Little Greene Paint & Paper: Everything you need to know before you buy

Which paint quality suits a living room, kitchen or bathroom? What's the difference between Absolute Matt and Intelligent Matt? How do you combine Little Greene paint with wallpaper and where can you order the products in the Netherlands?

We explain how to choose a suitable colour and finish, what to look for with wallpaper and how to bring together paint, designs and materials to create a calm and cohesive interior. You'll also read how ordering colour and wallpaper samples works, how much product you need and where to go for expert advice.

Selected Tip: Don't start with one single colour. Place a wallpaper sample, multiple paint samples and the existing materials next to each other and assess the whole in the room itself.

Where the story of Little Greene began

Long before paint was chosen from a digital colour overview, a story began in the English county of Lancashire that's still visible in Little Greene's collections today.

It's 1773. Colours are mixed by hand, craftsmanship is passed down from generation to generation and in one of England's first paint factories, the foundation is laid for what would later become Little Greene Paint & Paper. More than 250 years later, the paint and wallpaper collections are still developed in Great Britain, with the same attention to colour, material and detail.

That history isn't limited to a date on the packaging. In collaboration with the National Trust, Little Greene researches historical colours and original wallpaper fragments from British country houses, castles and monumental interiors. These aren't simply copied, but reinterpreted for the way we live now.

This creates a collection in which the past remains tangible, without the interior needing to feel historical. A colour or design tells an old story, but only gains meaning in the space where it's applied today.

What makes Little Greene Paint & Paper special?

Little Greene doesn't just look at a single colour or an individual design, but at the cohesion between all surfaces in an interior. Paint and wallpaper are developed within one colour world, making it easier to coordinate walls, ceilings, woodwork and patterns.

The paint distinguishes itself through its rich pigmentation. This gives colours more depth and makes them react subtly to changing daylight. A shade can appear soft and subdued in the morning and become warmer or more intense later in the day. The different paint qualities are also developed for specific applications, from ultra-matt wall paint to hard-wearing lacquer for woodwork.

The wallpaper collections align with the same colour palette. Historical designs are recoloured for contemporary interiors and can therefore be combined with paint colours from the same colour family. The wallpaper doesn't need to be treated as a separate accent, but can become part of a complete colour scheme.

Additionally, many paint qualities are water-based and developed for indoor use. Which quality is suitable depends on the surface, the room and the extent to which the surface needs to be cleanable.

For us, the strength of Little Greene lies especially in its applicability. You don't just choose a beautiful colour or print, but build up an interior step by step in which paint, wallpaper, materials and light support each other.

Selected Tip: When choosing paint, don't just look at the colour. The gloss level and washability determine just as much how the paint is experienced in daily use.

Which Little Greene products can you order at Selected Wallpapers?

At Selected Wallpapers you'll find both paint and wallpaper from Little Greene Paint & Paper. This allows you to compile a complete interior palette from one colour story for walls, ceilings, woodwork, furniture and wall coverings.

Within the paint collection, various wall paints, lacquers, floor finishes and primers are available. Which quality you choose depends on the room, the surface and the desired gloss level. For assessing colours, colour cards and sample pots are available.

The wallpaper collection consists of botanical, floral, graphic and historical designs. Many patterns are available in multiple colourways, so they can be combined with paint colours from the same colour family.

Little Greene paint
Within the paint collection you'll find among others:

• ultra-matt wall paint for calm living spaces;
• washable wall paint for intensively used rooms;
• lacquers for doors, frames, skirting boards and furniture;
• paint for floors and stairs;
• primers and base coats for different surfaces;
• sample pots to test a colour at home.

Little Greene wallpaper
The wallpaper collection consists of among others:

• botanical and floral patterns;
• small, refined designs;
• geometric and graphic prints;
• historical designs from British archives;
• collections developed in collaboration with the National Trust;
• designs in different, matching colourways.

Because the roll size, pattern repeat and match can differ per design, it's important to always check the product specifications before ordering.

Selected Tip: Preferably order paint and wallpaper samples at the same time. This way you can immediately assess how colour, pattern, scale and material relate to each other.

