Despite the huge diversity decorative coatings for walls, wallpaper is still the most popular finishing material. But the technologies for their production do not stand still, and manufacturers offer many different types of wallpaper in appearance and properties. To understand which option to choose for decorating your home, it’s a good idea to understand what modern types of wallpaper exist.
Paper wallpaper
Single-layer paper wallpaper is the cheapest and most environmentally friendly, allowing walls to “breathe.” However, they are not very durable and strong, they quickly lose their appearance, get dirty, fade in the sun and absorb odors.
There are improved versions of paper wallpaper - two-layer duplex (smooth and embossed) and structured wallpaper, which consists of two layers of paper, between which compressed sawdust is randomly located. Such wallpaper is more durable, can withstand wet rubbing, helps hide small roughness of the walls and can be used for painting.
Vinyl wallpaper
Vinyl wallpaper is the most interesting material for wall decoration, since its manufacturing technology allows it to imitate almost any covering. They have two layers: the bottom one is paper or a fabric base, the top one is polyvinyl, on the surface of which embossing or a pattern is applied. Such wallpaper is easy to clean, does not fade in the sun, is durable, elastic, does not absorb moisture, but practically does not allow air to pass through. They are flat (silk-screen printing and acrylic), foamed, dense and embossed, for painting.
Foamed vinyl is a fairly thick wallpaper with a pronounced relief that successfully hides unevenness on the walls. In silk-screen printing, silk threads are sewn into the top layer, which gives the canvas shine and an original look. Dense vinyl wallpaper have a smooth surface and are often used in the kitchen.
Embossed wallpaper is the thickest and heaviest, imitates ceramic tiles, natural stone, Venetian plaster.
The main difficulty when gluing vinyl wallpaper is that it is very elastic. When glue is applied, they stretch greatly, and when dry they shrink, as a result of which the seams can come apart.
Non-woven wallpaper
Nonwoven fabric is a non-woven fabric, which is a mixture of cellulose and textile fibers. The use of this material expands the operational and decorative possibilities, allows you to achieve. Wallpaper on a non-woven basis is produced in long rolls for painting.
Non-woven wallpaper perfectly masks cracks on the plaster surface and is suitable for almost any type of surface. When gluing such wallpaper, the glue is applied directly to the wall, and the canvases are applied to it dry, which greatly simplifies and speeds up the fitting process. When choosing non-woven wallpaper, it is important to know how to glue non-woven wallpaper and what glue to choose. When pasted, non-woven wallpaper almost never becomes deformed.
Non-woven wallpaper perfectly masks cracks on the plaster surface and is suitable for almost any type of surface.
Velor wallpaper
When making velor wallpaper, special adhesive paints are applied to a paper base, onto which tiny nylon fibers are attached. This wallpaper looks luxurious and is ideal for formal rooms.
They shimmer in the light, absorb sounds perfectly, but attract dust, are quickly wiped off from mechanical stress, cannot withstand changes in humidity and absorb odors. To glue velor sheets, use glue for heavy wallpaper.
Felt wallpaper
Felt wallpaper is made from acrylic, polyester and microfiber fibers, and they look like soft pile on the wall. The canvases look like fabric, and the joints between them are completely invisible. They are perfectly breathable and easy to clean. To reduce waste, felt wallpaper is sold not in rolls, but by linear meters. They have a porous structure, so the glue is applied not to the canvas, but to the wall.
Textile wallpaper
Textile wallpaper consists of two layers: the bottom layer is made of durable paper and the top layer is made of woven material or threads glued together. They look impressive, absorb noise well, do not fade, are environmentally friendly and fireproof, but require careful handling and are more suitable for bedrooms, offices and living rooms.
Wallpaper is made from cotton, viscose and linen threads, as well as threads containing natural and artificial fibers.
To glue textile wallpaper, you must use adhesives for heavy wallpaper, soak the canvases for at least ten minutes, do not bend them after applying them, and also try to prevent the glue from flowing onto the outside and leaving stains.
Cork wallpaper
Cork wallpaper consists of cork oak bark and is the most environmentally friendly, since only natural products are used in its production. During hot pressing, adhesive substances are released from the cork, and it sticks itself together. The most common are paper-based cork wallpapers.
They are glued with glue for heavy wallpaper and adhere perfectly to any base, are wear-resistant, and coated with varnish or wax are well protected from moisture and dust.
Cork wallpaper consists of cork oak bark and is the most environmentally friendly.
Liquid wallpaper
The so-called liquid wallpaper allows you to create smooth or textured coatings without seams and is a decorative plaster based on natural cellulose, cotton or textile fiber. They are sold ready-made or in the form of a dry mixture that must be diluted water-based paint and tint.
