Laura Ashley Wallpapers

Transforming Spaces with Timeless Elegance and Modern Charm

When I first decided to redecorate my home, I found myself overwhelmed by the sheer number of wallpaper options available. After weeks of research and numerous sample orders, I discovered the timeless appeal of Laura Ashley wallpapers. What started as a simple renovation project turned into a passion for these iconic designs that have graced homes for generations. Through my journey of transforming multiple rooms in my home (and helping countless friends with their own projects), I’ve compiled everything you need to know about selecting, purchasing, and installing Laura Ashley wallpapers. The right wallpaper doesn’t just cover your walls—it transforms your entire space and creates an atmosphere that reflects your personal style.

The Rich History Behind Laura Ashley Designs

Before diving into the practical aspects of Laura Ashley wallpapers, I think it’s important to appreciate the brand’s heritage. Laura Ashley began her design journey in the 1950s, working from her kitchen table in London. What started as a small business creating headscarves and napkins blossomed into one of the most recognizable home décor brands in the world.

The brand’s signature aesthetic combines traditional English countryside motifs with a touch of Victorian elegance. While the company has evolved over the decades, they’ve maintained their commitment to creating designs that feel both nostalgic and fresh. I’ve always found it fascinating how Laura Ashley has managed to stay relevant through changing design trends—their patterns somehow manage to feel both timeless and contemporary.

Where to Find and Purchase Laura Ashley Wallpapers

When I began my search for the perfect Laura Ashley wallpaper, I was pleasantly surprised by the variety of purchasing options available. While the brand has undergone some changes in recent years, their wallpapers remain accessible through multiple channels.

Official Retailers and Department Stores

Laura Ashley has partnerships with several major department stores and home décor retailers. I found their collections at stores like John Lewis, Next, and Homebase in the UK, while in the US, select designs are available through major retailers like Wayfair and Bed Bath & Beyond. What I appreciate about shopping in physical stores is the ability to see the texture and true colors of the wallpapers, which can sometimes appear different online.

Specialized Wallpaper Shops

Independent wallpaper specialists often carry Laura Ashley collections and can provide expert advice on selection and installation. I visited several local wallpaper shops during my search and found the personalized service invaluable. The staff at these specialty stores tend to have extensive knowledge about different wallpaper types and can help with calculating exactly how many rolls you’ll need for your project.

Online Marketplaces

For convenience and often the widest selection, online shopping is hard to beat. The official Laura Ashley website offers their complete wallpaper collection, though I’ve also found great options (sometimes at discounted prices) on sites like Wallpaper Direct, Graham & Brown, and even Amazon. Some online retailers offer the convenience of sample ordering, which I highly recommend before committing to multiple rolls.

Discontinued and Vintage Patterns

One of my most rewarding finds was a discontinued Laura Ashley pattern from the 1980s that perfectly matched my grandmother’s old sewing chair. For vintage or discontinued patterns, I’ve had success with eBay, Etsy, and specialized vintage wallpaper dealers. These can be treasure troves for finding classic designs that are no longer in production, though you’ll want to check carefully on condition and quantity before purchasing.

Popular Laura Ashley Wallpaper Designs That Stand the Test of Time

Through my renovations and helping friends with their homes, I’ve become quite familiar with Laura Ashley’s most beloved patterns. Their wallpaper collections typically fall into several distinctive categories, each with its own charm and character.

Floral Patterns: The Heart of Laura Ashley

The brand’s floral patterns remain their most recognizable and sought-after designs. From delicate cottage garden blooms to bold botanical statements, there’s a floral pattern for every aesthetic preference. I used their “Summer Palace” design in my guest bedroom—a delicate arrangement of peonies and roses against a pale background—and it consistently draws compliments from visitors.

The floral collections range from small, ditsy prints that create a subtle, textured appearance from a distance, to large-scale dramatic blooms that make a bold statement. What I particularly love about Laura Ashley florals is how they manage to be feminine without feeling overly sweet or precious.

Classic Stripes and Damasks

For spaces where I wanted a more formal or structured look, Laura Ashley’s striped and damask patterns provided the perfect solution. Their “Lille” stripe has adorned my home office for years, creating a timeless, sophisticated backdrop for my work space. These designs often incorporate subtle texture or metallic elements that add dimension and interest.

