In this article, we will talk about the different types of wallpaper. Wallpaper is a popular wall covering material and an ideal alternative to painting. They are available in a wide array of patterns, colors, textures, designs, and styles. Nowadays, wallpapers are made from different materials and are also improved so that they can be used in all areas of the house.
What are the different types of wallpaper? There are different types of wallpaper available and are divided into different categories. Wallpapers are often categorized according to the material that it is made from, patterns, use, application, design, color, and many more. You can also find wallpapers that are water and moisture-resistant.
Are you looking for a wallpaper to decorate your room and are wondering about the best type that you can choose? With the many types of wallpaper available, it is confusing to choose one. There are different factors that you need to consider when choosing wallpaper. To help you get started, we have shared a list of the different types of wallpaper that you can consider.
Different Types of Wallpaper
To cater to the needs of the consumers, Wallpapers are available in different types. You can find different materials of wallpaper like bamboo, vinyl, and fabric. There are also wallpapers that are waterproof and moisture resistant that is ideal for humid and moist areas. Moreover, wallpapers are available in various designs, prints, patterns, textures, colors, and materials. Below is a list of the different types of wallpaper that you can choose from.
1. Printed Wallpaper
This wallpaper comes in a wide array of colors and patterns. You can choose between digitally-printed and hand-printed wallpaper. If you want a cheaper option, the digitally-printed wallpaper is a good choice. However, it can easily tear and get damaged as compared to hand-printed wallpaper.
2. Liner Wallpaper
This type of wallpaper is made from fiberglass or paper and is also referred to as lining paper. Liner wallpaper is ideal if you want to hide wall imperfections. If you want to cover your walls without doing a lot of repair, you can choose liner wallpaper. It is easy to install, remove, and you can also have the option to paint it so that it complements the color of the rest of the room.
3. Vinyl Wallpaper
Another type of wallpaper is vinyl. It is made from printed paper that is coated with vinyl. This type of wallpaper is durable and can be used in bathrooms and kitchens. Moreover, vinyl wallpaper is washable and is easy to maintain. To find out more about this type of wallpaper, you can check out this article titled, is vinyl safe for walls?
4. Solid Sheet Vinyl Wallpaper
This wallpaper is purely made from vinyl and is known to be durable. It is thick, easy to install, clean, and remove. It has an embossed design which adds a distinct beauty into the wallpaper. You can also use this wallpaper in high-moisture and humid areas of the room.
5. Vinyl-Coated Fabric Wallpaper
If you want a natural feel and texture into your walls, this type of wallpaper is a good option. It is also durable and long lasting. You can use it in any room of the house. The texture of the wallpaper will add depth and character into the room. We have also shared this article that discusses if you can use fabric instead of wallpaper. Check out the article to learn more about fabric wallpaper and its pros and cons.
6. Vinyl-Coated Wallpaper
This type of wallpaper is durable and washable. It is ideal to be used for humid and moist rooms like the laundry, kitchen, and bathroom. Vinyl-coated wallpaper also comes in a wide array of designs, colors, styles, and patterns to choose from.
7. Flock Wallpaper
This type of wallpaper is made from velvet-like fiber that is printed on the base of the paper and is known for having fuzzy 3D patterns. This wallpaper will provide a luxurious look in the room. If you are on a budget, it is not the best choice because it is one of the most expensive wallpaper ever made and is also hard to maintain. Aside from that, flock wallpaper is not washable and is also hard to remove.
8. Foil Wallpaper
Another type of wallpaper is the foil wallpaper. The base of the wallpaper is made from a polished metal foil that emits a shiny metallic effect. However, its high reflectivity easily shows the imperfections of the wall. Hence, you need to make sure that the wall is smooth and primed before you cover it with foil wallpaper.
9. Mylar Wallpaper
This wallpaper has a printed paper base and the top has a polyester film applied into it. Mylar wallpaper gives off a wet or shiny appearance like that of foil wallpaper. Because of this, it can also show wall imperfections. You can use a paper lining to cover the wall before you place Mylar wallpaper into it. This wallpaper is usually used in kitchens and bathrooms.
✅ Video – Hanging Mylar Wall Covering
LenTexWallcoverings shared the video below on YouTube. It discusses how to hang Mylar wall covering. In the video, the step-by-step instruction on how to hang this type of wallpaper is shown. Watch the video for more tips and information.
10. Bamboo Wallpaper
This is another type of wallpaper that you can choose from. It is handcrafted from natural bamboo that is glued to paper. Bamboo wallpaper is eco-friendly which is a good option if to have in your rooms. On the other hand, you need to be extra careful in installing this wallpaper because the adhesives can ruin its appearance.
11. Non-Woven Wallpaper
If you do not want to have vinyl on your walls, this wallpaper is a good choice. Non-woven wallpaper is washable and breathable so you can rest assured that no moisture will get trapped behind the wallpaper and cause mold. Furthermore, this type of wallpaper is tear-resistant and easily comes off the wall.
12. Grasscloth Wallpaper
This type of wallpaper is made from all-natural materials. It is woven and highly textured. On the other hand, grasscloth wallpaper can be hard to clean. Use a vacuum cleaner to remove stains and dust on the surface of the wallpaper. You might also need to hire the services of a professional to do proper cleaning on the wallpaper.
13. Straight Across Wallpaper
A straight across wallpaper means that the pattern matches all the way across the wallpaper. If you want an easy installation for patterned wallpaper without worrying about the pattern overlapping each other, or that the design is mismatched, you can use this type of wallpaper. You can easily create continuous and uniform wallpaper on your walls.
