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10 best wallpapers

The lotus design from Harlequin has the charm of antique chinoiserie papers
The lotus design from Harlequin has the charm of antique chinoiserie papers

“Statement” walls are the quick way to bring personality and style to a space. If you’re looking to introduce a little whimsy to your living space the huge amount of choice can be daunting, especially if you are not set on particular style. For something traditional but not fusty go for floral, animal or natural themes that are scaled up in size for contemporary effect. Geometric styles came into fashion in the 1950s and are still popular today – they make a good choice if you don’t want your paper to date too quickly.

Hanging wallpaper isn’t the easiest job and with expensive rolls it might pay to have a decorator help. If you’re going DIY look for a “paste the wall” type rather than “paste the paper” – these don’t require a decorator’s table and are easier to apply smoothly. Non-woven papers are also easier. Standard rolls measure roughly 0.5 metres by 10 metres but check details carefully before ordering. It’s a good idea to try out lots of samples too.

Boråstapeter, vertigo: £59, Cloudberry Living

This Swedish, non-woven wallpaper-maker has prints in its archive that go back to 1905. Vertigo, by Arne Jacobsen, a legend of mid-century design, has a pattern of shaded circles intended to give a sense of rhythm and movement. Gilt accents bring its retro style up to date, and make this paper statement-worthy. It comes in four colour ways and is well-priced given its heritage. The brand uses water-based dyes and adhesives, and runs a tree replanting scheme, so it scores extra points for being eco-friendly.

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Graham & Brown, polka diamond bead: £75

A statement wallpaper can be about texture, as well as colour and pattern. The giant polka dots on this paper are widely spaced as to not overwhelm, and the background is pearlescent to give a luxurious shimmer effect. You paste the wall rather than the paper, meaning less mess and no precutting. It’s also available in a darker, steel-toned colourway. Graham & Brown’s website offers lots of handy advice and tips for hanging.

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Zara Shimmer, metallic: £20, I Love Wallpaper

The geometric pattern on this budget wallpaper isn’t too dense, making it a good choice for contemporary spaces and those who don’t like things too fussy. It comes in four colour ways: two greys, a white and blush pink. The real attraction here is the metallic lines which provide changing interest with different types of light. It wipes clean and despite being “paste the paper”, it is still relatively painless to hang.

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Lucy Tiffney, penang: £145

If patterns are too prim for your taste, Lucy Tiffney’s designs provide a more artistic touch. The colours and motifs on the penang wallpaper are taken from large-scale paintings inspired by the designer’s travels. The colours and strokes are unapologetically bold, giving a space real personality. The uncoated paper makes for more straightforward hanging, and helps the colours stay vibrant.

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Arthouse Wallpaper lazzaro blue: £20, Wilko

There’s a fine metallic shimmer on this hardwearing paper by Arthouse – a touch of luxury that brings the traditional peacock motifs to life. It’s made of non-woven vinyl which doesn’t shrink and expand like other papers, and also means you can paste the wall and hang it dry. Vinyl is also good for busy areas of the home where durability is needed.

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John Lewis Xander: £19, John Lewis

Columns of small white triangles stack up on this reasonably priced wallpaper, giving it a textural dimension. The citrine version has a mid-century feel – no coincidence that the 1950s were a heyday for wallpaper but there’s a light grey version that’s more contemporary too. Dab lightly with a sponge to keep it looking its best. It’s also available in a pale grey version.

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Cole & Son Leopard Walk: £80, Amara

Flowers, birds and butterflies are the parts of nature most loved by wallpaper-makers, so the exotic leopards strolling across this quirky paper from Cole & Son make a refreshing change. It is made from a painting by South African artist Punch Shabalala and comes in four lighter colourways, and a tropical green and orange combination for the more daring. This is another wallpaper that could do with a light sponging to keep it looking tip-top.

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Murals Wallpaper forest green ombre: £36 per sq metre

Wallpaper murals are a popular alternative to repeating patterns. This fashionable design has a subtle colour gradient and comes in 1.2m wide strips to help the overall image look seamless. You can order an image sized exactly for your wall and choose from three weights of paper. Wallpaper murals are sold per sq metre, rather than per roll, and this particular option can be hung by anyone with a decent level of DIY skill. There five other colour options available.

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Harlequin, lotus: £68, Style Library

This floral paper, by heritage company Harlequin, comes up wider than most (68.6cm) giving good wall coverage. It has the charm of antique chinoiserie papers but the scale and repeat is distinctly modern. The print has a beautiful quality and looks striking both close up and from afar. There’s a choice of five colourways.

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Woodchip & Magnolia marbled flow: £75

Grey marbled paper is popular for those who want to recreate the look of the luxury Carrara stone in their homes (without the huge cost). But marbled paper has a historic connection with bookbinding too. This blush-and-teal version puts two modern colours in the mix, updating the style while remaining familiar. You can paste the wall for easy hanging, too.

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The verdict

The Vertigo wallpaper from Boråstapeter provides colour and interest from afar and metallic touch up close. It’s a vintage design but the teal, blue and gold colour way suits modern homes just as well. It’s a quality, non-woven paper which lasts well over time. The manufacturer pays excellent attention to the environment too, which is always a plus.

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