When it comes to wallpaper, there are a lot of different types and materials to choose from. It can be overwhelming to try and decide which is the best type for your home.
This blog post will discuss the different types of wallpaper and what material is right for you.
Different types of wallpaper
Wallpaper is made from a variety of materials like paper, fabric, PVC, and even grass fibers.
Paper wallpaper
Paper wallpaper is made from finely ground wood pulp which is then pressed into sheets. It is usually less expensive than other types of wallpaper, and it can be printed with a wide variety of designs and patterns.
Paper wallpaper isn’t as popular as it used to be. They can be cheap but you need some experience and training to get a good result.
The backing of the wallpaper is pasted and then it has to swell for a few minutes before you hang it, usually with a small overlap.
To get the best result you would hang the strips butt to butt so you won’t get any visible seams and that’s why non-woven or vinyl wallpaper is preferred.
Vinyl wallpaper
Vinyl wallpaper is a type of wallpaper that is made from polyvinyl chloride(PVC) on a paper or cloth backing.
Vinyl wallpaper is usually more durable and easier to clean than traditional wallpaper, making it one of the most popular choices. It’s an excellent choice for kitchens and bathrooms.
You have several options when it comes to adhesives.
It comes pre-pasted, meaning you just need to activate the adhesive with water.
You can also use a ready-mix paste or choose a peel and stick option.
Stick and peel wallpaper
Stick and peel wallpaper is a type of temporary wallpaper that is easy to apply and remove. To apply stick and peel wallpaper, simply peel off the backing and stick it to the desired surface. When you’re ready to remove it, simply peel it off.
Non-Woven wallpaper
Non-woven wallpaper is a type of wallpaper made from a blend of natural and synthetic fibers. It is usually made from a mixture of cellulose, such as wood pulp, and polyester.
This makes it more durable and resistant to ripping and tearing than traditional paper-based wallpapers.
Fabric wallpaper
Looking for an elegant way to update your home décor? Consider using fabric wallpaper.
Fabric wallpaper is made of woven fabrics, usually with a design printed on them. They are applied to walls like traditional wallpaper, but the fabric gives the wall a softer, more luxurious appearance.
Fabric wallpapers can be used in any room of the house, but they are especially well-suited for bedrooms and living rooms. They can also be used to create accent walls. Some kinds are sound dampening and are perfect for home theaters or a home studio.
Grasscloth wallpaper
Grasscloth wallpaper is a type of wallcovering made from natural fibers like hemp, jute, and flax. The fibers are woven into a fabric and then glued to a backing paper.
Grasscloth wallpapers have a natural look and feel that is perfect for creating an earthy or rustic aesthetic in any room. In addition, grasscloth wallpapers come in a wide range of colors and patterns, so you can easily find one that fits your style.
Whether you’re looking for a subtle accent or a bold statement, grasscloth wallpaper is the perfect way to add some personality to your home.
Flock wallpaper
Flock wallpaper is a type of wallpaper that has short fibers glued to the paper backing to create a textured look and may feature a raised design. The fibers can be made from a variety of materials, including wool, silk, and nylon.
Flock wallpapers are often used in formal spaces like dining rooms and living rooms. They can also be used to create an elegant accent wall.
If you’re looking for a way to add some texture to your walls, flock wallpaper is a great option.
Mural wallpaper
Mural wallpaper is a type of wallpaper that features a large, printed design. It is usually made of vinyl or paper and can be applied to walls using paste.
Mural wallpapers are a great way to add a unique touch to any room. They can be used to create an accent wall or to make a small space feel larger and depending on the design they can give a 3d effect as well.
Lining wallpaper
Lining wallpaper is a type of wallpaper that is applied to the wall before the main wallpaper is applied. It improves the appearance of the finished wallpaper job and makes it more durable and it slightly insulates and soundproofs your walls as well.
It is often used to hide imperfections if you’re not that good at prep work such as skim coating walls.
Lining paper is usually white or off-white in color and is available in different thicknesses.
It can also be painted and used as is if you want a plain and smooth look.
Textured wallpaper
Textured wallpaper is a type of wallpaper that features a textured surface. This can include raised or embossed patterns, as well as relief designs.
Textured wallpaper can add depth and interest to any room, and it is a great way to add a touch of luxury to your home décor. There are many different types of textured wallpaper available, so you can find one that suits your personal style.
If you want to make a bold statement, opt for a design with large, raised patterns. For a more subtle look, choose a textured wallpaper with small, intricate details. Whatever your taste, there is sure to be a textured wallpaper that is perfect for your home.
Paintable wallpaper
Paintable wallpaper, also known as anaglypta wallpaper, when it has a textured pattern, is a type of wallpaper that can be painted over after it has been applied to a wall. This type of wallpaper is often used in situations where it is necessary to cover up imperfections in the wall or to change the color of the wallpaper without having to remove it and start over.
Paintable wallpaper usually comes in white and can be found in a variety of patterns. It’s typically made from paper or vinyl.
It can be a worthwhile investment if you need to make frequent changes to the color or look of your walls.
Metallic wallpaper
Metallic wallpaper is a type of wall covering that features a design made with metallic foils. The foils are applied to the paper using a heat-activated adhesive, and the resulting product has a shimmering, reflective surface.
Metallic wallpaper is often used to add a touch of glamour to a room, and it can be found in a wide range of colors and patterns.
Magnetic wallpaper
Magnetic wallpaper is a type of wallpaper that has a magnetic backing. This allows the wallpaper to attract magnets like a fridge or metal cabinet.
