Winston Porter Wallpaper

Finding Beauty in Every Roll: A Designer’s Honest Guide to Winston Porter’s Wall Coverings

When I first decided to renovate my home’s interior, I never imagined that wallpaper would become my obsession. Yet here I am, three years and seven rooms later, something of a self-taught wallpaper enthusiast with strong opinions about paste, patterns, and yes—brands. Today, I want to share everything I’ve learned about one particularly versatile brand that deserves your attention: Winston Porter.

If you’re considering wallpaper for your next home project, you’ve likely encountered Winston Porter in your research. Perhaps you’ve wondered if their products are worth the investment, or if they’ll hold up in your kitchen’s humidity. Maybe you’re simply overwhelmed by the vast array of options and don’t know where to begin.

I’ve been there. The wallpaper decision paralysis is real! But after transforming multiple rooms with Winston Porter wallpaper (some successful, some… learning experiences), I’m here to give you the comprehensive guide I wish I’d had when starting out.

My Winston Porter Wallpaper Journey

My first Winston Porter purchase was actually a happy accident. I had ordered a different brand for my home office, but after a shipping delay that would have pushed my renovation timeline back by weeks, I frantically searched for an alternative. The local home improvement store had several Winston Porter options in stock, and I reluctantly chose a subtle geometric pattern in navy blue.

That reluctance quickly transformed into delight. Not only was the installation far easier than I anticipated (more on that later), but the quality exceeded my expectations. Three years later, that wallpaper still looks fresh, with no peeling corners or fading—despite being on a wall that gets direct afternoon sunlight.

Since then, I’ve used Winston Porter wallpaper in my dining room, guest bedroom, powder room, and most recently, as an accent behind my kitchen shelving. Each installation has taught me something new about the brand’s strengths and limitations.

What Styles of Winston Porter Wallpaper Are Available?

If you’ve browsed Winston Porter’s catalog, you know their selection is impressively diverse. This isn’t a brand that specializes in just one aesthetic—they offer everything from traditional to contemporary, minimalist to maximalist.

Their geometric patterns range from bold and graphic to subtle and textured. My office wallpaper falls into the latter category—a navy blue background with a barely-there hexagonal pattern that creates visual interest without overwhelming the space.

Their floral offerings deserve special mention. Unlike some brands whose floral patterns feel dated, Winston Porter’s floral designs strike that perfect balance between timeless and fresh. Their botanical prints in particular have a modern botanical illustration quality that avoids feeling too “grandmotherly” (though I say that with all respect to grandmothers with excellent taste!).

For those who prefer something more subtle, their textured solid options create dimension without pattern. These work beautifully in spaces where you want the wallpaper to be a sophisticated backdrop rather than the star of the show.

What impressed me most is how Winston Porter manages to offer trend-conscious designs that don’t feel like they’ll be outdated next season. Their damask patterns, for instance, have contemporary color palettes that refresh this classic style.

Other popular categories include:

• Striped patterns (vertical, horizontal, and diagonal)
• Faux finishes (including convincing brick, wood, and concrete)
• Children’s patterns (whimsical without being cartoonish)
• Abstract designs (with varying degrees of boldness)
• Nature-inspired motifs (beyond just florals—think leaves, branches, and landscapes)

One design approach I particularly appreciate is their tone-on-tone patterns, which add subtle sophistication to a space without overwhelming it. The powder blue damask in my guest room is a perfect example—noticeable upon inspection but reading almost as a solid from a distance.

The Cost Factor: Is Winston Porter Wallpaper Budget-Friendly?

Let’s talk numbers—because no matter how gorgeous a wallpaper is, budget concerns are real. Winston Porter positions itself in what I’d call the “accessible quality” category of wallpaper.

From my experience and research, Winston Porter wallpaper typically ranges from $1.20 to $3.50 per square foot. This translates to roughly $30-90 per roll, depending on the specific pattern, material, and where you purchase it.

To put this in perspective, high-end designer wallpapers can easily cost $5-15 per square foot, while the cheapest options might be under $1 per square foot (though often with a significant quality tradeoff).

For my dining room, which required 6 rolls of their embossed vinyl wallpaper, the total came to about $270—a significant investment, but far less than the $800+ I would have spent on the designer brand I initially coveted.

