Here you will find our most frequently asked questions sorted by category.
If there’s anything we haven’t answered please feel free to contact us.
TOP QUESTIONS
How do I order samples?
We provide up to a maximum of 3 free samples, and these are for colour reference only as the size will not show off the full scale of the design itself. We offer free shipping of these sample orders within SA and please allow 2-5 business days for samples to arrive. To order, simply choose the sample option on each product page.
How is wallpaper sold?
Wallpaper is commonly sold by 10m roll in SA and the widths can either be 52cm, 70cm or 100cm wide. The average standard SA wall height will allow you to get 3 drops (wallpaper widths) out of a roll. You will need to take the pattern repeat into consideration when calculating how many rolls you will need. It is often wise to purchase an additional roll if the budget allows, as this will come in handy if any mistakes are made in installing or in case of any future damage.
How many rolls will I need?
To make this process easier for you, we have provided a wallpaper calculator on every product page. Simply enter your dimensions (width & height) and our calculator will provide you with the quantity of rolls you will need to order for your project, taking the pattern repeat into consideration. If it’s still confusing, please don’t hesitate to email us at support@dreamweaverstudios.co.za with the wall dimensions (width & height) of each wall you’d like to cover with wallpaper and we will get back to you with the quantity of rolls required.
How do I search for a particular design or style?
There are a number of ways: If you know the style or name of what you want, you can enter this into the ‘Search’ field in our menu at top right and we will find you everything related to your search. Or you can use our drop-down filters and search by Type, Colour, Theme/Style, Brand or Collection. Once you have found your desired item, click “add to cart” to start the order process.
Do I need an account to place an order?
No you don't but having an account enables you to save your personal information and review previous orders. Please note that we do not retain any payment information within your account. You can create an account by clicking on the menu icon or by opting in when placing an order.
What are the wallpaper lead times from ordering/payment?
All our Wallpapers, Murals and Circles are especially imported for you at the time of order and our average lead time is 10-15 working days from payment. We do not hold stock of the wallpaper in SA and stock levels are always changing with each brand supplier in Europe. If unsure, please contact us on 011 262 4946 or email us on support@dreamweaverstudios.co.za in advance of placing your order online, to avoid disappointment.
How can I change or cancel my order?
Cancellation is only possible before the order has been shipped from our supplier abroad as all orders are “special order items”. Please contact us immediately to understand whether cancellation is possible so we can assess your request and get back to you. After your order has been shipped from our supplier, we can unfortunately not amend or cancel it and your order will become binding.
What are your shipping and return policies?
Please refer to our Shipping Policy and our Returns Policy in the links.
How do I open a trade account with Dreamweaver Studios?
To apply for a Trade Account, please contact us on support@dreamweaverstudios.co.za and we will advise you what the requirements are and will forward you a Trade Application. Once received and reviewed, we will revert with our decision as to the granting of a Trade Account.
WALLPAPER QUESTIONS
Is wallpaper still on trend?
Wallpaper has been around for centuries but it's certainly seeing a resurgence at the moment. Some may remember wallpaper of the past as old-fashioned and permanent but it's neither of the two. It is the best way to personalize a room and the easiest way to refresh a room in an afternoon without having to renovate. It's also certainly not permanent, with the newer non-woven qualities being super easy to strip.
Are feature walls still on trend?
Yes, a feature wall is a great way to enjoy the beauty of wallpaper without blowing the budget. Select a prominent wall in the room to be your feature wall and then paint the rest of the room the same color as the background of the wallpaper. This will make the space more cohesive and create a better finished look .
What are the advantages of using wallpaper?
Wallpaper offers many advantages - it is long lasting (longer than paint), it can add great atmosphere and style to a space with its unique texture and colour, it's easy to wipe clean (especially if it's a vinyl), its quick to install and it can even hide small imperfections on your wall.
How can you tell a good quality wallpaper apart from another?
We prides itself in representing, exclusively in SA, some of the top wallpaper brands in Europe. If you are looking for everyday, budget wallpaper, this is not part of our offering. Our wallpaper is all of the highest standard and we focus on supplying innovative, quality product for the discerning shopper. The company stands by all their products and will not hesitate to sort out any genuine quality problems that may occur. You will notice that the product is diverse in design and character, with wallpapers manufactured using the latest technology, resulting in exciting finishes like flock (velvet finish), beads, foils, metallics, glitter prints, surface prints, digital prints, suede effects, embossing, natural fibres and fabric wallcoverings, all creating highly tactile and dimensional products.
