Decorating Guides
The Pros and Cons of Bringing in Wallpaper
Here is your mini guide to everything you need to know before you decide to bring wallpaper into your home
We love our paints so much so that the paint industry gets its annual boost without fail during the festive seasons like Diwali when millions of consumers like us give our homes a makeover with a new paint job. But there are other alternatives out there you know! Wallpapers are making headway with bolder, vibrant prints and newer textures. With innovations in materials, wallpapers are now available in an array of surface textures, such as cork, metallic, faux suede and faux grasscloth. But we know that for many doubts still persist. Know the pros and cons and make an informed decision.
Tip: For the luxurious look and feel, flocked paper (as seen in the picture) is ideal. The refined and bold prints in velvet and suede finish, evoke a classical and retro appeal. But if you have kids or pets around the house, invest in the easy-to-clean vinyl varieties.
Con: Can dominate or ruin the look of the room if not chosen wisely
It is important not to get carried away by the beautiful textures and prints available in the market. Always keep the final outcome of the room in mind and think of the subtle inclusions that will offset loud prints. The entire design of the room can be influenced and dominated by that one wallpaper design, so beware of a possibility of an overkill.
Con: Can dominate or ruin the look of the room if not chosen wisely
It is important not to get carried away by the beautiful textures and prints available in the market. Always keep the final outcome of the room in mind and think of the subtle inclusions that will offset loud prints. The entire design of the room can be influenced and dominated by that one wallpaper design, so beware of a possibility of an overkill.
Pro: Faster turnaround time
Installing wallpapers is a faster process than painting your walls. I am sure you are not unaware of the agony of putting up with a house that is being painted for days if not weeks. Unlike paints, wallpapers can be installed in as short as 24-hour time period (depending of the size of the room).
Installing wallpapers is a faster process than painting your walls. I am sure you are not unaware of the agony of putting up with a house that is being painted for days if not weeks. Unlike paints, wallpapers can be installed in as short as 24-hour time period (depending of the size of the room).
Con: Need experts
Whether you decide to apply the wallpaper yourself or hire a professional, the tools (for prep, application and smoothing) and expertise required to apply it flawlessly are just a little more than that needed for a paint job. So make sure you have the necessary skills or the skilled people. Just like paints, wallpapers also raise concerns of releasing VOC compounds from toxic PVC. The VOC may continue to be released long after the adhesive has dried, so it is best to invest in an eco-friendly wallpaper range that does not release any VOC-compound or malodour.
Whether you decide to apply the wallpaper yourself or hire a professional, the tools (for prep, application and smoothing) and expertise required to apply it flawlessly are just a little more than that needed for a paint job. So make sure you have the necessary skills or the skilled people. Just like paints, wallpapers also raise concerns of releasing VOC compounds from toxic PVC. The VOC may continue to be released long after the adhesive has dried, so it is best to invest in an eco-friendly wallpaper range that does not release any VOC-compound or malodour.
Pro: Easy to clean
Wallpaper can be cleaned with regular vacuuming or by using wipes. You can also buy wallpaper dough that is available in select paint shops and wallpaper outlets. It comes in a container and is kneaded like regular dough. Once it is rolled across the wall, the dough accumulates the dirt off the surface. Wallpaper can also be cleaned with a regular cloth or a broom. There are effective DIY methods, such as pressing a fresh piece of white bread or some cornstarch onto the paper to remove any fingerprint or fresh stain.
Tip: It is always advisable to first test any unconventional method on an inconspicuous part of the wallpaper to test the effectiveness or for possible reactions.
Wallpaper can be cleaned with regular vacuuming or by using wipes. You can also buy wallpaper dough that is available in select paint shops and wallpaper outlets. It comes in a container and is kneaded like regular dough. Once it is rolled across the wall, the dough accumulates the dirt off the surface. Wallpaper can also be cleaned with a regular cloth or a broom. There are effective DIY methods, such as pressing a fresh piece of white bread or some cornstarch onto the paper to remove any fingerprint or fresh stain.
Tip: It is always advisable to first test any unconventional method on an inconspicuous part of the wallpaper to test the effectiveness or for possible reactions.
Con: Water may do more harm
It is best to avoid scrubbing and using wet wipes even on those that read “scrub and water-resistant” as there is always a minute possibility that moisture may permeate through and affect the strength of the adhesive holding the wallpaper. Wallpapers tend to hide water patches to a certain extent; when the seepage is extensive, the wallpaper may peel off or start shredding.
Even the most reputed manufacturers cannot give you a 100 per cent guarantee against water damage. There will always be a clause that states, “provided the leakage is within the absorbable limit”. Certain detergents may compromise the surface sheen of the wallpaper, so it is best to keep them at bay.
It is best to avoid scrubbing and using wet wipes even on those that read “scrub and water-resistant” as there is always a minute possibility that moisture may permeate through and affect the strength of the adhesive holding the wallpaper. Wallpapers tend to hide water patches to a certain extent; when the seepage is extensive, the wallpaper may peel off or start shredding.
