Wallpaper is a decorative paper, vinyl material or cloth material applied to walls to enhance a room’s appearance. Wallpaper is a versatile alternative to paint, offering both temporary and long-lasting options.
It comes in various colors, patterns, and textures, and can be used to cover imperfections or add style.
Pros and cons of using a Wallpaper
Pros
- Easy to install
- Versatile – Mix matching different colors and textures can give you endless possibilities when designing your wallpapers
- Low Maintenance – A room’s paint needs to be retouched or repainted every three to five years. If chosen wisely, wallpapers can last up to 10+ years.
- Less expensive than getting a design painted on your wall
- Hides Imperfections – Using thick, high-quality wallpaper can make your walls look spectacular, even if they are in terrible shape.
Cons
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- Since the wall papers are put by applying adhesive glue, their longevity depends upon the quality of adhesive used
- Difficult to replace if damaged- If a part of wall paper gets damaged, you will have to replace the entire wall, wallpaper with a new one
- If your room is humid, make sure to choose the right wallpaper. There are now wallpapers designed to resist moisture.
Types of Wallpaper Material
1. Vinyl Wallpaper/ Satin wall Paper:
Vinyl material is a type of plastic.
Pros of Vinyl Wallpaper/ Satin wall Paper:
- Durable, washable and easy to clean
- Resistant to moisture and humidity, making it ideal for kitchens and bathrooms
- Can easily clean it with a damp cloth or sponge, and all dirt, debris, and dust will be removed.
- Vinyl wallpaper is less expensive
- It comes with adhesives already applied to the back.
Cons of Vinyl Wallpaper/ Satin wall Paper:
- Less breathable, which can cause mold in damp areas
2. Non-Woven Wallpaper:
Made from a blend of natural and synthetic fibres.
Pros of Non-Woven Wallpaper:
- Durability, Versatility
- Tear-resistant, easy to install and remove, breathable, eco-friendly and sustainable.
- Mold Proof, making it suitable for a humid environment
Cons of Non-Woven Wallpaper:
- More expensive than vinyl
3. Foil / Metallic Wallpaper:
It has metalic surface finish
Pros of Foil / Metallic Wallpaper:
- Reflective, adds light to dark rooms, stylish, and modern.
- Create a luxurious and classy look in interior space.
Cons of Foil / Metallic Wallpaper:
- Requires smooth walls, shows imperfections easily
- Needs careful installation so it doesn’t get damaged because of its delicate surface.
4. Flock Wallpaper
With its classic design, this traditional type of wallpaper that dates back to the 17th century has seen modern revivals.
Pros of Flock Wallpaper:
- Rich texture, elegant appearance.
- Luxury: Velvety texture exudes a sense of sophistication
- Provides a soft touch, enhancing the room’s coziness
- Design Appeal: Available in various patterns and colors, allowing for a stylish room transformation
Cons of Flock Wallpaper:
- Hard to maintain, attracts dust, requires careful cleaning, making maintenance a bit challenging
- Typically more expensive due to its luxurious finish and intricate manufacturing process
- Not ideal for high-usage or damp areas due to its delicate texture.
5. Embossed Wallpaper
It has raised textures or patterns and gives a three-dimensional effect to the walls.
Pros of Embossed Wallpaper:
- Adds depth and dimension to walls, enhancing the room’s aesthetic appeal
- Effective in hiding wall imperfections or blemishes
- Paintable: Many embossed wallpapers can be painted over, offering customization to match room decor.
Cons of Embossed Wallpaper:
- Cleaning: Textured grooves may accumulate dust, requiring more frequent cleaning.
- Cost: Typically more expensive than standard wallpapers due to the intricate design.
- Installation: May require professional installation to ensure the embossed pattern aligns perfectly.
6. Textile Wallpaper
Made from natural or synthetic fabrics such as silk, linen, or polyester adhered to a paper backing. It adds a focal point to the space.
Pros of Textile wallpaper:
- Elegance: Luxurious look, adds texture, and enhances acoustics
- Texture: Adds depth and character to the room bringing a cozy and sophisticated ambiance to spaces
- Design Variety: Available in various materials, colors, and patterns for a customizable aesthetic
- Durable but do require occasional dusting
Cons of Textile wallpaper:
- Requires proper surface preparation, including filling holes and ensuring a smooth base.
- Not suitable for a high traffic area of a house
- Harder to clean, expensive, and can attract dust.
- More expensive due to the use of fabric material.
7. Grasscloth Wallpaper
Grasscloth wallpaper is a unique wall covering made from woven grasses that are adhered to a paper backing. Its ability to bring a touch of nature indoors makes it unique in its own way. Each roll is distinctive , due to its natural fibres, ensuring a unique wall covering that can make a room feel more personalized and warm.
Pros of Grasscloth Wallpaper:
- Natural Appeal: Introduces an organic, earthy vibe, adding a unique texture to the room
- Uniqueness: Every roll is distinct due to its natural composition, ensuring a personalized look
- Eco-Friendly: Often made from renewable resources, making it a more environmentally friendly wallpaper option
Cons of Grasscloth Wallpaper:
- Durability: Susceptible to fraying and wear over time, especially in high-usage or movement areas
- Cleaning: Stains tend to be permanent and it requires delicate handling, making maintenance more challenging.
Comparison Table – Various Types Of Wallpaper with Cost
Wallpaper Material | Durability | Moisture Resistant | Mold Resistant | Ease of Cleaning | Price (₹ per sq. ft.) | Recommended Areas |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Vinyl/Satin | High | Yes | No | Easy to clean | ₹50 – ₹150 | Kitchens, bathrooms, high-traffic areas |
Non-Woven | High | Yes | Yes | Easy to clean | ₹100 – ₹200 | Living rooms, bedrooms, hallways |
Paper | Low | No | No | Not washable | ₹30 – ₹100 | Bedrooms, living rooms |
Foil | Medium | No | No | Requires careful cleaning | ₹120 – ₹250 | Accent walls, formal dining rooms |
Flock | Medium to High | No | No | Requires careful cleaning | ₹200 – ₹400 | Formal living rooms, bedrooms |
Embossed | High | No | No | Requires frequent cleaning | ₹150 – ₹300 | Living rooms, dining rooms |
Textile | High | No | No | Harder to clean | ₹150 – ₹500 | Bedrooms, home offices, living rooms |
Grasscloth | Medium | No | No | Requires delicate handling | ₹200 – ₹500 | Accent walls, living rooms |