Wallpaper Basics: What to Know to get Great Results
If you’re like me, you are swooning over gorgeous wallpapered rooms like the ones below. I love how something simple, like an eye-catching wallpaper, can totally transform a room. Although wallpaper has always been in style in my opinion, it has been gaining momentum over the last few years. More of my clients are willing to embrace the idea of it, making my little designer heart happy. If you’re ready to jump on the wallpaper bandwagon, take a few moments and brush up on some wallpaper basics so you can confidently choose the right wallpaper for your home!
Speak The Lingo
Most wallpaper manufacturers utilize a standard system of symbols that identify its many characteristics. Below is a snapshot of some of the technical terms you may come across while searching for the perfect wallpaper.
General Terms:
Dye-Lot: Also called a run-number. It identifies a group of rolls that are printed on the same print run, assuring uniformity in color and pattern. You want ALL your wallpaper rolls to come from the same dye-lot. This means ordering the right amount at the beginning of the project!
Pattern Matching: Hanging strips of wallpaper so the design will be in correct relation to the adjacent strips. Common types of matches are:
- Random: The pattern will match the adjacent strips no matter how they are positioned.
- Straight Across Match: This pattern type has a design element that needs to be matched with the adjacent strips. Every strip will be the same at the ceiling line.
- Drop Match: Also known as a half-drop or multiple-drop match. These patterns have design elements that are repeated every other strip to several strips. Prepare for wallpaper waste with these types of patterns!
Repeat: Distance from the center of one design motif or pattern to the center of the next
Purchasing:
Single Roll: Single rolls contain about 34-36 sq. feet of wallpaper. Prices will normally be quoted by the single roll BUT can only be purchased as a double roll (see below).
Double Roll: Two American single rolls packaged as one unit or length of wallpaper to minimize waste.
Application Method:
- Un-pasted: Adhesive will be applied to the wallpaper or to the wall.
- Pre-pasted: Adhesive has been applied to the back during manufacturing and must be activated before applied.
- Peel & Stick: No adhesive has been applied. I am not a fan of this type of wallpaper because of its difficulty to install.
Removability:
- Peelable: Wallpaper that can be dry stripped from the backing, leaving the backing on the wall.
- Wet Removable: Wallpaper is removed by applying a stripping agent or water and scraping the excess paper away.
- Strippable: Wallpaper that can dry stripped from the wall leaving a minimum amount of paste without damaging the walls surface.
How to Choose the Right Wallpaper for Your Room
Selecting a wallpaper can be a daunting process if you’re not prepared. Answering questions like the ones below can help dwindle down endless options and filter out what would work best for your project.
What room is the wallpaper going in?
Certain types of wallpaper work best in certain areas. Be ready to discuss location with your designer, installer, or the wallpaper store so they can help you find the right type for the job! Wallpaper can be installed in any room. A few of my favorite areas to consider are dining rooms, entryways, or a powder bathroom.
Also, take note of the overall scale of the room or wall. You want to ensure the pattern will read as intended and have the effect you are desiring. Is the pattern on the wallcovering so small that it gets lost in a large room? Likewise, is the wall too small to display the scenic mural in its entirety.
Do you want to wallpaper the whole room (YES! wink, wink) or an accent wall or ceiling?
I find myself favoring “go big or go home” when it comes to wallpapering a room. It’s more transformative and intentional. An accent wall works well in some situations, just avoid making this decision as a cost-effective measure.
What look and feel are you trying to achieve in the room?
Do you want to wow your dinner guests with a dramatic scene that feels like an exotic escape? Create a vibrant play space for your kids? Or use color and texture subtly in a primary bedroom to create an area of relaxation and rest?
What existing finishes and features are you working with?
Matching a few paint samples to any dominant colors in the room or taking a few fabric swatches with you to a store can help narrow down the selections.
Remember to order a few samples to look at in the room before making your final selection. When working with a large-scale pattern, I recommend getting as big of a sample as the manufacturer will offer so you can see all the elements and colors in the design.
Cost and Installation
Two things I continually tell my clients is wallcovering cannot be priced compared to paint and a wall must be properly prepared for a good installation. The cost of materials will vary greatly depending on the type of wallpaper you select (vinyl versus a grass cloth), the overall artistry (is it hand painted), and quality of the paper. There are so many good options out there in a variety of price ranges.
Lastly, don’t think you can slap some adhesive on the wallpaper and be done… at least if you want it to look good! For the best installation, the walls need to be clean, very smooth, and primed. Otherwise texture and imperfections show right through that fancy wallpaper you just purchased. I recommend working with a professional wallpaper installer to ensure the best installation. To find a contractor in your area, check out https://www.wallcoveringinstallers.org/. An experience wallpaper installer can do a job in one day that may take you one week. They can also save you money if the installation ends up being too much for you to handle on your own.
Inspired Already?!
Ready to choose a gorgeous wallpaper and transform your space? I hope so! Contact KHID and set up a Discovery Call to learn more about our services and how we can elevate your home’s aesthetic.