Liquid wallpaper is waterproof, does not absorb odors, is easy to clean, masks wall imperfections, is suitable for application to any surface and allows you to create any pattern.
Fiberglass wallpaper
The material is based on special glass fibers based on quartz sand, soda, dolomite and lime. They are moisture-resistant, durable, fire-resistant, do not contain toxic components, do not collect dust, are easy to clean, “breathe” well, can be applied to any surface and give any room an aesthetic and modern look. Fiberglass wallpaper is often used for wall decoration in offices, shops, hotels, medical institutions, etc. They can be painted and repainted many times.
What, exactly, are wallpapers called vinyl? They consist of two layers, the top of which, or base, is polyvinyl chloride (vinyl), and the lower one, glued to the wall, - paper or non-woven.
The strength and other characteristics of vinyl wallpaper depend on both the base layer and the type of vinyl. So, paper base less durable and dense than non-woven. And on appearance coating and its thickness, as well as care features influenced by the type of vinyl, its finish(embossing, drawing, etc.).
All vinyl wallpapers are famous for their wide variety of options. This gives wide scope in choosing interior design.
Such wallpaper is suitable for almost any premises, residential and non-residential. They are durable.
There is a coating designed for painting, which gives additional opportunities to decorate the room to your taste.
Used for gluing vinyl wallpaper special glue because they are quite heavy. Myself The adhesive composition is applied only to the wall.
A few words about gluing
Vinyl is a non-flammable substance, so wallpaper made from it will not ignite. And this is an important indicator regarding fire safety of the premises.
Types of vinyl wallpaper
The top vinyl layer can be of several types. The air permeability of the wallpaper, its thickness, as well as external characteristics depend on the characteristics of the type. There are four main types of vinyl covering:
- foamed vinyl;
- smooth or dense;
- solid;
- silkscreen printing.
Foamed vinyl is the most common. Such wallpapers have a pronounced, obvious and clear relief. The porous structure makes the coating breathable. These wallpapers are light and easy to work with.
Foamed Vinyl
Foamed vinyl wallpaper can be painted and wiped with a damp cloth. However, you should not get them too wet, as the porous surface can absorb excess moisture.
Recommendation. An important advantage of foamed vinyl is that it perfectly hides surface irregularities. Therefore, such wallpaper can be glued to unprepared (uneven) walls without fear that the defects will be clearly visible.
Smooth Vinyl
Smooth vinyl, or in other words, dense, is made in such a way that it can be washed. That's enough durable coating, which most often has a smooth surface. There are also relief options in the form brickwork or stone. Often thick vinyl wallpaper is glued in places with high humidity, for example, in the kitchen, hallway or bathroom. Their structure is such that their surface is easy to care for.
The important thing is that smooth vinyl is resistant to sunlight: it color does not fade in the sun. Also, when washing such wallpaper, you can use detergents.
During the manufacturing process, all harmful substances are removed from such material, therefore at room temperature they do not evaporate and are not harmful to health.
Hard Vinyl
Solid vinyl can imitate many materials, very resistant to mechanical damage. This material is quite dense.
In appearance, hard vinyl wallpaper can resemble decorative plaster, different types fabrics or tiles.
Their important quality is breathability.
Silkscreen printing
Silk-screen wallpaper is rightfully considered the most attractive type of vinyl wallpaper. This type of vinyl owes its name to the fact that its surface resembles silk. This effect occurs thanks to a special hot stamping method.
Such wallpaper is flat, thin and looks like fabric made from silk threads.
Silkscreen printing looks very rich and original. Thanks to this coating, you can create a truly spectacular atmosphere in the room. At the same time, such wallpapers are durable and strong.
Roll sizes
Eat three size options rolls of vinyl wallpaper. The most common is 0.53 × 10.05 m. If this is foamed vinyl wallpaper intended for painting, then the roll dimensions can be 1.0 × 10 m or 1.06 × 25 m.
Thus, when calculating the required amount of material, take these small discrepancies into account. The missing roll, of course, can be purchased, but there is no guarantee that its shade will fully match what you already have. Therefore, it is better to calculate correctly right away.
Advantages
There are several justifiable reasons why vinyl wallpaper is very popular.
The first thing that catches your eye is, of course, their beauty. And there really is a lot to choose from. Imitation of all kinds of materials- stone, fabrics, plaster - sometimes it is so natural that it is difficult to determine at first glance what kind of coating it really is. Wallpaper of any colors and textures is at your service.
Walls covered with vinyl wallpaper, seem voluminous, which gives the room more comfort and sophistication at the same time. At the same time, such walls absorb sounds, which can be especially important in apartment buildings.
The walls on which you are going to glue such wallpaper, does not need to be leveled to perfection. The structure of the material itself is such that can successfully hide unevenness, cracks and other flaws. And this makes it possible to save time and some funds for surface preparation.
