Types of wallpapers
Wallpapers are usually sold in rolls and is applied onto a wall using wallpaper paste. Wallpapers can come plain as “lining paper” (so that it can be painted or used to help cover uneven surfaces and minor wall defects thus giving a better surface), it could also be textured with a regular repeating pattern design, or, much less commonly today, with a single non-repeating large design carried over a set of sheets. The smallest rectangle that can be tiled to form the whole pattern is known as the pattern repeat.
Wallpapers are an incredibly popular design choice nowadays. With the resurgence of this incredibly versatile, expressive wall covering option, comes many new developments in wallpaper material. Gone are the days of frustrating wallpaper that is difficult to install, and even harder to remove. Now you can enjoy a variety of materials that are all easy to install and remove. You can choose the best design, size, and material for the room you’re outfitting, and the one that is most compatible with your own design tastes.
Based on size
Modern wallcoverings are diverse, and what is described as wallpaper may no longer actually be made from paper totally. Two of the most common factory trimmed sizes of wallpaper are referred to as “American” and “European” rolled goods. American rolled goods are 27 inches (69 cm) by 27 feet (8.2 m) in length.
European rolled goods which are more common around sub-Saharan Africa are 53 centimeters (20 in) wide by 10 meters (33 ft) in length approximately 5.3 square meters (56 sqft). other lengths include the70cm in width by 10meters in length thus approximately 7sqm, 106cm wide, and 10meters in length, and 106cm wide by 15meters in length which could approximately cover 16sqm.
Based on material made with
Design is not the only decisive factor when you are buying the wallpaper. Wallpapers are made of different materials, with different properties or application processes. Each material has its advantages and disadvantages and it is good to know what they are. The correct choice of material can prevent disappointment from choosing a material unsuitable for the given space. Our list is not exhaustive, but it will give you a basic idea.
VINYL WALLPAPER
Vinyl-based wallpaper is the most popular option in wall coverings due to its versatility. It’s easy to install, easy to remove, and easy to clean. There are a few different options of vinyl-based wallpaper depending on the needs of the room you’re looking to decorate.
SOLID SHEET VINYL
This type of pure vinyl wallpaper is the most durable option because of its thickness, easy cleaning, and easy removal. Solid sheet vinyl is often embossed which adds to the beauty of the print.
VINYL COATED FABRIC
Fabric wallpaper is a popular choice because of its natural feel and texture. The vinyl coating gives it a good degree of protection and durability. It’s a wonderful choice for a sitting room or dining room where texture is a key design element.
VINYL COATED PAPER
An upgrade from plain paper wallpaper, the vinyl-coated paper offers the durability and washability that paper alone simply does not. The vinyl coating allows this type of wallpaper to be a great option for a variety of rooms including high-humidity environments like bathrooms, laundry rooms, and kitchens.
NON-WOVEN WALLPAPER
Non-woven wallpaper is a completely vinyl-free option that’s a great choice if you’re sensitive to environmental considerations. It’s also washable and breathable. So, no need to worry about mold with this wallpaper. It also is very easy to install and remove. It does not tear easily, and it comes off the wall in one long strip. So, if you have some structural work to do with the wall, you can remove the wallpaper and put it back up again when you’re ready.
EASY-WALLS WALLPAPER
Similar to non-woven wallpaper, Easy-walls is a material that is completely PVC and VOC-free, and the ink is water-based. The wallpaper is easily cleaned, but breathable at the same time. So you won’t need to worry about mold. This type of wallpaper usually comes with a pre-applied adhesive, so installation and removal is a piece of cake.
PREPASTED WALLPAPER
Wallpaper can be one of the types listed above AND be prepasted at the same time. The term “prepasted” just means that you don’t need to purchase additional adhesive because it’s already on the wallpaper. The glue is dry and just needs to be activated by wetting the back of the paper.
There are three wallpaper manufacturers that make prepasted wallpaper: York Wallcoverings (Sure Strip), Brewster Home Fashions (Easy-Walls), and Nor-wall Wallcoverings (no brand name for their prepasted line).
Note that more expensive higher-end wallpaper, over $50 per single roll, will never be pre-pasted.
For a list of prepasted collections click here.
GRASSCLOTH WALLPAPER
Grasscloth is a woven, highly textured wallpaper made from purely natural components. Cleaning is a little more difficult with this type of wallpaper. Stains should be spot treated and dirt should be vacuumed with a clean vacuum cleaner brush. If it’s a really specialty grasscloth then the overall cleaning may need to be handled by a professional cleaner.
RECOATABLE
Recoatable wallpapers are sold in white and are intended as a basis for a painting. They are often made from durable non-woven vlies to withstand multiple layers of paint. Paintable wallpapers feature various surface structures. They can imitate wood, stucco, often with geometric patterns. Their advantages and disadvantages are mentioned in the Vlies wallpaper section.
FABRIC
Fabric wallpaper is stylish, more suitable for luxurious spaces. This is reflected in its price. It is heavy and therefore excellent as a thermal and soundproofing. Its further advantage is that it retains its dimensions.
You can find various kinds of textile wall hangings on the market, some with a thin vinyl layer, others made from textiles applied to a non-woven vlies base. Those with a vlies base are ecologically safe, but they are more demanding for cleaning.