Top 10 Mistakes People Make When Shopping for Wallpaper Online (How to Avoid Them)
Let’s face it—shopping for wallpaper online is overwhelming. With thousands of designs, materials, measurements (and bewildering terms like “drop match” or “non-woven”) to sort through, it’s easy to add a wallpaper to your cart before you realize that it’s not exactly what you want when it arrives.
Whether you’re a design-savvy homeowner or a first-timer, this comprehensive guide will walk you through the 10 most common wallpaper shopping mistakes and exactly how to avoid them. By the end, you’ll feel like a pro who can confidently transform any space into an interior designer masterpiece.
1. Not Measuring Properly
The Mistake:
Buying too little wallpaper—or more often, way too much—is the most common (and expensive) mistake. Guessing or using approximate square footage estimates that don’t take pattern repeat, trimming, or wall height into account can completely skew your project.
How to Avoid it:
Measure the height and width of every wall you want to cover. Then, divide your total wall width by the width of an individual roll or panel on the website you are looking to order from to determine the coverage you’ll need for the specific design you’ve chosen, taking into account repeat and match type. It’s better to order an extra roll upfront than scramble to match colors from a different dye lot later.
💡 Pro Tip: Measure twice. Order once.
2. Ignoring the Wallpaper Material
The Mistake:
Many shoppers choose wallpaper based solely on appearance without realizing that materials matter, especially when it comes to ease of installation, durability, and moisture resistance.
How to Avoid it:
Familiarize yourself with the most common wallpaper materials, their ideal uses and application methods. Check out our wallpaper material types and surface compatibility guide to select the ideal material composition for your project.
💡 Pro Tip: If you’re installing wallpaper in a high-humidity area, avoid paper-based options and opt for vinyl or non-woven instead.
3. Skipping the Sample
The Mistake:
Trusting how wallpaper looks on a computer or mobile phone screen is a roll of the dice. Lighting, monitor calibration, and your wall color can drastically affect how a design appears in real life.
How to Avoid it:
Always order a sample first. At Wall Artifacts, we offer affordable samples on every wallpaper design so you can test the texture, color, and scale in your space Check it in the morning, afternoon, and evening light to see how it changes throughout the day.
Browse all of our wallpaper collections and select samples that complement the interior design of your project.
💡 Pro Tip: Tape the sample to your wall for a few days to see how it feels in your space before committing.
4. Not Considering Pattern Repeat and Match
The Mistake:
Even seasoned decorators can get tripped up by pattern repeats. Not understanding straight, drop, or random matches can lead to uneven lines, wasted material, and visual chaos.
How to Avoid it:
Learn the basics:
Straight match: Each strip lines up horizontally.
Drop match: Each strip starts halfway down the previous strip--more waste but more visual flow.
Random match: No alignment needed; very little waste.
Our product pages clearly state the pattern repeat and match type, and our customer service team is happy to help if you're unsure how that affects coverage.
💡 Pro Tip: Add 10–15% extra to account for pattern alignment, especially with large-scale or complex designs.
5. Overlooking the Room’s Lighting
The Mistake:
What looks dramatic and moody in a dim showroom might feel gloomy in a poorly lit space--or too harsh in a bright one.
How to Avoid it:
Before choosing a wallpaper, evaluate how much natural light the room gets and the direction the windows face. Light warms up or cools down depending on orientation:
- North-facing rooms: Use warmer tones to balance cool lighting.
- South-facing rooms: Almost any color works.
- East-facing rooms: Brighter in the morning; great for soft pastels.
- West-facing rooms: Strong evening light--watch for warm undertones.
Check out our Laurel Wreath Wallpaper Collection for timeless patterns in versatile palettes.
💡 Pro Tip: View your wallpaper sample at different times of day to see how the color shifts.
6. Forgetting to Factor in Wall Texture
The Mistake:
Applying wallpaper to textured walls without appropriately preparing your walls can lead to bubbles, gaps, or peeling.
How to Avoid it:
Wallpaper sticks best to smooth, clean, and dry surfaces. If your wall has a heavy texture, consider:
- Sanding and priming to smooth the surface.
- Using a liner paper as a base layer.
- Choosing a thicker wallpaper that hides imperfections.
Peel-and-stick options like those in our Floral Wallpaper Collection tend to work best on smooth, painted drywall.
💡 Pro Tip: Never apply wallpaper directly to raw drywall or plaster—prime it first to help with adhesion and removal.
7. Underestimating Installation Complexity
The Mistake:
Assuming wallpaper installation is a quick DIY project not requiring professional assistance. Some projects are more technical than others and require tools, patience, or professional help.
How to Avoid it:
Honestly assess your own skills. If you’re working with peel-and-stick designs, you may feel confident handling it yourself. For traditional paste wallpaper—especially with complex patterns or large murals—hiring a professional will likely save time and headaches.
💡 Pro Tip: Read the installation instructions before you order. If in doubt, consult a wallpaper installer to get a quote.
8. Choosing Style Over Longevity
The Mistake:
Following trends too closely can leave you with wallpaper fatigue in a short amount of time. Not all design styles age gracefully.
How to Avoid it:
Balance trend with timelessness. Choose bold prints for accent walls and use more subtle textures or classic patterns in larger areas. If you love a current trend, select removable peel-and-stick options that are easily removable without causing any damage.
💡 Pro Tip: Save trendy designs for powder rooms, entryways, or areas you don’t mind redoing in a few years.
9. Missing the Return or Refund Policy
The Mistake:
Every wallpaper brand has different policies. Some don’t allow returns after opening, while others won’t refund partial orders.
How to Avoid it:
Read the fine print before purchasing. At Wall Artifacts, we’re transparent with our Return Policy and always recommend ordering sample orders first to minimize any future issues. If your order arrives damaged or defective, our team is quick to resolve it.
💡 Pro Tip: Keep all packaging and documentation until your wallpaper is installed and your interior project complete.
10. Not Planning the Room Around the Wallpaper
The Mistake:
Wallpaper shouldn’t be an afterthought. It sets the tone for your room’s aesthetic and impacts how everything else—from artwork to furniture—feels.
How to Avoid it:
Think of wallpaper as a design anchor. Use it to build a color palette for rugs, furniture, and accents. If you’re working with a statement pattern, keep other elements more minimal. If you’re using a subtle texture, you can layer in more color and pattern elsewhere.
For inspiration, browse our Framed Art Prints to compliment your wallpaper picks and create a cohesive space.
💡 Pro Tip: Build a mood board with your wallpaper sample, paint swatches, and photos of your furniture. It’ll help you see the big picture.
Final Thoughts
Shopping for wallpaper online doesn’t have to be intimidating. With a little planning and the right know-how, you can avoid common pitfalls and confidently create the space you’ve been dreaming of.
At Wall Artifacts, we’re here to help—whether you’re hunting for a bold Art Deco wallpaper, a soothing abstract mural, or a timeless mid-century pattern.
Still have questions? Our customer support team is just a click away, and we’d love to help you get it right the first time.
Ready to find your perfect wallpaper?
Browse the latest arrivals in our wallpaper collection and start transforming your space today.