What I’ve found is that Winston Porter hits a sweet spot where quality and price intersect. The material feels substantial, the printing is precise, and the durability has proven excellent in my home. For those willing to invest a bit more than the absolute bargain brands but unwilling to splurge on luxury papers, Winston Porter offers tremendous value.

It’s worth noting that sales are frequent, especially when purchasing through major home improvement retailers or online marketplaces. I’ve saved as much as 30% by timing my purchases with seasonal sales or using store-specific discount codes.

Where to Buy Winston Porter Wallpaper

Finding Winston Porter wallpaper is relatively straightforward, though the shopping experience varies depending on your preferred method. Here’s where I’ve purchased from and my experience with each:

Major Home Improvement Chains
Home Depot and Lowe’s both carry Winston Porter wallpaper, though selection varies by location. The advantage here is being able to see and touch samples in person. Some stores have books with larger swatches, which I found invaluable when selecting the textured option for my dining room. The disadvantage is that in-store inventory is often limited, with many patterns available only as special orders.

Online Retailers
Wayfair, Overstock, and Amazon all offer extensive Winston Porter collections. The selection online is vastly superior to what you’ll find in physical stores, and user reviews can provide helpful insights about specific patterns. I purchased my kitchen wallpaper through Wayfair during a home décor sale and saved about 25%.

The downside of online shopping is the inability to see true colors and textures before purchasing. I strongly recommend ordering samples first—a small investment that can save you from expensive mistakes. When I didn’t do this for my powder room renovation, I ended up with a wallpaper that had a slight greenish undertone not visible in the online photos.

Specialty Wallpaper Shops
Some independent wallpaper and paint stores carry Winston Porter. These shops often provide expert advice and can special order patterns not in stock. You’ll likely pay a premium compared to online prices, but the personalized service can be worth it, especially for first-time wallpaper users.

Direct from Manufacturer
Depending on your location, you may be able to order directly from Winston Porter or an authorized distributor. This route sometimes offers the most competitive pricing but may have longer shipping times.

No matter where you purchase, I recommend buying all rolls from the same batch (look for matching lot numbers) to ensure color consistency. When I neglected this detail during my guest bedroom project, the slight variation between batches was noticeable in certain lighting conditions.

Material Matters: What Winston Porter Wallpaper Is Made Of

Winston Porter offers wallpaper in several materials, each with distinct properties that make them suitable for different applications. Understanding these differences helped me make more informed choices for each room in my home.

Vinyl-Coated Paper
This is Winston Porter’s most common material and what I used in my office. It consists of a paper backing with a thin layer of vinyl on top. The vinyl coating makes it somewhat moisture-resistant and more durable than pure paper wallpaper, while maintaining a relatively matte finish that I prefer for living spaces.

Pros: Moderately durable, somewhat moisture-resistant, easy to clean with a damp cloth, affordably priced
Cons: Not suitable for high-humidity areas, can be damaged by direct water exposure

Solid Vinyl
The kitchen accent wall required something more durable, so I opted for Winston Porter’s solid vinyl wallpaper. This material is significantly more water-resistant than vinyl-coated options.

Pros: Highly durable, water-resistant, easy to clean, good for kitchens and kids’ rooms
Cons: Can have a slightly plastic appearance in some finishes, typically costs more than vinyl-coated papers

Non-Woven Blends
For my guest bedroom, I chose a non-woven blend that combines synthetic and natural fibers. This material has become increasingly popular for its easy application and removal properties.

Pros: Tear-resistant, breathable (less likely to trap moisture and develop mold), dimensionally stable (doesn’t expand or contract with humidity changes)
Cons: Premium pricing compared to vinyl-coated papers, limited pattern selection

Textured and Embossed Options
Many Winston Porter wallpapers feature textured surfaces, created either through embossing techniques or by incorporating materials like grass cloth or sand. The dining room wallpaper I selected has a subtle linen-like texture that adds depth and interest.

Pros: Creates visual and tactile interest, can hide wall imperfections, adds dimension to the space
Cons: Can be challenging to clean thoroughly, may collect dust in deeply textured areas

The material choice significantly impacts not just aesthetics but also installation method, durability, and maintenance requirements. For high-traffic areas or rooms with children, I’ve found Winston Porter’s vinyl options to be practically indestructible. In more formal spaces, their textured non-wovens create a sophisticated look that mimics high-end wallcoverings at a fraction of the cost.

