Most non-experts who are about to redecorate their homes are often surprised to learn that different types of wall paper are not distinguished only by patterns and colors.
In fact, wallpaper is often made of various different materials and is installed using different methods.
Choosing the wallpaper that is the most appropriate for you home will likely be the most difficult part of the entire process.
Not only have you got to choose the ideal design, color, or style; but, you have also got to take some time to choose which type of wallpaper works best for you.
Common wallpaper has a somewhat misleading name, because it is not actually very common anymore.
This was the original wallpaper used in homes before the advent of vinyl wallpaper.
You may still find common wallpaper elegantly enhancing the appearance of older homes, but this variety of paper has fallen out of favor because it tends to be more difficult to install.
As such, vinyl wallpaper has become an all-purpose alternative that is regularly found in home-improvement and paint shops.
Vinyl wallpaper usually features one patterned or colored side with a self-adhesive on the back.
This type of wallpaper is relatively durable and is great for bathrooms, kitchens, and children's' bedrooms.
Depending on where you want to use the vinyl wallpaper, look for varieties that are mildew resistant.
Vinyl wallpaper is typically quite easy to work with as will not stick to itself and it will stand up well to cleaning and exposure to moisture.
In addition to being versatile, vinyl wallpaper is also available in a broad array of styles and colors.
Foil wallpaper is becoming more popular with designers today.
Especially when used in small spaces, foil wallpaper can add an interesting design element.
While it is not as durable as vinyl wallpaper, foil wallpaper is available in various patterns.
Unfortunately, this type of wallpaper is also a bit more difficult to work with as wrinkles or folds become visible on the wall; and foil wallpaper does not hide wall defects well.
Flock wallpaper is the go-to choice for decorative highlights and formal rooms like the dining room.
You can recognize flock wallpaper by its raised velvety patterns.
The textural aspect of flock wallpaper provides another design element, but it is also less durable than vinyl.
Despite being washable, scrubbing this wallpaper may remove or damage the flocks on the surface.
Next, we can talk about grass cloth which is actually made from woven grass.
Unfortunately, grass cloth may be the least durable of all wallpapers and is therefore not recommended for rooms with children.
Furthermore, moisture can damage this type of wallpaper, so cleaning can be somewhat more difficult as well.
Nevertheless, grass cloth wallpaper has an interesting texture and gives a more natural, earthy feel to a room.
Finally, fabric wallpaper is another popular choice for designers.
Made from textiles, fabric wallpaper may or may not be laminated to regular wallpaper.
Staining can be a problem as cleaning methods for fabric wallpaper will vary based on the type of fabric used.
Moreover, fabric wallpaper can be difficult to work with because of the natural stretch that occurs in many fabrics.
Still, fabric wallpaper works well with contemporary designs and can bring warmth to a large room.
Now that you have a basic idea of the different types of wallpaper, you should be ready to narrow your search depending on where you plan to install the paper.
While vinyl wallpaper is easily the most common type of paper today, let your imagination factor into your choice as well.
In fact, wallpaper is often made of various different materials and is installed using different methods.
Choosing the wallpaper that is the most appropriate for you home will likely be the most difficult part of the entire process.
Not only have you got to choose the ideal design, color, or style; but, you have also got to take some time to choose which type of wallpaper works best for you.
Common wallpaper has a somewhat misleading name, because it is not actually very common anymore.
This was the original wallpaper used in homes before the advent of vinyl wallpaper.
You may still find common wallpaper elegantly enhancing the appearance of older homes, but this variety of paper has fallen out of favor because it tends to be more difficult to install.
As such, vinyl wallpaper has become an all-purpose alternative that is regularly found in home-improvement and paint shops.
Vinyl wallpaper usually features one patterned or colored side with a self-adhesive on the back.
This type of wallpaper is relatively durable and is great for bathrooms, kitchens, and children's' bedrooms.
Depending on where you want to use the vinyl wallpaper, look for varieties that are mildew resistant.
Vinyl wallpaper is typically quite easy to work with as will not stick to itself and it will stand up well to cleaning and exposure to moisture.
In addition to being versatile, vinyl wallpaper is also available in a broad array of styles and colors.
Foil wallpaper is becoming more popular with designers today.
Especially when used in small spaces, foil wallpaper can add an interesting design element.
While it is not as durable as vinyl wallpaper, foil wallpaper is available in various patterns.
Unfortunately, this type of wallpaper is also a bit more difficult to work with as wrinkles or folds become visible on the wall; and foil wallpaper does not hide wall defects well.
Flock wallpaper is the go-to choice for decorative highlights and formal rooms like the dining room.
You can recognize flock wallpaper by its raised velvety patterns.
The textural aspect of flock wallpaper provides another design element, but it is also less durable than vinyl.
Despite being washable, scrubbing this wallpaper may remove or damage the flocks on the surface.
Next, we can talk about grass cloth which is actually made from woven grass.
Unfortunately, grass cloth may be the least durable of all wallpapers and is therefore not recommended for rooms with children.
Furthermore, moisture can damage this type of wallpaper, so cleaning can be somewhat more difficult as well.
Nevertheless, grass cloth wallpaper has an interesting texture and gives a more natural, earthy feel to a room.
Finally, fabric wallpaper is another popular choice for designers.
Made from textiles, fabric wallpaper may or may not be laminated to regular wallpaper.
Staining can be a problem as cleaning methods for fabric wallpaper will vary based on the type of fabric used.
Moreover, fabric wallpaper can be difficult to work with because of the natural stretch that occurs in many fabrics.
Still, fabric wallpaper works well with contemporary designs and can bring warmth to a large room.
Now that you have a basic idea of the different types of wallpaper, you should be ready to narrow your search depending on where you plan to install the paper.
While vinyl wallpaper is easily the most common type of paper today, let your imagination factor into your choice as well.