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INSPIRATION

Wallpaper Dilemmas

Everything You need to know about Wallpaper

Regardless of whether you know your way around a roll of wallpaper or are familiar only with a scroll through Pinterest, you will likely still have questions about the decorating process. Fortunately for you, we have the answers. Here’s everything you always wanted to know about wallpaper (but were afraid to ask)...

How long will my wallpaper take to produce?

Made to order, each roll is ready for delivery in 5-7 business days. Your order will be delivered directly to you - from our House, to yours. 

How do I clean my wallpaper?

If you ever need to clean your wallpaper, lightly dust with a microfibre cloth or wipe it gently with a damp (not soaking) cloth.

How do I measure my wallpaper?

Our online wallpaper calculator (found on each product page) makes it easy to work out how many rolls to order – simply enter the height and width for each of the walls you would like to decorate, then we’ll do the maths for you. Alternatively, our in-house experts are on the other end of the line, happy to advise.  Top tip: Always have a little extra on hand. For the average room we recommend that you purchase one additional roll to account for those further fiddly bits, such as reveals, overhangs, boxing around pipework etc.

How do I calculate for bespoke measurements?

We can cater to bespoke orders that will be custom printed to your specifications. We will add 20cm to the height and width of the walls to ensure there is enough paper to trim back for a high-quality finish. 

How do I calculate for stairways?

When it comes to stairways, take note of the greatest wall height and width, then order bespoke wallpaper based on those measurements – you can then team this with our regular-height wallpaper to cover adjoining hallways or landings.

How do I calculate for above dado rails and tiles?

Our 2m length is designed specifically for creating half-walls of print against dado rails, panelling or tiles, with the added bonus of less wastage. 

How do I seal/add durability to my wallpaper?

If you’re wallpapering a bathroom or a very busy area in the house, we suggest applying two coats of Polyvine Decorator’s Varnish in ‘Dead Flat’ over the top using a short flock roller (just ensure the wallpaper is dry first). This will help protect against finger marks, stains and scuffing.

How do I prepare the walls for wallpaper?

Before our brand icons can adorn your walls - there’s prep to be done. When prepping a room for wallpaper we recommend following these six simple steps.

Which wallpaper paste should I use?

Our favourites are the Beeline 'Yellow Top Wallcovering Adhesive' and Solvite’s ‘Paste the Wall’. Alternatively, you can use any water-based, pre-mixed paste that is good quality and suitable for the paste-the-wall application method.

How do pattern repeats work?

Our House’s wallpaper works a little differently. There are 4 panels to every roll, (the sheets are numbered #1 to #4, so you’ll know which is which). Each panel measures 45 cm in width and either 200 or 300 cm in length. The pattern will automatically align across the panels so that you do not need to try and align the print or account for the repeat during installation.

What should I do with my leftover wallpaper?

Got leftover wallpaper scraps? Try lining your drawers to introduce an extra pop of print into your home. Or why not save it for a special occasion? Transform your cut-offs into wrapping paper and coordinate your gifts with your interior. 

Can I use your wallpaper in kitchens and bathrooms?

House of Hackney wallpaper is designed for each and every room in the home: we see it as an opportunity to completely transform any space, imbuing it with beauty and personality. If using in kitchens or bathrooms we recommend applying two coats of Polyvine Decorator’s Varnish in ‘Dead Flat’ over the top using a short flock roller (just ensure the wallpaper is dry first). 

What is your wallpaper made from?

Each roll is crafted at a little factory at the forefront of sustainability. One that sources its wood pulp from young trees, not ancient ones, grown purposefully in a forest managed to the FSC’s standards. One that prints our PVC-free creations in small batches, avoiding unnecessary waste before ingeniously powering its machinery with recycled energy generated from the off-cuts. The result is some of the most eco-friendly wallpaper produced in the world.

How do I wallpaper around corners? (internal)

Apply your paste up and into the corner.