Even the most reputed manufacturers cannot give you a 100 per cent guarantee against water damage. There will always be a clause that states, “provided the leakage is within the absorbable limit”. Certain detergents may compromise the surface sheen of the wallpaper, so it is best to keep them at bay.
Pro: Longevity
Wallpapers can sustain for as long as 10-15 years. Unlike walls that need to be repainted every 3-5 years, wallpapers are a long term investment. This means the ROI is higher on wallpaper since it is more durable.The only downside I see to it is that you’re committed to a certain design for at least 10-15 years. So whatever it is that you plan to put up on your wall, ensure you make your peace with it for a long, long time.
Wallpapers can sustain for as long as 10-15 years. Unlike walls that need to be repainted every 3-5 years, wallpapers are a long term investment. This means the ROI is higher on wallpaper since it is more durable.The only downside I see to it is that you’re committed to a certain design for at least 10-15 years. So whatever it is that you plan to put up on your wall, ensure you make your peace with it for a long, long time.
Con: Expensive to set up and replace
The per square foot cost of setting up a wallpaper is higher than painting. The market is filled with options ranging from standard wallpaper to vinyl, cloth-on-paper, mylar, foils and flocked paper to suit every budget and taste.The range could be anywhere between Rs 51 to Rs 500 per square foot. But remember, nothing good ever comes cheap. So be prepared to suffer the consequences of buying the cheaper varieties. These wallpapers will not just fade-out sooner but scraping and re-installing matching sheets as against the existing, worn-off faded ones is another ballgame. Many of today’s wallpapers (non-woven technology) strip off in large sheets, but some older wallpapers can be extremely difficult to remove.
Tip: Keep extra rolls of wallpaper for those testing times when there is a tear or a part needs to be replaced.
The per square foot cost of setting up a wallpaper is higher than painting. The market is filled with options ranging from standard wallpaper to vinyl, cloth-on-paper, mylar, foils and flocked paper to suit every budget and taste.The range could be anywhere between Rs 51 to Rs 500 per square foot. But remember, nothing good ever comes cheap. So be prepared to suffer the consequences of buying the cheaper varieties. These wallpapers will not just fade-out sooner but scraping and re-installing matching sheets as against the existing, worn-off faded ones is another ballgame. Many of today’s wallpapers (non-woven technology) strip off in large sheets, but some older wallpapers can be extremely difficult to remove.
Tip: Keep extra rolls of wallpaper for those testing times when there is a tear or a part needs to be replaced.
PRO: Wallpapers offer suitable cover ups
If you are in a situation where your walls are thin or not in a good-enough condition to be painted (without it being re-plastered completely), then go for a thick wallpaper that will not only cover the defects but also create a stunning art wall.
If you are in a situation where your walls are thin or not in a good-enough condition to be painted (without it being re-plastered completely), then go for a thick wallpaper that will not only cover the defects but also create a stunning art wall.
CON: For restricted spaces only
For a long time, wallpapers earned the reputation of peeling off and leaving unsightly residue on the wall. It is for this reason that wallpapers were avoided in high traffic areas and high moisture places, such as in the kitchen, bathroom etc. Things have changed a bit though – there are several surface treated varieties available in the market today that are popularly used in the wet areas and whose moisture tolerance is higher than the older varieties.
For a long time, wallpapers earned the reputation of peeling off and leaving unsightly residue on the wall. It is for this reason that wallpapers were avoided in high traffic areas and high moisture places, such as in the kitchen, bathroom etc. Things have changed a bit though – there are several surface treated varieties available in the market today that are popularly used in the wet areas and whose moisture tolerance is higher than the older varieties.
PRO: Temporary fix with wall decals
There are many varieties of ‘peelable’ wall decals that can complement your ever-evolving room interior choices. For example, if this tranquil, dreamy grey-cloud captures your imagination, then bring it on your walls with ‘temporary’ decals. They usually last for 1-3 years –longer, if maintained well.
Read more:
Amazing Alternatives to Wall Paint
5 Extraordinary Ways to Dress Up Your Walls
Tell us:
Good luck with deciding on the right wallpaper for your home. Tell us about your experiences, your hesitations on installing wallpaper in the Comments down below.
There are many varieties of ‘peelable’ wall decals that can complement your ever-evolving room interior choices. For example, if this tranquil, dreamy grey-cloud captures your imagination, then bring it on your walls with ‘temporary’ decals. They usually last for 1-3 years –longer, if maintained well.
Read more:
Amazing Alternatives to Wall Paint
5 Extraordinary Ways to Dress Up Your Walls
Tell us:
Good luck with deciding on the right wallpaper for your home. Tell us about your experiences, your hesitations on installing wallpaper in the Comments down below.
Wallpaper brought the “wow” factor on walls long before paint companies thought of introducing textures and patterns. With wallpapers, there is so much to choose from: vinyl, textile, embossed finishes and so much more. Bold colours and enigmatic prints can serve as an accent wall or a feature wall in a room. Even neutral prints in gold, beige and cream can complement both bold and subtle furnishings and exude a timeless appeal.