How do you determine the right balance between paint and wallpaper?

A harmonious interior isn't created by standard wallpapering one wall and painting the remaining walls white. The right balance between paint and wallpaper depends on the room, the light, the architecture and the atmosphere you want to create.

Paint forms the connecting base, while wallpaper adds pattern, texture and character. By consciously combining both, you create an interior that not only looks attractive, but also feels like one whole.

First look at the room as a whole

Don't immediately decide which wall you want to wallpaper, but first look at the complete room. Where does the daylight come in? Which wall do you see first when you enter? Are there architectural elements, such as a recess, fireplace, built-in cupboard or high ceiling, that you want to emphasize?

The most suitable place for wallpaper isn't automatically the wall behind the sofa or bed. Sometimes a design comes into its own better on two adjoining walls, in a recess or on the ceiling. By aligning the wallpaper with the architecture, it feels less like a separate decorative element and more like part of the interior design.

The scale of the pattern also plays an important role. A large design needs sufficient surface area to become visible, while a small pattern across multiple walls can create a calm, almost textile appearance.

Use paint as a connecting base

Once you've determined where the wallpaper will go, you choose the paint colours for the remaining surfaces. Don't see paint only as a background, but as a full part of the colour scheme.

A colour from the wallpaper can, for example, return on the other walls, the woodwork, the doors or a built-in cupboard. You don't need to repeat this colour exactly. A lighter, darker or more greyed shade from the same palette often creates more depth and a more natural result.

By also including the ceiling, skirting boards and frames in the colour scheme, you prevent the room from consisting of separate surfaces. It's precisely these surfaces that can visually connect paint and wallpaper.

Consider light and space

Light has a great influence on both paint colours and wallpaper designs. A dark pattern can look rich and atmospheric in a bright room, but appear heavier in a space with little daylight. A light paint colour can bring calm, while a deeper shade gives a large or high room more warmth.

Therefore, always view paint and wallpaper samples in the room itself. Assess them at different times of day and place them next to the floor, curtains, furniture and other materials. This way you'll see not only whether the colours are individually beautiful, but especially whether they work together within the interior.

Adjust the ratio to the desired atmosphere

There's no fixed ratio between paint and wallpaper. In a calm living room, one wallpapered wall may be sufficient, while a bedroom becomes more intimate when the design continues across multiple walls. In a compact space, such as a toilet or hallway, wallpaper can often be applied more boldly.

If you want mainly calm, choose paint colours that are close to the background colour of the wallpaper. If you want more contrast, use an accent colour from the design on woodwork, doors or built-in elements.

The most beautiful combinations emerge when paint and wallpaper don't compete for attention, but support each other. Wallpaper gives the room identity; paint brings balance and cohesion.

Selected Tip: Doubting between paint or wallpaper? Then don't think in either-or, but in both. It's precisely the combination of both that creates an interior in which colour, texture and material reinforce each other and every room feels like one harmonious whole.

Selected Color Matches

The right combination of paint and wallpaper starts with the colours already present in the design. For our Selected Color Matches, we combine two Little Greene wallpaper designs with four paint colours that support the palette.

The combinations consist of a calm base colour, connecting supporting colours and an accent colour. Use them as inspiration for walls, ceilings, woodwork, built-in elements and accessories.

01 — Soft Botanicals

02 — Romantic Heritage

03 — English Elegance

04 — Botanical Retreat

Selected Tip: Don't only use the combinations on the walls. Let one or more colours return in woodwork, built-in elements, upholstery or accessories. By repeating colours in different places, you create more calm and cohesion.

How do you choose the right Little Greene colour?

Choosing a colour seems simple, until you open a colour card. Suddenly there appear to be different shades of white, greige, green, blue and pink. The best choice is therefore not automatically the colour that looks most beautiful on its own, but the shade that suits the room you live in.

When choosing a Little Greene colour, we don't just look at the wall. The light, the size of the room, the existing materials and the desired feeling all play an important role.

First look at the daylight

Light changes colour. A warm greige can appear cooler in a north-facing room, while the same colour in a room with southern light becomes warmer and softer.

