Laura Ashley Floral Wallpaper

Finding the Perfect Floral Touch for Your Home Sanctuary

I still remember the day I walked into my grandmother’s country cottage as a child. The soft, delicate roses climbing up her dining room walls made such an impression on me that, decades later, I found myself searching for that same feeling of timeless elegance for my own home. That search led me straight to Laura Ashley floral wallpapers, and I’ve never looked back. The right floral wallpaper doesn’t just decorate a space—it transforms it into a sanctuary that reflects your personal style while honoring a rich design heritage.

After spending countless hours researching, comparing, and eventually adorning three rooms in my home with different Laura Ashley patterns, I’ve compiled everything I’ve learned into this comprehensive guide. Whether you’re a longtime Laura Ashley devotee or just beginning to explore the world of premium wallcoverings, I hope my experiences help you navigate your journey to finding the perfect floral statement for your walls.

The Enduring Legacy of Laura Ashley Floral Designs

Laura Ashley’s story begins in 1953 when she and her husband Bernard started printing fabric on their kitchen table in London. What began as a modest endeavor soon blossomed into one of the most recognizable British lifestyle brands in the world. The signature Laura Ashley aesthetic—romantic English florals inspired by the countryside—has remained relevant through decades of shifting interior design trends.

What makes Laura Ashley floral wallpapers special isn’t just their beauty, but their ability to evoke a sense of nostalgia while somehow feeling completely current. When I installed the Summer Palace pattern in my guest bedroom, my sister-in-law (who’s an interior designer with decidedly modern tastes) actually gasped. “It’s traditional,” she said, “but not stuffy at all.”

I think that’s the magic of Laura Ashley florals—they respect tradition without being trapped by it. The designs have evolved over the years, incorporating contemporary color palettes and printing techniques while maintaining that distinctive Laura Ashley character that makes them instantly recognizable.

Where to Purchase Laura Ashley Floral Wallpaper

Finding authentic Laura Ashley wallpaper has become a bit more complex in recent years. After the company underwent restructuring in 2020, their distribution channels changed. However, I’ve found several reliable sources that consistently offer genuine Laura Ashley products:

Authorized Retailers

The most straightforward option is purchasing through authorized Laura Ashley retailers. These include:

1. Laura Ashley’s official website – This remains the most reliable source for current collections, though their inventory can fluctuate.
2. Department stores – Major retailers like John Lewis in the UK and select Nordstrom locations in the US often carry Laura Ashley wallcoverings.
3. Specialty wallpaper shops – Many independent wallpaper retailers carry Laura Ashley collections. I found my beloved Millwood pattern at a small decorator’s shop that I’d driven past for years without noticing!

Online Marketplaces

If you’re searching for discontinued patterns or better pricing, online marketplaces can be treasure troves:

1. Wayfair and Overstock – Both frequently carry Laura Ashley wallpapers, often at competitive prices. I’ve noticed their selection tends to focus on newer releases.
2. Amazon – While you’ll find Laura Ashley wallpapers here, exercise caution and verify you’re purchasing from reputable sellers to avoid counterfeits.
3. eBay and Etsy – These platforms are invaluable for finding vintage or discontinued Laura Ashley patterns. I located rolls of the discontinued Cottage Garden pattern that perfectly matched my grandmother’s 1980s guest room through a collector on Etsy. Be prepared to pay premium prices for rare vintage designs!

When I was redecorating my home office last year, I discovered that prices varied by as much as 30% between different retailers for the exact same Honeysuckle Trail pattern. It’s definitely worth taking the time to comparison shop before making your purchase.

Popular Laura Ashley Floral Wallpaper Collections

Over the decades, Laura Ashley has created hundreds of floral patterns, from delicate cottage roses to bold botanical prints. Based on my research and conversations with interior designers, these collections have proven especially popular:

Heritage Collection

This collection celebrates Laura Ashley’s most beloved historical designs, recolored for contemporary interiors. The Roses pattern from this collection adorns my reading nook, and the soft pink blooms against a cream background create the perfect cozy atmosphere for losing myself in a good book.

Summer Palace Collection

Featuring elegant Oriental-inspired florals, these designs offer sophisticated drama. The midnight blue colorway with golden flowers makes a stunning statement in dining rooms.

Baroque Garden Collection

For those seeking bolder florals with architectural elements, this collection combines floral motifs with scrollwork and geometric elements. I was initially hesitant about the scale of these designs, but in a larger room, they create a sense of luxurious abundance.

