It’s our birthday! 25 years of Wallpaperdirect
“Who’s going to buy wallpaper online?”
This was the question Mark Brewer, Chairman of Brewers, one of the UK’s oldest decorators’ merchants, faced twenty-six years ago when he first envisioned an online alternative to browsing the hundreds of wallpaper books in Brewers’ branches. He recognised that an innovative, creative new website could reach wallpaper customers unable to visit Brewers stores, while also simplifying the search for specific wallpaper colourways or design styles. In 1999 C. Brewer & Sons launched Wallpaperdirect.
The Wallpaperdirect office – a centre of creativity
“I love coming in here – it’s the most creative office in the building!” Sam, Training Department, Albany House.
The admin, creative, marketing, and social media teams for Wallpaperdirect work out of Albany House in Eastbourne, a beautiful coastal town in South East England. We are all totally obsessed with wallpaper and work surrounded by wallpaper books, fabric books and samples. As well as reaching out to interiors influencers online, we subscribe to interiors magazines from the UK, USA and Australia to keep up with what’s trending where. We see everything coming to the market from both the most well-known and established design houses (some of whom we have been representing online since day one) and new designers emerging in the industry and we make decisions on what will be offered on Wallpaperdirect, featured in our marketing, and included in print magazines.
Wallpaperdirect’s UK warehouse: a global fulfilment powerhouse
“Ordered on a Thursday night, arrived on the other side of the world the following Monday morning, in perfect condition.” Trustpilot review – Suzanne Gott, New Zealand, 11th July 2024
Samples Department: where global style begins
“Samples came the next day after ordering. The range of papers is amazing and I would definitely use this company again.” Trustpilot review – Mrs Olive Chilvers, GB, August 2024
25 years ago we didn’t have a sampling department, we would cut samples in our office on a guillotine and hand-write a note to the customer, sending out just a handful each week! Nowadays, the Sampling Department at Wallpaperdirect is composed of a dedicated team of 10 members, including 5 admin specialists and 5 pickers, who often multitask to support both administrative duties and sample picking. The department holds an extensive collection of over 24,000 samples, managing to fulfill an impressive average of 2,000 sample orders per week. In addition to their sampling tasks, the team efficiently handles customer communication, taking an average of 70 phone calls and responding to around 100 emails each week.
Customer Services: our experts speak to you in person
“In an era where many online retailers rely on AI-generated chatbots, we believe in the importance of human interaction” Kerry Mackenzie, Wallpaperdirect Customer Service Manager
Working in Wallpaperdirect customer service is always dynamic and varied, with no two days alike. Supporting customers across 90 different countries is a significant undertaking, but our team of 10 in the UK office, including our new French-speaking colleagues, is always prepared to assist. Our dedication to excellent service is reflected in our 4.8 Trustpilot score, garnered from over 40,000 reviews.
Every month, we handle thousands of calls and emails, providing support on everything from decorating advice to order placements. We value the personal connection that comes from speaking directly with our customers. In an era where many online retailers rely on AI-generated chatbots, we believe in the importance of human interaction, which often proves to be the quickest and most personable way to resolve queries.
Our team takes great pride in delivering friendly, effective service and is always willing to go above and beyond to meet our customers’ needs.
The USA office: staffing Wallpaperdirect’s biggest and fastest growing territory
“Quality product, GREAT customer service. The products shipped quickly, arrived in tact and when I had a question, I called customer service and the woman who answered the phone, got me the info I needed quickly and efficiently. I plan on ordering again as soon as I can make up my mind which paper is next!” Trustpilot review – MizRAR, USA, June 2024
Way back in 2013 we were very excited to launch Wallpaperdirect in the USA, establishing an office in Tennessee with dedicated customer service, a sampling operation and returns centre. Over the past eleven years, our US business has grown significantly, reflecting America’s long-standing love for wallpaper. The USA team, led by Alise Heemstra, Vice President of our North America operations (pictured seated above with Melanie Adams, Global Head of Wallpaper Direct) manages both USA and Canadian customers. While customer queries and samples are handled in the USA, all orders are shipped from our warehouse in Eastbourne, UK. We now offer over 22,000 wallpaper products as well as fabrics in the USA and have sent out an impressive 1.5 million samples!
Made to Measure Department: curtains and blinds finished by hand and crafted entirely in the UK
“Beautiful blinds. Very well made and finished, and fit perfectly.
I was also able to speak with the Made to Measure department directly to discuss my specific requirements.” Trustpilot review – Juli, GB, Jan 2024
Our Made to Measure service is managed by a skilled and experienced team operating from Eastbourne, Monday to Friday, 8:30 am to 5:00 pm. While most customer enquiries are initially handled by the Wallpaperdirect customer service team, our specialists step in whenever a customer needs something different or requires changes to an order. The majority of orders are placed online, and from there, we coordinate production with our two workshops and several local makers, all of whom adhere to the same high standards and specifications. We take pride in offering products made to the highest quality, finished by hand, and crafted entirely in the UK. We offer an entirely bespoke service and if customers would like to enquire about more than is shown on the website, the Made to Measure team can be reached via our customer services.
