Learn how to choose the right wallpaper for your home. Discover different textures, installation methods, and how light affects your selection’s appearance.
Understanding the Different Types of Wallpaper
You may be surprised to find that there is more than just one wallpaper option available on the market. Each type has its own different textures, finishes, and installation methods, which makes some types more suitable for specific rooms than others.
Vinyl wallpaper is an incredibly durable option for your home improvement project, and this makes it ideal for high-traffic areas and rooms that are more exposed to moisture, such as kitchens and bathrooms. You'll find that this style is quite easy to clean and can be found in many designs.
Textured wallpaper, including embossed and fabric-backed styles, adds depth and character to walls, often helping to conceal minor imperfections. Meanwhile, non-woven wallpaper is breathable and easy to apply or remove, and this makes it an excellent choice for home or property owners who like to frequently update their interiors.
Other options available also include peel-and-stick wallpaper, which is ideal for renters or temporary designs, and traditional paper wallpaper, which offers more complex patterns but requires careful handling during installation. With so many choices available, understanding the characteristics of each type helps you select the best wallpaper for your space.
Patterns vs Solid Colours: What Works Best?
When choosing between patterns and solid colours for the walls of your property, it's always good to consider the atmosphere you want to create, as well as the size of your space.
Patterns can add visual interest and character, making a bold statement or enhancing a theme. Geometric, floral, or abstract designs can offer lots of depth and movement throughout your room, whereas more subtle textures add elegance without overwhelming the room. However, in smaller spaces, large or busy patterns may make the area feel more confined.
Solid colours, on the other hand, have a much more clean and timeless look. They work well in any modern and traditional interiors, and they allow for greater flexibility in décor unless you have more of a maximalist approach to interior design, to which you then use a variety of patterns altogether.
Lighter shades of wallpaper can make your rooms feel more spacious and airy, while much darker tones add warmth and create a sophisticated vibe.
Solid walls also provide a more neutral backdrop, which makes it easier to update your furniture and accessories without clashing with existing designs. Ultimately, the choice between patterns and solid colours depends on your style preference, room size, and the overall effect you want to achieve.
How Lighting Affects Wallpaper Appearance
It may not be your immediate thought, but lighting is important to consider, as it can affect how wallpaper looks in a room, influencing its colour, texture, and overall effect.
Natural light improves the true tones of wallpaper during the day, but the direction and intensity of sunlight can create a more varied appearance. South-facing rooms usually have warmer lighting, which can make colours appear richer, while north-facing spaces may have cooler light, affecting how vibrant or muted a wallpaper looks.
Artificial lighting also impacts wallpaper, as different bulb types can create a number of different visual effects. Warm white lighting enhances the cosy and soft tones, which makes the patterns and textures on the wall appear more inviting, whereas cool white or LED lighting sharpens contrasts and highlights details.
Glossy or metallic wallpapers reflect light, adding brightness and depth. Yet more matte finishes tend to absorb light for a more elegant look. Always consider the room’s lighting conditions before choosing wallpaper; that way, you can make sure the design looks as intended in different settings.
Considering Durability and Maintenance Needs
When choosing wallpaper, it is important to think about long-term durability and maintenance. This is especially important in high-traffic areas or rooms exposed to moisture and for those who don't find themselves keen to redecorate their homes often.
Vinyl wallpaper is one of the most hard-wearing options. It is completely resistant to stains and very easy to clean, which is why it is so much more ideal for kitchens, bathrooms, and hallways. There are some washable wallpapers which have a protective coating, and these allow for easy maintenance with a damp cloth, helping to keep walls looking fresh at all times.
For spaces like living rooms and bedrooms, paper-based or fabric-backed wallpapers can add a luxurious touch, though they may need more careful handling.
Textured wallpapers, while great for hiding imperfections, can be harder to clean due to their surface details. Peel-and-stick wallpaper offers convenience for temporary or rental spaces but may not be as durable in the long term. Selecting the right wallpaper based on maintenance needs can help offer a balance between style and practicality.
Feature Walls vs Full-Room Wallpapering
Deciding between a feature wall and full-room wallpapering will depend on the atmosphere or effect you want to create and the scale of the space itself. A feature wall, where wallpaper is applied to a single wall, creates a focal point and adds visual interest without overwhelming the room.
This approach works well with bold patterns, textured finishes, or contrasting colours. It's best used to highlight specific areas, such as behind a bed, sofa, or fireplace. It is also a cost-effective way to introduce wallpaper without committing to an entire room.
Full-room wallpapering, on the other hand, offers a matching, immersive look. Lighter tones and subtle patterns can make your rooms feel open and spacious, yet darker or complex patterned wallpapers add much more drama and character. This option works best in rooms where balance and harmony are key, for example, in bedrooms or dining areas. Whether you opt for a feature wall or full coverage, the choice you make should complement the room's size, lighting, and overall design style.
Painters & Decorators Stockport
Those looking for efficient, high-quality painting and decorating services at the most suitable prices should contact us at Bill McShannon Painter & Decorator. We'll do all we can to improve your home or property's appearance!
