurious effect.

Comfort and warmth

Natural materials guarantee a warm atmosphere and create a feeling of safety and relaxation. Wallpapers in wood or stone looks provide this effect beautifully. Classic, graphic patterns (stripes, checks) as well as floral and vintage designs are also ideal for a feel-good ambience. Cork and bamboo as well as fabric wallpapers add warmth in terms of "look and feel".

Creating a specific scenery

With the right pattern wallpaper, any desired ambience can be created. This could be a rustic mountain hut in the snow-covered Alps, a tropical jungle in the Amazon or an Arabian Nights palace. Other options, to name but a few, could be an old factory floor with industrial charm, an opulent baroque-style royal suite or a funky psychedelic retro lounge. 

Influencing the look of a room in a deliberate way

The right wallpaper colour and pattern can change the perceived size, the layout and lighting conditions of a room. Small rooms appear larger thanks to light colours and small-scale patterns. In spacious rooms, dark colours and large patterns (or combinations of patterns) are a fabulous option to achieve proportional harmony. Low ceilings benefit from light stripe wallpapers.  

Does the wallpaper match the room?

To ensure that you can enjoy your choice of wallpaper for a long time, it is important to match the wallpaper characteristics to the room. Particular attention should be paid to whether the wallpaper is exposed to sunlight and high humidity levels, how intensively the room is used, and if the materials provide a healthy room climate. 

Exposure to sunlight

In rooms with many/large windows, sunlight affects the wallpaper at different angles at various times of day. To ensure that the colour brilliance, general appearance and beauty of the wallpaper is retained, it should have good light resistance. The scale ranges from sufficient to excellent light resistance. The rule is as follows: the more daylight, the higher the light resistance needed.  

Intensive use

In children's rooms, dining rooms, kitchens, bathrooms, hallways and stairways, there is always plenty of action. So it's not unusual for objects and hands to come into contact with the wallpaper here and there, and perhaps not necessarily in a gentle manner. Make sure that the surface is shock- and waterproof, dirt-resistant and washable. 

Exposed to high levels of humidity

In rooms with high moisture development - such as bathrooms or kitchens - wallpapers with a waterproof surface are the best choice. This prevents the wallpaper from peeling off the wall and avoids unwanted mould. Vinyl wallpapers are the most suitable option as they provide the best cleanability characteristics. Alternatively, a liquid wallpaper protection product can be applied to seal the wallpaper.

Healthy room climate

In bedrooms, wallpaper models that are breathable and vapour-permeable are required. The reason for this is that people don't just only sleep at night - they also release a considerable amount of sweat into the environment. Wallpapers made entirely of paper or non-woven material or those with an appropriate carrier layer and a surface made of textile or natural materials are the best choice. 

On which walls do I want to use the wallpaper?

Wallpapers are incredibly versatile. You can use them to create a feature wall, cover all four walls, or add interest to the ceiling. Even doors, stairs or furniture can be beautified with wallpaper.

Feature walls

Dominant, large-scale and striking patterns and designs are perfect for a feature wall.
It becomes the focus of the room, which is why pieces of furniture for this wall should be chosen carefully. For example, the feature wall can be the one behind the bed, the couch or the dining table. The remaining walls are painted in matching or pleasantly contrasting colours. 

All four walls

Delicate geometric patterns, small-scale floral designs and ornaments (Baroque, Art Nouveau, Art Deco) can provide a sense of continuity when used on each of the four walls. Plain-coloured wallpapers with surfaces made of natural materials or textile fabrics also offer harmony to the eye. The result is a perfect overall picture, especially with matching furniture and furnishings. 

Ceiling

It requires some patience, skill and practice to wallpaper the ceiling. But the reward easily makes up for the work and effort. Almost any pattern design can make the ceiling look stunning and even completely change the room. When choosing a large-scale pattern for the ceiling, the walls should be unobtrusive. 

Doors, stairs or furniture

There is almost no interior design element that cannot be improved with wallpaper. The inside of doors, stair risers, cupboards, chests of drawers, tables or shelves can all be decorated with your favourite wallpaper model. Do away with boredom and create special unique pieces for which others will envy you.

Which price range fits my budget?

The price for some exclusive wallpaper models can be eye-watering. The most important question is: How much money do you want to invest? Small production quantities lead to a higher price, as do certain printing processes or special surface materials.

Small production quantities = higher price

The main factor to consider is whether to opt for design wallpapers or DIY store wallpapers. In other words: Would you like a mass-produced wallpaper model or would you prefer wallpapers manufactured in small production quantities? The latter are often limited edition, drawn by designer hands. They boast a high-quality finish and thus justify the higher price. 

Slow printing methods require more time

Surface printing versus gravure printing: Both processes are carried out by machine, but the speed of production differs considerably. Surface printing is the oldest mechanical printing process and produces an exclusive print image as if done by hand. As a result, the printing process is slow and more expensive than industrial gravure printing.

Special surface materials

Unusual materials increase the value of wallpaper surfaces and appeal to the senses. Glass beads, flock, natural materials, textile threads, fabrics or metal foils carry a higher material price. In addition, there is the laminating, partly by hand, colouring and other work steps that are necessary to create the special effects.

Why should I request samples?

Product illustrations give a first visual impression of the new wallpaper. But wallpaper samples often provide certainty as to whether the first impression will stand up to the second. They enable you to test the effect on yourself and with regard to different lighting conditions. Find out whether the wallpaper works with your furnishings and with the other colours in the room. 

Pinning a wallpaper sample to the wall and letting it develop its effect on you

There is a huge difference between seeing something in a picture and in reality. That is why we provide pattern samples. Simply pin them to the wall and observe their effect on you for a few days. Your gut instinct will always tell you whether the pre-selection hits the nail on the head. If it's just not quite right, it's no huge issue as you haven't invested in complete rolls. 

Does the wallpaper work with the interior design concept?

Are you familiar with the following situation? Everything seemed so perfect in your imagination, but sometimes it's the little details that make all the difference. For instance, the colours, patterns or effects of the wallpaper simply do not match the existing furnishings. Pattern samples give you the opportunity to identify any issues before you start the wallpapering process.  

Seeing the wallpaper in different lighting conditions

A wallpaper can have a dazzling effect or strongly reflect the light. The pattern might appear slightly unexciting, colourless or distorted, depending on the lighting conditions in the room. These issues can be detected by looking at the wallpaper under different lighting conditions. In certain cases, this can be corrected by changing the lighting, otherwise it is simply not the right wallpaper model. 

Choosing the right wall colour for adjacent walls

Even if the wallpaper colours depicted in our online Shop are very close to the original, the pictures can vary slightly on different devices. If you want to select wall paints to complement the wallpaper, a pattern sample offers the "real", unadulterated colour(s), which makes it easy for you to determine suitable wall paint.