Vinyl wallpaper owes its popularity to the following qualities:
- resistance to mechanical damage;
- density;
- durability;
- resistance to moisture.
Some types of vinyl wallpaper can be wiped with a damp cloth, while others can even be washed with detergents. This helps keep them well-groomed and clean. At proper care the coating maintains an attractive appearance.
Many people worry about the environmental friendliness of the material. It has been proven that vinyl itself does not emit harmful substances into the atmosphere. The same can be said for the base, paper or non-woven fabric. The paints used in production are also harmless as they are water based.
Important! When purchasing, always check product quality certificates. Only then can you be sure that the product is environmentally friendly.
One more important factor The advantage of vinyl wallpaper is that it does not lose its attractiveness under direct sun rays, that is, them the color does not fade. This finish will serve you for a long time, maintaining its original beauty.
Does this type of coating have any disadvantages?
Of course, vinyl wallpaper also has some disadvantages - disadvantages that cannot be ignored. This will help avoid disappointments in the future.
The first feature concerns the properties of this finishing material to swell when wet, and then, as it dries, to shrink. Therefore, if you lack experience, problems may arise when gluing. Seams may be difficult to adjust in some species.
Far not all types of vinyl wallpaper are airtight. So, foamed vinyl allows air to pass through well. But it is not recommended to glue such wallpaper, especially thick vinyl, in places with poor ventilation or high humidity, as well as in children's rooms.
If the price can be considered a disadvantage, then it is also worth mentioning. Vinyl wallpaper belong to the category of expensive. But there's a price behind it good quality and durability. They can last 7–10 years. If treated correctly they will still look good.
Reviews
Yuri, Moscow: We heard a lot about the beauty of vinyl wallpaper and decided to try it. We chose the option with a non-woven base, rolls 1 meter wide. Surprisingly, the wide strips stuck on quite easily. It’s also convenient that you only need to apply glue to the wall. These two points saved our time well.
The wallpaper lay down very well and did not crack when drying, like paper wallpaper. There was no damp feeling. The very next day the room was ready, so we could arrange the furniture.
Maria, Omsk: Our walls are very uneven. Therefore, we were looking for wallpaper that could hide the imperfections as much as possible. Friends recommended vinyl ones. They are supposedly voluminous and embossed. Having installed vinyl wallpaper, we were not disappointed. We chose hot-stamped wallpaper: incredibly beautiful!
They perfectly hid differences in level and roughness on the walls. Now the room looks especially elegant and rich. We have small children, so we were also attracted by the fact that the obi can be washed. And this is not difficult to do: all contaminants are easily removed. The main thing is that the room always looks beautiful and remains clean.
Olga, Belgorod: When we were thinking about choosing wallpaper, we wanted something beautiful and practical, something that would last a long time. We settled on vinyl wallpaper. We chose washable ones for the kitchen, and bought foam ones for the hallway.
It’s good that we found out in advance whether vinyl wallpaper is see-through. The wall had dark spots, so we first coated it with gypsum primer. And then they boldly glued it light wallpaper. They look really chic and are easy to clean. They don’t tear or wear out – everything is just as we wanted.
How to care?
Is it possible to wash vinyl wallpaper? In general, this coating belongs to the class of washable coating. That's just the permissible degree of wetness is indicated on the packaging, and should be taken into account. Since different types of vinyl have slightly different structure (it may be porous or dense), different types of cleaning are also used.
Is it possible and how to wash vinyl wallpaper?
There is a marking on the package. Icon in the form one wave indicates that the wallpaper can only be wiped with a damp cloth. It must be well wrung out, otherwise moisture will be absorbed into the surface.
If the packaging is marked three waves, as well as a brush; such wallpaper can be washed with detergent and a hard brush can be used for cleaning.
Since vinyl wallpaper has a textured surface, dust accumulates on it. Therefore, cleaning should begin by shaking off this dust with a dry cloth or using a vacuum cleaner. If there is a need to wet clean the wallpaper, there will be no dust marks left on it.
How and with what to wash vinyl wallpaper? For this purpose it will be simple clean water, and if the contamination is severe, then a soap solution or alcohol.
You cannot use abrasive cleaners or aggressive chemicals, as they will damage the very structure of the coating. These include solvents, bleaches or turpentine.
If you use a sponge, it should be exclusively natural.
Wallpaper should be washed from bottom to top to avoid streaks or stains. Soap solution or alcohol must be washed off clean water, and then remove any remaining moisture from the surface using a cotton rag. Wallpaper should not be rubbed vigorously.
Advice. It is better to test the cleaning product on a separate piece of wallpaper before use.
If cared for correctly, vinyl wallpaper will retain its structure and beauty intact for many years.
