What Type of Wallpaper is Best for Your Project?
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Gone are the days of bland floral prints and dull stripes. Wallpapers have evolved into a dazzling array of designs, materials, and textures, making it easier than ever to create a picture-perfect interior. Whether you're looking to add depth and dimension to a room with textured wallcoverings, make a bold statement with graphic patterns, or bring a touch of glamour to your bedroom with luxurious fabrics, there's a wallpaper for every taste and style.
In this beginner's guide, we're diving deep into the world of wallpapers for the home. From classic materials like vinyl and paper to the latest and greatest, like fabric and grass cloth, we're breaking down the options and showing you how to use them to their fullest potential. So, whether you're after a pop of color, a feature wall, or a touch of luxury, grab a glass of sweet tea (or your favorite cocktail) and join me on this exciting journey of wallpaper exploration.
There are three types of wallpaper to choose from when decorating your home: traditional, peel-and-stick, and pre-pasted.
Traditional Wallpaper
First up, we have the traditional wallpaper that professional installers just adore. It might be a bit messier to install, but it's worth it for its durability and longevity. Just keep in mind, it's a bit harder to remove, so choose wisely if you're a renter or plan on moving in the near future. But, with my design expertise, I can access high-quality designer wallpapers and professional installers, so you don't have to worry about a thing!
Here are a few of my favorites available online. If you’d like a designer’s touch, I can show you a selection of custom wallpapers and handle the project from selection to installation.
York Wallcoverings CL2520 Floral Dreams Wallpaper in Gray….
… is perfect for an accent wall in a bedroom!
Fine Decor 2900-41594 Grey Alder Tree Wallpaper…
… would look gorgeous in a foyer, entry way or mudroom
Wouldn't this wallpaper be beautiful in a nursery?
This wallpaper is dreamy!
You won’t have to count sheep to fall asleep with these beautiful clouds on your walls!
Don’t want the commitment of a bold pattern?
Try a solid, textured wallpaper to add dimension to your room.
Peel and Stick
Next up, we have the fun and easy peel-and-stick wallpaper perfect for renters and those who like to experiment with trendy looks. It's as simple as its name implies, just peel and stick! No mess, no fuss, and best of all, easily removable. Just be aware that it won't last as long as traditional wallpaper and requires careful installation, so it's not the best choice for long-term commitments.
Large scale prints make quite a statement! Make your home office or bedroom happy with this beautiful floral peony print on an accent wall!
This fabric-textile and removable wallpaper would be stunning in living rooms, powder rooms, home offices!
Looking for a barnboard look without the commitment?
Try this white wood wallpaper from Amazon!
This peel & stick wallpaper is perfect for a nursery….
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….. or even a powder room ( but avoid putting peel & stick wallpaper in a full bathroom… shower steam does this no favors!)
Don’t underestimate the value of a tool kit for installation. It will help you avoid bubbles and make installing a breeze!
E-Z Hang provides ‘slip’ allowing you to float your wallpaper into position without having to peel and re-stick, which simplifies the pattern matching. It also provides better adhesion for a long lasting, more durable bond.
Pre-pasted
Last but not least, we have the pre-pasted wallpaper, which is a happy medium between traditional and peel-and-stick. It's pre-pasted on the back, so all you have to do is soak it in water before hanging it. It's much easier to install than traditional wallpaper and easier to remove too! Just make sure you get the wetness just right so it sticks properly and doesn't become soggy. Traditional pre-pasted wall paper is actually less expensive than peel & stick. You will need to soak the paper with a spray bottle or use a wallpaper steamer. It is not suitable for full bathrooms (those with moisture/shower/tub). It is not as easy to hang as peel & stick, so you may want to hire a professional.
Here are a few of my favorite pre-pasted wallpapers…
This Wagner 915e Power Steamer is great for wallpaper removal and will clean countless household surfaces without chemicals.
Grasscloth
Traditional, natural grass cloth is created seagrass strands and thin cotton thread. These are then adhered to a backing, usually rice paper. They have a linear, basket weave pattern and texture, but can be installed either horizontally or vertically. Generally it should not be used in high traffic or areas with moisture (bathrooms). It is perfect however for an office, an accent wall or even the back of a decorative shelving. It is very delicate and should really be installed by a professional.
York Wallcoverings NZ0781 Sea Grass Grasscloth Wallpaper, Cream, Beige, Khaki, Tan, Brown
‘This realistic faux grasscloth has the texture and soft blend of shades one often sees in the authentic article. Made from vinyl, however, this wallcovering is washable and durable so it can grace high traffic areas where organic grasscloth might be impractical.’ ~York Wallcoverings
Choosing the right type of wallpaper for your home's interior can make all the difference in the final look and feel of a space. From traditional wallpaper to peel-and-stick to pre-pasted, there's a type of wallpaper that will suit every style and budget. I hope this beginner's guide has given you a better understanding of the options available to you and has inspired you to think about how you can use wallpaper in your own home.
If you're still feeling overwhelmed or have any questions, I'm here to help! As a professional interior designer, I have a wealth of experience in choosing the right type of wallpaper for each project. And, if you're looking for a quick and easy way to get started, I have a few wallpaper suggestions you can buy right now that I know you'll love. So, don't hesitate to reach out and ask me for advice. I’d be happy to help you transform your space with the perfect wallpaper.