Gosford Collection

This newer collection offers contemporary interpretations of cottage florals with cleaner lines and more open backgrounds. The Meadow colorway in sage green has become particularly popular for its versatility.

When selecting a pattern, I found it helpful to order samples of my top three choices and tape them to the wall for a week. The way the designs looked in different lighting throughout the day significantly influenced my final decision.

Understanding Pricing and Quality

Laura Ashley floral wallpapers occupy the premium segment of the market, but within that category, there’s still considerable variation. Current pricing typically falls into these ranges:

• Standard vinyl wallpapers: $40-$70 per roll
• Premium vinyl wallpapers: $70-$120 per roll
• Luxury non-woven wallpapers: $90-$150 per roll
• Heritage collection reissues: $100-$180 per roll
• Vintage or discontinued patterns: $150-$300+ per roll (depending on rarity)

When I was planning my living room renovation, I initially balked at spending $110 per roll for the Belvedere pattern I had my heart set on. I experimented with more budget-friendly alternatives from other brands, but none captured the depth of color or precise printing detail that makes Laura Ashley special. I eventually committed to the Belvedere, and three years later, I still find myself admiring the subtle variations in the blue hydrangeas that cheaper imitations simply couldn’t replicate.

That said, quality does vary even within the Laura Ashley line. Their premium non-woven wallpapers are noticeably superior in terms of durability and ease of installation. For high-traffic areas like hallways or rooms with children, I strongly recommend investing in these higher-end options.

Color Varieties and Finding Your Perfect Match

One of Laura Ashley’s greatest strengths is their thoughtful color development. The same pattern is often available in multiple colorways, making it easier to find the perfect match for your space.

Traditional Palettes

The heritage colors—soft blues, roses, sage greens, and creams—remain perennially popular. These colorways create a timeless English country house feel. When I installed the Lilac colorway of the Summer Palace design in my guest bedroom, a friend commented that it felt like “stepping into a Jane Austen novel, but with better lighting.”

Contemporary Palettes

In recent years, Laura Ashley has introduced more contemporary color options to their classic patterns:

• Metallics: Gold and silver accents add modern sophistication to traditional floral designs
• Dramatic backgrounds: Navy, charcoal, and deep emerald backgrounds make florals pop dramatically
• Monochromatic schemes: Tone-on-tone designs in grays and taupes offer subtle texture for more minimalist spaces

When I was selecting wallpaper for my north-facing study, I initially chose a pattern with a cream background. After testing a sample, I realized how flat it looked in the room’s cool light. Switching to the same pattern with a warmer buttercream background made all the difference in creating the welcoming atmosphere I wanted.

Vintage vs. Modern: Navigating Laura Ashley’s Design Evolution

Laura Ashley’s floral wallpapers span decades of design evolution, giving you options from authentic vintage patterns to contemporary interpretations.

Vintage Charm

The vintage Laura Ashley patterns from the 1970s and 1980s typically feature:

• Densely packed small-scale florals
• Cottage garden inspirations
• Historically accurate colorways
• Intricate detailing

Finding original vintage rolls can be challenging but rewarding. When I discovered unused rolls of 1980s Honeysuckle pattern at an estate sale, I immediately envisioned them in my downstairs powder room. The small-scale repeat works perfectly in that tiny space, and guests frequently comment on its authentic charm.

Modern Interpretations

Contemporary Laura Ashley florals often feature:

• Larger-scale designs with more negative space
• Updated color palettes including metallics and deeper background colors
• Improved printing techniques for greater depth and detail
• Non-woven backings for easier installation

The modern collections maintain Laura Ashley’s signature romanticism while incorporating contemporary design sensibilities. The Cranbourne collection, with its oversized blooms against dark backgrounds, exemplifies this perfect balance of heritage and modernity.

Choosing the Right Room for Your Floral Wallpaper

While Laura Ashley floral wallpapers can work in virtually any space, certain patterns and rooms are particularly well-matched.

Living Rooms

Living rooms offer excellent opportunities for showcasing Laura Ashley florals. Consider these approaches:

• Full room application: For a traditional English country look, the Lilium or Wisteria patterns in soft colorways create a timeless envelope
• Accent wall: For a more contemporary approach, try the bold Oriental Garden pattern as a focal point behind a sofa or fireplace
• Alcoves or niches: Applying florals within architectural features creates delightful visual surprises

In my own living room, I initially planned to wallpaper all four walls but ultimately decided to use the Summer Palace pattern only on the wall behind my sofa. This creates a beautiful backdrop for artwork while keeping the overall effect from becoming overwhelming.