How to choose?
Since there are many varieties of vinyl wallpaper, when choosing, you need to decide what room will they be intended for and what needs should they satisfy?. What kind of surface do you want to get?
If you need a moisture-resistant wall covering intended for the bathroom or kitchen, look at the characteristics of the wallpaper on the packaging and choose one with cleaning properties.
Texture and pattern may be perfect for some spaces but completely inappropriate for others. Vinyl wallpaper can look like a brick wall, imitate Venetian plaster or leather.
The same can be said about the color of the wallpaper: the choice of shades of the color palette is quite wide. This coating makes the walls look voluminous and allows you to play with light. Therefore, consider the size and lighting of the room.
Find out how to choose a countertop for the kitchen - all about the manufacturers, types of existing countertops and the intricacies of its operation.
The capabilities and properties of acrylic latex paint are described in the article at:
It is also important to consider the possibility of mechanical damage. If there are a lot of people in the room, there are small children or pets, you should choose a denser and more durable coating.
Undoubtedly, vinyl wallpaper is an excellent choice for those who value environmental friendliness, a considerable service life of the coating, high quality and beauty.
Hello))
Although it’s not summer now - it’s time for vacations, during which we usually all “love” to do renovations)) nevertheless, I would like to talk about one of the types of decorating houses and apartments - wallpaper.
Wall decoration is one of the first things we think about when carrying out renovation work and transforming our home.
Today, wall decor can be very diverse and many, keeping up with the times, choose something new, progressive. Nevertheless, we have not stopped covering the walls of our apartments with the usual and time-tested wallpaper.
Wallpaper, as many years ago, is a leader among other decor, since it is the most convenient and affordable building material, and besides, the huge selection on store shelves pleases the eye with a variety of shades, making it impossible to pass by.
Despite the fact that they entered our lives relatively long ago, the question still arises periodically: “what kind of wallpaper are there for walls?”
Its relevance is growing every day, along with the assortment of construction stores. Having crossed the line of the Soviet period, when there was practically only paper wallpaper in stores, we learned that wall coverings can have different options, and sometimes those that can not only radically transform a room, but also create sound and heat insulation, and that’s not all.
Therefore, I propose to understand the most popular today and try to understand what is the best choice?
Paper wallpaper
Paper wallpapers are one of the first that we learned about and were glad to decorate the walls with them, without particularly thinking about the shortcomings; there was nothing to compare with)) But in the era of the “problem of choice,” everything changes and, before purchasing paper wallpaper, It doesn’t hurt to take the pros and cons into account.
Types of paper wallpaper
They are divided into two subspecies - simplex and duplex.
Wallpaper simplex, what is it
These wall coverings are considered pioneers and therefore everyone who has done renovations at least once in their life has come across them in stores.
Simplex can be smooth and embossed, but their distinctive feature is that the paper base of the wallpaper consists of one layer.
Once upon a time, many people preferred simplex wallpaper because of its simplicity and affordable cost, but these advantages are not able to overcome the disadvantages, expressed in fragility and poor concealment of flaws, if they are present on the walls.
Simplex is afraid of mechanical damage, and even more so of fire and water; it’s not for nothing that Europe has long abandoned the use of simplex wallpaper.
There is another subtype of paper wall coverings:
Duplex wallpaper, what is it and how do they differ from simplex?
For the production of duplex wallpaper, more complex technologies were used, which made it more durable and durable. They consist of two layers of paper, which means the design is printed on the top layer. This little trick creates the effect of a living drawing without deformation.
You shouldn’t completely discount the use of paper wallpaper, due to the fact that paper allows air to pass through well and wallpaper “breathes”, they are the most environmentally friendly and are what designers recommend for covering children’s rooms and bedrooms.
From my own experience I will say that paper wallpaper is good for a summer residence, if, of course, country house interior without any special complaints)) This is very cheap option, it was not difficult for us to glue them, the assortment includes a huge number of just “dacha” colors, and, most importantly, they do not spoil the overall eco-friendly dacha atmosphere. Just keep in mind that paper wallpaper absorbs odors more than others and fades in the sun, so do not use them on the sunny side.
Vinyl wallpaper - pros and cons
Vinyl wallpapers are quite popular, and it is because of their popularity and diversity that many questions arise about which vinyl option is better to choose, what is the difference and where to look for the pros and cons. Vinyl wallpaper has its own characteristics, which you should learn about before starting repairs.
Vinyl wall coverings are made on a paper or non-woven backing made of polyvinyl chloride - PVC. Vinyl is durable, reliable and does not fade.
But! If the tubes of vinyl wallpaper are not marked with an environmental safety symbol, then it is better to leave them in the store.
There are several types of vinyl wallpaper.