Make sure to match the edge of your paper into the corner, if needed follow it around by 2-3cm.

Match up to the line of your previously hung piece of print - this may cause the paper to overlap with the adjoining wall. 

For a luxurious finish, cut back the overlapping paper.

Push down the paper ensuring it meets the wall perfectly.  

Each and every corner is different, so be careful and considered.

How do I wallpaper around corners? (external)

As you come to an external corner, wrap your printed wallpaper around it. 

If this causes overlap, cut back the overlapping paper.

Push down the paper ensuring it meets the wall perfectly.  

Each and every corner is different, so be careful and considered. 

Top tip: If any overlap remains on your external corner ensure this stays wrapped around the corner and out of sight.

Can I return your wallpaper?

Our wallpaper is printed to order, therefore it can not be returned. We recommend ordering a wallpaper sample and then using our online wallpaper calculator (found on each product page) to ensure you are happy with what our House delivers to yours. 

How do I remove your wallpaper?

Our wallpaper is designed with durability in mind, but we know that not all of us own our personal sanctuaries - or perhaps you just fancy giving a different House of Hackney print a go. To remove our wallpaper we recommend using a steam stripper. Once pressed to its service, the steam will help to loosen the wallpaper. 

It’s no secret that House of Hackney is WILD for wallpaper. Our artful prints bring colour, depth and painterly mastery to any room they grace. But before our brand icons can adorn your walls - there’s prep to be done. Here’s everything you need to do to ensure your well-loved walls can go from old to beautifully bold...

Paste for application

Our favourites are the Beeline Yellow Top Wallcovering Adhesive and Solvite’s ‘Paste the Wall’. Alternatively, you can use any water-based, pre-mixed paste that is good quality and suitable for the paste-the-wall application method.

Vanish for caring

If you’re wallpapering a bathroom or - a very busy area in the house such as the entrance hall - we suggest applying two coats of decorator’s varnish (we recommend Polyvine in ‘Dead Flat’, which has a matte finish) over the top using a short-flock roller, ensuring the wallpaper is dry first. As well as sealing the wallpaper, this will help to enhance its longevity, protecting against finger marks and scuffing.

Paste for application

Our favourites are the Beeline Yellow Top Wallcovering Adhesive and Solvite’s ‘Paste the Wall’. Alternatively, you can use any water-based, pre-mixed paste that is good quality and suitable for the paste-the-wall application method.

Vanish for caring

If you’re wallpapering a bathroom or - a very busy area in the house such as the entrance hall - we suggest applying two coats of decorator’s varnish (we recommend Polyvine in ‘Dead Flat’, which has a matte finish) over the top using a short-flock roller, ensuring the wallpaper is dry first. As well as sealing the wallpaper, this will help to enhance its longevity, protecting against finger marks and scuffing.

Paste for application

Our favourites are the Beeline Yellow Top Wallcovering Adhesive and Solvite’s ‘Paste the Wall’. Alternatively, you can use any water-based, pre-mixed paste that is good quality and suitable for the paste-the-wall application method.

Vanish for caring

If you’re wallpapering a bathroom or - a very busy area in the house such as the entrance hall - we suggest applying two coats of decorator’s varnish (we recommend Polyvine in ‘Dead Flat’, which has a matte finish) over the top using a short-flock roller, ensuring the wallpaper is dry first.

Identify your space

Which room would you like to wallpaper? Consider the size and function of the space. There’s no right or wrong answer, House of Hackney wallpaper is designed for each and every room in the home: we see it as an opportunity to completely transform any space, imbuing it with beauty and personality. 

Be inspired

Next, immerse yourself in inspiration. Experiment with mood boards to get an idea of which designs you like, then see how others have interpreted those very designs in their own homes. Simply visit our inspiration gallery to see our prints in action. From bedrooms filled with flourishing florals, to fantasy-filled hallways, each and every image is sure to ignite your imagination. 