The Peel-and-Stick Question: Does Winston Porter Offer This Option?

When I first ventured into wallpaper, I was initially drawn to peel-and-stick options for their promised simplicity. While Winston Porter does offer peel-and-stick wallpaper in select patterns, their traditional paste-required wallpapers actually comprise the majority of their collection.

After trying both types, I can share some honest observations:

Winston Porter’s peel-and-stick options are definitely convenient for small projects and temporary applications. I used their peel-and-stick geometric pattern on a feature wall in my rental apartment’s bedroom, and it installed relatively easily and removed cleanly when I moved out.

However, I’ve found that for permanent installations in my current home, their traditional paste-required wallpapers provide superior results. The adhesion is more reliable, the paper lies flatter against the wall, and the longevity seems better.

If you’re specifically looking for peel-and-stick from Winston Porter, be aware that:

• The selection is more limited than their traditional offerings
• Prices tend to be slightly higher for comparable patterns
• These work best on perfectly smooth, properly primed walls
• Some patterns are available in both peel-and-stick and traditional formats

For beginners worried about the complexity of traditional wallpaper installation, I’d actually recommend considering Winston Porter’s non-woven options, which use a “paste-the-wall” technique that’s nearly as simple as peel-and-stick but with more reliable results.

Installation: My Step-by-Step Guide to Hanging Winston Porter Wallpaper

Let me share what I’ve learned through my various Winston Porter wallpaper installations—including the mistakes you can avoid!

Preparation is Everything
Before opening a single roll, ensure your walls are:

1. Clean and dust-free
2. Smooth (patch any holes or significant imperfections)
3. Primed with wallpaper primer (especially important over dark or bright paint colors)

For my dining room installation, I skipped the primer step and regretted it—the adhesion wasn’t as strong, and the previous wall color slightly influenced the final appearance of the pattern.

Tools You’ll Need

• Tape measure and level
• Pencil for marking
• Wallpaper smoother or plastic spatula
• Sharp utility knife with extra blades
• Seam roller
• Sponge and clean cloths
• Wallpaper paste (unless using peel-and-stick)
• Paste brush or roller (for traditional papers)
• Straight edge for cutting
• Step ladder

Step-by-Step Installation
For traditional paste-required Winston Porter wallpaper:

1. Measure and cut your strips, adding about 4 inches of excess for trimming at top and bottom. I pre-cut several strips before beginning the actual hanging process.
2. Apply adhesive according to the specific instructions for your wallpaper type. For “paste-the-wall” non-wovens, apply directly to the wall. For standard papers, apply to the back of the paper, book it (fold without creasing), and let it rest for the recommended time (usually 5-10 minutes) to allow the paste to activate and the paper to expand.
3. Start in an inconspicuous corner or beside a door frame rather than the most prominent wall. This was advice from a professional that served me well—by the time I reached the most visible areas, I had worked out my technique.
4. Use a level to ensure your first strip is perfectly vertical. This is critical—any deviation will be magnified as you continue around the room.
5. Smooth from the center outward using a plastic smoother or clean cloth, working out air bubbles and ensuring good adhesion.
6. Trim excess at ceiling and baseboard using a sharp utility knife and straight edge.
7. Wipe clean with a damp sponge before the adhesive dries.
8. Repeat with subsequent strips, matching the pattern carefully and butting edges together (don’t overlap).

For Winston Porter’s peel-and-stick wallpaper:

1. Peel back about 12 inches of the backing paper.
2. Align the top edge carefully, using a level to ensure it’s straight.
3. Press the exposed sticky section to the wall and smooth thoroughly.
4. Gradually peel away more backing and smooth as you go down the wall.
5. Use a utility knife to trim excess at top and bottom.