How do I decide whether to wallpaper or paint my room?
The great news is that you don't have to choose - paint and wallpaper work well together. Painting a room and adding a statement wall is a great way to add personality and interest to your home.
Is the wallpaper shown online an exact match of the physical product itself?
We always try to ensure that our images are of a high quality, however every computer monitor has different settings for brightness, contrast etc. and as a result, may appear different to the actual product. Ordering a sample of wallpaper is always recommended and will be supplied at no charge up to a maximum of 3 samples.
What size are the samples and how do I order them?
We provide up to a maximum of 3 free samples, and these are for colour reference only as the size will not show off the full scale of the design itself. We offer free shipping of these sample orders within SA and please allow 2-5 business days for samples to arrive. To order, simply choose the sample option on each product page.
What is a batch or lot number?
It's a digital registration system using numbers and/or letters and it allows one to ascertain whether a product originates from a particular batch relating to a particular print run. It is very important to order the correct number of rolls at the outset, as colours might vary between different batches. If in doubt, it’s best to order an extra roll which may come in handy if the wallpaper is ever damaged. If you do end up needing to order more wallpaper from a certain batch number, please contact us on support@dreamweaverstudios.co.za prior to ordering, so we can ensure the same batch is still available.
What does 'pattern repeat' mean?
A pattern repeat is the vertical distance between one point in the pattern and where that identical point appears again. Pattern repeats can vary in size and are important to keep in mind when deciding how much wallpaper to order.
What does 'pattern match' mean?
The pattern repeat and pattern match are 2 different things. The pattern match is where the matching part of the design appears, across the width of the roll. If the matching half of the design falls on the same horizontal plane as the other edge of the roll, then it is a straight match. If the matching part of the design falls somewhere between two match points, in relation to the other edge of the roll, then it is a drop match or offset match. The other type of match is a random match or free match which is when there is no pattern or when matching doesn’t matter, e.g. all stripes and a lot of plains are a good example of this.
How many rolls will I need?
To make this process easier for you, we have provided a wallpaper calculator on every product page. Simply enter your dimensions (width & height) and our calculator will provide you with the quantity of rolls you will need to order for your project, taking the pattern repeat into consideration. If it’s still confusing, please don’t hesitate to email us at support@dreamweaverstudios.co.za with the wall dimensions (width & height) of each wall you’d like to cover with wallpaper and we will get back to you with the quantity of rolls required.
How is wallpaper sold?
Wallpaper is commonly sold by 10m roll in SA and the widths can either be 52cm, 70cm or 100cm wide. The average standard SA wall height will allow you to get 3 drops (wallpaper widths) out of a roll. You will need to take the pattern repeat into consideration when calculating how many rolls you will need. It is often wise to purchase an additional roll if the budget allows, as this will come in handy if any mistakes are made in installing or in case of any future damage.
Should I order extra wallpaper as one does when purchasing tiles?
It's a brilliant idea to order 1 roll extra especially if you are ordering a fair quantity, as it's handy to have that extra roll in case of any mistakes or changes to the room at a later date, water damage, damage due to accidents or trades doing any work in the room. This is what's known in the industry as ‘attic stock’ and saves one having to redo an entire wall or room at a later date, as it would be very difficult to get the same batch for colour matching, at a later date.
What do you mean by Non-woven, Smartpaper or ‘Paste-the-wall’ wallpapers?
They are all different names for the same printing substrate called Non-woven and are made from paper pulp with added textile fibres to make the product tougher, more dimensionally stable and easier to hang. These wallpapers are easier to hang as you apply the paste directly to the wall instead of the wallpaper. There is no table required, no soaking or sizing and no overlapping of the drops required, and most importantly less glue all over the place. They are also easier to strip off the wall when you need a change.
Can I install wallpaper myself?
Yes, DIY is possible if you follow the instructions carefully! The non-woven wallpapers are much easier to install than traditional paper wallpapers so click on the link Installation & Care to find out how. If you would rather call in the professionals, we can assist with the details of wallpaper installers in your area.
How long will it take to install?
