When considering a wallpaper purchase for a UK home, the ability to see and feel a product before committing to a full roll is invaluable. Milton & King, a global leader in print-on-demand wallcoverings, offers a sample programme that allows consumers to evaluate designs in their own spaces. This article details the specifics of their wallpaper samples, including sizes, available types, and important considerations regarding colour accuracy, based exclusively on the provided source materials.
Milton & King provides samples in two distinct sizes to cater to different evaluation needs. The standard small sample is an 11-inch by 8.5-inch format, also referred to as A4 size. This size is designed for assessing design elements, colour, and overall aesthetic. For a more comprehensive understanding of scale and how a pattern will appear on a larger surface, the company also offers a yard sample, which measures 3 feet by 24 inches. Both sample types are printed to scale, ensuring that the size of the design elements in the sample accurately reflects their size on a full wallpaper roll. This is particularly beneficial for evaluating larger and more complex designs, such as two-roll sets or murals, where understanding the proportion and impact of the pattern is crucial.
Colour representation is a primary reason consumers request samples. The source material highlights that screen displays can be unreliable for true-to-life colour due to variations in screen type, brightness, and contrast. Ordering samples allows for direct comparison with existing room elements, such as upholstery fabrics, paint colours, or decorative accessories. Milton & King’s blog notes that samples can be used to colour-match paint for adjoining walls or fabric for items like cushions and lighting. It is recommended to keep a sample handy during the styling process to ensure everything coordinates.
However, an important caveat regarding colour accuracy is provided. Milton & King operates a print-to-order model, meaning wallpaper is printed only when an order is placed. Samples may be printed in a different batch from the final roll, potentially weeks or months apart. During this time, printers may undergo colour calibration, which can result in subtle colour variations between the sample and the final product. This variation is noted to be more noticeable with solid background tones and less so with intricate, colourful designs. For consumers requiring a precise colour match, the company suggests trimming the header from the delivered wallpaper roll, as these colours will be an exact match to the design on the walls.
Beyond colour and scale, samples are also useful for evaluating texture and material. Milton & King offers three main types of wallpaper, each with distinct characteristics:
- Non-woven wallpaper: This is described as a flat, smooth, and highly durable option. It is washable, making it suitable for homes with children or pets. Any visual texture is part of the printed design rather than a physical texture, which can add depth to a room.
- Grasscloth wallpaper: This option provides an organic, natural texture. It is hand-woven from high-quality materials such as sisal, raw jute, cork, and mica.
- Vinyl wallpaper: Type II grade vinyl is available, but the source indicates it is typically reserved for those with a trade or wholesale account.
It is also important to note that samples are not always identical to the final wallpaper rolls. As production batches can differ, slight variations may occur. The source material advises that any colour shift is likely to be subtle, and consumers can still trust the overall tone of the colour, even if the exact shade differs slightly.
For UK-based consumers, the process of obtaining samples involves ordering them directly through Milton & King’s channels. The provided information does not specify a completely free sample programme for individual consumers in the UK. The source material from the brand's website and product pages indicates that samples are available for purchase. For instance, one source lists a sample with a regular price of $35.00, which suggests a cost is associated with acquiring samples. Furthermore, a note on the brand’s website mentions that trade partners may have access to complimentary sampling, indicating that free samples might be part of a trade programme rather than a standard consumer offering. Therefore, while samples are readily available to assess the product, they are not presented as a no-cost freebie for the general public in the provided data.
In summary, Milton & King’s sample programme offers a practical way for consumers to evaluate wallpaper designs in their own environment. The availability of A4 and yard-sized samples allows for assessment of both design detail and scale. While colour matching is facilitated through samples, the print-to-order model means consumers should be aware of potential subtle variations between sample and final roll. The different wallpaper types—non-woven, grasscloth, and vinyl—cater to various aesthetic and functional needs. Ultimately, samples are a recommended step in the decision-making process, providing a tangible preview to ensure confidence in the final selection for a UK home.