Wallpapers are indeed making a strong comeback for home interior designs. This is for good reasons, too; these wall coverings offer countless possibilities to improve your wall décor. From the decoration of your bedroom to the transformation of the living room to the makeover of the home office, there are wallpapers for every place. There are, in fact, two popular types of wallpapers: vinyl and fabric. Most homeowners get confused about which one to choose. This is why we compare vinyl vs. fabric wallpapers and which suits your home best.
What is Vinyl Wallpaper?
Vinyl wallpapering is made of either paper or fabric backing with a coating of PVC (polyvinyl chloride). This coating allows the material to become highly durable, resistant to moisture, and easy to clean.
Types of Vinyl Wallpaper
There are three main types of vinyl wallpaper. First is the solid vinyl that is quite durable and has high moisture resistance – best for use in kitchens and bathrooms. The second type is a cost-effective and lightweight option, the vinyl-coated paper. This one is breathable and offers a balance of aesthetics and durability. Lastly, there is the strongest type, the fabric-backed vinyl, which has the next level of strength and texture. It’s used mostly for areas with high foot traffic. A reputed Wallpaper Supplier in Dubai offers all of these three types.
Pros of Vinyl Wallpaper
There are quite a lot of benefits to having vinyl wallpaper.
- First off, it’s easy to maintain and comes with water resistance – this makes it a great choice for kitchen wall covers.
- Its durability is high; it lasts for as long as 10 to 15 years with just a simple level of maintenance.
- For a homeowner who is on a budget for home wall décor, this product is quite affordable.
It’s really easy to install and remove and comes in peel-&-stick options that make DIY installation easier.
Cons of Vinyl Wallpaper
Just like benefits, everything has its disadvantages, and so does this wallpapering type.
- It has a synthetic finish that doesn’t offer the same level of elegance as fabric wall covers.
- In summer, when the temperature is high, vinyl can somewhat trap more heat, raising indoor temperatures.
- The use of PVC makes it a less eco-friendly choice compared to natural fabric wall coverings.
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What is Fabric Wallpaper?
Fabric wallpaper, also known as textile wallpaper, is made from natural or synthetic fibers. The commonly used fabrics are cotton, silk, linen, polyester, nylon, and blended. These are used to create high-end, sophisticated interiors.
Types of Fabric Wallpaper
The popular types of fabric wallpapers include linen wallpapers on top, which offer a natural & organic texture. For the luxury wall décor, there is silk wallpapering, but it requires delicate handling. Flock wallpaper is an option in velvety texture which creates a dramatic effect indoors. Polyester blends are far more affordable and easy to maintain among the fabric wall coverings.
Pros of Fabric Wallpaper
Its advantages are as follows.
- Fabric wall covers look elegant and luxurious, a truly premium choice as bedroom wallpaper or for dining room needs.
- They have a variety of textured and unique designs, giving depth and sophistication to your rooms.
- The natural fibers of these wallpapers make them breathable, aiding in better air circulation.
- Fabric wallpapers have better acoustic insulation which reduces the noise, a perfect option for home office wall treatment.
Cons of Fabric Wallpaper
The cons of these fabric wall coverings include:
- It costs more than the simple vinyl wallpapering for both product & installation; it requires professional wallpaper fixing service.
- The cleaning of these wallpapers takes quite an effort because the fibers of fabric absorb dust & stains more.
- It is prone to moisture damage which can even lead to molding, a real health hazard for homes.
Vinyl vs. Fabric Wallpapers – Which One is Best for You?
If you want the best wallpaper for your place, you need to factor in these points.
1. Durability & Maintenance
Vinyl is the right choice for high-traffic areas, places with moisture exposure, and homes that have pets. Their durable surfaces are easy to wipe, making cleaning a breeze. As for the fabric option, it is suited for low-traffic but elegant areas of the home where not much maintenance is needed.
2. Aesthetic Appeal
Vinyl comes in an extensive range of patterns, but it lacks the fabric’s natural texture. Fabric wallpaper offers a rich texture with that high-end look to improve the luxury feeling.
3. Cost & Installation
Vinyl wall covers are affordable, even with the product cost and installation expenses. They are available mostly in Peel-&-Stick options, making DIY fitting possible. On the other hand, fabric wallpapering is expensive for product and installation.
4. Environmental Impact
Vinyl has PVC content, which makes it less eco-friendly, whereas natural fiber wall coverings are sustainable wall décor.
5. Best for Specific Rooms
They are best for the following rooms of the house.
- For the kitchen, vinyl is suited with its easy-to-clean surface.
- For the bathroom, vinyl wallpaper is ideal, with high moisture damage resistance.
- We recommend a fabric option for living room wallpaper with its luxurious textured feel.
- For the bedroom, the fabric option is the perfect choice with the soft and cozy feel.
- For kids’ rooms, we recommend vinyl with its durable and easy-to-clean surface.
- For home office needs, fabric wall coverings act as sound insulators and look amazing.
Also Read: Nursery Wallpaper Ideas To Stimulate Your Baby’s Imagination
Final Verdict: Which One Should You Choose?
The choice after this comparison of vinyl vs. fabric wallpapers & which one suits your home best falls down to you. It depends on your budget range, design preferences, and lifestyle. You must choose the vinyl option if you need something durable, easy to clean, and low-cost. Fabric wallpapers must be your choice if you are fond of the luxurious and high-end décor of the interiors. One thing we would say is to choose the best wallpaper suppliers – doing so gets you premium products in both options, ones that last for a long time.