Troubleshooting Common Issues
When installing Winston Porter wallpaper, I’ve encountered a few challenges:

• Bubbles: Small air bubbles can usually be worked out by smoothing toward the nearest edge. For stubborn bubbles, a tiny pin prick followed by gentle pressure often resolves the issue.
• Pattern Matching: Some Winston Porter patterns require more precise alignment than others. I found their geometric patterns particularly demanding of exact matching. Purchasing an extra roll provides insurance against matching errors.
• Corners: Inside corners rarely require a precise cut—simply overlap the paper slightly into the next wall. For outside corners, I wrap about 1/4 inch around to the adjacent wall, then align the next strip to this wrapped edge.
• Staining: Winston Porter’s vinyl-coated and solid vinyl papers are generally forgiving of paste stains, but their more delicate papers can show marks if adhesive isn’t promptly cleaned from the surface.

My bathroom installation presented some unique challenges with cutting around fixtures and dealing with humidity. For these trickier applications, I recommend watching tutorial videos specific to bathroom installations before beginning.

Removal: When It’s Time for a Change

Nothing lasts forever—even our love for particular wallpaper patterns. Eventually, you may want to remove your Winston Porter wallpaper, whether to replace it with a new design or return to painted walls.

I’ve removed Winston Porter wallpaper from two rooms so far, with considerably different experiences depending on the paper type and how it was installed.

Removing Peel-and-Stick Winston Porter Wallpaper
Their peel-and-stick papers generally removed easily from properly primed walls. Starting at a corner, I slowly pulled the paper away from the wall at a 45-degree angle. Occasionally, gentle heating with a hairdryer helped release stubborn sections.

The removal left minimal residue, which easily cleaned off with warm, soapy water. There was no damage to the underlying paint or drywall in my rental apartment—a major win for getting my security deposit back!

Removing Traditional Winston Porter Wallpaper
For their paste-applied papers, removal required more effort but was still manageable:

1. I scored the paper surface using a wallpaper scoring tool to allow water penetration.
2. Applied a mixture of warm water and liquid fabric softener with a spray bottle, working in small sections.
3. Let the solution soak in for about 15 minutes.
4. Used a broad putty knife to gently scrape away the loosened paper.
5. For stubborn areas, reapplied the solution and used a commercial wallpaper remover gel.

Their non-woven papers were the easiest to remove—often coming off in complete strips once properly soaked. The vinyl-coated papers typically separated, with the vinyl layer peeling off and leaving the paper backing, which then required the soaking treatment.

Proper wall preparation before the original installation made a significant difference in the ease of removal. Where I had properly primed the walls before hanging wallpaper, removal was much more straightforward.

Popular Winston Porter Wallpaper Designs: My Favorites and Bestsellers

Through my projects and research, I’ve identified some standout patterns that seem to represent Winston Porter’s best work. These designs consistently receive positive reviews and appear frequently in design magazines and social media:

Geometric Excellence
The “Geometric Trellis” pattern I used in my office has become something of a signature design for Winston Porter. Available in multiple colorways, this subtle pattern creates visual interest without overwhelming a space. The navy version I selected reads almost as a textured solid from a distance but reveals its sophisticated pattern up close.

Botanical Beauty
Winston Porter’s botanical patterns strike a perfect balance between traditional and contemporary. Their “Magnolia Garden” design, which I used in my guest bedroom, features delicately rendered flowering branches against a neutral background. The scale of the pattern—not too large, not too small—makes it versatile for various room sizes.

Textural Triumphs
The “Linen Weave” pattern I selected for my dining room isn’t really a pattern at all, but rather a textural simulation that mimics natural fiber wallcoverings. This subtle texture adds warmth and dimension without committing to a specific design motif, making it ideal for spaces where you want other elements to take center stage.

Contemporary Classics
Winston Porter excels at refreshing traditional patterns with contemporary color palettes. Their damask and toile patterns often feature unexpected color combinations that reinvent these classic designs for modern spaces.

Versatile Stripes
Striped patterns remain perennially popular, and Winston Porter offers an extensive selection ranging from pin-thin lines to bold, colorful bands. What sets theirs apart is the careful color calibration—even their multicolor stripes maintain a cohesive, sophisticated look.

Faux Finishes
Their brick, wood, and concrete effect wallpapers deserve special mention for their realism. The “Weathered Brick” pattern creates a convincing exposed brick look at a fraction of the cost of actual brick veneer.

When selecting from Winston Porter’s vast catalog, I recommend ordering samples of several options and living with them for a few days. Tape them to your wall and observe how they look throughout the day under different lighting conditions. What seems perfect in morning light might appear completely different by evening.