A professional installer will be able to install wallpaper in a single room in an afternoon, whilst more complex jobs may take a little longer.
What wallpaper paste/glue should I use?
Always follow the instructions received inside your wallpaper rolls. The supplier will advise which basic paste type is preferable for each wallpaper type. If you are not installing yourself, your wallpaper installer will make the call.
How long will it take for my wallpaper to dry?
This is very dependent on atmospheric conditions, the type of wallpaper used, the type of wall surface and the type of wallpaper paste or glue used. It could take anywhere from 2 to 7 days.
Must I remove old wallpaper before installing new wallpaper?
Yes, it's highly advisable to remove old wallpaper before embarking on new wallpaper on a wall. The surface must be made good and must be smooth, clean, dry, primed and of a uniform colour.
Is wallpaper difficult to remove?
No, a large proportion of wallpapers today are non-woven qualities, which if correctly installed, are easy to remove and can simply be stripped off the wall. The wall would then have to be cleaned before new wallpaper could be installed.
What do the industry-specific symbols mean on the wallpaper?
They pertain to the washability, light fastness, method of installation and strippability of the wallpaper.
Can I install wallpaper in my bathroom?
That all depends on whether it is a ‘wet’ bathroom or not. In a ‘wet’ bathroom, one needs to take the steam and atmospherics into consideration, so a vinyl wallcovering is essential. Alternatively a guest bathroom may hardly get used or perhaps you would like to wallpaper a guest toilet and then anything is possible. Read our blog post about choosing wallpaper for your bathroom in this link.
Can I wallpaper rough textured walls?
Unfortunately not! You can only apply wallpaper onto smooth walls, so rough walls would need to be sanded and repaired where necessary and rough plaster would need to be skimmed first.
Can I clean wallpaper?
Different wallpaper types have different cleaning instructions so always keep the care instructions that come will each roll. Most can be wiped with a clean damp cloth, whilst vinyls are fully washable. On the other end of the spectrum, some speciality wallpapers like flocks, beaded or natural fibre wallcoverings, to name a few, are more sensitive and can only be carefully dusted .
What does 'Paste-the-wall' mean?
When using Paste-the-wall wallpaper, the paste is applied directly to the wall before hanging each drop. This wallpaper is made with a special backing that does not expand when wet, therefore it does not need to soak as in other application methods. Using Paste-the-all wallpaper could cut your hanging time in half since no soaking is required, you don't need to work on a table and it's also less messy.
How do you prepare your wall for wallpaper installation?
If your wall has wallpaper on it, this will need to be stripped off first and if not the wall surface must be smooth, clean, primed, dry and of uniform colour. Click on this link to read more about wall preparation.
SHOPPING QUESTIONS
Finding the right wallpaper for your room!
We offer an enormous selection of wallpapers but don't be dismayed if the choice seems overwhelming. We are here to help you so please call us on 011 262 4946, click on the link to email us or choose one of our Consultation Packages. Our dedicated team will help find the perfect style for you.
What are the wallpaper lead times from ordering/payment?
All our Wallpapers, Murals and Circles are especially imported for you at the time of order and our average lead time is 10-15 working days from payment. We does not hold stock of the wallpaper in SA and stock levels are always changing with each brand supplier in Europe. If unsure, please contact us on 011 262 4946 or email us on support@dreamweaverstudios.co.za in advance of placing your order online, to avoid disappointment.
How do I search for a particular design or style?
There are a number of ways: If you know the style or name of what you want, you can enter this into the ‘Search’ field in our menu at top right and we will find you everything related to your search. Or you can use our drop-down filters and search by Type, Colour, Theme/Style, Brand or Collection. Once you have found your desired item, click “add to cart” to start the order process.
How do I make purchases on the DW website?
Once you’ve made your selection, checking out is easy. You may view the items you have added to your cart by clicking on the 'Shopping Cart' icon at the top right of any page. Now you can adjust quantities in your cart and check that everything is correct as per your requirements. Once you are ready to checkout, click on the ‘Check Out' button in your shopping cart. If you have already registered with us before, simply log in using your email address and the password that you created for the account. If not registered before, you will be required to fill in shipping details, billing information and choose a payment method. Once the payment has been made, you will receive an 'Order Confirmation' email advising that stock is being checked with our overseas suppliers and you will be notified of the availability and delivery timing within 1 working day.