Whimsical and Themed Designs

Beyond the traditional patterns, Laura Ashley offers more playful, themed collections. Their children’s ranges feature adorable animal motifs and storybook-inspired scenes, while their country collections showcase charming farmhouse elements like willow patterns or pastoral scenes. I used their “Aviary Garden” pattern, featuring delicate bird illustrations among branches, to create a stunning feature wall in my dining room.

Contemporary Geometric Patterns

Contrary to what some might expect, Laura Ashley isn’t all about traditional designs. Their contemporary collections feature modern geometric patterns in updated color palettes. These designs work beautifully in more minimalist spaces while still maintaining the quality and sophistication the brand is known for. I was particularly impressed by their “Kimono” pattern, which features an elegant geometric design inspired by traditional Japanese textiles.

Understanding Laura Ashley Wallpaper Pricing

One of the first questions my friends ask when I recommend Laura Ashley is about the cost. Laura Ashley wallpapers fall into the premium category, but I’ve found them to be a worthwhile investment for several reasons.

Price Ranges and What Influences Cost

From my experience shopping for various rooms, Laura Ashley wallpaper typically ranges from $50 to $120 per roll, with specialty papers like textured or metallic finishes at the higher end. The price variations depend on several factors:

• Design complexity: Intricate patterns with multiple colors or metallic details tend to cost more
• Paper quality: Higher grade papers with better durability command premium prices
• Special finishes: Textured, embossed, or papers with special effects like glitter or foil accents
• Collection exclusivity: Limited edition or designer collaboration collections often have higher price points

Value Considerations Beyond the Price Tag

While Laura Ashley wallpapers might seem expensive compared to budget options, I’ve found several factors that justify the investment:

• Durability: My dining room wallpaper has maintained its vibrant colors and perfect condition for over seven years, even in a high-traffic area
• Timeless appeal: Unlike trendy patterns that quickly look dated, Laura Ashley designs have staying power
• Material quality: The papers resist tearing during installation and cleaning
• Color fastness: They maintain their vibrancy even in rooms with significant natural light

Finding Discounts and Sales

I’ve discovered several strategies for finding Laura Ashley wallpapers at reduced prices:

• End-of-season sales: Laura Ashley regularly updates their collections, and previous season designs often go on sale
• Clearance sections: Both online and in physical stores, discontinued patterns can be found at significant discounts
• Coupon codes: Signing up for newsletters often provides access to one-time discount codes
• Bundle deals: Some retailers offer discounts when purchasing multiple rolls or when combining wallpaper with matching fabrics

Exploring Material Options and Environmental Considerations

As someone who tries to make environmentally conscious choices, I was pleased to discover the range of materials and eco-friendly options available in Laura Ashley wallpapers.

Types of Wallpaper Materials

Through my various projects, I’ve worked with several different Laura Ashley wallpaper materials:

• Paper-based: Traditional wallpapers made primarily from paper fibers. These have a classic feel but may be less durable in high-moisture areas.
• Vinyl-coated: Paper wallpapers with a thin vinyl layer for added durability and moisture resistance. I used these in my kitchen with excellent results.
• Non-woven: My personal favorite for ease of installation. These wallpapers don’t expand or contract with moisture and can be applied directly to walls with paste.
• Fabric-backed vinyl: The most durable option, perfect for high-traffic areas or homes with children and pets.

Eco-Friendly Options

Laura Ashley has made strides toward more sustainable production in recent years. Many of their current wallpapers feature:

• Water-based inks: Lower in VOCs (volatile organic compounds) than solvent-based alternatives
• FSC-certified papers: Sourced from responsibly managed forests
• PVC-free options: Available in select designs for those concerned about vinyl
• Recyclable packaging: Most rolls now come in recyclable or partially recycled packaging

When I renovated my bathroom, I specifically sought out their eco-friendly options and was pleased to find several beautiful patterns that met my environmental criteria.

Installation and Removal: Practical Considerations

Having installed Laura Ashley wallpapers in several rooms (with varying degrees of success before I got the hang of it!), I can offer some practical insights on the installation and removal process.

