After hours of brainstorming and talking with your significant other, you have finally landed up on this page. Perhaps because of the following home decor woes!
- Brighten up the decor of your otherwise dull-looking living space.
- Enliven the decor of your porch.
- Add a touch of sophistication to the interior decor of your home.
- Conceal the ugly marks on the wall that turn your mood upside down every time you retire on the couch and look at them.
- Because you want the conference room to be a bit more formal.
- Learn more about wallpapers beforehand.
Regardless of the home decor woes, we, at Veloxia, are more than happy to help you with your queries and concerns. Here, we have rounded up everything you need to know about wallpapers. Let's take a look!
What Are Wallpapers?
As the name suggests, wallpaper is a home decor material (paper, to be precise). It is set on the walls to enhance the look of the internal walls of your home.
It is fixed on the walls with a high-quality wallpaper adhesive, these home interior decor items instantly add WOW elements to your space, no matter whether it is your home or office.
Wallpaper, famous wall decorative items used in the 18th century, was a success during the Renaissance. Back then, it was a cost-effective counterpart to tapestries, the rich people's resort for adding a personality to the stone walls while keeping heat away from their homes.
During the 20th century, wallpapers slowly became a quintessential wall decor product and integral to most households. So if you are looking forward to revamping the look and feel of their living spaces, wallpaper is all you need.
Advantages & Disadvantages of Wallpapers
Pros and cons are the two sides of a coin. Wherever pro goes, con follows. The same is fit-to-say in the case of wallpapers. It comes with its share of advantages and disadvantages. Therefore, it is always wise to be informed about both sides before making any decision.
Key Advantages
- Durable: High-quality wallpapers can offer a decade of durability or more, compared to paint which needs touch-ups every 2-4 years.
- Cost-effective: Considering their longevity and durability, wallpapers are highly cost-effective in the long run.
- Appealing: Wallpapers instantly elevate visual aesthetics, offering incredible options and versatility for home design.
- Conceal Imperfections: Thick or premium wallpapers can easily hide minor cracks, blemishes, or uneven spots on the walls.
- Easy to Clean: Most wallpapers are easy to maintain and can be cleaned by dusting, vacuuming, or wiping with a soft cloth.
- Easy Installation: Wallpapers come with DIY-friendly options, though professional installation is recommended for a flawless finish.
Disadvantages & Challenges
- Initial Cost: High-quality wallpapers and professional installation can require a larger initial investment.
- Removal Issues: Removing wallpaper can be tedious and time-consuming without the proper tools and technique.
- Matching Pattern: Finding matching patterns for localized wall damage can be hard, sometimes requiring complete replacement.
- Moisture Damage: Humidity can cause wallpaper edges to peel or trap moisture, making them less suitable for damp areas.
- Installation Errors: Improper self-installation by novices can result in bubbles, misaligned patterns, or poor adhesion.
- Design Clashes: Picking an overwhelming design can quickly make a room feel cramped or clash with existing decor.
- VOC Emissions: Some vinyl or synthetic wallpapers might release Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) if not eco-certified.
Reasons to Choose Wallpapers
There is no shortage of reasons that make wallpapers one of the best options to enhance your interior decor. Here are some of the most compelling reasons to choose wallpapers:
Washable & Cleanable:
Wallpapers are incredibly easy to clean. If you have kids who love using walls as their canvas, or in kitchens where grease and water droplets splash, washable wallpapers are a smart and practical choice.
Hygienic & Low Maintenance:
Because they do not trap dust easily and can be swept or wiped clean, wallpapers are highly hygienic compared to standard wall paints.
Eco-Friendly Solutions:
Many modern wallpapers are paper-based, making them sustainable, recyclable, and less likely to emit VOCs or other harmful elements into your indoor space.
Visually Stunning:
Wallpapers inject immense personality, character, and texture into home interiors, creating visual interest that standard paint simply cannot replicate.
Steps to Follow While Mounting Wallpapers at Home
To get the most out of your home's decor, you need to make sure that the wallpaper is correctly mounted. Follow these step-by-step mounting instructions:
Preparation & Alignment
- Prepare the walls: Repair cracks, seal holes, and smoothen surfaces. Apply an acrylic primer or wallpaper sizing for optimal grip.
