Types of wallpaper: Materials, designs, pros and cons

Wallpaper is a type of decoration used inside a home’s walls. Wallpaper for walls is usually made from paper that has been printed with patterns and images. 

These patterns and images can be either painted on the wall or printed onto paper that is adhered to the wall’s surface. The most common types of wallpapers for walls are modern and traditional. But many different designs are available to suit your taste or style.

Wallpaper is the best way to update your home décor, and there are many different types of wallpaper for walls that offer a wide selection of patterns and themes. Purchasing wallpaper rolls and supplies and having them installed are generally more expensive. An amateur can apply paint since it usually costs less and requires fewer supplies. Wallpapers for walls price is affordable and can be installed yourself, reducing installation costs.

Types of wallpaper

What is canvas wallpaper? 

Canvas wallpapers are generally more expensive than paper or vinyl ones and must be professionally installed.

Textured wallpaper

Textured wallpapers have a raised or an embossed surface that add focal point to the space they are used in. These are available in many patterns and materials including vinyl, fabric, grasscloth, embossed paper etc. Faux brick, stone, wood, floral patterns, geometric designs and abstract motifs etc. are the common patterns available in textured wallpapers. Textured wallpapers can transform a plain wall into a focal point, adding depth and character to rooms.

Vinyl wallpaper

Vinyl wallpapers are wallpapers made of paper or fabric that are coated with Vinyl layer on the front. Because of this, Vinyl wallpapers are durable, easy to maintain. There are also many designs available in them making them a popular choice.

Paper wallpapers are easy to apply but may not last as long as vinyl or canvas ones. Vinyl wallpapers are typically more durable than paper or canvas ones but may require special care during installation.

Grasscloth Wallpaper

This is a natural wall covering that is made by weaving grass strands and other natural materials together with the backing of paper or fabric.

Embossed Wallpaper

Embossed wallpaper is a type that has raised textures or patterns that gives a three-dimensional effect to the walls. These are created by printing the different designs on the wallpaper during manufacturing in a 3D manner.

Metallic Wallpaper

Metallic wallpaper uses shine as the core element of its design. Foil, mettalic pigments, and different texture techniques are used to make a reflective wallpaper surface which gives an amazing look when light falls on it. These look lovely in both commercial and residential spaces.

Printed wallpaper

There are many colours and patterns to choose from, and digitally-printed wallpaper is usually cheaper than hand-printed wallpaper. However, it is more prone to being torn. In addition, the printing ink is water-based, be mindful while using it in the kitchen or the bathroom.

Flocked wallpaper

This wallpaper type uses the velvet look that is raised and gives grandness to the space it is used in. Flocked wallpaper is created using fibers or synthetic materials on paper.  By using these fibres, a 3D, soft look is gathered that transforms the look of the space.

Damask wallpaper

Damask wallpaper is basically a pattern that builds symmetrical large patterns that exude richness.

Geometric wallpaper

These are made using the various geometric shapes that may be used to give the space a bigger or a smaller look.

Striped Wallpaper

Striped wallpaper is classic and sophisticated and gives the space a clean neat look.

Floral wallpaper

Floral wallpapers are classic wallpapers that give the space a very old charm look. Note that the furnishings used in the space should sync with the floral wallpapers or else it will look overpowering.

Foil wallpaper

Due to its high reflectivity, foil wallpaper highlights wall defects because it is backed by a polished metal foil. In order to prevent this from happening, you must repair, treat, or cover the base wall with lining paper. 

Bamboo wallpaper

Natural bamboo is handcrafted and glued to paper. The rolls’ colours vary due to their natural base, making them environmentally friendly. The adhesive can damage its appearance during glueing and installation, and it is not washable.

