Wallpapers have become one of the most popular ways to transform a room instantly without the cost and hassle of repainting. With hundreds of thousands of designs now available online, choosing the perfect wallpaper has never been easier… or more confusing.

Buying wallpaper online is convenient, but it also requires careful thought because you can’t touch the texture, see the color in person, or examine the finish beforehand. This complete guide walks you through everything you must check before clicking “Buy Now” when you buy wallpaper online.

Quick Answer

When buying wallpaper online, check the wall measurements, material type (vinyl, non-woven, peel-and-stick), finish (matte, glossy, textured), and roll coverage. Review the pattern repeat, GSM, washability, and installation method. Always compare cost per sq.ft, read customer reviews, verify return policies, and order samples to confirm color, texture, and print quality. Consider the room type, lighting, and wall condition before finalizing your purchase.

Understanding Your Space

Before you begin your wallpaper online shopping, it is important to first understand your space well so you can choose the right one.

Step 1: Think About Room Purpose

Different rooms demand different wallpaper in terms of material, design, pattern, style, etc.

Kitchen & bathroom: These are high-traffic areas that need wallpapers that are moisture-resistant and washable.

Bedrooms & living rooms: Textured, fabric-inspired, and matte options work beautifully in these rooms where wallpapers are mainly used for decorative purposes.

Kids’ rooms: Peel-and-stick wallpapers make updates easy and damage-free in areas like nurseries and kid’s rooms.

Step 2: Consider Lighting

Lighting dramatically changes how wallpaper appears.

• Natural light: Softens colors and enhances matte textures.
• Artificial light: Can make glossy wallpapers overly reflective.
• Dim rooms: Avoid dark, heavily textured wallpapers. They may make the space feel smaller.

It is important to notice the kind of lighting your space receives to pick the right colors and patterns of wallpaper.

Step 3: Measure Walls Properly

Accurate measurements are the foundation of a smooth wallpaper purchase and installation. When you order wallpaper online, you don’t have a store associate guiding you, so precision is crucial.

• Measure height × width of each wall.
• Exclude windows/doors, but add extra for pattern repeat.
• Always add a 10–15% buffer to avoid shortage.
• If you are purchasing a wallpaper roll, never blindly assume one roll will be enough. Roll sizes vary by brand.

Choose the Right Wallpaper Material

Wallpapers are made of different materials and each one behaves differently. This makes different wallpaper materials suitable for different spaces and purposes. Here is an easy to understand table of wallpaper materials and their benefits:

Is Peel-and-Stick Worth It?

Peel and stick wallpapers have gained a lot of popularity because of their convenience but are they really worth it? Let us dive into the pros and cons of a peel and stick wallpaper.

Advantages of a Peel and Stick Wallpaper

• No tools required
• Easy installation
• Clean removal without wall damage
• Ideal for accent walls
• Beginner-friendly

When Peel and Stick is Worth It

• You’re renting a home
• You enjoy changing décor frequently
• You want a DIY-friendly option
• You need a quick makeover
• Suitable for smooth walls, wardrobes, bookshelves, backdrops, etc.

When Peel and Stick is NOT Ideal

• Rough, textured, or damp walls
• Bathrooms with high humidity
• Long-term usage in high-traffic areas
• Walls with flaking paint
• Very large murals (alignment can be tricky)

Understand Wallpaper Finishes

The type of finish of a wallpaper impacts how the design looks on the walls. It is important you know the difference so you can buy best wallpaper online.

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Matte Finish Wallpaper

• Soft
• Elegant
• Hides wall imperfections
• Works well in bright rooms.

Glossy Finish Wallpaper

• Vibrant
• Reflective
• Eye-catching
• Best for accent walls or darker rooms.

Textured/Embossed Finish Wallpaper

• Adds depth and a premium feel
• Works well for feature walls or statement corners.

Metallic Finish Wallpaper

• Reflective
• Glamorous
• Modern
• Ideal for rooms with good lighting.

