How to Choose Wallpaper Without Regret
Designer Tips for Confident, Timeless Choices
Choosing wallpaper isn’t just about patterns, colors, or trends — it’s about how a design feels in your space. At Edge, we believe that often, you don’t choose wallpaper; wallpaper chooses you.
That feeling—the moment a pattern just clicks—is why exploring wallpaper books and taking advantage of samples is so critical. Flipping through pages, holding a textured sheet in your hand, or seeing a swatch in natural light allows you to sense what resonates. It’s a personal experience, a subtle nudge that whispers: “I feel at home with this pattern.”
Designers know this instinctive connection is key to creating spaces you’ll love for years. By browsing in-person wallpaper books and sampling your favorites, you give yourself the opportunity to find that perfect match—a pattern that doesn’t just decorate a wall, but truly feels like home.
1. Online Images Are Just the Starting Point
Wallpaper often looks very different on a screen than it does in person. Scale, texture, and finish don’t fully translate online, which is why something that looks perfect digitally can feel “off” once installed.
Designers use online inspiration to narrow options — but final decisions are almost always made in person, using wallpaper books and large samples.
Pro tip: Always view wallpaper in natural and evening light before committing.
2. Texture Changes Everything
Wallpaper isn’t just about pattern — it’s about feel.
Grasscloth, vinyl, woven textiles, metallic finishes, and soft matte papers all interact with light differently. Texture can add warmth, depth, and subtle luxury even in the most neutral designs.
This is one of the biggest reasons designers rely on wallpaper books — texture must be seen and felt to be understood.
3. Scale Matters More Than Pattern
A common regret? Choosing a pattern that’s too small or too busy for the space.
Small rooms can often handle larger-scale patterns
Large rooms benefit from balance and repeat
Powder rooms are perfect for bold statements
Seeing full pattern repeats in wallpaper books makes it easier to understand how a design will actually live on your walls.
4. Consider the Function of the Room
Not all wallpaper works for every space.
Ask yourself:
Is this a high-humidity room?
Is it a high-traffic area?
Will it be seen mostly during the day or at night?
For example, powder rooms and dining rooms invite drama, while bedrooms often benefit from softer textures and tones.
Designers always match wallpaper function first, trend second.
5. Trends Are Fun — Timeless Is Powerful
It’s tempting to choose what’s trending, but the best wallpaper choices blend personality with longevity.
A good rule of thumb:
Use bold trends in smaller spaces
Choose timeless colors and textures for main living areas
Wallpaper should excite you — not make you nervous six months later.
Why Designers Always Use Wallpaper Books
Wallpaper books allow designers to:
Compare patterns side by side
See true color and finish
Understand scale and repeat
Confidently guide clients toward the right choice
And homeowners deserve access to the same tools.
For many designers, confidence comes from using wallpaper books — a tactile, in-person process that allows for better decisions. You can learn more about why designers still rely on wallpaper books here.
Ready to Choose Wallpaper with Confidence?
If you’re feeling unsure about wallpaper, you don’t have to decide alone.
Visit our boutique luxury wallpaper studio in Chapel Hill to browse curated designer wallpaper books in person. We offer complimentary sourcing guidance so you can choose wallpaper you’ll love for years to come.
👉 Serving Chapel Hill, Pittsboro, Apex & surrounding areas.