 

Patterns

• Flat pattern: This type of pattern has no depth or dimension and can be used on any wall. It can be used as a background or on top of another pattern.
• Dimensional pattern: A dimensional pattern has a specific shape or design that fits within the dimensions of the actual room it’s being applied to. This type of pattern requires careful measurement before installation.
• Traditional: This style is characterised by flat background colour and patterned borders, usually white or black. It’s usually used on walls with high ceilings, but it can also look great as an accent wall in an entryway or hallway.
• Modern: Modern wallpaper has geometric patterns, often in shades of grey, white, or black. It’s hung over simpler patterns that give the wall a more sophisticated look. The modern pattern can be used on almost any type of wall.  It is especially popular in bathrooms and kitchens.
• Contemporary: This type of wallpaper is characterised by a bold colour palette and lots of texture and patterning. These types of patterns work well in homes with more open floor plans and smaller rooms where they would not overwhelm the space.

 

Pros and cons of wallpaper 

Pros

• It is easy to install because you do not have to use tools like nails or screws. You can use your fingers or a roller to press it down evenly across the entire area where you want it to go.
• You can make any design you want by using different colours and textures of paper together at once. This gives you endless possibilities when designing your wallpapers.
• A room’s paint needs to be retouched or repainted every two to five years. Wallpapers, on the other hand, can last up to 15 years.
• Paint cannot provide the same level of creativity as all paper unless you pay someone to paint designs on your walls (an expensive option).
• Using thick, high-quality wallpaper can make your walls look spectacular, even if they are in terrible shape.
• Cleaning textured wallpaper can be accomplished with vacuums, brooms, cleaning cloths, or even wallpaper dough.

Cons 

• You have to buy more supplies than other types of wallpaper because there’s no glue involved in their creation. This means they won’t last as long as other types of paints.
• You might have a problem replacing the wallpaper if a wall becomes damaged since dye lots come into play.
• If your room is humid, make sure to choose the right wallpaper. There are now wallpapers designed to resist moisture.
• An interior designer can assist you in selecting the right wallpaper pattern. The wrong wallpaper pattern can dominate or clash with the room.

 

Wallpaper ideas for home walls: Dos and don’ts

Dos

• The new wallpaper need not be a whole room project. Pick one wall to be the focal wall. Less is definitely more when it comes to décor features like this.
• Make your papering even more dramatic by papering architectural features like panel walls, columns, bulkheads, and alcoves.
• You will certainly notice if the colours are slightly off if you buy all your paper in one batch at the same time.Make sure you buy the highest quality you can afford. In contrast to paint, wallpaper is difficult to remove and replace. 

Don’ts

• When exposed to direct sunlight, wallpaper in rooms tends to fade. As a result, they should not be used on walls facing the sun directly. 
• It is not advisable to use wallpaper on walls prone to moisture (such as those in the kitchen, bathroom, or outside the house).
• It is difficult to decorate kitchens and bathrooms, and humidity ruins wallpaper. 
• It is not a waste of time to disregard plain white, heavily textured paper. Even though the paper isn’t printed, you can get an incredible effect by using it.
• The highest quality wallpaper you can afford is critical because, unlike paint, wallpaper cannot be changed. The process of taking it down is more difficult than the process of putting it up. If you do not love the paper, you won’t be able to salvage it.

 

FAQs

What is the best wallpaper?

Vinyl wallpaper is the most resilient, able to withstand damage, and lasts for many years, unlike paper and nonwoven wallpaper.

How do I choose the best wallpaper colour?

Wallpaper in soft hues like off-white, blues, and greens looks elegant and gives the impression of a spacious, more welcoming space.

Is wallpaper cheaper than paint?

The cost of wallpaper is higher than that of paint. The price of wallpaper is higher, but it only needs to be purchased once. The long-term cost-effectiveness of these products comes from the fact that they last longer than other products.

Can wallpaper be washed?

In today's world, most wallpapers can be washed and scrubbed. They are quite durable.

 

Got any questions or point of view on our article? We would love to hear from you. Write to our Editor-in-Chief Jhumur Ghosh at jhumur.ghosh1@housing.com