Complete Guide: Wallpaper Reviews – Trends, Choice & Care
Wallpaper is making a strong comeback in interior design. Ombre Intérieur offers a comprehensive review of different types, selection criteria, common mistakes to avoid, and maintenance tips to transform your walls with style.
- Wallpaper offers a wide palette of styles: non-woven, vinyl, expanded, textile, etc.
- Choose according to the room: washable vinyl for kitchen/bathroom, non-woven easy to install anywhere.
- Avoid classic mistakes: ignoring humidity, poor wall preparation, forgetting pattern matching.
- Maintenance varies: a sponge for vinyl, a dry cloth for textile.
- 2024 trends: geometric patterns, botanical motifs, and natural materials.
Different Types of Wallpaper
Non-woven Wallpaper
Non-woven wallpaper is made of cellulose and polyester fibres. It is very durable, does not deform, and is easy to install: you paste the wall, not the strip. It is breathable and easy to remove dry.
Vinyl Wallpaper
Vinyl wallpaper has a PVC layer that makes it washable and moisture-resistant. Ideal for wet rooms like kitchens or bathrooms. It comes in compact (smooth) or expanded (textured) versions.
Expanded Wallpaper
This type of wallpaper creates reliefs using foam that expands with heat. It helps hide minor wall imperfections and adds original texture. However, it is less impact-resistant.
Textile Wallpaper
Textile wallpaper (linen, jute, silk) offers a chic and warm finish. It is fragile, not washable, and requires delicate care. Perfect for a bedroom or low-traffic living room.
Panoramic Wallpaper
Panoramic wallpapers are large-format wall murals. They transform a room with landscapes, patterns, or trompe-l'œil effects. Installation requires precision to align the strips.
How to Choose Your Wallpaper: Key Criteria
By Room
For a kitchen or bathroom, choose washable vinyl resistant to moisture. In a living room, non-woven or textile adds elegance. For a child’s bedroom, vinyl is easy to clean.
By Style
Geometric patterns for a modern vibe, florals for a romantic look, material imitations (brick, wood) for an industrial feel. Textured plain wallpapers are trendy.
By Ease of Installation
Non-woven is the easiest: paste the wall, the strips slide, dry removal. Vinyl requires pasting the strip and soaking time. Traditional paper is more delicate.
By Budget
Expect €10–30 per roll for standard vinyl, €30–80 for quality non-woven, and over €100 for textile or panoramic. Don’t forget specific adhesive.
Comparison Table of Wallpaper Types
| Type | Criteria | Advantages | Recommended Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Non-woven | Cellulose/polyester fibres | Easy to install, durable, breathable | All rooms, especially living/bedroom |
| Vinyl | PVC layer | Washable, moisture resistant | Kitchen, bathroom, hallway |
| Expanded | Expanded foam | Hides defects, decorative relief | Living room, bedroom (low traffic) |
| Textile | Natural fibres | Luxurious, warm finish | Bedroom, living room (low traffic) |
| Panoramic | Large format | Immersive, personalised effect | Accent wall, living room |
Common Wallpaper Mistakes to Avoid
Neglecting Wall Preparation
An uneven or damp wall causes bubbles and peeling. Apply a suitable primer and fill holes.
Ignoring Pattern Matching
Patterns must align perfectly. Measure strips and allow 5 cm margin. Use a pasting table.
Choosing Unsuitable Wallpaper for the Room
Non-washable paper in a kitchen will stain quickly. Vinyl in a bedroom may feel too cold. Match type to usage.
Miscalculating Number of Rolls
Measure the surface (height x perimeter) and divide by roll area (often 5 m²). Add 10% for waste and matching.
Maintenance and Installation Tips
Maintenance by Type
Vinyl: damp sponge and mild soap. Non-woven: vacuum with soft brush or dry cloth. Textile: dry clean only. Expanded: regular dusting, avoid water.
Step-by-Step Installation
- Prepare the wall (smooth, dry, clean).
- Draw a vertical line using a spirit level.
- Paste the wall (for non-woven) or the strip (for vinyl).
- Apply the strip, smooth from centre to edges.
- Trim excess at top and bottom with a cutter.
- Repeat, matching patterns.
Removing Wallpaper
Non-woven can be removed dry by pulling a corner. Vinyl requires a steam stripper or chemical remover. Traditional paper is removed with hot water.
Current Wallpaper Trends in the UK
In 2024, botanical and tropical patterns remain popular. Geometric patterns add a modern touch. Natural materials like linen and jute appeal for their authentic look. Panoramic wallpapers featuring landscapes or cityscapes are highly sought after to create an accent wall.
Wallpaper vs Paint: Which to Choose?
Wallpaper offers texture and patterns impossible with paint. It hides wall imperfections. However, paint is easier to apply and change. The choice depends on the desired effect: wallpaper for a bold decor, paint for a neutral base.
Conclusion
Wallpaper is a versatile and trendy decorative solution. By choosing the right type for the room, preparing the wall well, and avoiding common mistakes, you can achieve a professional result. Ombre Intérieur offers a selection of non-woven, vinyl, and panoramic wallpapers for every style. Explore our collection and unleash your creativity!
