How to choose floral wallpaper

Consider the colour & style
Floral wallpapers can span so many different genres, it's worth considering the colour scheme and style of your room, and even the type of flowers in the print and the impression they create. Traditional English roses create a homely feel, for example. while bird of paradise blooms and humming birds offer a touch of the exotic.

As for colour, florals in dark sultry colours, like charcoal or midnight blue, can help create a more modern look. For a fresh springtime feel, go for pale colours. Or you could go for simplified block colour motifs to evoke the swinging Sixties, detailed botanical illustrations for a classical appearance, raised or flocked surfaces for a luxurious feel, or metallic florals for real opulence.

Size matters
Cramped rooms require smaller prints, while more spacious rooms can handle larger scale patterns. If you want to use a flamboyant print but are concerned that it will overpower the whole room, try restricting the wallpaper to a single feature wall. Using your patterned wallpaper on just one wall will also save you money, so that you can afford to splash out on a more expensive print that you really love.

Designers & shops
For timeless classic floral designs, look no further than those of William Morris, which are reproduced at many high street shops including John Lewis. Cath Kidston is great for quirky floral designs, while Orla Kiely also strikes a retro note with her simplified block designs. When shopping for floral papers try shops like Homebase for inexpensive options. Cole & Son has a fantastic range of different styles and designers, while for something a little different try Timorous Beasties. Look out for wallpapers that are sold alongside co-ordinated fabric, but don’t go overboard with matching everything in the room.

Styling ideas
Once you have found an inspiring print, use this as the anchor for your whole colour scheme. Choose up to three of the colours that feature prominently in the print and use them elsewhere in the furnishings. If you want to create a tropical look to accompany a wallpaper, opt for dark wood furnishings and introduce plenty of natural foliage in the form of pot plants. Bring colour into the scheme with glass candle holders or vases and rich coloured chiffon or muslin drapes around the bed.

For an understated, classic print, combine with subtle colours like pastels or neutrals, and antique furniture (which you could paint white or distress with sandpaper). If you choose an oriental-style flower print, lacquered wood furniture will set it off well if it features dark colours, or bamboo if it is light. For a dramatic, modern look go for monochrome black and white. This kind of colour scheme can work well with sparkly or metallic accessories or, alternatively, add accents of bold colour (like red) through a designer lamp or even in the shape of fresh flowers.