Do I need an account to place an order?
No you don't but having an account enables you to save your personal information and review previous orders. Please note that we do not retain any payment information within your account. You can create an account by clicking on the menu icon or by opting in when placing an order.
Can I order by phone, email or in your showroom?
In order to capture all your info and kick-start the communication and purchase process, we only accept orders online. To place an order, please use the shopping cart on our website and if you have any queries, we will be happy to help you out so contact us on support@dreamweaverstudios.co.za.
If I live outside RSA, can I still make a purchase?
At present we are shipping to addresses in South Africa only, but we are working on expanding our delivery service in the near future.
ORDERING QUESTIONS
What forms of payment do we accept?
We accept credit and cheque cards including Visa and MasterCard via the PayFast platform, as well as EFT's, direct bank deposits, Masterpass, Snapscan and Mobicred. We do not accept cash up front, cheques or cash-on-delivery (COD).
Is your payment gateway secure?
Yes, we support authentication throughout our Checkout procedure. Our SSL Certificate uses High-grade Encryption, meaning all Checkout pages are fully encrypted before being transmitted over the internet.
What are the payment terms?
We require full payment of the total value of the order (including VAT) before we can process your order.
Where can I send Proof of Payments?
Customers can send their proof of payments to support@dreamweaverstudios.co.za. Please include your order number and name as reference when paying via EFT.
Has my order been received?
You will receive an email within minutes confirming that the order has been received. When making a purchase you are also invited to open an account with us so that you may check the status of your order at any time simply by logging in to your account.
What if the wallpaper I ordered is not in stock with the supplier?
This may happen from time to time and we will always confirm this within 1 working day. Suppliers may be out of stock at the time of ordering and we would then advise what the timing would be and if not acceptable to you, will suggest alternatives. If you are unhappy with the date or alternatives offered, we will process a refund which may take up to 7 working days to process.
What if I am ordering and there is an error in the checkout?
If you have any Technical Issues whilst using the site, please contact us on 011 262 4946 and we will assist you.
What if my credit card shows multiple charges?
We are restricted from charging your credit card more than once. However, if you see multiple charges on your credit card then you either have a duplication due to a second submission due to an address verification problem or changes to your shipping charges, where applicable. When you place your order we receive an authorization for the amount of your order. Please contact us on support@dreamweaverstudios.co.za if you have a problem.
Thinking of removing items from your cart?
You may instead want to consider saving the items to your 'wishlist' for a future purchase. Items that you move to your 'wishlist' can later be moved back to your shopping cart, or you can send copies of your 'wishlist' to others in hopes of making your wishes come true. Please note, items added to your 'wishlist' do not ensure later availability. You must also login to use the 'wishlist' feature. Follow the prompt when you look at your 'wishlist' after clicking on the top right 'heart' icon on the menu.
How can I change or cancel my order?
Cancellation is only possible before the order has been shipped from our supplier abroad as all orders are “special order items”. Please contact us immediately to understand whether cancellation is possible so we can assess your request and get back to you. After your order has been shipped from our supplier, we can unfortunately not amend or cancel it and your order will become binding.
What currency are your prices displayed in?
All prices are ZAR South African Rand and include Vat at 15%.
How do I use a promotional / discount code?
You have to enter the code at the time of checkout. After you have finished shopping, click on your shopping cart and underneath the items, input the ‘Discount / Coupon Code’ into the relevant field and click ‘Apply’. The discount will then be applied to your order and the process can be finished as usual. Please note that Promotional / Discount codes can only be used once and cannot be combined with any other discount or promotion.
Where’s my confirmation email?
We send an 'Order Confirmation' email to every customer when they purchase through our website, usually within an hour of the transaction. If it's not in your main inbox, please check your junk mail and if you still can't locate it, please contact us on support@dreamweaverstudios.co.za with your order reference number as we may have an incorrect email address for you.
SHIPPING QUESTIONS
Do you allow shipping to an address other than my own?
Yes. When making your purchase online, you will be given the opportunity to enter both an invoice address and a shipping address. We do not ship orders to PO Boxes or parcel lockers.
Can I change my delivery address?
Please be sure to advise us soonest to ensure we can make the change before we despatch your order. Contact us at support@dreamweaverstudios.co.za or by telephone on 011 262 4946. Once a package has been shipped, there will be a redirect charge should the address need to be changed whilst the order is in transit.
