Wallpaper Wonders: A Guide to Transforming Your Walls

Are you looking to give your home a fresh new look?

Wallpaper might be just the thing you need! From classic patterns to modern designs, wallpaper can completely transform a room. In this article, we’ll explore different types of wallpaper, share some budget-friendly options, highlight trending colors and patterns, and offer tips for installation. Let’s dive in!

Types of Wallpaper

1. Traditional Paper Wallpaper

Good old-fashioned paper wallpaper is still a popular choice. It’s relatively inexpensive and comes in countless designs.

Pros:

• Affordable
• Wide variety of patterns
• Easy to remove (especially newer versions)

Cons:

• Can be tricky to hang
• Less durable than other options

Best for: Bedrooms, living rooms, and low-traffic areas

2. Vinyl Wallpaper

Vinyl wallpaper is a step up in durability. It’s moisture-resistant and easy to clean, making it great for busy households.

Pros:

• Durable and long-lasting
• Easy to clean
• Moisture-resistant

Cons:

• Can be more expensive than paper
• May not be environmentally friendly

Best for: Kitchens, bathrooms, and high-traffic areas

3. Non-Woven Wallpaper

This modern option is a blend of natural and synthetic fibers. It’s breathable and easy to hang.

Pros:

• Easy to install and remove
• Breathable (helps prevent mold)
• Dimensionally stable (doesn’t expand or contract)

Cons:

• Can be more expensive than traditional paper
• Limited texture options

Best for: Any room, especially good for DIY enthusiasts

4. Textile Wallpaper

Made from natural or synthetic fibers, textile wallpaper adds warmth and texture to a room.

Pros:

• Luxurious look and feel
• Great sound absorption
• Adds warmth to a room

Cons:

• Expensive
• Difficult to clean

Best for: Bedrooms, living rooms, and formal dining rooms

5. Grasscloth Wallpaper

This natural wallpaper is made from woven grasses or other plant fibers.

Pros:

• Unique, organic texture
• Eco-friendly
• Adds warmth and depth

Cons:

• Expensive
• Difficult to clean
• Can fade in direct sunlight

Best for: Living rooms, home offices, and accent walls

Budget-Friendly Options

Peel-and-Stick Wallpaper

Perfect for renters or commitment-phobes, peel-and-stick wallpaper is easy to apply and remove.

Example: roommates striped peel and stick wallpaper 

Why we love it: Easy to install, removable, and comes in many designs

Paintable Textured Wallpaper

This option allows you to add texture to your walls and paint it any color you like.

Example: Graham & Brown paintable beadboard wallpaper.  

Why we love it: Versatile, can be repainted multiple times

Clearance or End-of-Line Wallpaper

Check out wallpaper stores or online retailers for great deals on discontinued patterns.

Tip: Buy a little extra when purchasing clearance wallpaper, as you might not be able to get more later if needed.

Trending Colors and Patterns

1. Nature-Inspired Designs

Botanical prints, especially large-scale florals and leafy patterns, are huge right now.

Example: York Wallcoverings tropics palm leaf wallpaper  

Why we love it: Bold, tropical vibes that bring the outdoors in

2. Geometric Patterns

From simple lines to complex shapes, geometrics are still going strong.

Example: NuWallpaper blue arrowhead peel and stick Wallpaper 

Why we love it: Modern look, easy to install

3. Moody Blues and Greens

Deep, saturated colors are making a comeback, especially in shades of blue and green.

Example: Tempaper peonies deep blue removable wallpaper 

Why we love it: Rich color, removable for easy changes

4. Textured Looks

Wallpapers that mimic natural textures like linen, grasscloth, or even concrete are trending.

Example: Brewster Whimsical linen texture wallpaper 

Why we love it: Adds depth without overwhelming the space

Installation Tips

Now that we’ve covered types and trends, let’s talk about how to get that wallpaper on your walls!

1. Prepare Your Walls

• Clean the walls thoroughly and let them dry completely
• Fill any holes or cracks with spackle and sand smooth
• For non-peel-and-stick wallpapers, apply a wallpaper primer

2. Gather Your Tools

You’ll need:

• Wallpaper
• Wallpaper paste (for non-peel-and-stick types)
• Smoothing tool or brush
• Sharp utility knife
• Scissors
• Level
• Pencil
• Tape measure
• Sponge and bucket

3. Measure and Cut

• Measure the height of your wall and add 4 inches for trimming
• Cut your first strip according to this measurement
• For patterned wallpaper, make sure to line up the pattern when cutting subsequent strips

4. Apply the Wallpaper

For traditional wallpaper:

• Apply paste to the back of the wallpaper or directly to the wall (follow manufacturer’s instructions)
• Fold the pasted sides together gently (called “booking”) and let rest for the recommended time
• Unfold and apply to the wall, starting at the top and smoothing downwards

For peel-and-stick wallpaper:

• Peel off the backing about 12 inches at a time
• Apply to the wall from top to bottom, smoothing as you go

5. Smooth and Trim

• Use a smoothing tool to remove air bubbles
• Trim excess paper at the top and bottom with a sharp utility knife

6. Repeat and Match Patterns

• Continue applying strips, making sure to match patterns where they meet

Pro Tips:

• Start in an inconspicuous corner in case your first attempt isn’t perfect
• Use a plumb line or level to ensure your first strip is straight
• For rooms with difficult angles, make paper templates first

Wrapping Up

Wallpaper is a fantastic way to add personality to your space. Whether you’re into bold patterns, subtle textures, or easy peel-and-stick options, there’s a wallpaper out there for you. Remember to consider the room’s function when choosing your wallpaper type, and don’t be afraid to go for trendy colors or patterns – wallpaper is much easier to change than it used to be!

With a little patience and the right techniques, you can transform your walls and give your home a whole new look. Happy wallpapering!

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