Wallpaper is back with a vengeance in home decor, and I’m not talking about the peeling floral prints your grandmother had — trends really do come back around. Wallpaper, once thought to be a thing of the past, is now a practical and adaptable design element — and it has a seemingly endless array of options for personalizing the space where you spend most of your time. And if adding drama, texture or a pop of color to a room sounds like your cup of tea, wallpaper might be the perfect answer.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!This guide covers the intriguing history of wallpaper, the types you can choose from, the advantages they have to offer and tips to help you select, apply and install wallpaper in any room of your home. Plus, we’ll be giving you the lowdown on the latest trends to inspire your next home project.
A Brief History of Wallpaper
Wallpaper has a history as long as it is rich. It drew its initial designs from painted panels and tapestries, and became a luxury commodity for the elite of 16th-century Europe. The earliest wallpapers were hand-painted or block-printed onto paper, featuring elaborate patterns that imitated fabrics and architectural details.
In the 19th century, technological innovations brought wallpaper within reach of the middle class. Loud florals, geometrics and Art Deco patterns became de rigueur, adorning houses across Europe and America.
Fast-forward to today, and wallpaper has been reinvented — again — with new materials, patterns and techniques. Is it any wonder we’re witnessing such a revival of this everlasting decorative art?
Tiered Types of Wallpaper for Every Style
Over the years, too many added wallpaper types ensure that one can find something suitable for practically any aesthetic or functional requirement, regardless of personal taste. Here’s a breakdown of the most common types:
Traditional Wallpaper
Traditional wallpapers are often floral prints, damasks or classic patterns. Installation requires adhesive, making it perfect for long-term transformations.
Vinyl Wallpaper
Among the most durable choices, vinyl wallpaper is waterproof and wipeable, which makes it ideal for kitchens and bathrooms. It is hard-wearing, so it doesn’t deteriorate with time.
Removable Wallpaper
Removable wallpaper is a longtime darling of renters and commitment-phobic homeowners. Not only is it easy to apply and peel, but it’s also a no-stress way to play around with wild designs.
Textured Wallpaper
Food — If you want to introduce some dimension and texture, you can do textured wallpaper like grasscloth, embossed, or fabric-backed wallpaper, which adds a tactile element to your walls.
Why Wallpaper?
If you still aren’t sold on wallpaper, consider these advantages:
Aesthetic Appeal
Wallpaper brings character and personality in a way paint never will. With thousands of designs, patterns and textures available, it’s an unparalleled creative asset.
Durability
Quality wallpaper can last up to 15 years, outlasting painted walls and saving on reapplication costs.
Ease of Maintenance
Most wallpapers, particularly vinyls, can be easily wiped down with a damp cloth.
Concealing Imperfections
A seamless finish is left, so if your walls aren’t too even, have cracks or other defects it can be great at hiding it all.
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Choosing the right wallpaper can be daunting, but if you take the process one step at a time, it helps:
Consider the Room’s Purpose
Daring, statement patterns are effective in living rooms or on feature walls, while more subtle tones read as calmer in bedrooms. Durable options work well in high-traffic areas such as hallways.
Match Your Personal Style
Are you into modern minimalism, classic elegance or retro vibes? Choose wallpaper that suits your taste and matches current decor.
Stick to Your Budget
Wallpaper prices vary widely. Cost and Value: While initial premium materials, such as “hand-painted” or embossed designs can be expensive, removable or vinyl wallpapers are budget-friendly options.
Tips for Applying to Get the Best Results
Making your wallpaper look you did it professionally: proper application To make sure you succeed, here are some useful tips:
Prep Your Walls
Wash the walls and a primer to promote adhesion and a smooth surface. Pre-fill cracks or holes.
Measure Accurately
Take a measurement of your wall’s height and width and allow for additional wallpaper for pattern matching and trimming.
Start from the Center
If you’re using a patterned wallpaper, start at the center of the wall and work your way out from there so that the pattern is symmetrical.
Use the Right Tools
There’s a lot of preparation involved: so stock up on tools like a smoothing brush, seam roller, utility knife, and level to ensure you get a flawless finish.
Hot Wallpaper Trends for 2024
Here are trends informing wallpaper designs for this year.”
Maximalist Patterns
Formatted with bold, oversized florals and geometric shapes, it’s a statement in modern homes.
Nature-Inspired Designs
Botanical prints, tropical motifs and earthy hues are reintroducing soothing elements of nature to our interiors.
Textured Sophistication
Grasscloth and metallic finishes: they are trending for adding dimension and luxury.
Custom Murals
Wall-sized murals of cityscapes, tropical forests or abstract art are bringing drama to accent walls in every room.
Do-It-Yourself versus Professional Installation
If you’re thinking about who should hang your wallpaper, consider the pros and cons of doing it yourself vs hiring someone:
DIY Installation
Pros
- Economical for budget shoppers.
- Flexible time to get installed as per your convenience.
Cons
- Fiddly work can really drag, and patterned wallpaper is no exception.
- If you make a mistake, it becomes more difficult to repair, which can result in wasted materials.
Professional Installation
Pros
- Delivers an immaculate finish, particularly for intricate designs.
- It gives you more time and less stress.
Cons
- Higher cost upfront.
If you’re installing yourself, choose removable wallpaper to reduce risks. On complex projects, the professional element usually pays off.
Wallcoverings: How They Can Transform Your Home
Wallpaper is an ageless, versatile option for augmenting your home, providing benefits that paint can’t offer. Whether you’re interested in classic patterns, modern designs, or DIY tips, this guide will help you get started.
Unsure where to start, or which trend to address first? House wallpaper options are numerous, take your time! Whether you do it yourself or hire a professional, wallpaper is sure to add a bit of magic to your walls.
Be inspired to design a home you love—and don’t shy away from making a statement. Your walls are ready for it.