Bedrooms

Bedrooms are perhaps the most natural setting for Laura Ashley florals:

• Master bedrooms benefit from more sophisticated designs like the Baroque Garden collection
• Guest rooms shine with classic rose patterns that create an inviting, comfortable atmosphere
• Children’s rooms can incorporate whimsical floral designs with cheerful colorways

The Abbeville pattern in soft blue transformed my bedroom into the peaceful retreat I’d been seeking. The pattern’s vertical orientation draws the eye upward, making my standard-height ceiling feel more generous.

Bathrooms

Bathrooms require special consideration:

• Powder rooms: These small spaces are perfect for making a bold statement with larger-scale florals
• Full bathrooms: Ensure you select vinyl or vinyl-coated options that can withstand humidity
• Pattern scale: Consider the room’s dimensions—smaller spaces generally work better with smaller-scale patterns

After much deliberation, I chose the Hydrangea pattern for my powder room, and it’s become the most complimented design choice in my entire home. The pattern’s scale works perfectly in the small space, and the deep background makes the modest room feel jewel-box special.

Kitchens and Dining Areas

These spaces benefit from:

• Practical vinyl finishes that resist splashes and can be wiped clean
• Vertical patterns that emphasize ceiling height
• Classic colorways that complement wooden cabinetry and furniture

A friend installed the Summer Palace pattern in her dining room with stunning results. The pattern’s vertical orientation makes her modest dining room feel much grander, and the traditional design creates the perfect backdrop for family gatherings.

Installation Considerations

Installing Laura Ashley wallpaper requires careful planning and preparation. Based on my experiences and consultations with professional installers, here are my top recommendations:

Types of Wallpaper Backings

Laura Ashley offers several different backing types:

• Traditional paper-backed: These require standard wallpaper paste and careful handling
• Non-woven: These higher-end options allow for paste-the-wall application, making installation much simpler
• Vinyl and vinyl-coated: These offer greater durability and moisture resistance

For my first DIY wallpapering project, I specifically chose a non-woven option (Belvedere pattern), and I’m so glad I did. The paste-the-wall application was significantly more forgiving for a novice like me.

DIY vs. Professional Installation

Based on my experiences:

• DIY-friendly options: Non-woven wallpapers with paste-the-wall application are suitable for confident beginners
• Professional recommended: Valuable vintage papers, complicated room architectures, or pattern matching across large spaces

While I successfully installed my bedroom wallpaper myself, I hired a professional for my living room with its tricky corners and high ceilings. The precision of his pattern matching justified the expense (approximately $350 for the room).

Adhesives and Application

For optimal results:

• Use the specific adhesive recommended for your wallpaper type
• Purchase high-quality installation tools (smoother, seam roller, sharp cutting tools)
• Properly prepare walls with primer/liner when needed

When I attempted to save money by using a generic wallpaper adhesive rather than the recommended brand, I experienced bubbling issues that required reinstallation of an entire panel. Learn from my mistake!

Durability and Maintenance

The longevity of your Laura Ashley floral wallpaper depends significantly on both the type you choose and how you care for it.

Expected Lifespan

With proper care:

• Vinyl and vinyl-coated papers: 10-15+ years
• Non-woven papers: 8-12+ years
• Traditional paper-backed: 7-10 years (more vulnerable to damage)

The Laura Ashley Baroque Garden pattern in my hallway has withstood five years of family life with minimal signs of wear, including surviving a toddler’s artistic experiments with crayons (which thankfully wiped clean).

Cleaning and Care

For ongoing maintenance:

• Dust regularly with a soft microfiber duster
• Spot clean vinyl and vinyl-coated papers with a barely damp cloth and mild soap
• Avoid harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaning tools
• Address any seam lifting promptly to prevent further damage

I’ve found that quarterly dusting with a microfiber duster attached to an extension pole keeps my wallpapers looking fresh. For my kitchen’s vinyl-coated Summer Palace pattern, occasional gentle cleaning with a barely damp microfiber cloth removes any splashes without damaging the surface.

Eco-Friendly Considerations

For environmentally conscious consumers, it’s worth noting that Laura Ashley has made strides in sustainability:

• Many newer collections use water-based inks
• Non-woven backings are often made with sustainably sourced fibers
• Packaging has been redesigned to reduce plastic

While researching for my kitchen renovation, I was pleased to discover that the Hydrangea Trail pattern I selected used water-based inks and FSC-certified paper. These eco-friendly aspects weren’t prominently advertised but were detailed in the product specifications.

