How To Get Free Wallpaper Samples Complete Guide For Home Decorators

Wallpaper samples offer homeowners and decorators an opportunity to visualize how patterns and colors will look in their space before committing to a full roll. These complimentary or low-cost swatches allow for testing under different lighting conditions and alongside existing furnishings. Several retailers and manufacturers now provide wallpaper sample programs with varying terms, quantities, and shipping policies. This guide examines the options available for obtaining wallpaper samples, including those that are completely free, to assist consumers in making informed decisions about their home decoration projects.

Overview of Wallpaper Sample Programs

Wallpaper sample programs serve as a valuable tool for both consumers and manufacturers. They provide potential buyers with the ability to experience the texture, color, and pattern of wallpaper in their own environment before making a significant investment. For manufacturers, these programs reduce return rates and increase customer satisfaction by setting proper expectations about product appearance.

The programs typically offer either free samples or minimal-cost samples with shipping fees. The number of free samples varies by provider, with some offering up to five complimentary swatches, while others provide two or three free samples with additional samples available for a small fee. Most programs are available to customers in specific geographic regions, with some being exclusive to the United States.

The application process generally involves selecting desired patterns from the manufacturer's website, adding them to a cart, and proceeding through checkout without payment for the samples themselves. Some programs require promotional codes to access the free samples, while others automatically apply discounts at checkout.

Free Wallpaper Sample Options by Brand

DecoratorsBest

DecoratorsBest offers one of the most generous free wallpaper sample programs available in the United States. Consumers can select up to five wallpaper samples from their collection at no cost when using the promotional code 5FREEFB during checkout. The program is limited to one household and requires no credit card information to access the free samples. Each sample order includes free shipping, with the total value of the five samples estimated at $25.

To request samples from DecoratorsBest, customers must visit their website and navigate to the wallpaper sample selection page. After choosing up to five samples, they proceed to checkout where they enter the promotional code to receive the samples without charge. This program is exclusively available to customers in the United States.

Farrow & Ball

Farrow & Ball provides wallpaper samples made from genuine wallpaper material, allowing customers to accurately assess how the product will look in their space. The company permits ordering up to five free wallpaper samples at a time through their website. The selection process involves choosing patterns and colorways, clicking "select samples," and proceeding to checkout.

Farrow & Ball distinguishes itself by providing detailed instructions on how to effectively use their samples. The company recommends a three-step process: picking samples, sticking them up in the room to observe how they look under different lighting conditions, and then using the information to develop a decorating scheme.

Notably, Farrow & Ball does not offer samples for all their collections, as some papers (particularly those in the Archive collection) are made to order and not available in sample form. The company directs customers to its showrooms for sample selection of these special collections. Additionally, Farrow & Ball specifies that their wallpaper is of the "paste the paper" type, which may be relevant information for customers planning installation.

Walls Republic

Walls Republic provides a free wallpaper sample program with slightly different terms than other providers. Customers can select up to three samples for free when applied at checkout. Additional samples beyond the initial three are available for $5 each. While the samples themselves are free (up to the three-sample limit), customers are required to pay for shipping.

The company offers different sample sizes depending on whether they are for residential or commercial use. Residential samples measure between 8¼" × 11½" and 15½" × 21", while commercial samples are smaller at 9¾" × 7½". This size variation allows customers to choose samples appropriate for their specific needs and space.

Decorating Centre Online (DCO)

Decorating Centre Online implements a tiered sample program where the first two samples are completely free, with each additional sample costing 75p. The free sample service is available on all stocked wallpapers, making it accessible across a broad portion of their product range.

DCO emphasizes the quality and usefulness of their samples, noting that they are not tiny swatches but rather full-width pieces cut to approximately 30cm height. This generous size allows customers to get a proper feel for the design and make meaningful comparisons between different patterns.

The company has streamlined the ordering process, with samples dispatched on the same day when ordered before 2pm. Delivery typically occurs within 2 working days, ensuring that customers can quickly receive their samples to evaluate in their space. The shipping cost for samples is set at 99p, regardless of the number of samples ordered.

How to Order Wallpaper Samples

The process for ordering wallpaper samples varies slightly between providers but follows a general pattern. Customers typically begin by browsing the manufacturer's website to view available wallpaper collections. Once patterns of interest are identified, customers select the desired samples and add them to their cart.