When will my order be shipped?
Your order will be shipped as soon as it arrives with us in Johannesburg, from Europe. A delivery notification will be emailed to you confirming despatch and advising of the Fastway waybill or tracking number.
Do you deliver anywhere in South Africa?
Yes we do, with Fastway, our designated courier service.
What happens if an item is missing from my order?
Sometimes orders may be sent in multiple boxes as they may not fit in one box. Please contact us at support@dreamweaverstudios.co.za and we will investigate and track the missing box or individual items.
What happens if I miss the delivery attempt?
If you or somebody else is not present at the time of delivery, you will need to contact the courier service to arrange a redelivery. If you miss the 2nd delivery attempt your item will be returned to the courier depot and you will need to arrange a 3rd delivery attempt, at your own cost.
Will my order incur customs charges?
We take care of all the charges relating to importation so you will not be liable for any additional charges.
What should I do if my order hasn't been delivered yet?
Once you've received an order dispatched email from us, you can expect your parcel to be delivered within 2-5 working days, depending on your location. Please note that couriers will not deliver on weekends. If we've exceeded this time, please get in touch with us at support@dreamweaverstudios.co.za with your order number, and we'll be more than happy to look into this for you.
RETURNS QUESTIONS
What are your shipping and return policies?
Please refer to our Shipping Policy and our Returns Policy in the links.
Can I return my non-faulty order?
Unfortunately due to the fact the wallpaper is 100% imported against your order, and is considered a 'special order item', we do not accept any returns. We always recommend that you order a sample first to avoid any confusion regarding colour, scale of pattern, finish etc. Please select and order your wallpaper only after careful consideration.
Can I return my faulty wallpaper?
Yes, in the event of a fault on the wallpaper, please take clear photos and email us within 14 days with the details of the flaw. This must be done before installing. We will also require a sample of the product and flaw, as well as the label/s which were in each roll. We will then arrange to have the flawed rolls uplifted and shipped back to us whereafter we will make arrangements to re-order a replacement. Please click on this link to read our Returns Policy relating to faulty wallpaper.
What happens if my items arrive damaged?
We check every order before despatching to you, however, in the unlikely event of your item getting damaged in transit, please email us with photos and info regarding the damage within 48 hours. We will then arrange to have the damaged rolls uplifted and shipped back to us whereafter we will make arrangements to re-order a replacement.
What happens if I receive the incorrect order?
If you receive an incorrect item or entire order, please contact us at support@dreamweaverstudios.co.za within 7 days of receipt, and we will arrange for the correct item to be imported and sent to you. We will also arrange for a courier collection to uplift and return the incorrect item to us.
How will I be refunded?
All refunds will be processed by the same method of payment used when placing your order. Please be aware that processing time can vary between different financial institutions and usually takes between 2 – 14 business days for the refund to reach your account.
TRADE QUESTIONS
How do I open a trade account with DW?
To apply for a Trade Account, please contact us on support@dreamweaverstudios.co.za and we will advise you what the requirements are and will forward you a Trade Application. Once received and reviewed, we will revert with our decision as to the granting of a Trade Account..
I’m a trade professional, can I get a discount?
Yes you can! We like to look after industry members so if you are a decorator, interior designer, architect or another trade professional that works within the industry, then you may be eligible for a Trade Account.
COMPANY QUESTIONS
Where are you based?
1st Floor, 9 Kramer Rd, Kramerville, Johannesburg, South Africa
How old is the company?
Dreamweaver Studios was started in 2013, by the owner who had been in the fabric and wallpaper distribution business for more than 2 decades. Years of knowledge and experience ensure a smooth running ship with service, innovation and great design at the heart of the business. Click on the link to read more about the company.
How do I keep up to date with happenings and new product?
The best way to stay up to date with Dreamweaver Studios is to add yourself to our mailing list. Regular emails are sent out updating customers on new ideas, product releases and stylish ways others have used our products. Alternatively, check out our Latest Releases section on our menu.
What is your Privacy Policy?
We understand that your privacy is important so all information about you is kept confidential and will not be used in ways that you have not consented to. Click here to read our full Privacy Policy.
Still have questions?
Contact us on telephone 011 262 4946
Email – support@dreamweaverstudios.co.za