DIY vs. Professional Installation

My first Laura Ashley installation was in a small powder room, which I decided to tackle myself. While it was certainly manageable, I learned some important lessons:

• Pattern matching requires patience and precision, especially with complex designs
• Proper wall preparation is absolutely essential for a professional-looking finish
• The quality of the paper makes a difference—Laura Ashley’s premium papers are actually easier to work with than budget brands I’d used previously
• For large rooms or challenging spaces (like stairwells), professional installation is worth considering

For my living room, I hired a professional, and the difference in the final result was noticeable. That said, with careful preparation and patience, many Laura Ashley patterns can be successfully installed by confident DIYers.

Removal Process and Wall Preservation

One aspect I was particularly concerned about was how difficult the wallpaper would be to remove when I eventually wanted to update my décor. I had a chance to test this when renovating my home office:

• Non-woven Laura Ashley papers were the easiest to remove, often coming off in complete strips
• Traditional paper-based wallpapers required more soaking but still removed without excessive damage to walls
• Proper wall preparation before initial installation made a significant difference in how easily the paper removed
• Using a scoring tool and removal solution made the process much easier

I was pleasantly surprised that even after five years on my walls, the Laura Ashley paper removed without causing major damage to the underlying drywall.

Matching Laura Ashley Wallpapers with Other Elements

One of the strengths of Laura Ashley as a brand is their cohesive design approach. Their wallpapers can be beautifully coordinated with other elements to create harmonious spaces.

Coordinating with Fabrics and Furniture

Laura Ashley offers fabric collections that complement their wallpaper designs, which I took advantage of when decorating my guest bedroom:

• I paired the “Summer Palace” wallpaper with coordinating curtain fabric in a complementary colorway
• For furniture, I found that both matching exactly and choosing complementary pieces worked well
• Their design teams create collections specifically intended to work together, making coordination simpler
• Even vintage Laura Ashley pieces often maintain a consistent design language that works with current collections

Creating Feature Walls vs. Full Room Applications

I’ve experimented with both feature walls and fully papered rooms using Laura Ashley designs:

• Bold, large-scale patterns like their “Oriental Garden” make stunning feature walls
• Subtle, small-scale designs like “Lilac” work beautifully when used throughout a room
• Using wallpaper on all walls creates a more immersive, cocooning effect
• Feature walls work particularly well when highlighting architectural elements like fireplaces or alcoves

In my dining room, I created a feature wall behind my china cabinet, while in my bedroom, I used a soft, small-scale pattern on all walls for a serene, enveloping atmosphere.

Laura Ashley Wallpapers for Specific Rooms and Purposes

Different spaces in the home have unique requirements, and Laura Ashley offers appropriate options for various rooms.

Moisture-Resistant Options for Bathrooms and Kitchens

When renovating my bathroom, I was concerned about moisture resistance. I discovered that:

• Laura Ashley offers vinyl and vinyl-coated papers specifically designed for humid environments
• Their kitchen and bathroom collections feature washable surfaces that resist steam and splashes
• Proper sealing around edges with silicone caulk helps prevent moisture ingress
• Even in my ensuite bathroom with a shower, the specially designed paper has held up perfectly for years

Children’s Rooms and Play Spaces

For my niece’s bedroom makeover, durability was a key concern. Laura Ashley’s options included:

• Scrubbable vinyl wallpapers that stand up to curious hands and occasional crayon marks
• Whimsical designs that appeal to children but can grow with them
• Coordinating borders and decals that allow for personalization without committing to a theme that might quickly be outgrown

Modern Spaces and Contemporary Designs

When helping a friend with her minimalist apartment, we discovered that Laura Ashley offers surprisingly contemporary options:

• Geometric patterns in modern colorways
• Textural designs that add interest without overwhelming clean-lined spaces
• Metallic and ombré effects that complement modern furniture
• Neutral colorways that provide sophistication without competing with statement pieces

Comparing Laura Ashley to Other Premium Wallpaper Brands

Through my various renovation projects, I’ve had the opportunity to work with several premium wallpaper brands. Compared to other high-end options like Cole & Son, Morris & Co., and Sanderson, Laura Ashley has distinct characteristics:

Quality and Durability Comparisons

In terms of longevity and material quality, I’ve found that:

• Laura Ashley papers have comparable durability to other premium brands
• Their color fastness is excellent, with minimal fading even in sunny rooms
• The paper thickness is generally substantial, making it resistant to tears during installation
• Pattern matching is precisely engineered, resulting in seamless installation