- Measure & cut: Measure wall height carefully, roll out wallpaper leaving about 6 inches of excess for trimming, and cut into sheets.
- Hanging & alignment: Draw a plumb line on the wall, apply adhesive, and align your first sheet perfectly straight.
Smoothing & Sealing
- Smoothen the surface: Use a soft wallpaper brush or squeegee to brush out bubbles and ensure flat adhesion.
- Clean edges: Make sure edges and corners are clean and free from excess adhesive to prevent peeling.
- Fill gaps: Let the wallpaper set for 20-30 minutes, then fill any joints or gaps with specialized seam caulk.
- Trim & seal: Carefully trim excess paper at the ceiling and floor baseboard using a utility knife.
Wallpaper Materials
Wallpapers come in various material configurations. Choosing the right material ensures it fits your room's functional requirements. Refer to the table below:
| Material Type | Price | Maintenance | Water-Proof | Fire-Proof | Durability |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Liner | Low | Low | No | No | Medium |
| Printed | Medium | Low | Varies | Varies | Medium |
| Vinyl/PVC | Low | Low | Yes | No | High |
| Textured | Medium | Low | Yes | Yes | Medium |
| Metallic | High | Low | Yes | Yes | High |
| Textile | High | High | No | No | High |
| Non-Woven | High | Low | Yes | NA | High |
| Fibreglass | High | Low | Yes | Yes | High |
| Bamboo | High | Medium | No | No | High |
Detailed breakdown of standard wallpaper materials:
Liner Paper:
Also known as lining paper, these wallpapers do not feature printed designs. Instead, they are stuck directly onto walls to hide defects, cracks, and uneven plaster, serving as a smooth base for painting over.
Patterned & Printed Wallpapers:
Featuring various styles and illustrations, printed options range from simple motifs to elaborate mandalas, bringing color and focus to standard drywall rooms.
Vinyl & PVC Wallpapers:
The most common choice, these paper-backed sheets have a thin protective plastic layer. Durable and washable, they work in high-activity areas. Pro tip: Avoid placing them in poorly ventilated rooms, as the plastic keeps the walls from breathing.
Non-Woven Wallpapers:
A modern blend of natural and synthetic fibers. Tear-resistant, eco-friendly, and highly breathable. Perfect for kitchens and bathrooms. Pro tip: They can be costly, so avoid excessive washing to prolong their lifespan.
Fibreglass Wallpapers:
Woven from natural materials like lime, dolomite, and soda. Extremely sturdy and fire-resistant, they reinforce walls and prevent cracks. Pro tip: They are applied with water-resistant glue, stopping moisture and bacterial growth.
Wallpaper Designs
Different wallpaper styles cater to distinct architectural aesthetics. Here are the popular design variants:
Abstract & Digital Prints
Perfect for quirky, modern statements. Digital prints offer high-resolution imagery to bring your wildest design imaginations to life, though they can fade if exposed to direct sun.
Traditional & Textured
Traditional wallpaper uses breathable paper substrates. Textured and embossed options feature raised patterns to create incredible depth and hide wall imperfections.
Botanical & Floral
Bring a hint of the outdoors inside. Botanical, Chintz, and classic floral patterns create refreshing highlights that connect your space to nature.
Damask & Metallics
Introduce premium luxury. Inspired by prestigious Victorian vogues, Damask patterns in silk or heavy woven metallics make walls look bold and elegant.
Geometric & Striped
Clean lines, shapes, and symmetry. Perfect for minimalist interior aesthetics. Seeking expert guidance helps find the correct scale of patterns.
Modern & Pastel
Keep up with contemporary design trends. Quiet pastel hues and soft modern textures offer a sophisticated look for both residential and commercial spaces.
Wallpaper Ideas by Room Type
Each room has distinct environmental and functional requirements. Here is how to plan your layout:
1. Bedroom Wallpapers
For bedrooms, opt for calming pastel shades, textured surfaces, or soft floral patterns. Since bedrooms are low-moisture zones, traditional or non-woven papers work perfectly to allow walls to breathe, promoting a healthy sleeping environment.
2. Bathroom Wallpapers
High humidity requires water-resistant, durable materials. Avoid traditional papers. Choose vinyl, PVC, or fiberglass wallpapers, which resist water droplets and prevent mold growth on grooming or shower walls.
