Little Greene paint and wallpaper: 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 the right colour and finish, what to look for with wallpaper and how to bring paint, designs and materials together into a calm and cohesive interior. You'll also learn 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 just one colour. Place a wallpaper sample, multiple paint samples and existing materials next to each other and assess the whole in the room itself.

Where the Little Greene Story Began

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

It's 1773. Colours are assembled 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.

This 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 an interior having 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 standalone accent, but can become part of a complete colour plan.

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

For us, the strength of Little Greene lies particularly in its applicability. You're not just choosing a beautiful colour or print, but building 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 sheen level and washability determine at least 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 create 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 sheen level. Colour cards and sample pots are available for assessing colours.

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 undercoats 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 various 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 simply wallpapering one wall as standard and painting the remaining walls white. The right balance between paint and wallpaper depends on the space, light conditions, architecture and the atmosphere you want to create.

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

First Look at the Room as a Whole

Don't immediately decide which wall you want to wallpaper, but first look at the entire space. Where does the daylight enter? Which wall do you see first when you enter? Are there architectural elements, such as a niche, fireplace, bespoke cabinet 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 niche 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 actually give a calm, almost textile-like appearance.

Use Paint as a Connecting Foundation

Once you've determined where the wallpaper goes, you choose the paint colours for the remaining surfaces. Don't see paint just as a background, but as a full component of the colour plan.

A colour from the wallpaper can, for example, return on the other walls, the woodwork, doors or a bespoke cabinet. You don't have 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 plan, you prevent the room from consisting of separate surfaces. These surfaces in particular can visually connect paint and wallpaper.

Consider Light and Space

Light has a significant 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 the 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 expressively.

If you mainly want 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 bespoke elements.

The most beautiful combinations arise 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: Are you torn between paint or wallpaper? Then don't think in either-or, but in both-and. It's precisely the combination of both that creates an interior where 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 each time 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, bespoke 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, bespoke elements, upholstery or accessories. By repeating colours in different places, more calm and cohesion is created.

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 space you live in.

When choosing a Little Greene colour, we don't just look at the wall. The light conditions, the size of the room, 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 light from the south 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 the day. Morning light, afternoon sun and artificial light can make a colour look 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 immediately painting the colour 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 bespoke elements.

From this foundation, 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 alone. Wooden floors, natural stone, curtains, upholstery and metal accents all influence how a paint colour is experienced.

A warm oak floor often requires a different palette than a cool resin 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 bespoke elements. An accent colour can then add extra character on smaller surfaces.

Selected Tip: Are you torn between two colours? Then first order Sample pots and view the shades for several days. Also place the wallpaper, floor and fabrics next to them. It's precisely in that combination that you'll discover which colour truly comes into its own.

Which paint quality do you need?

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

When choosing a paint quality, consider:

• the substrate;
• the room where the paint will be applied;
• the desired sheen level;
• the level of wear;
• the desired washability;
• interior or exterior use.

Absolute Matt Emulsion
Ultra-matte wall paint for calm 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.

Feature: a very matte, powdery appearance with rich color depth.

Intelligent Matt Emulsion
Matte and washable wall paint for daily use

Intelligent Matt Emulsion combines an almost matte finish of about 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.

Feature: a matte appearance with extra durability and washability.

Intelligent Eggshell
Hardwearing 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 regular cleaning, such as doors, window frames, baseboards, radiators, kitchens and bathrooms.

Feature: a strong and easy-to-maintain finish for intensively used surfaces.

Intelligent Floor Paint
Durable paint for floors and stairs

Intelligent Floor Paint has a slight mid-sheen of about 30–40%. The paint is suitable for wooden and concrete interior floors, stairs and primed metal surfaces.

Feature: a hardwearing, washable floor finish that withstands daily use.

Intelligent Satin
Refined mid-sheen for woodwork and furniture

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

Feature: a durable mid-sheen that is practical in use and appears 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 interior and exterior, and is often applied to front doors, window frames, baseboards and other eye-catching details.

Feature: a reflective 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 used both interior and exterior.

Feature: 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 plasterwork, rendering and other untreated or highly porous walls and ceilings.

Feature: stabilizes the substrate, regulates porosity and helps prevent a patchy final finish.

Selected Tip: Not sure about the right primer? Always check the material and condition of the substrate. Proper preparation prevents adhesion problems and color variations in the topcoat.

Beyond paint: which Little Greene wallpaper suits your interior?

After choosing a paint color and quality, you can determine where wallpaper adds something to the interior. Not every room needs a bold pattern and not every design 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 room and the colors already present.

Botanical and floral designs

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.

These designs aren't only suitable for living rooms and bedrooms. A hallway, study, bathroom or dining room can also gain more character through a botanical pattern.

Historic patterns

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

By combining a historic design with calm paint colors and modern furniture, you create an interior that feels layered and personal, without necessarily becoming classic or dated.

Graphic and small-scale patterns

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

A regular pattern can also run beautifully across multiple walls, creating an enveloping effect.

Pay attention to scale and pattern repeat

The scale of a design 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 full size.

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

With a wallpaper sample you can assess the color, detailing and backing. To understand the full scale, it's also advisable to look at a room scene or larger pattern display.

Selected Tip: Don't choose a wallpaper design based solely on a close-up. Always check how many times 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 screen than in the actual space. 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 you 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 swatches don't fully show how a shade reacts to light and surroundings on a large wall.

Sample pots for a larger color area

With a sample pot you can assess the color on a larger surface. Apply the paint to a loose test board or a sturdy piece of cardboard and preferably use two coats.
Then move the surface 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 how the colors, lines and details actually look. You can also better assess the texture, backing 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 area, paint quality, substrate and number of coats. A smooth, previously painted wall generally absorbs less paint than new or highly porous plasterwork.

First measure the height and width of all surfaces to be painted. Optionally deduct large windows and doors from the total. 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 touch-ups;
• woodwork, baseboards and window frames that are calculated separately.
• The stated coverage is a guideline. The actual amount may vary due to the substrate and method of application.

How much wallpaper do you need?

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

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 will determine 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;
• when heights vary, always use the largest measurement;
• calculate multiple walls separately;
• check for sloped sections, alcoves or other irregularities.

In a standard calculation, you usually don't need to deduct windows and doors from the wall surface directly. The material around these openings is often needed to allow the pattern to continue properly. Moreover, a small extra margin prevents running short of material during installation.

Selected Tip: It's better to order a small safety margin than exactly the calculated minimum. This prevents running out of paint during the project and leaves you with something for minor repairs.

Use the wallpaper calculator

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

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

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

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

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

Ordering 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 dispatched the same working day if there's sufficient stock of the required base material.

Have paint mixed directly in Montfoort

Do you need an extra tin of paint at short notice? At our Studio in Montfoort we can mix Little Greene paint on site in the desired color, provided the right base paint and chosen package 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 collect the paint the same day. Then we can check whether the right base, paint quality and quantity are available and prepare the tin for you.

Delivery time for Little Greene wallpaper

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

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

Take samples and project planning into account

Before the final order, allow 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. With sufficient stock, we can mix the desired tin directly for you. For online orders: ordered before 3:00 PM, dispatched the same working day; delivery time varies per country and destination.

Where to 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, design, paint quality, gloss level, roll size and pattern repeat, among other things. If you need help making 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 designs. The right choice doesn't just depend on taste, but also on surface, usage, 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, collect photos of the space, measurements, information about light conditions and samples of existing materials. This allows for much more targeted thinking and advice.