The Transformative Powers of Wallpaper
I deeply believe in wallpaper's transformative powers. It is more than a backdrop—it is a character actor in the room's drama! With the swish of a brush and the smoothing of a hand, wallpaper brings more to the table than mere color or pattern. It shifts the very essence and proportions of a space.
Tracing its roots back to ancient times, wallpaper has enjoyed a storied journey through decor history, initially serving as a symbol of luxury and exclusivity. Fast forward to the present, and wallpaper has made a welcome return, seamlessly blending its rich heritage with contemporary design trends. Modern interior design not only celebrates wallpaper's historical significance but also elevates it as a pivotal element of style innovation.
This resurgence is a testament to wallpaper's enduring appeal and versatility, bridging the gap between past and present to create spaces that are both timeless and of the moment. In this way, wallpaper remains a key player in the world of interior design, continually evolving to meet the aesthetic and functional demands of today's homeowners.
I’ve already shared my tips for incorporating wallpaper into your space here, and now I want to go deeper into the process. This article will break down the different types of wallpaper to help you determine the right type for you. Your room transformation awaits!
Photography by Emily Keeney
Ready to roll? Assess your space first.
Before embarking on your wallpapering journey, it is crucial to thoughtfully assess your canvas—namely, the room and its walls. The conditions of the room play a pivotal role in both the selection and longevity of your wallpaper.
Humidity levels
Areas prone to moisture, like bathrooms or kitchens, might require vinyl wallpapers that can brave the storm of humidity.
Light exposure
Rooms basked in sunlight require wallpaper with UV resistance to prevent fading.
Foot traffic
Ponder the room's traffic flow. High-traffic areas demand durable wallpapers that can stand up to the hustle and bustle of daily life.
Wall preparation is equally important to ensure your wallpaper adheres smoothly and lasts. Walls should be clean, dry, and smooth, bidding farewell to any blemishes or old adhesive remnants that could disrupt the wallpaper's grand entrance. A primer might also be your wall's best pre-party treatment, offering a uniform surface that can significantly extend the life of the wallpaper.
Photography by Emily Keeney
Break out the measuring tape
Now, let's talk numbers. Measuring walls is an art form in itself, requiring precision to avoid the dreaded scenario of running short on wallpaper or, conversely, ending up with rolls to spare.
Measure the height and width of your walls, and don’t overlook doors or windows; they need to be subtracted from your total. Calculating your wallpaper needs requires a bit of math and foresight, to ensure that you have enough wallpaper to match patterns across walls seamlessly.
A tip from the wise: always purchase a little more than you think you need. This accounts for any mishaps and ensures you have the same dye lot for color consistency. With these considerations in check, you’re not just preparing to wallpaper a room; you're setting the stage for a transformation that marries beauty with endurance.
Pro Tip: If your budget allows, hire a professional to measure and install your wallpaper project. If you are tackling your wallpaper installation DIY style, check out this calculator by Spoonflower to guide your order.
A myriad of options to choose from
Wallpaper options today are vast and varied, with each type bringing its own unique strengths to different spaces within a home. Let's explore the main types and match them to their ideal room settings:
Vinyl Wallpaper
Vinyl wallpaper is celebrated for its durability and ease of cleaning, making it a practical choice for any area of the home. It's also moisture-resistant, which means it can withstand the challenges of high-humidity environments without breaking a sweat.
Best suited for:
Kitchens
Bathrooms
Laundry rooms
Kids rooms
Non-Woven Wallpaper
Made from a blend of natural and synthetic fibers, non-woven wallpaper is breathable, which helps in reducing mold and mildew. It's also tear-resistant and easy to remove, making it a favorite for renters and redesign enthusiasts.
Best suited for:
Bedrooms
Living rooms
Traditional Paper Wallpaper
Offering a vast array of designs and textures, traditional paper wallpapers bring an element of elegance and depth to interiors. They are, however, less durable than vinyl or non-woven wallpapers and may require more careful maintenance.
Best suited for:
Dining rooms
Formal living rooms
Light traffic areas
Foil Wallpaper
Foil wallpaper adds a shiny, metallic finish to walls, creating a bold statement. It requires a perfectly smooth wall surface to prevent imperfections from showing through.
Best suited for:
Accent walls in bedrooms or living rooms
Areas where its reflective qualities can be appreciated without overwhelming the space.
Fabric Wallpaper
Fabric wallpaper adds texture and warmth to walls, offering a luxurious look. It's more challenging to clean and is not recommended for high-traffic or high-moisture areas.
Best suited for:
Primary bedrooms
Formal dining rooms
Home libraries
Grasscloth Wallpaper
Made from natural materials like hemp, jute, or seagrass, grasscloth wallpaper provides an eco-friendly, textured look that adds depth and character to walls. Its natural variations in color and texture provide a unique and organic aesthetic.
Best suited for:
Living rooms
Primary Bedrooms
Home offices
What story will your walls tell?
Choosing the right type of wallpaper for each room involves balancing aesthetic desires with practical considerations. By matching the unique characteristics of each wallpaper type to the specific needs of different rooms, you can create spaces that are not only beautiful but also perfectly suited to their function in the home.
Now that you’re well-versed in the transformative powers of wallpaper, I recommend checking out these additional resources to take your journey to the next level. Here are some wallpaper suppliers that my team loves using for our own client projects!
(1) THIBAUT (2) RIFFLE PAPER (3) PHILIP JEFFRIES (4) HYGEE & WEST (5) DESIGNERS GUILD(6) MILTON & KING (7) HOUSE OF HACKNEY (8) MORRIS & CO. (9) OSBORNE & LITTLE (10) CHASING PAPER (11) MITCHELL BLACK (12) SCHUMACHER
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