Look for collections of papers that coordinate. Photo c.2003 Glenna Morton, About.com

Difficulty: Average
Time Required: Varies

Here's How:

1. Before going shopping, consider whether you want full wallcoverings, a border, or both. Also what types of patterns you will be looking for.
2. Take decorating samples with you, including paint chips (the larger the better), fabric samples, flooring, tile, pillows. Also take a pad of paper, a pen, and small bookmark papers.
3. Take a room diagram showing accurate room measurements, including the ceiling height. Mark all windows, doorways, and closets on the plan.
4. When you get to the wallpaper store ask for help. Let the salesperson show you how the books are organized. The usual categories are Country, Traditional, Kitchen & Bath, Textures, and Kids styles.
5. Choose several books in the appropriate style. Lay out your samples next to the upper right corner of the first book.
6. Quickly flip through the pages of the book, looking ONLY at the upper right corner as pages flip by, for color tones. (Each book and manufacturer generally has a specific color palette for every book.)
7. 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 and patterns are anything you might be able to use.
8. 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.
9. When you've found several good papers, ask for samples, or check out the books overnight to see how the papers look in your own home.
10. Ask the salesperson for an estimate on the number of rolls for your project. Be clear on the difference between single and double rolls and know how many of each you'll need.
11. Always try the wallpaper samples in various lights (daylight, lamp light, etc.) to make certain the colors will blend with the other elements of your decor.
12. When you've decided on a paper, be certain to get another estimate taking into account the exact roll length and match of the paper you've chosen. Keep in mind that longer match points will result in more wasted paper.
13. Find out the store's policy on returns. If possible order one extra double roll if you can return it unopened (if not needed). That way you'll be assured of having enough paper in the same dye lot.
14. When your paper comes in, check the run number (dye lot) on each roll to make certain they are identical.
15. (See also the last "Related" link below on "How to Buy Wallpaper".)

Tips:

1. Searching for paper can be an overwhelming task. Spend one hour looking at books. Go back another day if necessary, and spend another hour.
2. Papers vary in length and width. It is often priced by the single roll, however only sold by the double roll (so you can get more lengths from it).
3. Wallpapers can be toned down or aged via various products and techniques. For example, Ralph Lauren makes several aging products to tea-stain papers.
4. Sometimes you can save money (over wallpapering an entire room) by simply using a wallpaper border over a painted wall.

More How To's from your Guide To Interior Decorating