Wallpaper 101: 8 essential tips to get you started

Wallpaper Design Tip #3 : Paper, Vinyl or Another Material?

Since there is an intimidatingly wide range of available materials and finishes in wallpapers for rooms with particular needs, you should pay attention to the properties of each material before you make your pick.

• 100% Paper

  Although these are the original classic wallpaper, they are less readily available today as they tend to be a bit delicate and tear easily. They do give a beautiful timeless matte look and are relatively eco-friendly but are probably better suited to specialised spaces that do not see too much wear and tear.
  
  

• Grasscloth and Organic Textures

  These are natural fibre papers made from sisal, raffia, bamboo, cork, linen, etc. Often expensive, high-end and handmade, these have slight textural differences and will have visible seams. This look is highly prized, but you should be aware of it when making a choice.
  
  

• Non-Woven Paper

  This is natural and synthetic fibres combined for a flexible, durable end product with good vibrancy and depth of ink. The perfect modern upgrade with the look of paper, balanced with strength, some non-woven wallpapers contain no vinyl, making them a more eco-friendly option.
  
  

• Vinyl Coated, Solid Vinyl and Fabric Backed Vinyl

  These are on the stain resistant, harder wearing end of the scale. Vinyl Coated is more durable than Non-Woven papers but still looks relatively paperlike with a semi-matte finish. Solid Vinyl is for high traffic areas; washable and scratch resistant, it tends to be the choice for kitchens, powder rooms and laundry rooms. Fabric Backed Vinyl is the industrial grade paper. Often used in airports, hotels, offices and event spaces, this is rare in homes but can work in areas that need to survive high wear and tear.

Or bring the outdoors in, using greenery or nature themed wall paper for bed room walls that have small or narrow windows. You can even paper your ceiling to enhance interest and texture in a room where wall space is lacking.

Wallpaper Design Tip #5 : Think About Texture

One of the less known advantages of wallpaper vs. paint is that paper gracefully hides and disguises imperfections in the wall. For a slightly patchy wall, wall wallpaper design textures that have subtle and tactile finishes can provide the perfect camouflage. You could try patterns with actual surface textures such as burlap, or handblocked prints where the ink lies on top of the paper. Or for a more luxe effect, pick linen and damask textures. Avoid foils if you are trying to hide an imperfect wall, as these will reflect surface texture. However, foiled prints or textures are the ideal wallpaper for walls in entrance ways or behind display tables, or anywhere else you want to add a touch of glamour. Pay attention to how the light in your room falls to make the most out of the texture of your wallpaper.

Wallpaper Design Tip #7 : Maintenance and Cleaning

Part of choosing a wallpaper design for home use is understanding what the maintenance will entail, For most papers, dry vacuuming with a soft brush attachment will suffice. Wiping it down with a soft dry cloth and the occasional spot brushing will also work. If your paper is washable, a slightly damp sponge and very diluted mild soap might be suggested. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Our advice would be to leave extreme jobs, larger fixes or patch jobs to the professionals.

So are you inspired to choose the perfect wallpaper for your home? Why not get in touch with our team, and we’ll help make your decisions even simpler. At Beautiful Homes Service by Asian Paints, we partner with you to make your dream home your reality. Whether it’s assisting you with flawless installation and all the design decisions, or helping you to source the latest in furniture, home accessories and decor styles from our curated collection, we’re here for you, every step of the way.