*Link to ‘BE INSPIRED’.

Match your mood

It’s important to ensure you are conjuring the desired mood for your room. For example, while bold, psychedelic designs work well in the living room, prints that are a little more serene - think nature-inspired motifs in tranquil colour palettes - are best for the bedroom and bathroom. 

Imagine that

Now you’ve picked your print it’s time to order your wallpaper sample. Place your sample on the wall and imagine the print in its desired location. Top tip: Leave your sample on the wall throughout the day to see its luxurious finish in all lights.

Pick your paint

You’ve picked your print and seen your sample, now get creative with colour. Keep things complementary and choose a paint colour that also features in your wallpaper. Or make an impact, and play with a contrasting colour palette. 

Quality and quantity

Our online wallpaper calculator (found on each product page) makes it easy to work out how many rolls to order – simply enter the height and width for each of the walls you would like to decorate, then we’ll do the maths for you. Alternatively, our in-house experts are on the other end of the line, happy to advise.

Look at length

Our wallpaper comes in two lengths: 2m (perfectly sized for creating half-walls of print against dado rails, panelling or bathroom tiles) and 3m (for average-height walls). To work out how many rolls you will need, you can once again use our handy online wallpaper calculator (found on each product page). 

Print to order

There’s only one thing left to do, add to basket. Made to order, each roll is crafted at a little factory at the forefront of sustainability. Ready for delivery in 5-7 business days, your order will be delivered directly to you - from our House, to yours.  Need help getting your wallpaper journey started? Our Design Consultation service offers all the support you need in turning your interior design dreams into a reality.

*Link to design consultation

Primer for Prepping

You’ll need a brush, a roller and tray, a plumb line, a firm sponge, a kettle, a knife and an edge cutter. Oh, and a ladder. While that sounds like a lot, our wallpaper is very easy to hang once you have the right tools – simply follow along with the step-by-step guide and DIY will feel as easy as ABC.

 (*Link to step-by-step guide)

Paint for Prevention

You’ll need a brush, a roller and tray, a plumb line, a firm sponge, a kettle, a knife and an edge cutter. Oh, and a ladder. While that sounds like a lot, our wallpaper is very easy to hang once you have the right tools – simply follow along with the step-by-step guide and DIY will feel as easy as ABC.

 (*Link to step-by-step guide)

Clothing for Cleaning

If you ever need to clean the wallpaper, lightly dust with a microfibre cloth or wipe it gently with a damp (not soaking) cloth.

Lets Not Forget

Some great tunes and your favourite cuppa. Now get rolling!

How was Wallpaper made

Many early wallpapers featured stylised floral motifs and simple pictorial scenes copied from contemporary embroideries and other textiles. They were printed in monochrome, in black ink on small sheets of paper that measured approximately 40 cm high by 50 cm wide. It was not until the mid-17th century that the single sheets were joined together to form long rolls, a development that also encouraged the production of larger repeats and the introduction of block-printing, which continued to be used in the manufacture of more expensive wallpapers until the mid-20th century. In this process, the design was engraved onto the surface of a rectangular wooden block. Then the block was inked with paint and placed face down on the paper for printing. Polychrome patterns required the use of several blocks – one for every colour. Each colour was printed separately along the length of the roll, which was then hung up to dry before the next colour could be applied. 'Pitch' pins on the corners of the blocks helped the printer to line up the design. The process was laborious and required considerable skill.

A proliferation of pattern

The frieze-filling-dado wallpaper scheme highlights the popularity of wallpaper in Victorian homes. It was first recommended in 1868 as a way of breaking up the monotony of a single pattern on the wall, and by 1880 it was a standard feature in many fashionable interiors. The dado paper covered the lower part of the wall, between the skirting board and chair rail; above this hung the filling, and above this the frieze. And as if three different wallpapers were not enough decoration for any room, the scheme was often combined with ceiling papers to complete the densely-patterned effects. Ideally, the frieze should be light and lively, the filling, a retiring, all-over pattern, and the dado should be darker to withstand dirt and wear and tear. Co-ordinating papers, printed in muted 'art' greens, reds, yellows and golds, could be extremely attractive but the frieze-filling-dado-ceiling combination often led to visual overload. The treatment was best suited to hallways and stairs. But by 1900 ceiling papers had disappeared and, in artistic interiors, wide friezes, like the Peacock pattern produced by Shand Kydd, were hung above plain or simple panelled walls.