This effect is achieved by first hanging the magnetic wallpaper which then can be top-coated with paint, wallpaper or digital print of your choice.
To prevent marks, stains and finger marks on your magnetic wallpaper, it is essential to seal it with a clear varnish.
Magnetic wallpaper is great for kids’ rooms, playrooms, and offices.
What to have in mind when choosing wallpaper
The best type for your home depends on personal preference, but there are a few things you should keep in mind when deciding which type is right for you…
- Durability
- Washability
- Ease of installation
- Cost
- Type of surface
Durability
The durability of the wallpaper is an important factor to have in mind when choosing your type of wallpaper.
If you choose a less durable wallpaper it might not last as long in an area such as a high trafficked hallway, or it may be more difficult to remove when you want to change things up.
A paper wallpaper is less durable than a non-woven or vinyl wallpaper.
You can make wallpaper even more durable by painting it with 2-3 coats of a clear acrylic varnish when it is applied to the wall.
Polyvine decorators varnish comes in a matte, satin and gloss finish and protects your wallpaper from finger marks, stains, scuffing and color fading.
This is recommended for wallpaper in exposed areas such as a home gym, children’s playroom or in the kitchen near your cooker where grease and food splatters might occur.
Washability
If you’re looking for a wallpaper that is easy to clean, PVC and vinyl wallpapers are a good option. They can be wiped down with a damp cloth/sponge, making them ideal for kitchens and bathrooms.
Ease of installation
Some types of wallpaper are easier to install than others.
For example, self-adhesive vinyl wallpaper is a good option if you’re looking for an easy installation. It can be peel-and-stick, meaning you don’t need to use paste or water. This makes it a good choice for non-experienced DIYers.
On the other hand, fabric wallpaper or flock wallpaper requires a bit more care and attention when hanging. They need to be glued to the wall, preferably with the paste the wall method, which can be tricky if you’re not experienced.
Cost
The cost of wallpaper can vary depending on the type and quality.
For example, grasscloth wallpaper is usually more expensive than other types because it is made of natural fibers.
Mural wallpapers can also be on the pricier side, depending on the size and design of the mural.
Type of surface
The type of surface you’re installing the wallpaper on will also play a role in which type you choose.
For example, if you’re installing wallpaper in a bathroom you’ll need to have in mind that the wallpaper will be exposed to moisture. In this case, you’ll need to choose a type that can withstand humidity, like vinyl wallpaper.
On the other hand, if you’re installing on a smooth surface like glass, you may want to choose a Stick and Peel wallpaper.
Wallpaper adhesives
When choosing the adhesive for your wallpaper it’s important to have in mind the type of wallpaper and the surface you’re installing it on.
There are universal wallpaper adhesives, adhesives for light/medium/heavy-weight wallpaper, and specialty adhesives for grasscloth and stringcloth.
Check if the wallpaper manufacturer recommends a particular type of adhesive. Always follow the manufacturer’s adhesive recommendations.
Types of pattern and design
When it comes to types of wallpaper patterns and designs, the options are endless.
You can find wallpapers with geometric patterns, floral designs, damask, stripes, textured, digital print or even with metallic effects.
Some types of wallpaper have a more traditional look while others are more modern. The design you choose will depend on your personal taste and the overall style of your home.
When it comes to hanging wallpaper with a pattern it can be tricky to match the pattern up at the seams. This is why it’s important to buy extra wallpaper so you have some leeway when cutting and matching the design.
The pattern repeat is the distance between where one design element starts and repeats itself. For example, if a wallpaper has a pattern repeat of 10 inches, it means that the design will start repeating itself every 10 inches.
This information is important because it will help you calculate how much wallpaper you need for your project.
When you’re hanging wallpaper with a pattern, make sure to end in a corner that isn’t that visible since it will be more difficult to match the pattern.
Also have in mind that if your ceiling isn’t perfectly level, the wallpaper pattern will appear crooked.
There are 4 methods when it comes to hanging wallpaper:
- No-match
- Straight match
- Drop match
- No edge match
No-match, Free-match or Random-match
This type of wallpaper has a pattern that doesn’t need to be aligned at the seams, making it easier to install.
Straight match
This type of wallpaper has a horizontal pattern that needs to be aligned at the seams.
Drop match
This type of pattern goes in a zig-zag pattern, meaning that every other length has a different pattern at the top. For example, length 1,3 and 5 has one pattern at the top while length 2,4 and 6 has another pattern at the top. When joined together the pattern goes in a zig-zag.
No edge match
This type is tricky to hang since you don’t have the pattern at the edges to help you align it. You’ll either need to use a spirit level or, as I usually use, a laser level.
I can tell you from experience that wallpaper with both a drop match and no edge match is a nightmare to hang. And it was in a hallway with doors! Fortunately, I’ve only had to do it once in my career as a professional painter.
Wallpaper roll symbols and instructions
When buying wallpaper rolls, you’ll notice different symbols and information on the label. It’s important to know what these mean before you start hanging so it’ll be done correctly.
The information displayed on the roll is the pattern number, batch number and pattern design name. Wallpaper is made in batches and they can vary slightly from batch to batch, so it’s important to buy all the wallpaper you need for your project in one go.
If it’s not possible to get the same batch number then make sure to use it on a wall on its own and not mix it with other batches.
Here are some of the most common symbols and their meaning:
Conclusion
Now that you know the different types of wallpaper and what to look for when choosing one, it’s time to get started on your project! I hope this guide was helpful and that you found the perfect type of wallpaper for your home.