14. Drop Match Wallpaper
This type of wallpaper is also called offset match. It has a pattern that repeats on a regular basis. You can easily get the match by halving the wallpaper. Meaning, a wallpaper design that repeats every 100 cm will match from left to right every 50 cm.
15. Free-Match Wallpaper
If you want an easy wallpaper to hang without worrying about mismatched patterns and designs, this is your best option. Regardless of how you hang the strips of wallpaper or what kind of drop you have, there will be no seams to worry about.
16. Removable Wallpaper
Take note that not all types of wallpaper are removable. Removable wallpaper is easier to remove when you want to change wallpaper. They peel off faster and there is no need to use chemicals to strip small pieces of wallpaper that gets stuck on the wall.
✅ Video – DIY Guide: How to Hang Removable Wallpaper & Wall Murals
Society6 shared the video below on YouTube. In the video, the step-by-step instructions on how to hang removable wallpaper and murals are shown. Removable wallpapers are ideal for renters and for those who want to have a temporary cover for their walls. You can check out the video for the demonstration.
17. Washable Wallpaper
For easy cleaning and maintenance, you can choose washable wallpaper. This is important if you will install the wallpaper in high traffic areas. Moreover, if you have kids and pets, it is best that you invest in washable wallpaper. This type of wallpaper can withstand regular cleanings without issues.
18. Textured Wallpaper
This type of wallpaper is ideal for both commercial and residential use. It can enhance the appearance of the room by adding character into the walls. Textured wallpaper is versatile and can hide wall imperfections. Moreover, it adds visual interest to your walls.
19. Paintable Wallpaper
This wallpaper usually has a textured and repeating design that pops out from the wall. You can paint it with the colors that you like. See to it that you choose a paint that is compatible with the wallpaper so that it will not have a very glossy look. Check the label for the best types of paint that can be used with the wallpaper.
20. Metallic Wallpaper
If you want to make the room stand out, you can use metallic wallpaper. There are different colors, patterns, and designs that you can choose from. You can cover all walls of the room with the wallpaper to achieve maximum impact and for a uniform look. On the other hand, you can also use the wallpaper to create a featured wall that attracts attention to that specific area of the room.
21. Moisture-Resistant Wallpaper
When decorating your bathroom, kitchen, and other rooms in the house that is constantly exposed to moisture and humidity, you can use moisture-resistant wallpaper. They can be used on the backsplash or near the bathtub. They are durable and will not easily peel off from the wall.
22. Self-Adhesive Wallpaper
This type of wallpaper is a good option if you do not want to deal with wallpaper paste or glue. They are quick and easy to install because there is no need to apply paste into the wall. Make sure that the walls are smooth and primed to make sure that the adhesive sticks well into it.
23. Non-Pasted Wallpaper
Also called unpasted wallpaper, it is another type of wallpaper that you can choose from. To apply this wallpaper, you first need to apply wallpaper glue or paste to the wallpaper. Then, fold the wallpaper in half and let it sit for a few minutes so that the glue will thoroughly soak into the wallpaper.
24. Pre-Pasted Wallpaper
This type of wallpaper is easy to install but can be messy. To install the wallpaper, cut it into the proper size making sure that there are a few inches of allowance on each side of the wallpaper. Then, place the wallpaper in water to stimulate the back of the wallpaper and make it sticky. Remove excess water and attach the wallpaper into the wall. Make sure that you do not leave the wallpaper in the water or the adhesive will wash off.
25. Peel and Stick Wallpaper
This is another type of wallpaper that you can use. It is easy to install and there is no need to apply paste at the back of the wallpaper. All that you need to do is to peel off the back of the wallpaper and place it on the wall. When using peel and stick wallpaper, you need to be extra careful because it can easily get wrinkly and produce air bubbles.
✅ Video – Everything You Need to Know About Peel and Stick Wallpaper
Nailed it shared the video below on YouTube. The video discusses everything that you need to know about peel and stick wallpaper. This type of wallpaper is easy and quick to hang. Watch the video for more tips and information.
Which Type of Wallpaper is the Best?
The best type of wallpaper is the one that is durable and made from high-quality material. Vinyl based wallpaper is a popular option for many homeowners. It is easy to install, remove, and maintain. You can choose from the different options of vinyl based wallpaper according to your budget and what you want the room to look like. You can also check out this article that we have shared titled, should you wallpaper all walls? We have shared an in-depth discussion about the topic.
Are Wallpapers Cost-Effective?
Wallpapers are cost effective. While the initial cost of hanging wallpaper is more expensive as compared to painting, it is durable which means that you can get your money’s worth in the long run. With the wide array of wallpaper that you can choose from, it is easy to find one that suits your budget and preferences. We have also shared this article that discusses why wallpaper is so expensive. You can check out the article for an in-depth discussion about the topic.
Can Wallpapers Be Applied on Painted Walls?
Wallpapers can be applied on painted walls as long as the surface is smooth, free from holes, cracks, dents, and leakage. It is recommended that you use a primer on the wall before applying the wallpaper to prevent paint from seeping through and staining the wallpaper. You can also check out this article titled, is wallpaper cheaper than paint? We have talked about the differences between wallpaper and paint.
Conclusion
You have reached the end of this article that discusses the different types of wallpaper that you can choose from. Wallpaper has improved through the years and more and more types are being produced to cater to the needs of the consumers. When choosing wallpaper, you need to consider various factors like the moisture and humid level of the room, the space that needs to be wallpapered, and the existing decorations and theme. We hope that this article that we have shared has helped you learn more about the different types of wallpaper so that you can choose the best option for your room. Thank you for reading!