The wallpaper vs paint debate is not easy to decide, but in case you have checked all the pros and cons of both options and have decided to opt for wallpaper, here are seven tips which will ensure that you don’t end up choosing something that just doesn’t work in your home setting.
American vs English Rolls
In case you are planning to hang your own wallpaper, then you need to know the difference between American and English rolls. The American rolls are 27-inch wide, while English rolls are only 20.5-inch wide; a fact that will help you in calculating how many rolls you will need to buy in order to cover up each of the walls.
Hand Painted Wallpapers Will Cost More
It cannot be denied that hand-painted wallpapers are often more detailed and obviously more unique than stamped or printed alternatives, however this usually means that the products cost more to purchase as well. The installation costs may be the same, depending on who you hire, but it’s never a good idea to hang this kind of wallpaper yourself unless you can afford to spend money on extra rolls should you make a mistake.
The Right Pattern for the Right Effect
Wallpapers actually affect the mood of the room even more profoundly than colour, so depending on the mood that you are trying to set in a particular room, the following tips should prove to be useful:
- For a casual and relaxed vibe, opt for beadboards with flowing, organic and floral patterns.
- Florals with fine lines work great when you are trying to make the room feel romantic.
- Intricately woven damask and striped patterns are perfect for rooms that have been designed traditionally.
Non-Woven Backing is the Way to Go
Woven backed paper is particularly a problem when you decide to take the wallpaper off and try something new, because it’s a pain to get it off the wall. The non-woven variety, on the other hand, is easy to strip off your walls whenever you need to. As you will definitely need to change the wallpaper from time to time, non-woven backed paper is often the better choice.
Textured Wallpaper Covers Up Imperfections
While both flat and textured wallpapers have their own kind of style, if you have architectural imperfections in your wall, you will be able to hide them better with textured wallpaper. However, do make sure that this kind of paper fits into your overall design scheme. Most textured papers are monochromatic and less intricate than flats. If you can’t find a textured paper that you like, you may be better off sorting out the imperfections on your wall.
Flat Wallpaper Gives You More Design Choices
If you are looking for metallic, mica or gloss embellishments, flat is the way to go. Also, this kind of paper is almost always going to look better. If you are worried about wall imperfections but would rather use flat paper designs, an underlying layer of wall liner could be the solution here.
Light Colours Make the Room Seem Bigger
Go for a lighter shade if you wish to make your room feel bigger than it actually is. Also, if that’s the objective, then choosing single, basic and light colours with minimum to no design details on the wallpaper will help to make the room look spacious.
Wallpaper is a great option for many homeowners. Keep the above tips in mind and don’t be afraid to speak to a designer if you need a professional opinion.