3. Dining Area Wallpapers
Create a social dining experience. Luxury Damask, heavy woven textiles, or chintz floral designs add visual richness. Using dimmers to control overhead lighting can accentuate metallic highlights in the wallpaper pattern.
4. Kitchen
Kitchen walls face grease, steam, and food splashes. Wipe-clean vinyl/PVC or fiberglass wallpapers are mandatory here. Use them behind shelves or as accents away from direct open flames, pairing with proper exhaust systems.
5. Living Room
The living room is ideal for creating a striking focal point. Implement a bold accent wall behind the TV cabinet or sofa using abstract murals, geometric lines, or digital designs to impress guests and tie the color palette together.
6. Study Room
To minimize distraction and maximize focus, choose subtle striped designs or soothing pastel shades. These wallpapers complement study desks and task lighting while preventing eye strain.
7. Staircase
Staircase walls are prone to scuffs from high traffic. Textured/embossed or botanical wallpapers are excellent at hiding imperfections. They add continuity as you move from one floor level to another.
Wallpapers Cost
The cost of wallpapers is more likely to vary from one state to another, depending on several factors. Here is a list of those factors to help you stay informed while purchasing and negotiate better. Keep reading!
Materials:
The cost of wallpapers and materials are directly proportional to each other. The better the durability, quality, and usability, the more will be the cost. For example - Printed vinyl wallpapers happen to be less expensive than medium to high range non-woven variants.
Texture and designs:
The more intricate the designs and textures get, the more they add to the overall cost of wallpapers.
Designer collection:
The price range of wallpapers is likely to shift higher if you buy them from the designer collection owing to obvious reasons.
Services of a reputable dealer:
You can always find labourers in exchange for money and at pretty competitive rates in your local market for wallpaper installation. However, it's hard to find craftsmanship because it comes from within and takes years to develop. So, if you want quality assurance, it would be wise to go for a verified contractor.
Durability of Wallpapers
When it comes to durability, wallpapers make the best choice. These wall decorating materials can last as long as 15 years and more, which is, indeed, more than any other wall decor item. Plus, these are cost-effective too.
Once set on your walls, wallpapers are most likely to last three times more than wall paints unless you change them willingly. So, decorate and illuminate the high traffic corners of your home with high-quality wallpapers.
Another crucial feature of wallpapers is, you will also find many easy to clean and upkeep, washable varieties, which add more years to your wall decor.
Wallpapers for Rooms
Wallpapers for bedrooms:
Wallpapers can instantly elevate the look and mood of a room. But the wrong choice can do precisely the opposite. Therefore, you need to be very careful while choosing wallpapers for your bedrooms. Choose the patterns, colours, and textures of wallpapers that you find peace with and matches your taste and aesthetics. Remember, your bedroom is no less than a temple for your mind, body, and soul. So, choose wisely.
Wallpapers for living rooms:
Probably, your living room is that corner of your home where you spend most of your time. So, the wallpaper should be an extension of your personality and preferences. Get in touch with an expert home interior decorator to understand and make the best pick.
Wallpaper for the kitchen:
Like any other part of your home, your kitchen also deserves to wear and look its best. Plus, the ambience of your culinary capital should fill you with positive vibes so that you can pour all your love into the food you make. However, at the same time, as your kitchen collects oil and grease all day long, you need to make sure that the wallpapers are eco-friendly, washable, and fire-resistant.
Wallpaper for study room:
Uplifting wallpapers can be game-changing. When it comes to choosing wallpaper for your study room, make sure to use something that will fill you with good vibes and positive energy.
Wallpaper for accent walls:
Your accent wall itself is enough to add more character to your living room. Given the endless wall decorating options you have, your accent wall decor could be an extension of your personality. Therefore, choosing the right wallpaper for the accent walls is crucial. Seek professional assistance for better ideas.
Wallpaper Trends and Colours in 2021
Trends keep on coming and going. And with every year comes a new trend, a unique style. So, let's take a look at the hottest wallpaper and colours in the year 2021!
- 1 Tapestry
- 2 Geometric prints and patterns
- 3 New botanicals
- 4 Panorama
- 5 3-dimensional touch
- 6 New chintz
- 7 Bold palettes
- 8 Faded tones
- 9 Tropical hues and prints
Trending Wallpaper Designs
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