Therefore, don't choose a colour solely based on a photo or screen. Order a sample pot and view the shade at different times of day. Morning light, afternoon sun and artificial light can make a colour appear different each time.

Test the colour on a large surface

A small colour patch gives only a limited impression. Apply the paint to a large piece of cardboard or a loose test board, so you can move the surface around the room.

By not painting the colour directly on multiple walls, you can easily view it next to the floor, curtains, furniture and any wallpaper. This way you'll see how the shade reacts to different light conditions and materials.

Start with the largest surfaces

A cohesive interior usually starts with the largest surfaces. First choose a base colour for the walls and then determine the colours for ceilings, woodwork, doors and built-in elements.

From this base, you can add supporting shades that return in upholstery, art, accessories or wallpaper. This creates a colour palette in which every shade has a clear function.

Let materials help determine

A colour never stands on its own. Wooden floors, natural stone, curtains, upholstery and metal accents all influence how a paint colour is experienced.

A warm oak floor often asks for a different palette than a cool poured floor or natural stone floor. Therefore, always view the colour next to the materials already present in the room.

Think in a colour palette

The most beautiful interiors rarely consist of one colour. Work from a calm base colour and add some supporting shades for woodwork, textiles or built-in elements. An accent colour can then add extra character on smaller surfaces.

Selected Tip: Doubting between two colours? Then first order sample pots and view the shades over several days. Also add the wallpaper, floor and fabrics. It's precisely in that combination that you'll discover which colour truly comes into its own.

What paint quality do you need?

A color determines the atmosphere of a space, but the paint quality determines how the surface behaves in daily use. That's why Little Greene offers different wall paints, finishes, floor coatings and primers for various applications.

When choosing a paint quality, consider:

• the substrate;
• the space where the paint will be applied;
• the desired sheen level;
• the degree of wear;
• the desired washability;
• indoor or outdoor use.

Absolute Matt Emulsion
Ultra-matte wall paint for quiet spaces

Absolute Matt Emulsion has a chalky finish with only 1–2% sheen. The paint is suitable for walls and ceilings in living rooms, bedrooms and dining rooms, among others.

Characteristic: a very matte, powdery appearance with great color depth.

Intelligent Matt Emulsion
Matte and washable wall paint for daily use

Intelligent Matt Emulsion combines an almost matte finish of approximately 2% sheen with a strong and washable paint layer. The paint is suitable for interior walls and ceilings in kitchens, bathrooms, children's rooms and hallways, among others.

Characteristic: a matte appearance with extra durability and washability.

Intelligent Eggshell
Hard-wearing paint for woodwork and humid spaces

Intelligent Eggshell has a subtle eggshell sheen of 10–15%. The paint is suitable for woodwork, metal and surfaces that need to be cleaned regularly, such as doors, frames, baseboards, radiators, kitchens and bathrooms.

Characteristic: a strong and low-maintenance finish for heavily used surfaces.

Intelligent Floor Paint
Durable paint for floors and stairs

Intelligent Floor Paint has a light satin sheen of approximately 30–40%. The paint is suitable for wooden and concrete interior floors, stairs and primed metal surfaces.

Characteristic: a hard-wearing, washable floor finish that withstands daily use.

Intelligent Satin
Refined satin sheen for woodwork and furniture

Intelligent Satin has a sheen level of 30–35%. The paint is suitable for doors, frames, baseboards, kitchen cabinets and furniture, among others.

Characteristic: a durable satin sheen that is practical in use and looks softer than high-gloss paint.

Intelligent Gloss
High gloss for a distinctive finish

Intelligent Gloss has a sheen level of 87–90%. The paint is suitable for wood and metal, both indoors and outdoors, and is often applied to front doors, frames, baseboards and other striking details.

Characteristic: a mirror-like high gloss that gives colors extra intensity and depth.

Primers and undercoats

Good preparation ensures better adhesion and an even final finish. Which primer is needed depends on the substrate and the chosen paint quality.