Room-Specific Considerations: Bathrooms, Kitchens, and Beyond

Different rooms present different challenges for wallpaper. Here’s my experience using Winston Porter wallpaper throughout my home:

Bathrooms
For my powder room, I selected Winston Porter’s solid vinyl wallpaper specifically designed for high-moisture environments. Three years later, it shows no signs of peeling, bubbling, or mildew—despite the lack of a window for ventilation.

Key considerations for bathroom applications:

• Choose only their moisture-resistant options (solid vinyl or specifically labeled “bathroom suitable”)
• Ensure proper ventilation where possible
• Apply to fully cured walls (wait at least a month after any new drywall installation)
• Consider sealing seams with a clear, waterproof sealer in shower-adjacent areas

Kitchens
My kitchen accent wall uses Winston Porter’s vinyl-coated paper behind open shelving. While not directly exposed to water, it does experience cooking steam and occasional splashes.

For kitchen installations:

• Select wipeable options that can handle occasional cleaning
• Consider placement carefully—avoid areas directly behind the sink or stove
• Their textured options help hide minor stains that might occur in cooking areas

Living and Dining Rooms
These spaces allow for more delicate options since moisture and heavy wear are less concerning. In my dining room, I selected a textured pattern that adds warmth and absorbs sound—improving both the aesthetics and acoustics of the space.

Bedrooms
Bedrooms offer the most flexibility for wallpaper selection. I’ve used both peel-and-stick and traditional Winston Porter papers in bedrooms with excellent results. Their non-woven options are particularly suitable here, as they’re breathable and less likely to trap moisture in a room where we spend many hours sleeping.

Home Offices
For my workspace, I prioritized a pattern that wouldn’t be distracting during video calls. Winston Porter’s subtle geometric in a deeply saturated color provides interest without competing for attention. Consider how your wallpaper choices will appear on camera if you work from home.

Durability: How Winston Porter Wallpaper Holds Up Over Time

After several years of living with various Winston Porter wallpapers throughout my home, I can offer some insights into their longevity:

Overall Durability
Their vinyl-coated and solid vinyl papers have proven remarkably durable. The office installation, which receives daily use and occasional bumps from my office chair, shows virtually no wear after three years. The color remains true, with no noticeable fading even on the wall that receives direct afternoon sunlight.

Fade Resistance
Winston Porter’s color fastness has impressed me. Even in south-facing rooms with substantial natural light, I haven’t observed significant fading. Their darker colors maintain their depth, and whites resist yellowing.

Scuff and Scratch Resistance
The level of resistance to everyday damage varies by material:

• Solid vinyl options show excellent resistance to scuffs and scratches
• Vinyl-coated papers resist minor damage but can be dented by sharp objects
• Textured papers sometimes show wear at protruding points but generally age gracefully

Moisture Resistance
In bathroom and kitchen applications, their specially designed moisture-resistant papers have performed well. No peeling edges or mildew development, even in the windowless powder room.

Seam Stability
One measure of quality wallpaper is how well the seams hold over time. Winston Porter’s papers, when properly installed, maintain nearly invisible seams. I haven’t experienced any lifting or separation at the seams, even in areas with humidity fluctuations.

For maximum durability, I recommend:

• Following installation instructions precisely, including proper wall preparation
• Selecting the appropriate material for each room’s specific conditions
• Applying a clear, water-based polyurethane sealer to wallpaper in extremely high-traffic areas
• Addressing any edge lifting promptly before it can progress

Size and Coverage: Planning Your Project

Understanding Winston Porter’s sizing conventions helped me accurately estimate quantities for my projects:

Standard Winston Porter wallpaper rolls typically cover approximately 56 square feet. However, this varies somewhat by pattern—large repeats reduce the effective coverage due to matching requirements.

For my dining room, which has approximately 200 square feet of wall space, I initially calculated needing 4 rolls. However, after accounting for the pattern repeat and some awkward corners, I ended up requiring 6 rolls. Purchasing one extra roll beyond your calculated need is almost always wise.

When planning your project:

1. Measure wall height and width in feet
2. Calculate total square footage (height × combined width of all walls)
3. Subtract for large openings like windows and doors
4. Check the pattern repeat size on your chosen design
5. Add 10-15% for pattern matching and mistakes
6. Divide by the roll coverage (usually 56 square feet) and round up

Winston Porter provides detailed information on roll dimensions and coverage for each product, typically listed in the specifications section of the product listing. Pay particular attention to the pattern repeat information—larger repeats require more material to ensure proper matching.

