Wallpaper has received a bad reputation over the years. It has been said that wallpaper damages walls, it was something your grandmother had in the 70’s, it is difficult to maintain and hard to find someone that knows how to install it. Don’t let the tales of yesterday stop you from considering this versatile and fabulous way to design your walls. Is wallpaper back in style? Absolutely!
When searching for the right type of wallpaper, it is not only important to look at design, it is also important to consider the type of material it is made from. If you are considering some sort of wall covering other than paint, you should consider these few points:
What type of wallpaper works for you? Wallpaper comes in many varieties; vinyl, paper, silk, linen, grass, and many other fabrics. Depending on the look you are trying to achieve, it is important to ask a professional what would work best for your application.
When wallpapering a high traffic area like a hallway, entry foyer or mudroom, you should use vinyl paper that can be easily washed down. They look beautiful, they are durable and many of them are inexpensive.
Varieties of wallpaper come prepasted or peelable so there is no messy glue, but that doesn’t mean it’s the best for your walls. When considering hanging wallpaper, let your professional explain the best option for your walls. If adding wallpaper to your home is only a temporary design option, consider a strippable paper. It won’t leave any residue when you are ready to make a change.
What’s even more exciting is temporary wallpaper which can be removed quickly and easily. If you are in a rental this is a great way to accent a wall or backsplash that may need a little pizzazz.
If you are eco conscious, there are a wide range of eco-friendly wall coverings available on the market. Ask your design center for wallpaper with low VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds), which are harmful gases emitted during the manufacturing process. If you are interested in wallpapering a nursery or children’s room, consider one made with natural dyes.
If you are interested in wallpapering your kitchen or bathroom, consider a moisture resistant wallpaper. You should not install wallpaper in a bathroom that is not properly ventilated or does not have a window. After time, the excessive moisture will separate the paper from the wall. If you are concerned about how it will last, wallpaper just one wall as a test.
Wallpaper comes in a variety of widths and lengths, and is typically priced by the roll. To determine how much wallpaper you need, measure the height and width of each wall separately, then multiply the two numbers to get the total square footage of each wall. Then add the square footage of all walls. This will give you the total square footage of wallpaper you will need. Round up slightly to give yourself a little wiggle room, but measure carefully. Unneeded rolls of paper can increase the cost of your project. In most cases, extra rolls are not returnable.
Wallpaper has come a long way since the 70s. Bold, modern prints, textures and designs add punch and can transform the feel of any room in your house. Wallpaper can be installed on only one of the walls of your room, to provide a feature wall. Then the other walls can be painted in a complimentary color. Sometimes, less is more.
When wallpapering a small space like a walk in closet, find a pattern that works for small spaces.
To minimize the expense of wallpaper, consider papering only one wall and add a mirror on the opposite wall. This will provide a symmetric feel, without the added cost. Or if you have fallen in love with an expensive wallpaper, consider using it as a design element, like using it on half a wall and separating it with chair moulding. Wrap a large box, or place the wallpaper in a frame on the wall that compliments the other decor in the room. You can also use it to line the back of a bookcase with double sided tape.
Another great trick is to box out an area on your ceiling above the dining room table and paper inside the box. With the right lighting reflecting off a glass bead, wallpaper can look stunning.
When you have finally selected the right wallpaper, consider using a professional for the installation. There is a talent involved in properly hanging wallpaper, as the right wall preparation, the proper hanging procedure and the concise installation requires an expert. There is nothing worse than hanging wallpaper upside down or not lining up edges to conceal where one roll ends and the other begins.
Most people are under the impression that wallpaper will cover the imperfections or bumps on the wall. This is not the case. In fact, in many cases wallpaper will accentuate the imperfections. For the best results, your walls should be as smooth as possible, which may require a skim coat prior to papering.
Hanging wallpaper can be tricky, especially when hanging more expensive fabric wallpaper, or those with intricate designs that require precise pattern matching.
As with all home improvements, make sure you select a company that is licensed and insured to work in New York City, and who is experienced with the services you need. Ask for references and check their reviews online to ensure their customers are satisfied with the company’s services and professionalism.
Lou Spagnuolo Finishing Touch Painting of NY Inc.