Check Print Quality and Design Scale

When buying wallpaper online, make sure to check all the details about print quality and design scale for utmost accuracy and realistic expectations.

• Understand the difference between Digital and Traditional printing: Digital printing offers sharper details and bolder colors, which appear more realistic when installed as compared to traditional printing.
• Understand Color Accuracy Online: Screens differ in brightness and saturation. Colors might look lighter/darker in real life.

Tip! Always order a sample if available.

• Understanding Pattern Repeat and Scale: It is important to understand pattern repeat and scale for a smooth flowing design.
• Large patterns can overwhelm a small room
• Geometric and floral wallpapers often have repeats that require extra material
• Vertical patterns elongate height and horizontal ones expand width visually.

How to Judge Print Quality Online

Since you can’t physically examine wallpaper online, the following indicators help you judge print quality accurately:

• Zoomed-In Product Images

As you look at zoomed in pictures of a wallpaper design, you must look for:

• No pixelation
• Sharp edges on patterns
• Smooth color gradients
• Clear detailing in textures
• Customer Photos

Look for customer reviews with attached pictures as they reveal:

• True color tone
• Real-life sharpness
• Paper texture visibility
• Scale of the pattern
• GSM and Printing Type
• Digital prints have sharper and more vibrant images
• Higher GSM means better ink absorption and crisper results
• Order Samples

If possible, always order a sample to personally assess print sharpness, gloss level, and texture.

Buyer’s Red Flags to Watch Out For

Avoid wallpapers that show any of these warning signs:

1. No Clear Roll Dimensions

If the product listing doesn’t mention length, width, or coverage, avoid it.

2. Extremely Low Prices

Very cheap wallpapers often indicate:

• Low GSM
• Poor print quality
• Thin paper
• Color fading issues
• Use of toxic inks

3. Vague Material Information

If it only says “wallpaper” without specifying vinyl, non-woven, paper, peel-and-stick, be cautious.

4. No Mention of Return Policy

If a brand has not mentioned their return policy on the website, it is a red flag and especially risky for online shopping. Always read return/refund terms.

5. Poor Customer Reviews

Look out for:

• Color mismatch
• Peeling edges
• Bubbles
• Blurry print
• Thin paper

6. Only One Product Image

Lack of detail often means lack of quality. Prefer brands that offer multiple product images for customer satisfaction.

7. No Mention of Washability

Every good wallpaper specifies wipeable / washable / scrubbable clearly.

8. No Safety Labels

Always check for labels like Greenguard Gold certified to ensure that the wallpaper is safe to be installed in your home. No such labels can indicate low-quality production involving toxic inks.

Comparing Wallpaper Prices Online

Online wallpaper pricing can be confusing. Here are some factors that affect wallpaper prices and why they matter:

Factors that Affect Wallpaper Prices

• Material quality: Premium materials mean higher prices. However, they also ensure durability and longevity of the wallpaper.
• GSM (thickness): Wallpaper thickness impacts wallpaper quality and therefore acts as one of the deciding factors for the cost of the wallpaper.
• Print technology: Print technology plays a major role in determining wallpaper cost because it directly influences color accuracy, sharpness, durability, and production speed.
• Brand reputation: While well-reputed brands might have higher wallpaper prices, they also ensure great quality, long-lasting prints, and dedicated after-sales support.
• Roll size: If you are purchasing wallpaper rolls, the size of the roll also determines the price you will have to pay.

This is why many people prefer buying wallpapers from brands like Magicdecor that offer custom-size wallpapers that are made-to-measure especially for your walls.