Maintenance and Cleaning: Keeping Your Wallpaper Looking Fresh

Proper maintenance extends the life of your Winston Porter wallpaper. Here’s my cleaning routine:

Routine Dusting
For all Winston Porter wallpapers, regular dusting prevents buildup that can become more difficult to remove later. I use a microfiber cloth or a soft brush attachment on my vacuum cleaner, working from top to bottom.

Spot Cleaning
For minor marks on vinyl-coated or solid vinyl wallpapers:

1. Use a soft cloth dampened with mild soapy water (dish soap works well)
2. Gently blot the affected area—never rub vigorously
3. Rinse with a clean, damp cloth
4. Pat dry with a towel

For more stubborn stains, a mixture of water and white vinegar (1:1 ratio) often works without damaging the paper. Always test cleaning solutions in an inconspicuous area first.

Deep Cleaning
Once or twice a year, I give my washable Winston Porter wallpapers a more thorough cleaning:

1. Mix a solution of warm water and mild dish soap
2. Lightly dampen a soft sponge (not soaking wet)
3. Work in small sections from bottom to top (to prevent drip marks)
4. Rinse with clean water
5. Pat dry immediately

Special Considerations

• Textured wallpapers require gentle cleaning with minimal moisture to prevent damage to the raised areas
• Metallic finishes should never be cleaned with abrasive materials or chemical cleaners
• Non-washable papers (like some of their more delicate designs) should only be dusted or very lightly spot cleaned

By maintaining a regular cleaning schedule, I’ve kept my Winston Porter wallpapers looking fresh and vibrant with minimal effort.

Floral Patterns: Winston Porter’s Botanical Offerings

Floral patterns constitute one of Winston Porter’s strongest design categories, with options ranging from bold, large-scale blooms to delicate, ditsy prints.

What distinguishes their floral offerings is the artistic quality—these aren’t the dated, overly sweet floral patterns of decades past. Instead, they offer contemporary interpretations that feel fresh and sophisticated.

The “Vintage Botanical” series features illustrations reminiscent of scientific drawings, with detailed renderings of flowers, leaves, and stems against neutral backgrounds. These create a timelessly elegant effect that works beautifully in dining rooms and bedrooms.

For those seeking something bolder, their “Modern Bloom” collection features oversized, stylized flowers in contemporary color palettes. These make stunning accent walls in living spaces or home offices.

The “Garden Trellis” design in my guest bedroom combines floral elements with geometric structure—climbing roses intertwine with a lattice pattern. This balanced approach appeals to those who might not typically choose floral patterns.

What I particularly appreciate about Winston Porter’s floral designs is their versatility. Many work equally well in traditional and contemporary spaces, depending on the furniture and accessories paired with them.

Adhesive Requirements: What You Need to Know

Different Winston Porter wallpapers require different adhesive approaches:

Pre-pasted Papers
Some Winston Porter wallpapers come pre-pasted, requiring only water activation. For these:

1. Fill a water tray with room-temperature water
2. Roll the cut strip through the water, paste-side down
3. Book the paper (fold without creasing) and allow to rest for the recommended time
4. Hang according to standard instructions

“Paste-the-Wall” Non-Wovens
Their non-woven wallpapers typically use the “paste-the-wall” method:

1. Apply wallpaper paste directly to the wall using a roller
2. Apply paste slightly beyond where the edge of your paper will go
3. Hang the dry paper directly onto the pasted wall
4. No need for booking or waiting

Traditional Paste-Required Papers
For papers requiring traditional application:

1. Apply recommended paste to the back of the paper
2. Ensure even coverage, especially at edges
3. Book the paper and allow it to rest as directed (usually 5-10 minutes)
4. Hang while the paste is still tacky

Peel-and-Stick Options
These require no additional adhesive—simply remove the backing paper and apply to a clean, smooth wall.

Winston Porter typically specifies the recommended adhesive type for each wallpaper. For best results, I recommend using the exact type suggested rather than substituting. When I tried using a generic adhesive instead of the clay-based paste recommended for a textured wallpaper, the results were less than ideal, with some sections not adhering properly.

