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Holden Wallpapers: Your essential buying guide
Start with the room size, light level and how the space is used. Large prints can make a strong feature wall, while smaller patterns, plains and textured wallpapers are often easier to use across all four walls. For high-traffic spaces, look for durable or washable finishes.
Pattern repeat is the distance before the design repeats vertically. A larger repeat can create more waste because each drop needs matching, especially with bold or detailed prints. Always factor repeat into how many rolls you compare.
Paste-the-wall wallpaper is applied by pasting the wall directly, which can make hanging and repositioning simpler. Paste-the-paper wallpaper needs the adhesive applied to the back of the paper before hanging, often with a soaking time. Check the product details so you know what preparation is required.
Measure the height and width of each wall, then compare this with the roll coverage stated for the wallpaper. Allow extra for pattern matching, trimming, alcoves and mistakes. If you are unsure, it is usually better to calculate carefully before ordering so all rolls match the same design and batch where applicable.
For moisture-prone or busy areas, compare wallpapers with washable, scrubbable or vinyl finishes where suitable. Hallways often benefit from tougher finishes that can handle knocks and marks, while bathrooms and kitchens need careful checking for suitability in humid spaces.
Wallpaper can quickly change the mood of a room, but the best choice is about more than colour alone. Use this guide to compare designs, materials and fitting details so you can choose wallpaper that looks good and suits the way the room is used.
Think about whether you want the wallpaper to be the main feature or a quieter backdrop. Bold botanical, mural-style and geometric designs can work well on a single wall, while plains, stripes and subtle textures are easier to carry around a whole room.
Consider the room’s natural light. Dark wallpapers can feel cosy and dramatic, while lighter colours can help a smaller or shaded room feel more open. Metallic and lightly textured finishes can also catch the light for a softer decorative effect.
Wallpaper finishes vary, so compare the product details before deciding. Vinyl and washable wallpapers can be practical for family spaces and hallways, while paper-based designs may suit lower-traffic bedrooms and living rooms.
Textured wallpapers can help add depth and disguise minor surface imperfections, but they still need a properly prepared wall. If the surface is uneven, flaky or damp, address that before hanging any wallpaper.
Paste-the-wall wallpapers are popular with DIY decorators because the paste goes directly onto the wall rather than the paper. This can make each drop easier to handle and remove later, depending on the product.
Paste-the-paper designs can still deliver excellent results, but they usually require more preparation time. Follow the hanging instructions carefully, especially if soaking time or specialist paste is recommended.
Measure each wall separately and note the ceiling height, wall width, doors, windows and alcoves. Roll coverage can vary, so do not assume every wallpaper roll will cover the same area.
Pattern repeat is especially important. A straight match, offset match or large repeat can increase the number of rolls needed because extra paper is used to align the design correctly.
If the wallpaper is going in a busy room, compare how easy it is to clean. Wipeable, washable and scrubbable labels mean different levels of care, so check the wording in the product information.
For children’s rooms, hallways and dining areas, a more durable surface may be worth prioritising. For quieter rooms, you may be able to focus more on texture, colour and decorative finish.