Compact vinyl
What is this, compact vinyl wallpaper, and how can you visually distinguish it from others on the building materials market?
Compact vinyl, or hard vinyl, has a texture that imitates stone, plaster, ceramic tile, etc.
This option is so unpretentious that you can use brushes and detergents based on alkali and alcohol to clean them.
Wallpaper silkscreen, what is it
It won’t be difficult to recognize them on store shelves: they have a smooth surface, similar to silk, and a thin but dense structure resulting from heating and embossing.
Smooth vinyl, better known as silkscreen, gives walls a special charm and grace.
Walls to be covered with silk require special preparation; they must be perfectly smooth; the impeccable texture of this type of wallpaper will reveal even small flaws.
Washable vinyl wallpaper
But they, unlike silk-screen printing, are heavy and smooth out the unevenness of the walls well.
From the name it is clear that the wallpaper has increased moisture resistance, so it can decorate not only the kitchen, but also the bathroom.
Foamed vinyl, what is it?
The next type of vinyl wallpaper is foamed vinyl; this is wallpaper that is much thicker than, for example, silk-screen printing. Pleasant to the touch, soft, with a rough, structural surface sometimes decorated with sparkles, foamed vinyl is a kind of analogue of relief plaster and perfectly hides any unevenness or defects in the walls.
The disadvantages of foamed vinyl include instability to external influences: it does not tolerate being too close to the headboards of beds and chairs, and is not resistant to external influences, for example, to cat claws.
Non-woven wallpaper - pros and cons
Non-woven wallpaper is a velvety innovation that has replaced paper coverings for walls. It is not for nothing that they have won the respect of customers and popularity, since if you take into account the pros and cons of non-woven wallpaper, then there will be many more advantages.
Pros.
Since they are made of cellulose and synthetic fibers, they easily allow steam and moisture to pass through and the walls can “breathe”.
They are durable and can reinforce small cracks and even contribute to sound insulation to some extent.
Those who are renovating a new building should pay attention to them.
Non-woven wallpaper does not stretch and practically does not burst when the house shrinks.
Cons.
The disadvantages of this wallpaper appear when a layer of vinyl is applied to the non-woven base, and although the non-woven material in this case becomes much stronger, it loses its environmental advantages. Most often, this option is used for painting.
Wallpaper is clothing for the walls in which we live our lives, and each of us is concerned about our own health and that of our loved ones, so the question: are non-woven wallpaper harmful or not has its relevance. The answer in this case is ambiguous, since it all depends on the manufacturer. High-quality and real non-woven wallpaper cannot be harmful due to the absence of artificial substitutes.
In turn, if, as has already been written, vinyl coating is applied to the top layer, and there is no safety symbol on the tube, then we can say that non-woven wallpaper is harmful. Although, if you look at it, we are no longer talking about 100% non-woven fabric here.
Which wallpaper is better: vinyl or non-woven or paper?
From the above, we can draw an unambiguous conclusion - it all depends on where you need to glue the wallpaper and what operational requirements you place on it.
For rooms where we spend less time, and the wall covering is preferably wear-resistant (corridor, bathroom, kitchen), vinyl wallpaper is suitable.
But despite the significant advantages, all vinyl wallpapers have the same disadvantages: synthetic material, lack of breathability and a pronounced odor, which, however, disappears over time. Therefore, when wondering which wallpapers are safe for health, think about something more natural: paper or non-woven, and prefer them for children's rooms and bedrooms.
Other types of wallpaper
Textile wallpaper, what is it?
If you are looking for something beautiful and natural coating for walls, then textile (fabric) wallpaper is exactly what you need. They can be: viscose, linen, cotton, silk, velor, felt and jute.
To produce such wallpaper, natural threads are used, which are glued to a non-woven or paper base, and the top is treated with antistatic agents and compounds that resist fading, dust settling, and getting wet.
In addition to being an environmentally friendly material, they also have a very attractive appearance: a variety of colors, shapes and textures.
Fabric wallpaper, pros and cons
Fabric wallpaper undoubtedly has a lot of advantages; all of the above qualities can be added to it. A downside may be the price, which naturally will be an order of magnitude higher than that of non-natural analogues.
Eco wallpaper for walls
Today, a lot of attention is paid to natural products and materials, so many people prefer eco-coatings and wallpaper made from natural environmental substances.
The basis of eco-wallpaper is non-woven or very thick paper. The wallpaper itself is heavy, since it is made from plant materials such as: bamboo, reed, seaweed, rattan, sisal, race paper, veneer valuable species trees: cherry, sandalwood, apricot and have clear advantages - natural ingredients, breathable structure, sound absorption.
Disadvantages - they lose color over time, and can become deformed from frequent wet cleaning.