Color Selection: Finding Your Perfect Palette

Winston Porter offers an extensive color range across their collections. From my exploration of their catalog and personal experiences:

Neutrals
Their neutral palette deserves special mention for its sophistication. Rather than flat beiges and grays, Winston Porter offers nuanced neutrals with subtle undertones. Their “Warm Stone” collection features taupe-based neutrals with just enough warmth to feel inviting rather than institutional.

Bold Colors
For those seeking drama, their jewel tones deliver rich, saturated color. The navy geometric in my office has remarkable depth that changes subtly throughout the day as lighting conditions shift.

Pastels
Winston Porter’s pastel offerings avoid being overly sweet through the use of complex undertones. Their “Mist” collection features barely-there colors that create a watercolor effect, particularly beautiful in bedrooms and nurseries.

Metallics
Their metallic-infused papers add subtle glamour without crossing into gaudy territory. The dining room paper I selected has the faintest gold thread running through its texture, visible only when light catches it at certain angles.

When selecting colors, I strongly recommend ordering samples. Computer monitors and printed catalogs simply cannot accurately represent the true colors and textures. What appears beige onscreen might have a pink undertone in reality, and what looks like a subtle texture might be more pronounced than expected.

Accent Walls: Making a Statement with Winston Porter

Creating accent walls is one of the most popular applications for Winston Porter wallpaper, and with good reason. An accent wall allows you to incorporate bold patterns or colors without overwhelming a space.

In my kitchen, I used their brick-effect wallpaper on a single wall behind open shelving. This creates a focal point and adds texture without dominating the room. The pattern’s neutral coloration complements rather than competes with the colorful dishes displayed on the shelves.

For successful accent walls with Winston Porter papers:

Choose Wisely
Select the most architecturally interesting wall, or one that already serves as a natural focal point. In bedrooms, the wall behind the headboard is an obvious choice. In living rooms, the wall that houses the fireplace or TV typically works well.

Consider Scale
Larger patterns often work better on accent walls than they would in a whole-room application. Winston Porter’s large-scale damasks and botanicals, which might overwhelm if used throughout a room, create stunning accent walls.

Color Coordination
Ensure your accent wall color coordinates with the other walls in the room. I typically pull a secondary color from the wallpaper pattern for the surrounding walls.

Furniture Placement
Plan your furniture placement before installing an accent wall. Ideally, major pieces should be positioned to highlight rather than obscure your featured wallpaper.

One of my favorite Winston Porter accent wall installations was in a client’s dining room, where we used their metallic geometric pattern behind a simple buffet cabinet. The paper’s subtle shimmer creates a beautiful backdrop for candlelight during evening gatherings.

Rental-Friendly Options: Winston Porter for Temporary Homes

As someone who used wallpaper in rentals before purchasing my home, I appreciate Winston Porter’s rental-friendly options:

Peel-and-Stick Solutions
Their peel-and-stick papers remove cleanly from properly prepared walls, making them ideal for renters. I successfully used their removable wallpaper in two rental apartments with no damage to walls upon removal.

Temporary Installation Techniques
Even with traditional Winston Porter papers, temporary installation is possible:

1. Apply wallpaper to foam core boards cut to fit wall sections
2. Mount the boards using removable hanging strips
3. Remove without damage when moving

Strategic Applications
For rentals, consider using Winston Porter wallpaper in ways that don’t require direct wall application:

• Line the backs of bookshelves
• Create framed wallpaper panels as art
• Apply to furniture surfaces
• Use as drawer or cabinet liners

One creative solution I implemented in a rental was using Winston Porter’s botanical print to cover hollow-core closet doors. The paper transformed these builder-basic elements into design features, and I simply removed it when moving out.

Customer Experiences: What Reviews Reveal About Winston Porter

Before my first Winston Porter purchase, I thoroughly researched customer reviews. Since then, I’ve continued to monitor feedback to gauge consistent patterns in user experiences.