• Watch out for these hidden costs:
• Installation charges
• Adhesive or primer
• Extra rolls due to pattern match

Check Product Details

As you finalize a wallpaper design, make sure to check out the following details before making the purchase:

1. GSM: Higher GSM means thicker, more premium wallpaper that lasts longer and hides wall flaws better.
2. Washability: Check if the wallpaper is wipeable, washable, or scrubbable.
3. Roll Coverage: Always check roll dimensions, coverage area, and pattern repeat (if any)
4. Safety Standards: Check if the wallpaper meets safety standards. Look for labels like Greenguard Gold certified that ensure that the wallpaper is safe and made of VOC-free and non-toxic materials.
5. Look for Color Warranty: See if the wallpaper brand offers any color warranty to keep your designs bright and radiant for longer.

Read Reviews, Ratings & Customer Photos

Online reviews give you what product pages can’t—real usage experience.

Look for mentions of:

• Color accuracy
• Ease of installation
• Texture look & feel
• Print sharpness
• Packaging quality
• Customer photos (closest to real product)

Check Return, Refund & Sample Policies

This is one of the most important parts of online wallpaper shopping.<

• Check if the brand offers return and/or replacement on their wallpapers. If they do, check for how many days after the sale is the refund/return policy applicable.
• Always check conditions around:
• Damage claims
• Replacement periods
• Manufacturing defects
• Sample policies help you verify color, texture, and quality before buying big quantities.

How Much Wallpaper Will You Need? (Complete Calculation Guide)

You don’t want to run out of material while installing your wallpaper. To avoid such disasters, it is important that you correctly measure how much wallpaper you will need.

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Here is a guide to help you measure:

Step 1: Calculate Total Wall Area (sq. ft.)

Wall Height × Wall Width = Wall Area

If you have multiple walls, add all wall areas together.

Example: 10 ft × 12 ft = 120 sq. ft.

Step 2: Understand Roll Coverage

Roll coverage differs depending on the brand. Check out product description to know:

• Roll height
• Roll width
• Coverage in sq.ft or sq.m

Step 3: Add Wastage Percentage

Always add 10-15% extra during your calculations to make room for:

• Pattern matching
• Cutting errors
• Trimming edges

Step 4: Calculate the Number of Rolls You Need

Formula:

Total Required Area ÷ Roll Coverage = Number of Rolls

Example:

• Wall area: 120 sq.ft.
• Add 10%: 120 + 12 = 132 sq.ft.
• Roll coverage: 57 sq.ft.

132 ÷ 57 = 2.31 → Buy 3 rolls

Measuring Walls for Mural Wallpaper

Murals do not have repetitive patterns and come custom-sized to your exact wall dimensions.

To measure your walls for a mural wallpaper simply measure and provide wall width x height and add 5-6 inches extra for margins and alignment.

Room by Room Wallpaper Recommendations

FAQs

Q1. Is buying wallpaper online safe?

Yes,reliable brands like Magicdecor offer accurate descriptions, customer photos, and samples to help you choose confidently.

Q2. Which wallpaper is best for small rooms?

Light colors, subtle patterns, and vertical designs make small rooms look spacious.

Q3. Which wallpaper works best for Modern homes?

Abstract designs, impactful murals, and textured prints look great in modern and contemporary homes.

Q4. How long does wallpaper last?

Good quality wallpaper lasts 5–10 years, sometimes even longer with proper care.

Q5. Is peel-and-stick wallpaper good?

Yes, peel and stick wallpaper is great for renters or people who like frequent décor changes.

Q6. How much wallpaper do I need?

Measure your wall (width x height) and divide by the roll’s coverage area. Always buy an extra roll for safety.

Q7. Can wallpaper be removed easily?

Peel-and-stick is easiest to remove. Traditional wallpapers need water/steam but come off cleanly with patience. You can always take expert help to remove  a wallpaper carefully.

Q8. Are custom wallpaper prints worth it?

Yes. Custom wallpaper designs give you a unique design tailored to your wall. Worth it if you want a statement look.

Q9. Which is the best place to buy wallpaper online?

Stores like Magicdecor are popular amongst people because of their premium quality wallpapers that are safe and non-toxic. They have a wide variety of designs to choose from and their after-sales support also makes them a favorite.