Wallpaper is an integral element of interior design and home décor. Choosing the right type of wallpaper can transform the look and feel of a room. From traditional wallpaper to modern, innovative options, there are many different types of wallpaper to consider for your home. This article by Land of Wallpaper will explore the 9 main types of wallpaper and their key characteristics.
Best 9 Types of Wallpaper to Choose for Your Room
Traditional Wallpaper
Traditional wallpaper is the most classic option. It comes in rolls and features repetitive patterns including florals, geometrics, and more. Traditional wallpaper is made from materials like paper, vinyl, or fabric. Many homeowners still prefer the timeless look of traditional wallpaper patterns and appreciate the wide range of color palettes and designs available.
Vinyl Wallpaper
Vinyl wallpaper has become increasingly popular in recent years. As the name suggests, this type of wallpaper is made using PVC vinyl and is known for being durable, easy to clean, and water-resistant. Vinyl wallpaper comes in a vast array of colors and realistic patterns. From sleek contemporary designs to faux finishes that look like real wood or fabric, vinyl offers something for everyone. It’s also easy to install and remove.
Textile Wallpaper
Textile wallpaper uses natural fibers like grasscloth, jute, sisal, or cork. This gives it an organic, cozy look and feel. Textured wallpaper is often used to make a bold statement in a room. It’s perfect for creating depth on accent walls. Natural woven wallpaper is also eco-friendly and inherently durable. However, textile wallpaper is harder to clean and more prone to showing imperfections on the walls underneath.
Flock Wallpaper
Flock wallpaper has a soft velvety texture that is achieved by applying flocked fibers to the surface using an electrostatic process. Flock comes in elegant designs like luxurious damasks and brocades. It is Rated as durable wallpaper that is easy to install. However, similar to textile wallpaper, minor imperfections can show through flock surfaces. Flock wallpaper is best used for feature walls as part of a rich, ornate decorative scheme.
Foil Wallpaper
Foil wallpaper provides high visual impact using metal foil finishes. This eye-catching wallpaper comes in colors like silver, gold, copper, and bronze. It easily creates a glamorous or artsy accent wall that reflects light around the room. Foil wallpaper is metal so it is extremely durable. However, it can be prone to creasing during installation and it shows imperfections more easily. Proper lighting must be considered when using foil wallpaper to create the right ambiance.
Embossed and Engraved Wallpaper
For subtle texture and dimension, embossed and engraved wallpaper is a great choice. Embossing and engraving means the wallpaper’s surface is pressed with designs that create indented areas and raised relief. Embossed wallpaper catches the light beautifully. Engraved wallpaper has etched grooves and channels. Depending on the finish, lighting can create interesting shadow effects. Use textured wallpaper like this to provide quiet visual interest.
Acoustic Wallpaper
In recent years, acoustic wallpaper has surged in popularity for its practical noise-reducing abilities.It is one of the 9 main types of wallpaper. Acoustic wallpaper contains sound-dampening materials within its construction. Common materials include cork, reclaimed cotton, recycled polyester insulation, and cellulose. By absorbing ambient sounds and minimizing echo and reverberation, acoustic wallpaper helps contain noises from adjacent rooms. This makes it perfect for family homes, music rooms, nurseries, media rooms, and more.
Grasscloth Wallpaper
Grasscloth wallpaper is a type of natural fiber wallpaper made from banana, reed, jute, or bamboo grasses. It is known for its coarse texture and handcrafted beauty. Grasscloth adds rustic warmth to any space with its raw, organic style. Made from fast-growing grasses, it is also sustainably produced. However, natural grasscloth is prone to variations in color and texture from batch to batch. It also stains easily so it should be treated with a stain-resistant sealant before installation.
Murals Wallpaper
Murals represent the most artistic and customizable form of wallpaper. Large wallpaper murals can depict peaceful landscapes, urban cityscapes, abstract designs, or custom photography. Self-adhesive wallpaper murals come in pre-pasted panels that are easy for DIY application. Removable wallpaper murals use non-permanent adhesives so they can be changed whenever you want an entirely new look. Murals are the perfect choice when you want to make a unique design statement.
Tips for Choosing the Right Wallpaper
With so many types of wallpaper available, making the right choice for your home can seem overwhelming. Keep the following tips in mind to help find the perfect wallpaper:
- Consider the room: Make sure to pick a wallpaper that suits the room’s size, lighting, and purpose. For example, grasscloth works well in dining rooms but may not highlight artwork in a living room. Acoustic wallpaper is useful in noisy family spaces but may seem dull in a formal study.
- Mind the prep work: The wallpaper shows every imperfection underneath. New drywall usually needs extra smoothing and primer. With existing walls, filling holes, removing gloss paint, repairing cracks, and applying adhesive primer will give the best backdrops for flawless wallpaper installation.
- Buy samples: Don’t rely on small online images alone. Order samples of patterns you like to get a sense of true color, scale, texture, and quality. Samples make it easy to test pairings and coordinating elements.
- Check dimensions: Wall height and room size will determine how much wallpaper you need. Roll dimensions play a role too in planning the layout to minimize waste from cutting. Consider special orders for unusually sized walls.
- Hire a pro: For beginners, intricate wallpaper patterns and installations on high walls can get tricky. Consider hiring an experienced wallpaper hanger if you want that seamless designer look.
- Carefully follow instructions: Different wallpaper types come with specific adhesive formulas and application techniques. Always refer back to the manufacturer’s instructions to avoid issues after hanging.
Conclusion
The wallpaper options available today offer endless possibilities to reflect your taste and style. From vinyl and flock wallpaper to acoustic and natural look, each type of wallpaper offers different aesthetics, textures, installation considerations, and benefits.
Whether you want to accent a feature wall or give an entire room a whole new look, understand the key distinctions of the 9 main types of wallpaper to choose your ideal option. With the right wallpaper, you can easily transform the feel of your home.