Intelligent ASP
Primer for various substrates

Intelligent ASP is a water-based primer and undercoat for wood, metal, glass, ceramic tiles, PVC-U and laminated surfaces, among others. The primer can be applied both indoors and outdoors.

Characteristic: one versatile primer for various smooth and difficult-to-adhere substrates.

Wall Primer Sealer
Primer for untreated and porous walls

Wall Primer Sealer is developed for new stucco, plasterwork and other untreated or highly porous walls and ceilings.

Characteristic: stabilizes the substrate, regulates absorption and helps prevent a patchy final finish.

Selected Tip: Unsure about the right primer? Always check the material and condition of the substrate. Proper preparation prevents adhesion problems and color differences in the topcoat.

Beyond paint: which Little Greene wallpaper suits your interior?

After choosing a paint color and paint quality, you can determine where wallpaper adds something to the interior. Not every space calls for a bold pattern and not every pattern needs to be limited to one accent wall.

The right choice depends on the scale of the pattern, the light conditions, the dimensions of the space and the colors already present.

Botanical and floral patterns

Botanical patterns bring movement and natural layering to the interior. Small floral patterns can be applied across multiple walls, while larger leaves and flowers need more space to come into their own fully.

These patterns aren't just suitable for living and bedrooms. A hallway, study, toilet or dining room can also gain more character through a botanical pattern.

Historical patterns

Part of the Little Greene wallpaper collection is based on original patterns from historical interiors and archives. The designs are recolored and adapted for contemporary homes.

By combining a historical pattern with calm paint colors and modern furniture, you create an interior that feels layered and personal, without having to be classical or old-fashioned.

Graphic and small patterns

Small geometric or repeating patterns give a wall an almost textile appearance. They're suitable for spaces where you want to add detail, but aren't looking for a large or dominant image.

A regular pattern can also flow beautifully across multiple walls and thus create an enveloping effect.

Pay attention to scale and pattern repeat

The scale of a pattern is at least as important as the color. A small online product image doesn't always show how large a flower, leaf or shape is at actual size.

• Therefore always check:
• the width and length of the roll;
• the vertical pattern repeat;
• the way the drops align;
• the dimensions of the wall;
• the amount of cutting waste;
• the placement of windows, doors and furniture.

With a wallpaper sample you can assess the color, detail and substrate. To understand the full scale, it's also wise to look at a room image or larger pattern display.

Selected Tip: Don't choose a wallpaper design based solely on a close-up. Always look at how often the pattern will repeat on your wall and how much of the design will remain visible behind furniture.

How do you order and test Little Greene samples?

Colors and patterns can appear different on a screen than in the space itself. Screen settings, light conditions and the substrate all influence how you experience a color.

That's why we recommend viewing samples before placing a final order.

A color card as initial selection

A Little Greene color card helps make an initial selection and compare different color families side by side. Use the card mainly as orientation and not as a definitive color assessment.

The small color fields don't fully show how a shade reacts to light and surroundings on a large wall.

Sample pots for a larger color field

With a sample pot you can assess the color on a larger area. Apply the paint to a loose test board or a sturdy piece of cardboard and preferably use two coats.
Then move the panel around the room. View it by the window, in a dark corner and next to the materials the color needs to be combined with.

Wallpaper samples for color and material

A wallpaper sample shows what the colors, lines and details look like in reality. You can also better assess the texture, substrate and appearance of the material.

Place the sample next to your paint samples, floor, curtains and upholstery fabrics. View the whole both during the day and in the evening under artificial light.

Selected Tip: Leave samples in the room for several days. A color that feels right at first glance can appear cooler, warmer or darker at a different time of day.

How much paint do you need?

The required amount of paint depends on the surface, paint quality, substrate and number of coats. A smooth, previously painted wall usually absorbs less paint than new or highly porous plasterwork.

First measure the height and width of all surfaces to be painted. Deduct large windows and doors from the total if needed. Then divide the total square meters by the indicated coverage per liter.

Also take into account:

• the recommended number of coats;
• a strong color difference between the old and new color;
• repairs or an uneven substrate;
• extra paint for future damage;
• woodwork, baseboards and frames that are calculated separately.
• The stated coverage is a guideline. The actual amount may vary depending on the substrate and application method.

