What to Know Before You Buy Wallpaper Online

Buying wallpaper online opens up far more design options than shopping in-store, but it also removes the ability to see, feel, and compare materials in person. That makes it easier to overlook details that affect how the wallpaper looks and how it installs. A successful wallpaper purchase online starts with understanding the product, not just the pattern.

The First Step

When people begin looking for wallpaper, it’s easy to focus on color or design first. Online shopping makes that even more tempting because product images are often cropped or deceptively staged.

Before narrowing down options, define a few practical criteria:

• The room where the wallpaper will be installed

• The level of durability or cleanability needed

• The installation method you’re comfortable with

• The scale and style that fits your space

Always review full-pattern images when available. A small sample image may not show how a design repeats across a full wall. Ordering samples is one of the safest ways to approach wallpaper online shopping—place them on the wall and check them throughout the day to see how lighting affects the color and texture.

Know What Type of Wallpaper You’re Buying

One of the biggest mistakes when buying wallpaper is not confirming the installation type. Wallpaper is not a single category—it includes several formats, each with different requirements.

• Non-pasted wallpaper requires a separate wallpaper adhesive and is often used for longer lasting installations

• Pre-pasted wallpaper has adhesive built in and activates with water (though an additional activator product is sometimes recommended) 

• Peel-and-stick wallpaper is self-adhesive and often used for removable applications

Each option affects how much prep is required and how forgiving the installation will be. Peel-and-stick may seem simpler, but it still depends on a smooth, properly prepared wall to perform well.

Some types of wallpaper are more forgiving than others. Large patterns, drop matches (which create a diagonal pattern across multiple strips), delicate materials, or heavier wallcoverings can make installation more demanding. 

Material Matters More Than You Think

Material plays a major role in maintenance and installation.

• Paper wallpaper offers a classic look but can be more sensitive to wear

• Vinyl wallcoverings are generally more durable and easier to clean, making them suitable for higher-traffic areas

• Nonwoven wallpaper is often more tear-resistant and easier to handle during installation

• Grasscloth and natural materials provide texture but usually have visible seams and natural variation

When planning a wallpaper purchase online, match the material to the room, not just the design. Kitchens, bathrooms, and busy spaces benefit from more durable, wipeable options, while decorative spaces allow for more delicate materials.

Wall color and surface condition can also affect how wallpaper looks once installed. Lighter or thinner wallcoverings may allow darker paint colors or uneven surfaces to show through, which can change the final appearance. 

Measure Carefully—Then Account for Repeat

Accurate measurements are one of the most important parts of wallpaper buying. Start by measuring the width and height of each wall, then calculate the total area.

But square footage alone is not enough.

You also need to account for:

• Pattern repeat, which determines how much material is lost when aligning designs

• Match type (straight, drop, or random)

• Trim allowance at ceilings, corners, and edges

Always check how the wallpaper is packaged. Some products are labeled as single rolls but sold as double rolls, which can cause confusion during wallpaper online shopping.

It’s safer to order extra than to run short, especially for patterned wallpaper. For this reason, some installers choose not to subtract windows, doors, or cabinets when measuring because it helps create a safer buffer and reduces the risk of running short.

Buy All Rolls at the Same Time

Wallpaper is produced in batches, and slight variations can occur from one batch to the next. These differences may not be obvious at first, but they can become noticeable once the wallpaper is installed side by side. To avoid inconsistencies, it’s best to order all the rolls you need at the same time so they come from the same production run.

When your order arrives, take a moment to check the label on each roll. Look for a lot, batch, or run number—this is usually printed near the barcode or product information. All rolls should have the same number. If one is different, set it aside and contact the seller before installation.

Know When to DIY and When to Call a Pro

Some wallpaper projects are straightforward, while others require more experience.

Consider professional installation if:

• The wallpaper is expensive or difficult to replace

• The pattern requires precise matching

• The walls need significant preparation

• The material is delicate or textured

Even if you plan to install it yourself, understanding the level of difficulty before you buy wallpaper online can help you choose a product that matches your skill level.

The Right Tools and Products Make the Difference

Buying wallpaper is only part of the process. The final result depends just as much on how well the surface is prepared and how the wallcovering is installed. It’s important to remember that wallpaper primers and adhesives are not all alike. Different wallcoverings require different levels of adhesion and surface preparation.

ROMAN offers a full range of wallcovering adhesives, primers, and installation solutions designed for different material types and surface conditions. Exploring our full catalog can help you match the right products to your project and avoid issues that often come from mismatched materials or incomplete prep.