How to Sample like a Pro

Whether this is your first or fifth wallpaper project, it’s always important to start by feeling confident in your design choice. Ordering wallpaper samples before you purchase rolls is the best way to start your project on the right foot. When you order wallpaper samples, you give yourself a few options to choose from before you commit to one design.  

Spoonflower’s wallpaper samples are 12” x  24” making them the largest samples on the market. Hang them on your walls to see what they look like with your furniture, in your space and with lighting changes throughout the day. Explore samples on any of our six wallpaper types so you can get a feel for the texture of the paper. 

If you’ve never purchased a sample before, you may be wondering how to sample wallpaper. Here’s how to get started. 

Once you’ve navigated to the design you want to sample, choose the type of wallpaper you want your design on. In the “SIZE” section, click “Swatch 2’ x 1’.” Then add it to your cart.


Starting with multiple wallpaper samples gives you options to consider for your project. We recommend choosing 3-5 of your favorite designs. Include a mix of colors, styles and pattern scales so you can see what a full range of ideas will look like in your space. If you want to shake things up, throw in a wild card option for comparison.

If you have a good idea of the design you want but aren’t sure which paper type to order, trying a range of samples in multiple paper types can help you make your decision. 

Once you’ve placed your order and have received your samples, you’ll want to know how to use wallpaper samples. Tape your samples to multiple walls in the room you plan to wallpaper. Observing your sample throughout the day allows you to see what they look like in different lighting.

Morning light tends to be cool while the afternoon brings a neutral or bright light. In the evening, lighting tends to be warm or yellow-toned. Feel free to move the wallpaper samples around to see how the light changes affect appearance.

Match with Existing Decor

Put your wallpaper samples close to furniture, flooring and soft furnishings like curtains or rugs. Compare and contrast with the current color palette of the room. Remember that wallpaper can be a bold statement or subtle backdrop. The choice is yours!

One of the great things about Spoonflower’s samples is that they’re as wide as our rolls. This means that you’ll have an idea of what it will look like in your space before you purchase a roll. For each sample you order, you'll want to review the pattern dimensions listed to make sure it aligns with what you’re looking for.

Feel and Examine the Texture

The texture of your wallpaper samples will depend on which paper type you choose. If you’re not sure which type is right for your project, check out our guide here.

Our paper types might have a matte, gloss, metallic or embossed texture. Ordering samples allows you to touch and feel the texture of the wallpaper. Keep in mind that texture can affect light reflection and the room ambiance.

The durability of our wallpaper depends on which wallpaper you choose. For example, our Non-Pasted wallpaper and Vinyl wallpaper are scrub-resistant and highly durable, making them great choices for high-traffic commercial areas. Peel and Stick wallpaper is a renter-friendly choice that can be cleaned with a mild soap and soft towel. If you want to learn more about the specs of our wallpaper options and which wallpaper to choose for which space, check out our guide here.

If you’re installing your wallpaper in a room that sees a lot of action (i.e. those sticky dining room walls that go hand in hand with a toddler or two), feel free to do a light wipe test on your sample so you can see for yourself how it holds up.

Live With It for a Few Days

To make sure that you make the right choice, we recommend leaving your wallpaper samples on the wall for 3-5 days. Ask yourself how you feel about the designs each day. If possible, try to narrow your choices down one by one.