How to Select the Best Wallpaper for Your Home

Interior designers and enthusiasts are welcoming the resurgence of wallpaper. The assortment of colors and patterns is endless, providing a beautiful backdrop for any dining, living or bathroom space. Styles range from traditional damask and florals to modern murals and paper that mimics the look of tile, wood, brick or stone. For kids (or grown-ups), consider stripes or animal or geometric patterns. Almost any surface (drywall, plaster, paneling, tile or masonry) can be papered.

Here are some considerations when selecting wallpaper:

Scale

When shopping, pay attention to pattern size. A powder room is a great area to take risks because you can make a big impact in a small space. Save murals or extra-large patterns for bedroom or dining room walls where the pattern can take center stage.

Horizontal Patterns

Horizontal patterns make a room seem larger. Avoid horizontal patterns in older homes where the ceilings and walls may not be perfectly square.

Vertical Patterns

Vertical patterns make the ceiling in a room seem higher and more expansive.

Drop Patterns

A drop pattern is the most complex because it requires proper alignment both vertically and horizontally. This choice will likely require additional paper to match up. A drop pattern is a good choice if your room isn’t perfectly square, but it’s a more difficult project for a beginner. If you’re unsure, consult a professional.

Test It Out

It’s a good idea to test-drive wallpaper patterns before hanging them. If you’re shopping online, remember that colors and pattern sizes can look different on a screen as opposed to your walls. Order samples and tape them up in the room that you want to paper.

Vinyl Wallpaper

They’re printed on vinyl material and may be embossed for a textured effect. Vinyl is durable and scrubbable, making walls easy to clean and maintain. This type is also easy to remove by peeling it off, which is a great option for renters.

Nonwoven Wallpaper

They’re a blend of synthetic and natural fiber; tend to be easy to install, clean and remove.

Grasscloth Wallpaper

Grasscloth provides a natural textural look. Made from natural materials, they may stain more easily and be harder to clean than other materials.

Paper Wallpaper

Paper wallpaper is less expensive and usually easy to hang. Because they’re somewhat delicate (tear easily) and harder to keep clean, they’re probably not the best for high-traffic areas.

Flocked Wallpaper

Flocked wallpaper features patterns with velvet-like raised designs either on paper or vinyl.

Wall murals and wallpaper may seem to be one and the same, but they're quite different. Wallpaper tends to be one pattern that is repeated throughout. It can be used on numerous walls in a room and is sold by the roll. Wallpaper can be found in kitchens, bathrooms, living rooms and more. 

On the other hand, murals are confined to one wall and are available in panels. They're usually made of strippable non-woven paper or vinyl. As opposed to a repeated pattern, they often look like one oversized picture or landscape. Some of the most popular wall mural themes include: florals, cityscapes, coastal scenes, animals and geometric patterns. Wall murals work well on one large wall in a living room, dining room or bedroom.

The majority of murals come unpasted and an adhesive is required to hang them. They're also peel-and-stick wall murals available.

Paintable wallpaper lets you get a textured look without affecting the actual wall. Apply without painting for a simple, textured surface. If you choose to paint, the raised pattern will show. You can apply repeated paint coverings, move when you’re ready to move on to another look and apply to almost any surface (primer may or may not be required).

Preparation is key. You must have a clean and properly prepared surface before you start hanging wallpaper.

In addition to traditional paste the wall or paste the paper application, today’s wallpaper has options that are less permanent and easier to apply. Removable wallpaper and peel-and-stick wallpaper require less of a long-term commitment to your décor. Wallpaper is great for renters who may not have the option of painting.

Paste the wall or paste the paper are self-explanatory for where the adhesive is applied. The glues and pastes are formulated to allow easier peeling to remove. Ensure that your wallpaper has a chance to dry (usually 24 to 28 hours) before painting or hanging borders.

Wallpaper is usually priced as a single roll. However, it’s packaged and shipped as double rolls (or bolts). If you order 10 rolls, you’ll receive five bolts. If a wallpaper pattern repeats, you’ll probably need to buy more so round up to an even number of single rolls.

Good Idea: Make sure all the rolls are from the same run number or dye lot. Different dye lots have slight differences in print and color. Write down the dye lot or run number for future reference.

To ensure adequate coverage, calculate the square footage of the area you wish to cover.

Regular cleaning with a vacuum and soft brush attachment is recommended, especially with textured wallpaper. Washable or scrubbable wallpaper can be cleaned with soap and water (no bleach or strong cleaning chemicals or abrasive cleaners). Some textured or paper materials can’t be washed.

Another way to preserve your wallpaper is by using corner guards. They’re designed specifically to protect outside or inside corners from tearing. Guards may be clear or paintable.

Some wallpaper tools are project-specific; most are already in your tool box. They include:

• Smoothing brush or plastic smoother
• Water tray (for pre-pasted wallpaper)
• Seam roller
• Level
• Utility knife/scissors
• Straightedge/putty knife/drywall knife
• Sponge
• Measuring tape
• Drop cloth