If I order a SABER runner can it feature more than one tiger?

On standard staircases, the SABER runner would feature just the one tiger. However, if you’re looking to order a longer runner that will stretch across multiple staircases or different spaces (e.g. onto a landing), then we would be able to create a bespoke runner with a number of tigers prowling on it – we would just need to know your specific requirements to get the runner looking just right. For more details and to place a bespoke order, please contact our Customer Services team.

 

Can I change the placement of the SABER tiger on my runner?

Yes, just let us know how far away (in centimetres) from the start and end of the runner that you would like the tiger to sit.

Can I order my floor covering in a custom colour?

At present, we do not offer custom colours. The entire House of Hackney x Axminster Carpets collection is woven on one loom from just nine shades of yarn, the colours ranging from ‘Petrol’ and ‘Vermillion’ to ‘Blush’ and ‘Tobacco’ – all hand-picked to represent our signature palette. We feel that the effect is at once harmonious, unique and timeless. 

Can the scale of the patterns be changed?

Again, this is something we are currently unable to do. We have worked closely with the talented craftspeople at Axminster Carpets to translate our prints into floor coverings that are woven in rich detail with perfect proportions. As such, each print makes a statement (there’s a reason we call it “art for the floor”) while beautifully suiting any space, whether big or small.

Do your floor coverings come with a gurantee or warrantee?

Each design is guaranteed to last for up to 25 years, thanks to that aforementioned combination of expert craftsmanship and the finest British wool. For all its beauty and superbly soft texture, wool is also incredibly durable and hardwearing. The fibre’s crimped structure gives it an inherent spring and elasticity – meaning that wool floor coverings can resist indentations left by furniture and retain their beauty for years to come.

How do I care for my floor covering?

Even though it’s guaranteed to last, there are a few things you can to do to keep your floor covering looking as good as new, even 25 years later.

Our top tip would be to take your shoes off (and ask your guests to do so as well): this will not only safeguard against dirty footprints but will also prevent the soles of your shoes from damaging the carpet pile. Rearranging the positions of your furniture pieces from time to time can also help to reduce any wear and tear.

As the natural structure and waxy coating of wool gives it an in-built resilience to dirt, wool floor coverings are tough to get mucky – but when they do, they’re easy to clean: just invest in an upright vacuum and go over your rug, runner or carpet regularly. As for spills and stains? Steer clear of bleach or harsh chemicals – instead, act promptly and blot using mild, dissolved liquid detergent to clean the area, ensuring not to rub or get it too wet.

While still new, your wool floor covering may shed a little fluff – vacuum it regularly and the fluff won’t affect the luxurious look and feel of the pile. And if the pile ever starts to look flat, simply vacuum against the direction of the pile to give it a lift.  

Printed in England by family-run factories in areas where the textile trade goes back generations, our fabrics are made using environmentally friendly methods and materials. And, by recovering the furniture you already own, you too can play a part in protecting the environment – saving timeworn pieces from winding up in landfill, where 627,000 tonnes of discarded designs (the equivalent of 4.2 million sofas) find themselves each year.

Read on to discover more about reupholstering (a task for which we always recommend a skilled professional, unless you’re a dab hand at DIY – our Customer Services team will be able to point you in the right direction).

Spotted another window of opportunity for your favourite House of Hackney fabric? Our online made-to-measure service makes it incredibly easy to create your dream curtains or blinds: simply enter a few details and our expert craftsmen will get to work, whipping up wondrous window coverings especially for you.

