How We Tested

Upton Noble provided wallpaper samples for evaluation, including cuts from full rolls and wallpaper mounted on large panels, with distribution coordinated by Best of the Year. Our home and design experts examined the samples firsthand, considering the design and versatility, print and material quality, finish, packaging and how the wallpaper compared with other options in the category.

Because “Ducks In A Row” is hung directly on the wall rather than peel-and-stick, it was not installed in a tester’s home. Expert judges instead evaluated the supplied samples and reviewed the brand’s materials, environmental claims and certification information. Best of the Year analysts and editors also reviewed the entry and submitted documentation before reaching a final decision.

What Experts and Consumer Testers Said

The wallpaper is high quality, but what won our testers over was the design's ability to present personality without noise. Our home and design expert was smitten by the playful yet elevated repeating duck print. She was clear-eyed about the practical side, too. Unlike a peel-and-stick wallpaper that can be forgiving to amateur applicators, this one asks for a clean, even, properly prepped surface. As such, the studio recommends a professional decorator for pattern-matching and the repeat — and our judges and testers agree!

The materials story is a real part of the appeal. The brand says the wallpaper is printed with water-based inks that are GREENGUARD Gold-certified, PVC-free, and FSC-certified, on paper that is roughly 95% recyclable. The brand provided unusual transparency for a category that rarely discusses what is actually in the product. Our sustainability reviewer agreed, noting that “claims regarding commitment to quality and sustainability seem sound and proffer recognisable certifications.”

"Claims regarding commitment to quality and sustainability seem sound and proffer recognisable certifications." -Best of the Year Judge & Sustainability Category Expert

The packaging also reflected the care that went into the wallpaper itself. Our packaging expert appreciated that it arrived without plastic and called out a simple detail that made an impression: “I do like that they don't use any plastic and add a simple ribbon to tie the roll of paper so it doesn't unroll, very luxe and on-brand element.” He did note that the shipping box itself is off-the-shelf rather than custom and suggested that something as simple as branded tissue could make the presentation feel even more special.

“I do like that they don't use any plastic and add a simple ribbon to tie the roll of paper so it doesn't unroll, very luxe and on-brand element.” -Best of the Year Judge & Packaging Category Expert

Upton Noble is a small, independent, female-founded studio started by Sophie and Viktoria, and “Ducks In A Row” was its very first wallpaper. The studio draws inspiration from the British countryside and historic interiors, with patterns designed to have personality without feeling overly trendy or themed.

Every design starts as a hand drawing and is printed on high-quality paper in England. The collection now includes patterns such as “Of The Valley,” “Parsley,” and “Arthur & Ruth,” many available in several colorways. While “Ducks In A Row” was the design our judges evaluated firsthand, it gave us a good look at the materials, print quality and design approach behind the studio's work.

Best of the Year Bottom Line

If you want to bring some personality to a room without going all-in on a statement wall, “Ducks In A Row” hits a sweet spot. The hand-drawn ducks are charming without feeling cutesy, and the small-scale print could feel just as at home in a kitchen or powder room as in a child's bedroom. We also like the story behind it: an independent, female-founded British studio, thoughtful material choices, and a collection that gives you plenty to explore if ducks aren't your thing. At $238 a roll, it's an investment, and hanging it takes a bit more time than peel-and-stick. But for wallpaper with character, quality and a point of view, “Ducks In A Row” gives you plenty to work with.

Why Trust Us?

The Best of the Year Media team comprises award-winning editors, analysts, subject-matter experts and consumer specialists who have built their careers helping people make smarter, more confident decisions. With deep expertise across consumer lifestyle categories, our team brings decades of experience evaluating products, brands and services. Our recommendations are grounded in rigorous evaluation combined with expert judgment and consumer insights, giving readers trusted guidance on products, services, and experiences worth bringing into their lives.

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