Creating Accent Walls with Laura Ashley Florals

Accent walls have become one of the most popular applications for Laura Ashley floral wallpapers, allowing for dramatic impact without overwhelming a space.

Strategic Placement

Consider these high-impact locations:

• Behind the bed in a bedroom
• Behind a sofa in a living room
• At the end of a hallway as a visual destination
• Behind open shelving to create depth and interest

When I created an accent wall using the Oriental Garden pattern in my dining room, I selected the wall that visitors see immediately upon entering. This creates a stunning first impression while keeping the other walls in a complementary solid color.

Complementary Paint Colors

Laura Ashley offers coordinating paint colors that perfectly complement their wallpaper patterns. For my living room, I paired the Summer Palace wallpaper accent wall with Laura Ashley Pale Lupin paint on the remaining walls. The cohesive color story makes the room feel thoughtfully designed rather than haphazard.

Textured Designs for Dimensional Interest

Many Laura Ashley floral patterns incorporate textural elements that add sophisticated dimension:

Embossed Patterns

These papers feature raised elements that catch light and create shadow. The Josette pattern with its embossed damask background beneath delicate florals creates stunning visual and tactile interest.

Flock Printing

This traditional technique adds velvet-like raised elements to the design. When I touched a sample of the Baroque Garden pattern with flocked elements, I was immediately transported back to my grandmother’s dining room.

Metallic Accents

Subtle metallic elements add light-catching brilliance. I used the Summer Palace pattern with gold accents in my dining room, and at dinner parties, the candlelight makes the metallic elements shimmer beautifully.

Comparing Laura Ashley to Other Premium Wallpaper Brands

Having researched extensively and experimented with several premium wallpaper brands, I can offer some comparative insights:

Laura Ashley vs. Cole & Son

• Laura Ashley: More romantic, cottage-inspired florals; generally more accessible pricing
• Cole & Son: Often more dramatic, contemporary interpretations; typically higher price point

Laura Ashley vs. Sanderson

• Laura Ashley: Focus on quintessentially English garden florals
• Sanderson: Broader range including more abstract botanical interpretations

Laura Ashley vs. Morris & Co.

• Laura Ashley: Lighter, more feminine florals in many collections
• Morris & Co.: More structured, Arts & Crafts influenced patterns with deeper historical references

While I adore my Laura Ashley wallpapers, I also selected a William Morris pattern for my library. The two brands complement each other beautifully, with Laura Ashley’s feminine softness balancing Morris’s more structured approach.

Creating Cohesive Schemes with Coordinating Elements

Laura Ashley’s design philosophy embraces whole-room coordination. To create a cohesive scheme:

Coordinating Fabrics

Many Laura Ashley wallpaper patterns have matching or complementary fabrics. In my guest bedroom, I paired the Summer Palace wallpaper with matching fabric for the window treatments, creating a wrapped, cocoon-like effect that guests find incredibly soothing.

Complementary Paint Colors

As mentioned earlier, Laura Ashley offers paint colors specifically developed to coordinate with their wallpapers. Using these takes the guesswork out of creating a harmonious color scheme.

Accessory Coordination

For a pulled-together look without being too “matchy-matchy,” consider:

• Selecting accent colors from secondary colors in your wallpaper pattern
• Choosing accessories with complementary (not identical) floral motifs
• Balancing floral patterns with solid colors and textural elements

In my living room, I pulled the dusty blue from my Summer Palace wallpaper for solid-colored cushions, while incorporating ceramic accessories with simplified floral motifs that echo but don’t exactly match the wallpaper.

Final Thoughts: Investment in Timeless Beauty

After living with Laura Ashley floral wallpapers in my home for several years now, I can confidently say they’ve been worth every penny of the investment. When you choose Laura Ashley, you’re not just buying wallpaper—you’re investing in a design heritage that has stood the test of time and continues to evolve while honoring its roots.

Unlike trendy wallpapers that might feel dated within a few years, these classic floral designs have already proven their staying power. The Cranbourne pattern I recently installed in my bedroom feels both fresh and timeless—exactly what I want from a design investment.

Whether you’re drawn to the nostalgic charm of their heritage collections or the contemporary elegance of their newer designs, Laura Ashley floral wallpapers offer a rare combination of beauty, quality, and longevity that makes them a worthy centerpiece for any room’s design scheme.

I hope this guide helps you navigate the wonderful world of Laura Ashley floral wallpapers. Happy decorating, and may your walls bloom with beauty for many years to come!