What if the walls are old or slightly curved?

We recommend a technique called “wallpaper stitching” to ensure a perfect finish.

Simply follow our step-by-step guide as usual, ensuring the room is cool and well-aired to prevent the wallpaper from shrinking.

Next, reach for some low-tack painter’s masking tape (we recommend FrogTape Yellow for delicate surfaces – just avoid using masking tape as this could damage the protective finish of your wallpaper).

Apply approx. 15cm of the tape across the seams (every 30 – 40cm) to keep them held together. Wait 24 hours for the adhesive paste applied behind your wallpaper to air-dry, then use a hairdryer or a sponge/soft cloth with a little hot water to gently go over the tape – this makes its glue dissolve, so the tape can then peel off more easily. 

By keeping the seams tightly together, this technique prevents them from opening up when the paper dries. As well as old walls with uneven, bumpy surfaces, “wallpaper stitching” works well on dark wallpaper and the designs in our ‘Climbing Walls’ collection – preventing any white edges of the wallpaper from showing between the solid block-colour backdrops.

How do I wallpaper the corners of a room?

For internal corners, start by pasting the wall into the corner and a little way around. Match up the left edge of the wallpaper and brush it into the corner and around it. It may be that the corner is not perfectly vertical – you’ll only need to go around the corner with the paper by approx. 2-3cm or until the wall is vertical again.

As per our step-by-step guide, the first sheet of wallpaper should have been hung 40cm out from the corner, so do the same here (or match up to that line) and overlap the paper. It’s perfectly fine for the paper in the corner to overlap and, though it could be left to dry, for a professional finish you should take a very sharp or fresh blade, along with a steel straight-edge, to cut the papers where they overlap. Remove the excess off the top paper, then peel the top paper back and remove the excess of the bottom paper.

Next, push the top paper down: it should match and meet perfectly with the bottom paper and join like two seams of wallpaper. (This is why it’s a good idea to overlap in a corner, so any potential mismatches don’t show!)

As for external corners? When you hang the paper to the wall, wrap it around the corner. Again, the wall may not be “true”, so some overlapping may be required – in which case, follow our instructions above to ensure that the overlap in not in sight, but around the corner instead.

 

How do I tackle plug sockets and fittings?

Start by unscrewing and removing the outer casing of the socket or switch. Apply the sheet of wallpaper as normal and let it hang over the socket area. Next, use a knife to slice a cross-shaped opening, diagonally from corner to corner across the socket area, then cut away the excess. Smooth the paper down with a brush or sponge before reattaching the front cover of the socket.

Which rooms are House of Hackney wallpapers designed for?

Our wallpaper is designed for each and every room in the home: we see it as an opportunity to completely transform any space, imbuing it with beauty and personality. Even if you just wallpaper a small box room or an under-stairs cupboard, you’ll find yourself immersed in a magical world of print and colour.

 

How do I know which print will work in a certain room?

Two of the biggest misconceptions are that you should paint your walls white to make your home feel more spacious, and that wallpaper everywhere will only make rooms feel smaller – if anything, it opens them up and creates depth by drawing you in. So, don’t worry about the size of a room and instead focus on the mood you wish to convey: while bold, psychedelic designs work well in the living room, prints that are a little more serene – think nature-inspired motifs in tranquil colour palettes – are best for the bedroom and bathroom.

INSPIRATION

A Corner of Paradise

Be inspired with ideas for how to make our House your own.

Shop Inspiration

INTERIOR & PHOTOGRAPHY: SARAH DEAN
INTERIOR & PHOTOGRAPHY: SARAH DEAN

In our House, we also can’t get enough of plants. From clusters of geraniums to giant leafy ferns, botanicals have the unique power to infuse a room with colour, vitality and life. But amidst all this, the loveliest addition might just be to carve out your own quiet little nook. A snug away from the main action where you can curl up in a comfy chair and hit pause, if only for a moment. In a room where absolutely everything and anything goes, this is truly where the magic happens.