At checkout, the system automatically applies any applicable discounts for free samples. Some programs, like DecoratorsBest, require the entry of a promotional code (5FREEFB) to access the free samples. After verifying the sample selection and applying any discounts, customers proceed through the checkout process, providing shipping information but typically not payment details for the samples themselves.

For programs that charge for shipping or additional samples, customers will need to provide payment information for those fees. Most sample programs require only a shipping address and do not necessitate credit card information for the free samples themselves.

Sample Sizes and Quality

Wallpaper samples come in various sizes depending on the provider and intended use. DecoratorsBest and Farrow & Ball do not specify exact dimensions in the provided information, but their samples appear to be standard-sized swatches suitable for visual evaluation.

Walls Republic offers more specific information about sample dimensions, providing residential samples between 8¼" × 11½" and 15½" × 21" and smaller commercial samples at 9¾" × 7½". This size variation suggests that customers may be able to request specific sample sizes based on their needs.

Decorating Centre Online highlights that their samples are full-width pieces cut to approximately 30cm height, which is approximately 11.8 inches. This generous size allows customers to experience the full pattern repeat and get a better sense of how the wallpaper will look when installed on a wall.

All providers emphasize the importance of using actual wallpaper material for samples rather than printed representations, ensuring that customers can accurately assess color, texture, and pattern quality.

Shipping Information

Shipping policies vary among wallpaper sample providers. DecoratorsBest offers free shipping for their free wallpaper samples, with no additional cost to customers. Farrow & Ball does not specify shipping details in the provided information, though they indicate that samples will arrive "in a few days" after ordering.

Walls Republic requires customers to pay for shipping, though the cost is not specified in the provided information. Customers are only charged for shipping, with the first three samples being free.

Decorating Centre Online provides the most detailed shipping information among the providers. Samples are dispatched the same day when ordered before 2pm, with delivery occurring within 2 working days. The company charges a flat shipping fee of 99p for sample orders, regardless of the number of samples selected.

Tips for Using Wallpaper Samples

While not explicitly detailed in all provided sources, Farrow & Ball offers specific guidance on effectively using wallpaper samples. The company recommends a three-step process:

1. Pick: Select and order the desired samples through their website or showroom.
2. Stick: Carefully apply the samples to the wall in the room being decorated. This allows customers to observe how the colors and patterns look under different lighting conditions throughout the day, including both natural and artificial light.
3. Scheme: Use the information gathered from the samples to develop a complete decorating scheme.

This process helps customers make more informed decisions by experiencing the wallpaper in their actual space rather than relying solely on digital representations or small swatches in different lighting conditions.

Limitations and Restrictions

Wallpaper sample programs typically include various limitations and restrictions that customers should be aware of before ordering. DecoratorsBest limits their free sample offer to five samples per household and restricts the program to customers in the United States. No credit card is required to access the free samples.

Farrow & Ball has some important restrictions regarding sample availability. The company does not offer samples for all wallpaper collections, particularly those in the Archive collection which are made to order. For these special collections, customers must visit showrooms to view and select samples. Additionally, Farrow & Ball's samples are available for pickup at showrooms rather than through mail delivery for certain collections.

Walls Republic and Decorating Centre Online do not specify geographic restrictions in the provided information, though their websites may have such limitations that aren't detailed in the source materials.

Decorating Centre Online notes that their free sample service is available only on stocked wallpapers, suggesting that special order or custom wallpapers may not be available in sample form.

Conclusion

Wallpaper sample programs provide valuable resources for consumers looking to make informed decisions about home decoration. Several reputable manufacturers and retailers offer free or low-cost samples, each with different terms and limitations. DecoratorsBest stands out for offering up to five free samples with free shipping to U.S. customers. Farrow & Ball provides genuine wallpaper samples and detailed guidance on their effective use. Walls Republic offers three free samples with additional options available for a fee, while Decorating Centre Online provides the first two samples free with subsequent samples costing 75p each.

When ordering wallpaper samples, customers should consider factors such as the number of free samples offered, shipping policies, sample sizes, and any geographic or collection restrictions. By carefully evaluating these options and following best practices for sample usage, homeowners can confidently select wallpaper that will enhance their living spaces.

Sources

1. DecoratorsBest Free Wallpaper Samples
2. Farrow & Ball Wallpaper Samples
3. Walls Republic Free Wallpaper Samples
4. Decorating Centre Online Wallpaper Samples