Design Aesthetic Differences

Each premium brand has its own design identity:

• Laura Ashley excels in romantic, countryside-inspired patterns with a distinctly English sensibility
• Cole & Son tends toward more dramatic, statement designs
• Morris & Co. focuses on historical reproductions of William Morris patterns
• Sanderson offers a similar English garden aesthetic but often with a more formal approach

Price Comparisons

In the premium wallpaper category:

• Laura Ashley typically falls in the mid-to-upper range
• Their papers are generally more affordable than brands like de Gournay or Fromental
• They offer better value than some comparable brands when considering durability and design quality
• Sales and discontinued patterns can make them significantly more affordable than other premium options

Tips for Selecting the Perfect Laura Ashley Wallpaper

After helping numerous friends select wallpapers for their homes, I’ve developed a method for finding the perfect Laura Ashley design for any space.

Assessing Your Space and Lighting

Before selecting a pattern, I always consider:

• Room size: Larger patterns can overwhelm small spaces, while tiny prints might get lost in large rooms
• Natural light: Rooms with northern exposure benefit from warmer tones, while sunny rooms can handle cooler colors
• Ceiling height: Vertical patterns can create the illusion of height in rooms with low ceilings
• Architectural features: Some patterns work better with period features than others

Ordering and Evaluating Samples

The single most important step in my selection process is always ordering samples:

• I always order multiple samples to compare options side by side
• Viewing samples at different times of day reveals how lighting affects the colors
• Placing samples against existing furniture and flooring ensures harmonious coordination
• Living with samples for a few days helps prevent impulse decisions I might later regret

Calculating Quantities Correctly

One technical aspect that’s crucial to get right is ordering the correct amount:

• I always measure each wall individually rather than relying on room dimensions
• Accounting for pattern repeats is essential—larger patterns require more paper for matching
• Adding an extra roll provides insurance against batch variations if additional paper is needed later
• Laura Ashley’s customer service has been helpful in verifying my calculations when I’ve been uncertain

The Transformative Power of Laura Ashley Wallpapers

As I look around my home now, I’m struck by how profoundly the right wallpaper can transform a space. The careful selection of pattern, color, and texture creates an ambiance that paint alone could never achieve. My living room, once a bland and forgettable space, now has character and warmth thanks to the subtle damask pattern that adorns its walls.

What I’ve come to appreciate most about Laura Ashley wallpapers is their versatility. Whether your style is traditional country cottage, contemporary minimalist, or something in between, there’s likely a Laura Ashley pattern that will complement and enhance your vision. Their designs have a unique ability to feel both familiar and fresh—rooted in tradition yet relevant to contemporary living.

I’ve found that investing in quality wallpaper is an investment in the feeling of my home. When I enter rooms adorned with these carefully selected patterns, I experience a sense of comfort and personality that transforms everyday moments. Breakfast in my wallpapered kitchen feels more special; reading in my papered study feels more contemplative.

While trends in interior design come and go, the timeless quality of Laura Ashley’s best designs ensures they never feel dated or passé. Instead, they become part of the fabric of your home’s story, creating backdrops for life’s moments both ordinary and extraordinary.

Whether you’re considering your first wallpaper project or are a seasoned decorator looking for your next pattern, I hope my experiences with Laura Ashley wallpapers prove helpful in your search. The perfect pattern is out there waiting to transform your space—just as it did mine.

Final Thoughts: Creating Your Personal Sanctuary

As we’ve reached the end of this guide, I’m reminded of something a wise interior designer once told me: our homes should be reflections of our personal stories, not showrooms of current trends. Laura Ashley wallpapers, with their rich heritage and timeless appeal, allow us to create spaces that feel authentically personal while maintaining a sense of elegance and quality.

Whether you’re drawn to their classic florals, sophisticated stripes, or modern geometrics, the key is selecting patterns that resonate with you personally. The wallpapers that have brought me the most joy aren’t necessarily the ones that would feature in design magazines, but the ones that feel right every time I enter the room.

I hope this guide has provided practical information while also conveying the joy that thoughtfully selected wallpaper can bring to a home. From selection to installation and beyond, Laura Ashley wallpapers offer an opportunity to transform your living spaces into truly personal sanctuaries that delight the eye and comfort the spirit for years to come.