Cork wallpapers are very popular now, the pros and cons of which boil down to the fact that made from cork oak and cork chips, they are very beautiful. They have an undeniable advantage - the natural wax coating significantly adds strength to them.
But they also don't like frequent wet cleaning, so cork wallpaper should not be used in the kitchen and bathroom.
Fiberglass wallpaper
A wall covering that differs from the wallpaper we are used to. In appearance they look like fabric with glass fibers, a kind of textured decorative weaving, and applied to the walls they make them look like strict plaster.
Pros.
Fiberglass wallpaper is so durable that it will last at least 30 years!
The strength is explained by the composition of fiberglass: threads are drawn from dolomite, quartz sand, and lime at an enormous temperature of 1200 degrees and “yarn is made.” Since the wallpaper components are exclusively natural, there are no harmful chemicals in their composition.
Fiberglass wallpaper has great wear resistance - it does not scratch, does not tear, can withstand washing with a hard brush and does not even burn.
When painting, up to 20 layers of waterproof paint can be used.
Cons.
Naturally, when purchasing such an unusual wall covering, the question arises, how to glue fiberglass wallpaper? This process is very complex and quite labor-intensive, requiring special knowledge and skills, so it is better if it is done by professionals.
Metallic wallpaper, what is it?
Another new word, or a real breakthrough in wall decoration? In fact, metallic wallpaper is distinguished by its external gloss, but if you look deeper, you can understand that the same non-woven material or paper is used as a basis.
But the aluminum foil framing the front layer of the material adds an unusual, one might even say luxurious, look to them, as well as their moisture resistance and reflection of electromagnetic radiation, which can be considered a definite plus and an indicator of quality.
Considering such a huge assortment of wallpaper, you might think that it’s easy to get confused in all this variety, but you shouldn’t be afraid, because the manufacturers took care of us, the customers, and put signs on the wallpaper, the meaning of which is easy to decipher.
What do the icons on the wallpaper mean and how to decipher the marking symbols
Since different wallpapers can be marked differently, look at several options for deciphering the marking symbols.
Beauty and bright mood for your home :)
Wallpaper is one of the types of building finishing materials intended for finishing walls and ceilings indoors. Wallpaper looks like a canvas that is tightly rolled into a roll.
This is what the wallpaper on display in a hardware store looks like now.The main dimensions of wallpaper can be: length - 10 m, width - 0.53 - 1.06 m.
Initially, the word “wallpaper” was applied to skins or fabrics that were used to cover the walls of a home from the inside. Nowadays there are a huge number of types of wallpaper, so everyone can choose whatever they like.
When did the first wallpaper appear - an excursion into history
About a thousand years BC, the first type appeared - woven wallpaper. At first they were black and white, and only at the end of the 11th century AD did they acquire color.
In the Middle Ages, instead of wallpaper there were tapestries that occupied the entire wall from ceiling to floor. Tapestries were large canvases of fabric depicting historical events and ancient battles. 
Ancient English tapestry with the coats of arms of the knights of that era
Tapestries were only available to the wealthy, as they were made from high-quality fabric and were expensive. A beautiful and decorated home was in fashion, so people covered the walls with cheap fabrics with designs.
Fabric sheets were usually attached to the wall using special brackets, but were not glued in any way. So little by little the woven wallpaper became more elegant and thinner; images of plants, animals, and scenes from the Bible appeared on them. 
Using tapestry in the interior
Gradually, wallpaper production began to take place in Europe. We built several factories that made wallpaper to order. The best artists were invited to create woven wallpaper.
Such wallpaper turned out to be very expensive, and there was a need to find ways to reduce production costs. The famous artist Jan Van Eyck suggested applying designs to finished fabric, because it was cheaper and easier. This method gave rise to a new direction in the production, now of printed wallpaper, which significantly helped reduce their cost.
And already at the beginning of the 16th century, France and England began to produce new wallpaper industrially. The first machine for the production of fabric wallpaper was invented in England. This also helped reduce the cost of wallpaper. 
This is how luxurious the wallpaper on the walls used to look
The birthplace of paper wallpaper is considered ancient china, from there they came to us along with many useful items such as paper, which appeared in the early 2nd century AD, porcelain, compass and silk. The Chinese decorated their walls with paper as soon as it was invented. They covered the passages in the room with thick paper, as if dividing it.
For many years, the wise Chinese kept the process of making paper a closely guarded secret. In the 6th century, the Japanese were able to develop their technology for making wallpaper. 
A room decorated with Chinese painted paper paintings
Further, already in the 8th century, the production of paper wallpaper came to Europe. People had become accustomed to the durability and beauty of woven wallpaper; they wanted paper wallpaper to be of the same excellent quality. But the methods for making paper wallpaper would not allow this to be achieved. And the drawings were generally applied by hand, which increased the cost several times.
