Last updated on June 14th, 2022
If you want to change the way your home looks, and are tired of sticking to just paint, you’ve just opened yourself up to a whole new world of possibilities.
Wallpaper is the trendiest way to transform the way your interiors look. Right from creating a statement wall to doing up an entire room, there is no better way to rethink your interiors this season! But with the huge number of designs, patterns, colors, and textures to choose from, it might seem impossible to know where to begin.
Here’s our take on the why’s and how’s of wallpapering, which we hope is a good place for you to start!
Why wallpapers?
1. They’re easy to apply: Wallpapers can be applied in very little time and don’t involve dust or cleaning hassles, unlike paints.
2. They come in many designs: Even sky isn’t the limit when it comes to wallpaper designs. Whether it’s a nature-inspired look that you’re after, or if it’s geometric prints that catch your fancy, you’ll be spoilt for choice, with the design options available today.
3. They give your home an instant makeover: Even if you choose a small portion of the wall to use wallpaper on, it can instantly transform the vibe of the entire space.
Let’s have a quick look at the wallpaper options commonly used and available in India.
Types of wallpapers
1. Traditional, eco-friendly wallpapers
This is the most economical and popularly used wallpaper which comes in single and double-layered variants. It is eco-friendly and is made of natural paper with cellulose at its base which allows your walls to breathe and is suitable for dining spaces and bedrooms.
The downsides to using this wallpaper are that it can’t withstand moisture and fades with exposure to the sun and from constant use. It is not washable and needs to be changed quite often.
2. Vinyl wallpapers
These have a shiny appearance and are made by printing designs on paper and then sealing it off with a vinyl topcoat. They are washable, easy to install or remove, and durable. They are also easy on the pocket and can withstand being exposed to light and moisture. In fact, they can even be used in kitchens and bathrooms.
They are available in a wide range of colors and patterns and can be made to look like natural wood, stone, and metals. But one major flaw in them is that they don’t allow walls to breathe and may give out toxic fumes because of their plastic coating. This is why they can’t be used in poorly ventilated spaces and bedrooms.
3. Embossed wallpapers
Unlike printed wallpaper, embossed wallpapers sport a raised textural effect. They can lend depth to the plainest of walls. The texture on these wallpapers can be in the form of delicate detailing or bold geometric patterns. These wallpapers hide the flaws and unevenness of surfaces that they are applied on and work well on damaged walls that have irregularities. They are also washable.
The only major downside to using these wallpapers is that they tend to peel off at the edges over time.
4. Non-woven wallpapers
Non-woven wallpapers, a fast-growing trend in the décor world, are breathable and washable wallpapers made from a blend of synthetic and natural fibers. They are popularly used in furnishings and upholstery.
They tend to be a bit expensive, but are easy to install, resistant to tearing, and suitable for bathrooms and kitchens. They are also very durable.
5. Fiberglass wallpapers
These wallpapers made from glass fibers woven and bonded together make for an extremely durable, lightweight, and eco-friendly wallpaper option. They are comprised of a strong sheet that helps reinforce the wall that they are applied on. They are fire-resistant and good to cover cracks on walls. The adhesive used with them is water-resistant and keeps the wallpaper safe from moisture and mold. These wallpapers although expensive can be used in living rooms, bedrooms, and even moisture-prone places like kitchens and bathrooms.
A few wallpaper tips from our experts
1. Wallpapers don’t fare very well when exposed to sunlight. It’s a good idea to avoid wallpapers on walls that get direct sunlight.
2. Moisture and wallpapers don’t go together. Avoid wallpapers in kitchens and bathrooms.
3. Mix wallpaper and paint. Combine wallpapers in a neutral color and a fine print with a wall that’s painted in a bold color to create a unique contrast.
4. Think out-of-the-wall! Use wallpapers on ceilings and furniture pieces to create visual interest in your interiors.
5. If you only have a small budget and still crave a makeover of some sort, try using good quality wallpaper on a niche in the wall or use it to highlight maybe just a column. You’ll be amazed at the stunning results!