INSPIRATION

A Corner of Paradise

Be inspired with ideas for how to make our House your own.

Shop Inspiration

In our House, we also can’t get enough of plants. From clusters of geraniums to giant leafy ferns.

In our House, we also can’t get enough of plants. From clusters of geraniums to giant leafy ferns, botanicals have the unique power to infuse a room with colour, vitality and life. But amidst all this, the loveliest addition might just be to carve out your own quiet little nook.

Shop Inspiration

In our House, we also can’t get enough of plants. From clusters of geraniums to giant leafy ferns.

In our House, we also can’t get enough of plants. From clusters of geraniums to giant leafy ferns, botanicals have the unique power to infuse a room with colour, vitality and life. But amidst all this, the loveliest addition might just be to carve out your own quiet little nook.

Shop Inspiration

A mantelpiece, if you’re lucky enough to have one, is even more worthy.

The last few pieces of the puzzle are the myriad layers and textures that make a space so inviting. Think a coffee table stacked with books and tactile cushions in an intriguing mix of shapes, sizes and patterns – all things which are easy to move around until you find a combination that appeals to you. A mantelpiece, if you’re lucky enough to have one, is even more swoon-worthy with the addition of eye-catching candelabras, hand-painted porcelain candle pots and treasured keepsakes you’ll have picked up on your travels.

The last few pieces of the puzzle are the myriad layers and textures that make a space so inviting. Think a coffee table stacked with books and tactile cushions in an intriguing mix of shapes, sizes and patterns – all things which are easy to move around until you find a combination that appeals to you. A mantelpiece, if you’re lucky enough to have one, is even more swoon-worthy with the addition of eye-catching candelabras.

A mantelpiece, if you’re lucky enough to have one, is even more worthy.

The last few pieces of the puzzle are the myriad layers and textures that make a space so inviting. Think a coffee table stacked with books and tactile cushions in an intriguing mix of shapes, sizes and patterns – all things which are easy to move around until you find a combination that appeals to you. A mantelpiece, if you’re lucky enough to have one, is even more swoon-worthy with the addition of eye-catching candelabras.

Is living in a white-painted box driving you up the wall?

Made from wood pulp sourced from FSC-certified trees, complete with added textile fabrics for strength and stability, our wallpaper is PVC-free and produced using the eco-friendliest methods available.

 

“We will never stop fighting for this planet, for ourselves, our future and for the future of our children and grandchildren.”

- Greta Thunberg, Environmental Activist

INTERIOR & PHOTOGRAPHY: SARAH DEAN

If your existing seats are well-loved, but perhaps a little too well-worn, be it a sumptuous printed velvet or a smooth cotton-linen – can be enough to make you want to snuggle up on them all over again.

When it comes to furniture (which can also be a scene stealer in its own right), your choice will likely be dictated by the number of family members and friends who will regularly be hanging out here: will a cosy two-seater sofa be enough, or will you also need a chaise longue and a few ‘bottomans’ for your visitors to park their, um, bottoms on? If your existing seats are well-loved, but perhaps a little too well-worn, recovering them in a new fabric – be it a sumptuous printed velvet or a smooth cotton-linen – can be enough to make you want to snuggle up on them all over again.

A mantelpiece, if you’re lucky enough to have one, is even more worthy.

When it comes to furniture (which can also be a scene stealer in its own right), your choice will likely be dictated by the number of family members and friends who will regularly be hanging out here: will a cosy two-seater sofa be enough, or will you also need a chaise longue and a few ‘bottomans’ for your visitors to park their, um, bottoms on? If your existing seats are well-loved, but perhaps a little too well-worn, recovering them in a new fabric – be it a sumptuous printed velvet or a smooth cotton-linen – can be enough to make you want to snuggle up on them all over again.