Once upon a time, an Englishman, distinguished by an inventive mindset, named Tsaner, came up with an original method for making wallpaper so that it would look like matter.
The method was as follows: first prime the paper, and then pour a lot of scraps of silk threads onto it. These silk threads dried and firmly stuck to the paper. 
Blue wallpaper is an excellent background for paintings
Enough time passed, and in the 14th century another one appeared new way on drawing a drawing on paper. The workers made a printing plate out of wood, onto which they applied layers of paint, after which they carefully placed the paper on it and finally rolled it with a roller.
Wallpaper with designs from China has always been highly valued throughout the world, even without being influenced by the vagaries and diversity of fashion. In Europe for the production of paper wallpaper for a long time England was considered the recognized leader. 
Our ancestors' idea of interior design and wallpaper
Currently there are various technologies for the production of wallpaper, various materials. And only the methods of using such inventions have remained the same to this day - to decorate your home, make it more comfortable and beautiful.
Types of modern wallpaper
Let's briefly consider all types popular wallpapers, their pros and cons:
Today this type of wallpaper is very popular. This can be explained by many factors, for example, the fact that the material from which the wallpaper is made is natural, and therefore natural. When making wallpaper, the materials are never painted, even with colorless varnish. That's why distinctive feature bamboo wallpaper has become natural in color and the naturalness of the surface itself. 
An example of an interior made using bamboo and wood combinations
can be an excellent decoration for your walls, natural and environmentally friendly.
Advantages of bamboo wallpaper: Can be used indoors and outdoors; long service life (can reach up to 10 years); wallpaper has excellent heat and sound insulation properties; do not lose color when exposed to sunlight; resistant to mechanical stress; Due to their large width, you can stick them both horizontally and vertically, and so on.
Disadvantages of bamboo wallpaper: difficult to hide connection points; Having joined the drawing, it is also difficult to make a cross-section, because it often has irregularities; For stickers you need a special one organic glue with an unpleasant odor.
Ordinary paper wallpaper has excellent breathability and moisture permeability. Such wallpaper is not recommended for use in rooms where there is constant high humidity and strong odors. The material is capable of performing both decorative and hygienic functions. Paper wallpaper can give your walls a wonderful look, masking the unevenness, cracks and pores that exist on the surface. 
The use of paper wallpaper in hi-tech style, modern minimalism
— section of the site dedicated to paper wallpaper. It is recommended to search here for more full information on this topic.
Pros of paper wallpaper: simple technology manufacturing; low price and a huge range of patterns and designs offered.
Disadvantages of paper wallpaper: wallpaper quickly loses its freshness and becomes dark; cannot be cleaned with detergents (wet), dry cleaning only; fast abrasion.
Vinyl wallpaper consists of two layers - the top one is made of polyvinyl chloride, which can withstand mechanical stress and dirt, and the bottom one is made of paper or non-woven material. Top layer vinyl wallpaper is decorated with illustrations or embossing. Finishing materials of this class always turn out to be very reliable, strong and durable. 
The texture of bright red vinyl wallpaper is visible to the naked eye
— a separate range of articles in the context of wallpaper made of polyvinyl chloride. More detailed information on this type of wallpaper.
Advantages of vinyl wallpaper: vinyl wallpaper is elastic and dense; moisture-resistant (they are easy to clean and wash), can be washed with a brush or wiped with a damp cloth; do not fade in the sun; durable; rich decorative structure.
Disadvantages of vinyl wallpaper: Vinyl wallpaper has one, but serious drawback - it is airtight. Some versions have special micropores that allow the wallpaper to “breathe”, but such wallpapers are in the most expensive segment of the market.
Wood is one of the best finishing and building materials. Although the abundance of new construction and finishing materials is off the charts, wood does not lose its relevance. More recently, ordinary lining for interior work replaced wooden wallpaper, which can add style and personality to the house. Wallpaper is a wooden plank, small in size and quite thin. 
Bedroom design made using wooden finishing materials
Wallpaper made from wood has enormous decorative potential, and it also allows the walls to “breathe.” These wallpapers themselves do not require much maintenance. But the disadvantage of wooden wallpaper is that it does not tolerate moisture, which can cause the joints to swell, which will spoil the design with a sloppy appearance.
Metallic wallpaper is a relatively new type of wallpaper. It differs from others in its interesting properties and features that other wallpapers do not have. The main function of such wallpaper is, of course, beauty and unusual appearance. But the uniqueness lies in the ability to dampen electrical radiation that comes from a TV, refrigerator, computer and other electrical appliances in the house. 