Exclusive collaborations: revitalising classic designs for today’s trends
‘Wallpaperdirect’s unique partnership has enabled us to offer customers the best of both worlds: designs that have stood the test of time, updated with modern flair.’ Melanie Adams, Global Head of Wallpaper Direct
Wallpaperdirect has long been a trusted name in the world of wallpaper, boasting a deep understanding and passion for design that spans many years. In that time, we have observed a growing demand for classic designs, even as the colours and scales of the original designs became outdated. Recognising this, we saw an exciting opportunity to breathe new life into some of our favourite wallpapers, making them relevant to today’s tastes while preserving their timeless appeal.
Through our special relationships with major wallpaper design houses, we have been able to collaborate closely with designers, delving into archives and selectively recolouring classic patterns to align with contemporary trends. Wallpaperdirect’s unique partnership has enabled us to offer customers the best of both worlds: designs that have stood the test of time, updated with modern flair.
In addition to our work with established brands, we are also committed to supporting emerging talent. Designers like Isabelle Boxall and Kerry Caffyn, whose work we discovered through our ongoing search for fresh ideas, bring a new perspective and vitality to our collections. By investing in these promising artists, we ensure that our offerings remain innovative and exciting, while continuing to support the future of wallpaper design.
We are continuously in dialogue with brands about exclusive opportunities, investing in stock to hold in our warehouse, and bringing fresh, unique designs to the market. This not only allows us to maintain an ever-evolving collection but also solidifies Wallpaperdirect’s commitment to innovation and our role as a leader in the wallpaper industry.
Wallpaperdirect Magazine: inspiration through print
“The magazine is a celebration of wallpaper and fabric design” Miriam Bennett, Wallpaperdirect magazine assistant editor
Since our first publication of the Wallpaperdirect magazine in 2011, we have been at the forefront of sharing the vibrant world of wallpaper through our own print magazine. This publication, a labour of love and dedication, offers a rare glimpse into the stunning photography and design elements provided by some of the most renowned wallpaper brands. Often, these striking visuals remain unseen by the public, making the magazine a vital resource for those seeking inspiration.
Focused exclusively on wallpaper and fabric, our magazine is an ideal source of creativity for homeowners, businesses, and design enthusiasts alike. We have tried to ensure that its reach is extensive, creating both print and digital formats to captivate a diverse audience. Each issue, whether Spring/Summer or Autumn/Winter, is created to inspire with its compelling content and rich imagery.
With editions tailored for both the UK and USA markets, the magazine is a celebration of wallpaper and fabric design and a testament to our commitment to fostering creativity and providing a constant stream of inspiration to our readers.
The future: redefining global interiors with a vision for tomorrow
“Our goal is simple: whenever anyone thinks of buying wallpaper, wherever they live in the world, they think ‘Wallpaperdirect'” Melanie Adams, Global Head of Wallpaper Direct
Over the past 25 years, Wallpaperdirect has grown and developed with a clear vision: to make choosing wallpaper an effortless experience, no matter where you are in the world. We are committed to providing first-class service, with an unrivalled search facility that helps customers refine their selection, order samples to assess texture and colour, and receive swift delivery to their location. Our goal is simple: whenever anyone thinks of buying wallpaper, wherever they live in the world, they think “Wallpaperdirect”
looking for wallpaper inspo….
More than just wallpaper….
Finishing your new look might take more than just wallpaper, so let’s have a wander around wallpaperdirect and discover more decorative elements to fall in love with……
Did you know that Wallpaperdirect offers an extensive collection of over 2,600 fabric designs? Whether you’re seeking the elegance of intricate embroideries, the practicality of outdoor fabrics, the comfort of plush upholstery, or the lightness of delicate sheers, our vast selection ensures there is something to suit every style and taste.
We understand that choosing the perfect fabric can be difficult, which is why we offer free samples to help you feel confident in your decision. And with fabrics available from just 1 metre minimum length, you have the freedom to experiment with different designs and textures, no matter the size of your project.
Rugs always add style and create impact in a room. Great for layering texture and pattern, or for zoning spaces in open plan living areas, rugs offer a chance to inject a little personality into a room. We recommend always carefully measuring the intended space before placing a rug order, as it is easy to over or underestimate this decorating detail.
Bedding
Find the perfect bedding to complement your newly decorated bedroom. We offer a wide range of luxury bedding sets from the designers whose quality we know and love.
Cushions
Always the icing on the cake of decoration, don’t ever overlook the importance of great cushions. Like wonderful jewellery or fabulous shoes, you don’t always need lots, but you do need good ones….
Explore our exclusive collaborations….
Check out some of our wallpaperdirect exclusives, in stock and ready to ship ….
Morris Exclusive Wallpaper Collection
Harlequin Exclusive Wallpaper Collection
Sanderson Exclusive Wallpaper Collection