When you hear the word “wallpaper” most likely the image of your grandmother’s excessively floral paper engulfing the living room pops into your mind.
No one understands this wallpapered look- and the process of taking it down- better than me!
When we bought our old home, many rooms were adorned with flowers and plaid paper. I have spent days mixing the removal solution with warm water, using the rolling tool, and scrapping it off until my arms and hands go numb.
But is wallpaper a bad decorative choice? Absolutely not.
In fact, it is just the opposite! Decorating walls with colorful design has made a major comeback over the last few years. The overly floral styles of the past have given way to beautiful textures and geometric patterns.
Even the method of application has changed and there are easier ways to apply the paper. No longer does it only need to be “paste and place” with messy paste. The new “peel and stick” method has helped fuel this resurgence of wallpaper as a major element in interior design.
Types of Wallpaper
Wallpaper usually comes in rolls and can come in the form of:
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Self-adhesive: also called “peel and stick.” It is very easy to apply and remove. No water is needed so the application is less messy.
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Pre-pasted: adhesive is already applied to the paper so no additional glue is necessary. Just add water.
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Non-pasted: no adhesive is pre-applied so you need to apply the paste and use water.
Wallpaper Material
One of the reasons wallpaper may be making a comeback is the various options you have to fit the needs of any room. From easy-to-clean vinyl paper to grasscloth, there are so many textures and styles to warm up a living space and create design interest.
Types of wallpaper material include:
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Vinyl
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Solid sheet
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Grasscloth/Linen
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Non-woven
In our 1863 Greek Revival, we decided to use linen wallpaper to add texture and warmth to our family room. You can actually see little knots in the linen which makes it even more interesting and unique. The color we used is a neutral cream so it doesn’t conflict with any other colors or designs in the space.
Top Tips
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If you have a newly constructed home, or you’re placing wallpaper on new drywall, priming the walls prior to application is absolutely necessary. Otherwise, the wallpaper will never come off!
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Remember, wallpaper is as personal as artwork. What is beautiful to you, might not be to others. If you are considering selling your house soon (or you are flipping a home), you may want to go with a neutral color and texture so it’s not off putting to potential buyers.
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Much like painting an accent wall, wallpapering one wall in a living space is a growing trend. This will allow you to choose a more bold color or pattern since you are utilizing a smaller amount.
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Don’t forget about the “fifth wall”- the ceiling! Often times, you will see the ceiling wallpapered, especially in smaller spaces like a powder room.
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Applying the wallpaper can be tricky until you get used to the process. Try YouTubing videos for DIY guidance. Otherwise, you can get a professional to hang the paper. I have found there are major discrepancies with quotes from one person to the next, so make sure to get multiple!
Happy wallpapering!
