Pros and Cons
Wallpaper is the most common way to decorate walls in residential premises. Construction stores offer an incredible variety of colors, textures and materials, which allows you to choose the perfect option taking into account the features of the apartment.
Which type should you choose?
Each type of wallpaper has its own distinctive features, different characteristics, composition and external effects. If you have some doubts about the choice of material, then look at a detailed review of all types, thanks to which you can choose the best option, taking into account all the nuances of the room.
- Paper. Budget type of finishing with a large selection of colors and patterns. The material has weak strength and durability indicators, fades in the sun, absorbs odors and is practically not suitable for any cleaning. Paper wallpaper is suitable for finishing closed rooms with the least possible contact, for example, a bedroom or the upper part of a nursery, a corridor with a horizontal finishing method.
- Non-woven. This type can be divided into two subspecies. Completely non-woven wallpaper and with a non-woven base. The first type is most often used for painting. It has a variety of relief textures that can match almost any stylistic direction. The second type has a top layer of vinyl, they do not need to be painted, the surface can have a different pattern and color.
- Vinyl. A popular type of wallpaper is durable and strong. Vinyl covering is made in different variations with different external effects: silk-screen printing, foamed, hard vinyl. The surface is suitable for wet cleaning and finishing of any premises.
- Liquid. This type is different from all the others. It is purchased in powder form and is diluted in water before use. Liquid wallpaper is applied to walls like plaster, which allows you to avoid joints on the surface. The material breathes and goes well with other methods of finishing walls.
- Glass wallpaper. The most durable type of all listed. The composition uses glass, which under the influence of high temperature is drawn into fibers, and then turns into a canvas. Glass fabric wallpaper is most often used for painting. The coating has a breathable surface, is suitable for multiple painting, “is not afraid” of mechanical damage and high humidity.
- Textile. The material has a base and an upper textile coating, which can be made of different materials. Wallpaper has excellent appearance and natural composition, protects from noise and does not react to sunlight. However, dust can settle on the surface, with the exception of linen coverings, and the material absorbs odors.
- Lincrusta. Wall coverings of this type are not so popular, but their quality characteristics are ahead of other materials. The composition of lincrusta is absolutely natural, based on wood. The coating is not afraid of mechanical damage and high temperatures, has a long service life and a chic appearance.
- Natural. This type includes bamboo and cork coverings, which are made from natural raw materials. The materials are primarily environmentally friendly, resistant to changes in humidity and temperature, suitable for finishing balconies and verandas. Natural wallpaper does not differ in a variety of colors and textures – usually they repeat the pattern of the material of manufacture.
- Photo wallpaper. Wallpaper with photo printing will make the interior unusual, stylish and individual, and will also successfully cope with the issue of zoning the space. The pattern can be close to a real image (cities, flowers, animals), with a 3D effect, stereoscopic or expand the space.
The photo shows a modern bedroom interior, the walls are decorated with wallpaper with a 3D pattern.
Color range
Table of the most popular colors
Mother-of-pearl
The iridescent surface will look interesting in the light, and if a relief pattern is applied, a play of light and an illusion of volume will be created. Mother-of-pearl wallpaper can be in the form of imitation of Venetian plaster or silk-screen printing. Both options are suitable for different styles and look impressive.
The photo shows mother-of-pearl walls in blue tones.
Mint
A refreshing shade suitable for decorating rooms with windows facing south. The color is similar to the fusion of light turquoise and blue shades, will look good in modern, Scandinavian, Provence, shabby chic styles.
Features for different styles
Provence
A beautiful and delicate style emphasizes the combination of elegance and rustic simplicity. The design uses pastel shades, a touch of antiquity and natural materials. Light canvases with a discreet floral pattern are used for the walls. Plain liquid wallpaper and imitation whitewashed brick or wood will also look good.
Loft
The modern trend offers a rather rough finish or its imitation. The idea of the loft trend combines the atmosphere of open industrial premises and home comfort. The interior will look harmonious with canvases imitating concrete, brick, plaster or wood, the color palette is close to the shades of the materials, although it does not exclude the use of bright accents.
The photo shows a loft style bedroom, the walls are decorated with patterned wallpaper.
Classic
The classic style is not characterized by the use of bright, flashy colors. For the walls, a palette of subdued, muted colors is used. The pattern can be different, for example, damask, monograms, stripes, plant ornament. Plain wallpaper with a plaster finish will look no less successful. For neoclassicism, you can add geometric patterns and photo wallpaper.
Baroque
Baroque style is distinguished by luxury in details. The color of the walls can be light and calm or a rich deep shade. The walls are decorated with monograms, damask and ornate plant patterns. Textile, fabric, vinyl silk-screen printing and lincrusta will look harmonious in the design.
Art Deco
The style is filled with chic and luxury in every detail, while it is elegant and sophisticated. The walls have a beautiful deep shade, it can be light or dark, bright flashy colors will be inappropriate. Stripes, plant patterns or geometric ornaments are suitable as a pattern.
The photo shows combined black and silver wallpaper.
Scandinavian style
The design of the room is filled with light, natural materials and simple shapes. White or pastel wallpaper is suitable for the walls, you can also use photo wallpaper. The ornament is simple, it can be with plant motifs or in the form of geometric shapes, for example, zigzag or stripes.
Modern style
For a modern design, you can choose bolder shades, such as lemon and blue, or stick to a calm palette, focusing on details. Patterns imitating other materials, plant prints and geometric shapes will look harmonious in the design of walls.
The photo shows striped wallpaper in a teenager’s room.
English style
The refined English style does not tolerate bad taste and an overload of details. The decoration is done with wallpaper in subdued tones with a small pattern or stripes, which can be combined with natural wood.
Oriental style
Both directions belong to the oriental style, but each has its own distinctive features.
Chinese
Chinese style decoration can be done with wallpaper depicting birds, a flowering tree or flying dragons.
Japanese
In the Japanese style, you can focus on natural materials and minimalist forms. Natural bamboo or fabric canvases are suitable for finishing. Wall coverings can be plain or colored, textured or with a thematic pattern (for example, sakura).
Japanese style with sakura”/>
Art Nouveau style
Elegant and expensive style. The design uses a combination of natural materials such as wood, stone and glass. Wallpaper with a palette close to natural colors is suitable for the walls: brown, beige, gray, white, gold and silver.
Country
Rustic style. The interior uses natural materials, simple shapes and cozy details. The walls can be decorated with a floral pattern, stripes or checkered.
The photo shows a country style kitchen, the walls are decorated with blue floral wallpaper.
Vintage
Design with a touch of antiquity. For wall decoration, paper or fabric coverings with imitation boards, large natural patterns or images of butterflies and birds are suitable.
Other types
Pop art
A playful design, the walls of which can be in the boldest colors, using large drawings from comics or geometric shapes.
The photo shows bright pop art wall decoration.
Mediterranean
A style that exudes marine freshness. In terms of design, the Mediterranean style has much in common with the Greek style. The decoration is done in natural colors, white, blue, sand, terracotta. The design will suit a marine theme, imitation tiles or stripes.
Steampunk
An unusual style combines scientific and fantasy themes. Photo wallpapers with images of large metal clocks or mechanisms are ideal for wall decoration.
Shabby chic
Playful “doll” design. The filling and decoration are done in pastel colors: mint, peach, pink, green. Floral prints, large and small, are undoubtedly used as a pattern.
The photo shows delicate turquoise wallpaper with roses in shabby chic style.
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