One of the most debated issues is whether black is actually a colour or not. In fact, the real meaning of the word means ‘the absence of colours’ and many consider that black is a ‘non-colour’. It is often associated with misery but black is also seen as an expression of power, strength and beauty. Black wallpaper, or one with a mainly black pattern, can be used to bring out a bold and bright design - almost all colours appear more luminous when set against black. It can also be used by itself – there are some very funky and chic rolls of black wallpaper available. Because it is most often used as a background, black wallpaper can be used in any room in the house.

Black is considered by many to be a ‘non-colour’ and, in fact, the real meaning of the word is ‘absence of colour’. There’s also some debate as to whether white, too, is a colour. Either way, they both go well with almost any colour. In most cases, white is seen as a neutral background colour. It can also be used to make reds, blues and greens look brighter and more prominent. Because of its versatility, black and white wallpaper can be used in any room of the home.

Almost everyone likes some shade of blue and it is considered the least ‘gender-specific’ colour because of its appeal to both men and women. Aqua is precisely half-way between green and blue on the colour chart. Both blues and aqua wallpapers are considered to be calming because they are reminiscent of the skies and seas – they are refreshing and cool. They look great in kitchens and bathrooms and also in many bedrooms.

Green is a tranquil and refreshing colour which, because of its association with nature, makes a room seem calm and restful. It is also the most common colour found in nature, meaning that the human eye is used to seeing it so many people sub-consciously select green wallpaper. Because green is associated with restfulness, green wallpaper is a popular choice in many bedrooms but it also looks good in bathrooms and kitchens.

A combination of black and white, grey is the most neutral of all the shades. It’s seen as very conservative and makes an excellent wallpaper background. It is a cool colour which is elegant and conveys balance although darker versions, such as charcoal, are often used in strong and dramatic designs. Grey wallpapers are best used in lounges, dining rooms and large entrance halls/staircases.

This multi coloured section contains wallpapers with a design which has two or more colours. These wallpapers are often vibrant and fun and therefore are perfectly suited to children's bedrooms and play areas.

Both are shades of orange and are seen as being warm and inviting. Orange is said to stimulate the appetite and so many restaurants use pastel versions of the colour, such as peach or terracotta, for their décor, because they are more subte, yet still increase the appetite and promote social interaction. Peach and Terracotta wallpapers are therefore perfect for dining rooms and kitchens … unless you’re on a diet!

Pink is the toning down of red with a little white, and it’s a soft and soothing colour which is often associated with girls - pink wallpapers are therefore very popular when decorating children’s bedrooms. Purple is a mixture of calming blue and stimulating red so it can appear to be both uplifting yet soothing at the same time. Perhaps it is for that reason that ‘regal’ purple is the colour of royalty, ceremony, wealth, pride, opulence and enlightenment.

Red is the colour of love, passion, energy, fire, blood, adventure and danger. Red wallpapers are bold and attention-grabbing and convey fun and excitement. Studies have shown that red can have a physical effect on people – just looking at the colour can increase their breathing rate and raise their blood-pressure. Red wallpapers can be used in any room in the house but, being the colour of passion and love, are often found in bedrooms!

Yellow is a warm pastel colour which is seen as energetic, happy and friendly. It’s the colour of sunlight so it’s linked to joy and optimism, hope and cheerfulness. Yellow is the easiest colour for the human eye to see – people who are blind to other colours can usual see yellow – and it’s even believed to improve concentration which is why legal pads, note books and highlighter pens are all yellow. It encourages communication and stimulates the appetite so yellow wallpaper is just perfect for kitchens and dining rooms.