How much wallpaper do you need?

With wallpaper, it's not just the number of square meters that matters. The roll width, roll length, pattern repeat and pattern alignment also determine how many rolls are needed. Especially with wallpaper with a large pattern, extra material may be needed to align the drops nicely.

To make the calculation easy, you can use our wallpaper calculator on the product page. Enter the width x height of the wall and the calculator calculates how much wallpaper you need. This takes into account the pattern of the chosen wallpaper and a safety margin of 5 cm on all sides.

Therefore measure the wall carefully:

• measure the full width of the wall;
• measure the height at multiple points;
• always use the largest measurement for different heights;
• calculate multiple walls separately;
• check for sloped sections, recesses or other deviations.

For a standard calculation, you usually don't need to deduct windows and doors directly from the wall surface. The material around these openings is often needed to let the pattern flow properly. Moreover, a small extra margin prevents running out of material during wallpapering.

Selected Tip: Rather order a small safety margin than exactly the calculated minimum. This prevents running out of paint during painting and leaves you with something for small repairs.

Use the wallpaper calculator

Open the desired wallpaper on our website and enter the width and height of the wall in the wallpaper calculator. The calculator processes the product specifications of the chosen pattern and shows the required amount of wallpaper.

Do you have multiple walls, a sloped ceiling or a space with many windows, doors and interruptions? Then calculate the wall sections separately or contact us for an extra check or calculation of the required amount.

Selected Tip: Order all required rolls at once. This way you have sufficient material for the pattern and reduce the chance of small color differences between different production batches.

What is the delivery time for Little Greene paint and wallpaper?

Delivery time varies per product and destination. Little Greene paint is mixed in the chosen color and paint quality, while wallpaper delivery time depends on current stock at the supplier. Therefore always check the current delivery time on the relevant product page.

Order Little Greene paint online

Little Greene paint ordered online is professionally mixed in the chosen color at Selected Wallpapers. Orders placed before 3:00 PM can be shipped the same working day if sufficient stock of the required base material is available.

Have paint mixed directly in Montfoort

Do you need an extra can of paint at short notice? In our Studio in Montfoort we can mix Little Greene paint on-site in the desired color, provided the right base paint and chosen packaging size are in stock. The studio can be visited by appointment and has the Little Greene paint collection and professional mixing equipment.

Contact us in advance when you want to take the paint with you the same day. Then we can check whether the right base, paint quality and quantity are available and prepare the can for you.

Delivery time for Little Greene wallpaper

For wallpaper, delivery time depends on current stock of the chosen pattern and colorway. Some rolls are immediately available. The current indication is stated on the product page.

Preferably order wallpaper well before the planned installation date. This allows sufficient time for delivery and a wallpaper check before installation.

Account for samples and project planning

Before the final order, plan sufficient time to assess paint and wallpaper samples in the space. For larger projects, we recommend having availability checked in advance, so that all required paint and wallpaper can be delivered at the right time.

Selected Tip: Need Little Greene paint quickly? Contact our Studio in Montfoort. If sufficient stock is available, we can mix the desired can directly for you. For online orders: ordered before 3:00 PM, shipped the same working day; delivery time varies by country and destination.

Where can you buy Little Greene Paint & Paper in the Netherlands?

Little Greene is offered through specialized retailers. At Selected Wallpapers you can order Little Greene paint, wallpaper, samples and related products and combine them within one interior plan.

Online you'll find information per product about color, pattern, paint quality, sheen level, roll size and pattern repeat, among other things. If you need help with your choice, you can ask for advice about combining paint, wallpaper and materials.

A specialized retailer is especially valuable when you're hesitating between different paint qualities, colors or wallpaper patterns. The right choice depends not only on taste, but also on substrate, use, light conditions and scale.

Little Greene is generally not available as regular stock at general DIY stores. The paint and wallpaper are mainly offered through specialized dealers and interior design shops.

Selected Tip: Before a consultation, gather photos of the space, dimensions, information about lighting and samples of existing materials. This allows for much more targeted input and advice.