Tips for Choosing Wallpaper: A Family Business Perspective
Posted by Taylor at Eade's Wallpaper
Hey there, I’m Taylor, and I’ve been around wallpaper my whole life—Eade's Wallpaper has been in my family for 85 years, and I’m the fourth generation to keep it going. We just launched our new site (www.eadeswallpaper.com), and we’re adding to it every day with stuff from all the big wallpaper and fabric manufacturers. Picking the right wallpaper can feel overwhelming with so many options, so I thought I’d share some tips I’ve picked up over the years.
1. Start with Your Room’s Vibe
Before you even browse, think about what you want the space to feel like. A cozy bedroom might lean toward warmer tones or textures that make it feel snug—something I’ve seen folks gravitate to time and again. For a bright kitchen, lighter colors can keep it airy and open. I’ve learned from customers that nailing the mood up front saves a lot of back-and-forth later.
2. Measure Twice, Order Once
This one’s simple but trips people up all the time. Grab a tape measure, figure out your wall’s height and width, and multiply. Check the manufacturer’s specs for coverage—some rolls differ a bit, and you don’t want to guess wrong.
3. Play with Patterns (But Not Too Much)
Patterns are where wallpaper shines—I love scrolling our new site and seeing everything from bold geometrics to soft damasks. If you’ve got a small room, stick to something subtle so it doesn’t feel like the walls are closing in. Bigger spaces can handle the wild stuff. Mixing a loud pattern with plain furniture works wonders—our York grey weave looks killer against a simple couch.
4. Think About Light
Light changes everything. A metallic finish, like some of our Gesso Weave options, catches the sun and makes a room glow—great for a living room with big windows. Darker colors soak up light, so they’re better in spaces you want to feel snug, like a den. I’ve hung samples in my own house to test this—it’s worth the extra step.
5. Don’t Skip the Samples
Speaking of samples, order them. We’ve got tons of brands—Thibaut, Schumacher, you name it—and what looks good online might surprise you in person. Tape a sample to your wall, live with it for a day or two, and see how it holds up. It’s how I figured out beige wasn’t boring after all—it’s just got to be the right shade.
6. Consider the Long Haul
Wallpaper’s not like paint—you’re in it for a while. Pick something you won’t get sick of in six months. I’ve seen folks regret trendy stuff that’s too loud, but classics like a soft stripe or texture stick around. Our site’s got filters to narrow it down if you’re worried about committing.
7. Ask Yourself: DIY or Pro?
Hanging wallpaper isn’t rocket science, but it’s not a breeze either. They’re manageable if you’ve got a steady hand and some paste. If your walls are wonky or you’ve got a big job, call in a pro. I’ve done both—DIY’s satisfying, but I’ve also cursed my way through a crooked seam or two.
That’s it from me—just some pointers from a lifetime around this stuff. Swing by www.eadeswallpaper.com to poke around our new site—we’re adding more every day, so there’s always something fresh to check out. Got a room in mind? Let me know what you’re thinking—I’d love to hear how it turns out.
Happy decorating,
Taylor
Eade's Wallpaper Inc.
Taylor
Eade's Wallpaper Inc.