Can You Return Wallpaper If You Don’t Like It? Return Policies, Exceptions & Tips

You’ve found the perfect wallpaper online, imagined it on your walls, and then reality hits when it arrives. The color feels off, the pattern looks busier than expected, and suddenly you’re wondering: can you return wallpaper if you simply don’t like it? Well yes, you can..but with conditions.

Whether you can or not return a wallpaper depends on these factors:

• The wallpaper must be unused, uninstalled, and in its original packaging.
• The return request must fall within the brand’s return timeframe.
• The wallpaper must be a standard design and not a custom one.

Understanding these conditions upfront can save you from disappointment and help you shop with confidence before committing to your walls.

Why Wallpaper Return Policies Are Different from Other Home Décor Products

Unlike many home decor items, wallpaper is subject to specific return policies that often rises due to unique handling, production, and resale limitations. Additionally, they differ because:

• Wallpaper is easily damaged once opened making it difficult to resell.

• Installation errors can’t be reversed.

• Batch and color consistency matters.

When Can You Return Wallpaper?

• Wallpaper must be in a new condition– unused, uncut, and uninstalled.

• Packaging should include labels and billing information.

• Wallpaper should be free from creases, marks, or stains of any kind.

Common Reasons Wallpaper Returns are Approved

• Wallpaper Arrived Damaged: Torn, creased, or damaged wallpaper caused during shipping is typically approved for return or replacement.

• Manufacturing or Print Defects: Issues like misaligned patterns, ink smudges, or other visible flaws are valid reasons for return.

• Wrong Item Sent: If the design, color, size, or material doesn’t match what was ordered, returns are usually approved.

• Incomplete or Missing Items: If the order arrives with missing wallpaper rolls or incorrect quantities, you are eligible to return and get the correct amount.

When Are Wallpaper Returns Not Allowed?

• Wallpaper has Been Installed: Once the wallpaper is hung, even briefly, you cannot consider returning it.

• Damage Caused After Delivery: Tears, stains, or marks that occur after delivery while you’re installing are not accepted.

• Return Request Made After the Return Window: Requests raised after the allowed timeframe are usually declined, regardless of the condition.

• Custom or Made-to-Order Designs: Personalized designs and custom sized wallpapers are not eligible for return.

Return Policies for Custom-Made Wallpapers

Custom-made wallpapers are designed to match your wall dimensions and are personalized to suit your unique taste and interior style, which is why they usually can’t be returned simply because you don’t like them after delivery.

Since each design is produced specifically for an individual order, returns or refunds for change of mind, color preference, or incorrect measurements provided by customers are generally not possible.

Your designs on your walls

Upload any image to order wall mural prints online

Upload your design

Typical Wallpaper Return Timeframe in the Industry

Wallpaper return timeframe generally ranges from 7 to 14 days after delivery, depending on the brand’s return policy and the type of product purchased. This window is designed to give customers enough time to inspect their wallpaper for defects, damage, or other issues without delaying return eligibility.

It is important to note that custom or made-to-order wallpaper often has a shorter window or may be non-retunable altogether, while standard designs typically follow the return period.

How to Check a Brand’s Return Policy Before Buying?

Before you go ahead and purchase wallpaper from a brand, make sure you understand their return policy that saves you from expensive surprises later. Here’s what Magicdecor’s experts recommend you check:

1. Return Eligibility

Check the brand’s website or confirm it with them to know whether the wallpaper is returnable or not. Also check whether the return policies vary for standard versus custom wallpapers. If a brand does not have a clear return policy, it means it’s a scam.

2. Timeframe for Returns

Look out how many days you have to request a wallpaper return and whether the timeline is strict or not. Typically, the timeframe is often set from 7-14 days after the product is delivered.

3. Condition Requirements

Check if there are conditions required before returning the wallpaper. Conditions such as unused, untorn, uninstalled, and in original packaging.

4. Return Costs and Fees

Find out whether you have to pay for return shipping and whether restocking fees apply. Understanding these costs prior to returning helps in making the purchasing decision.

5. Refund vs Replacement Options

See whether the brand offers refunds, replacement, or store credit and if yes, under what circumstances.

Refund vs Replacement: What’s the Difference?

Be Aware of Shipping, Restocking & Return Costs

Many shoppers are unaware of the extra costs that quietly appear when returning or exchanging wallpaper. While the product itself may be refundable, the surrounding fees often are not and they can add up quickly if you’re not aware.

Here’s where those hidden costs usually lie:

• Return Shipping Fees: In most cases, the seller takes care of your return shipping fees but some brands expect the customer to be responsible for return shipping.

• Restocking Fees: Some brands deduct a restocking fee, commonly a percentage of the order total to cover inspection and handling costs.

What to Do if Your Wallpaper Arrives Damaged?

If your wallpaper arrives damaged, do not panic and do not install it. Most brands have a process in place to resolve shipping-related issues, as long as the damage is reported immediately. Here’s what you should do:

1. Inspect the Wallpaper Immediately Upon Delivery: Check all rolls for tears, crease, ink smudges, or crushed edges before unwrapping or cutting anything.

2. Document the Damage Clearly: Take photos or videos of the damaged wallpaper, outer packaging, and shipping label to support your claim.

3. Contact Customer Support Right Away: Report the issue within the brand’s specified timeframe to remain eligible for refund or replacement.

4. Choose Between a Replacement or a Refund: After having contacted the customer service, you may be offered a replacement wallpaper, a store credit, or the full refund.

Tips to Avoid the Hassle of Returning Your Wallpaper

Want to steer clear of any inconvenience that may come from returning your wallpaper? Here are tips that help you exactly that:

Subscribe to Save 5%

All subscribers get an additional 5% OFF on their first order

Subscribe Now

1. Ordering Samples Before Final Purchase to Avoid Replacement

No matter how accurate a screen claims to be, it can’t tell you how a color looks in your space and what the texture feels like under your touch. Therefore, order samples before purchasing and prevent the bigger hassles of replacement and refunds.

2. Measuring Walls Correctly to Avoid Mistakes

Most return headaches begin with incorrect measurements. Measuring walls accurately saves you from dealing with wallpapers that are too large, too small, or simply incompatible with your space.

3. Check Reviews for Assurance

Product photos are staged but customer reviews are not. Therefore, dig into customer photos and comments to spot red flags. These firsthand experiences from other customers help you dodge purchases that look great online but disappoint when they arrive.

Conclusion: Understanding Wallpaper Returns Before You Buy

Wallpaper return policies aren’t always straightforward, they vary widely from one brand to another. Some policies are flexible, while others come with strict timelines, condition requirements, and exceptions that can easily catch buyers off guard.

Taking a few minutes to review the terms of return policies helps you set realistic expectations, avoid unexpected costs, and make more confident wallpaper purchasing decisions.

FAQs

1. Can I return the wallpaper after opening it?

Yes you can if you find damaged wallpapers inside. However, if you cut or install the wallpaper, it is considered non-returnable.

2. Can custom wallpaper be refunded?

No, custom or made-to-order wallpapers are typically final as they are personalized to your preferences. You will receive a refund only if the wallpaper arrives damaged.

3. What happens if the wallpaper color looks different?

Color variation due to screen differences is not considered a valid reason for return. This is why ordering samples before purchasing is strongly recommended.

4. Do wallpaper brands charge restocking fees?

Some brands do. Restocking fees are common and may be deducted from your refund, along with any non-refundable shipping costs.

5. Can wallpaper be returned after installation?

No, you cannot return a wallpaper that has been installed. Hanging, cutting, or applying adhesive is considered use, and most brands void return or refund eligibility.