Wallpaper is an interior décor material used to cover and decorate the walls of homes, apartments, and other spaces. It is usually sold in rolls and is put onto a wall with the use of wallpaper paste. Wallpaper is now back and for many good reasons. Wallpaper today has more options than before, and there are more benefits to using wallpaper in the rooms as compared with paint.
Wallpaper is considered to be a timeless trend in wall decoration and can set the style and mood of the room. This decorative item became popular during the Renaissance Period especially in Europe. Nobles during this period, use tapestries to decorate their walls since they are the only ones who can afford it. Wallpaper is used by those who cannot afford tapestries which have similar designs as with the tapestries. Throughout the years, wallpaper has evolved in terms of quality, material and design.
Nowadays, the purpose of wallpaper is the same as how they were used in the past. It is used to cover and decorate the walls of the interior. Many homeowners prefer the use of wallpaper to cover the imperfections of the walls. In addition to these, wallpaper is easier to clean than regular painted walls.
Why use wallpaper
However the house or space is built, there will always be some imperfections in its walls. When it comes to hiding imperfections on the walls, wallpaper has proven its worth in doing its duties. Unlike before, removing and replacing wallpaper is relatively easy. There is also a wide variety of patterns and designs available in the market that can provide the homeowners with more options.
If compared with regular paint, wallpapers can initially cost more than paint. Since it lasts longer than paint, wallpaper can be more cost-effective. On the average, wallpaper can stay on the wall for about 10 years.
The different types of wallpaper
The type of wallpaper used in a room initially depends on location. For example, if you are planning to apply wallpaper in the kitchen, then the proper wallpaper to use is something stain-resistant and washable. In the playroom, nursery or kid’s room, you will need a wallpaper that can withstand scrubbing. While in the bathroom, wallpaper should be moisture resistant. There are basically three kinds of wallpaper: prepasted, nonpasted, and self-adhesive.
Prepasted wallpaper are those which are precoated with adhesive and do not need wallpaper paste when installing it. Instead, water or prepaste activator are needed to activate the dry paste film. Nonpasted wallpaper, on the other hand, do not come with prepaste, therefore you need to apply an adhesive to stick it on the wall. Self-adhesive wallpaper have their own adhesive, usually a sticky film. It also does not need any activator as it is like a sticker which has its own backing that can be removed when installing it.
What color and pattern to consider
Actually there are tons of colors to choose from, however, the color that will go best in the room depends with the mood and style you are creating. In addition to this, studies have shown that colors have significant effect to the behavior of the room occupant as well as to the growth and development of the child. In picking the wallpaper color, start by considering the furniture, floor and accents for inspirations. If you have a cool-hued furnishings, use colors that may contrast them and avoid wallpaper with blue undertones. Light colors on the other hand can create a visually larger room and can provide a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Never hesitate to use bold colors if it is necessary.
When it comes to wallpaper pattern, it does not only add to the aesthetic of the room, but also it can influence the ease or difficulty of the application. In choosing the right pattern for your room, remember that horizontal patterns make the room appear wider, while vertical makes the ceiling appear higher.
Here are some of the wallpaper trends nowadays:
1. embossed and textured wallpapers
2. graphic wallpapers
3. abstract wallpapers
4. metallic and metallic accents
5. large scale black and white