Tips on Selecting Wallpaper | |
Part 3: How to Look for Wallpaper Without Going CrazyHave you looked for wallpaper recently? If so you know that there are literally hundreds of books with thousands of wallpapers available. How can you find just the right one? You could just randomly browse the books, but the chances of finding just the right paper would be slim. Instead, give some thought to your project before you go shopping. Are you thinking of a stripe or a floral? In neutral or a bright colors? Will the wallpaper cover every wall surface or only one wall or under a chair rail? What other colors need to be matched (carpeting) or coordinated (bedding)?When you arrive at the wallpaper store, be sure to ask for help. Explain your project, your colors, and what you think you are looking for. Many wallpaper stores have access to an huge index book of wallpaper styles and colors. If you are looking for a pattern of ivy or a trellis, the salesperson can look up these motifs and guide you to books that include them. If you don't have a specific pattern in mind then ask the salesperson to show you how their wallpaper books are organized. Typical wallpaper categories are Country, Traditional, Kitchen & Bath, Textures, and Kids styles. These categories are often noted with colored stickers on the spine of the book. Because searching for wallpaper can be an overwhelming task, decide that if you begin to feel pressured you'll spend one hour looking at books and go back another day to spend another hour. Begin by choose several books in the category that appeals to you. Lay out your color samples (carpet, tile, paint, etc.) next to the upper right corner of the first book. Quickly flip through the pages of the book, looking ONLY at the upper right corner as pages flip by. You are looking for a palette of colors that might work for your room. (Each book and manufacturer generally has a specific color palette for every book.) If a book's color tones don't work, then you can put it back on the shelf. If the colorways in the book are what you need, then proceed to look through the book, page by page, seeing if the color combinations, motifs, and patterns are anything you might be able to use. Bookmark any possibilities and set aside. Move on to the next book. Use the same technique to quickly flip through each book, looking only at color first. When you've found several good papers, ask for samples (some stores have sample rolls in the back room, others might cut a corner off the page). Better yet, check out the books overnight to see how the papers look in your own home. Always try the wallpaper samples under various light sources (daylight, lamp light, etc.) to make certain the colors will blend with the other elements of your decor. When you have a winner have the salesperson double check your room drawings and measurements, then go ahead and order your paper. |
| ~ Glenna Morton |
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