Positive Feedback Themes

• Ease of installation: Many reviewers, particularly first-time DIYers, comment on the straightforward installation process
• Color accuracy: Customers generally find the colors true to the samples
• Durability: Long-term users report excellent wear resistance
• Value for money: The quality-to-price ratio receives consistent praise

Critical Feedback Patterns

• Pattern matching challenges: Some patterns require more precise alignment than others
• Thickness variations: A few customers note that certain patterns feel thinner than expected
• Batch variations: Occasional comments about slight color differences between batches

My personal experience aligns with these general patterns. I’ve found Winston Porter’s quality control to be generally excellent, with only minor variations between batches. Their customer service has been responsive the one time I needed to return a roll due to a printing defect.

For potential buyers, I recommend reading reviews specific to the exact pattern you’re considering, as experiences can vary across different designs and materials within the brand.

Return Policies: What to Know Before You Buy

Understanding return policies before purchasing wallpaper can save considerable frustration. Based on my experiences buying Winston Porter wallpaper from various retailers:

Major Home Improvement Stores
Home Depot and Lowe’s typically allow returns of unused, unopened wallpaper within 30-90 days, with receipt. Opened rolls may be subject to restocking fees or refused for return.

Online Retailers
Wayfair, Overstock, and Amazon have varying policies:

• Wayfair generally allows returns within 30 days but charges return shipping
• Overstock’s policy is similar but with a potential restocking fee
• Amazon’s policy depends on the specific seller

Specialty Wallpaper Shops
Independent retailers often have stricter return policies, sometimes disallowing returns entirely on cut goods. Always verify before purchasing.

To protect yourself:

1. Order samples before committing to full rolls
2. Purchase all needed rolls at once to ensure batch matching
3. Keep receipts and packaging until project completion
4. Read the specific return policy for your chosen retailer

When I discovered a defect in one roll of my dining room wallpaper, I was able to return it to Wayfair thanks to photographing and documenting the issue immediately upon opening the package.

Textured Options: Adding Dimension to Your Walls

Texture adds another dimension to wallpaper, creating visual interest through physical depth rather than just pattern. Winston Porter offers several approaches to texture:

Embossed Patterns
These papers have raised elements created through a pressing process. My dining room features their linen-embossed pattern, which has a subtle textile-like texture that catches light beautifully.

Faux Natural Materials
Their grasscloth-inspired papers recreate the look of natural fibers with varying degrees of tactile texture. These create warmth and organic appeal without the maintenance challenges of actual grasscloth.

Raised Inks
Some patterns use specialized printing techniques that result in slightly raised elements. Their damask patterns often feature this technique, with the pattern slightly elevated from the background.

3D Effects
For maximum impact, their dimensional geometric patterns create dramatic shadow effects as light moves across the wall throughout the day.

When selecting textured wallpapers, consider:

• Cleaning requirements: Deeper textures collect dust more readily and can be challenging to clean thoroughly
• Room function: Highly textured papers may not be ideal for dining areas or kitchens where staining is possible
• Lighting: Textured papers look dramatically different depending on lighting direction and type

In my dining room, the subtle texture of the Winston Porter wallpaper creates a sophisticated backdrop that looks different throughout the day as natural light shifts—from more pronounced texture in morning sidelight to a softer appearance under evening ambient lighting.

Final Thoughts: Is Winston Porter Wallpaper Right for You?

After living with Winston Porter wallpaper in multiple rooms for several years, I can confidently recommend their products for most home applications. Their combination of quality, design range, and value makes them an excellent choice for both first-time wallpaper users and experienced decorators.

Best For:

• Homeowners seeking quality wallpaper at mid-range prices
• DIY enthusiasts who want user-friendly installation
• Design lovers who appreciate traditional patterns with contemporary twists
• Those looking for durable options for family homes

Perhaps Less Ideal For:

• Ultra-luxury seekers who prioritize exclusive designer patterns
• Those requiring very specific, unusual colorways
• Extremely budget-constrained projects (though their sales can make them quite affordable)

What I appreciate most about Winston Porter is the thoughtfulness evident in their designs. These aren’t just pretty patterns—they’re created with practical considerations in mind, from installation ease to long-term durability.

My Winston Porter wallpaper has transformed ordinary rooms into spaces with personality and depth. Whether you’re considering a bold accent wall or a subtle whole-room application, their diverse offerings likely include options that will complement your vision.

Remember that wallpaper is an investment in both time and money. By selecting quality products like Winston Porter and taking time to prepare properly, you’ll create results that continue to delight for years to come.