An interior that incorporates, in addition to wallpaper using metal, objects of different styles
The advantages of metal wallpaper: easy to clean (you can simply wipe with a cloth); very beautiful appearance, since such wallpapers are mainly made in silver or gold and have a shine; They are easy to install (they are glued in the same way as paper wallpaper) and provide climate control in the room.
Disadvantages of metal wallpaper: the surface on which such wallpaper will be glued must be ideal; the walls suffer greatly from mechanical damage and do not “breathe” at all.
Increasingly popular among a huge number of different wallpapers Today they are purchasing cork wallpaper. The most important feature is that such wallpaper is made from natural wood, or rather from bark balsa wood, they have energy-saving and sound-proofing properties. Cork wallpaper is fireproof, durable and dust-repellent. 
Using cork wallpaper in the interior of an ordinary room
- environmentally friendly and natural finishing material, also soft and durable.
Pros of cork wallpaper: non-flammable; high level noise reduction; resistance to mechanical damage; the possibility of combining colors and textures in one room; resistance to detergents; the ability not to absorb odors; the ability not to electrify, not to fade over time.
Cons of cork wallpaper: vulnerable to excess moisture (can swell greatly if the coatings are poorly treated) and relatively high prices, since the wallpaper is made of natural material.
Textile wallpaper always looks expensive and beautiful because it pays tribute to the past. The basis of such wallpaper is ordinary non-woven fabric, and a layer of another material is applied on top, for example, it can be viscose, linen, silk or cotton. The cost remains at an average level. 
Luxurious interior in retro style using textile wallpaper
- a modern idea of fabric wallpaper, popular types of finishing materials.
The advantages of textile wallpaper: UV resistance; high aesthetic quality; environmental friendliness; sound absorption; high thermal insulation.
Disadvantages of textile wallpaper: complexity of installation; get dirty easily and quickly; reduced strength; absorb odors; dry cleaning.
Non-woven
For covering the walls of any room, a varied selection of materials is now offered, and among them, non-woven wallpaper has become especially popular. After all, one of the elements of the interior is wallpaper; they help create a comfortable and comfortable environment in every room, be it an apartment or an office. cozy atmosphere. The basis of non-woven wallpaper is cellulose fibers and various additives to them. 
Non-woven wallpaper can be used in any room, even in the kitchen
— modern wallpaper long lengths, high-quality adhesion to walls, wear-resistant and environmentally friendly.
The advantages of non-woven wallpaper: fire resistance; dense structure; do not interfere with air circulation; convenient installation, easy gluing; you can repaint the wallpaper; do not absorb dust; ease of care.
Disadvantages of non-woven wallpaper: subject to mechanical damage; raised areas of wallpaper can collect dust; the price is quite high.
Recently, photo wallpapers have become increasingly popular as an element of interior decor. There is simply a huge selection of photo wallpapers with various images, you can also make such wallpaper to order with the photo that you would like to see on your wall. Such non-standard wallpapers can easily decorate your interior and create a design of this premises original and unique. 
The successful use of photo wallpaper allows you to qualitatively transform the atmosphere in the room
— capable of enlivening any interior with their presence, beautiful, elegant, easy to use.
Pros of photo wallpaper: very interesting and beautiful appearance; smooth texture; durable and easy to apply; You can choose from options, or you can make it to order.
Cons of photo wallpaper: the wall must be perfectly smooth and even in order for the wallpaper to look good; the image may become boring after some time; Some wallpapers are made of poor quality and are made from cheap material; after a certain time they can delaminate.
If you have started a renovation and your soul desires something creative and new, then you definitely need to pay attention to liquid wallpaper. In the CIS countries and Europe, many people actively use them, so construction stores very often offer this type of wallpaper to customers. 
Interior of a children's room made using liquid wallpaper
- modern decorative plaster It is called “liquid wallpaper”, it is easy to apply and looks great.
The advantages of liquid wallpaper: dry quickly; consist of natural materials eg silk, cotton and textile fibres; help hide irregularities, seams and roughness; They are elastic and allow the walls to “breathe”.
Cons of liquid wallpaper: should not be used in rooms where there is very high humidity, for example, in a bathroom or hallway; subject to mechanical damage.
Everyone remembers from childhood that you can’t draw on the walls, because it’s difficult to fix. Nowadays, paintable wallpaper has appeared, and everything has become much simpler. The choice of such wallpapers is very large; they can be either with or without patterns. Wallpaper can be painted well and dries quickly. 
Modern interior made using paintable wallpaper
— what types of wallpaper can be painted, why they are good and why they are universal, all the answers are in a special section.
Advantages of wallpaper for painting: before wallpapering there is no need to level the walls; economical; you can zone the room and change the color of the walls whenever you want, without changing the wallpaper.
Disadvantages of wallpaper for painting: you still need to prepare the walls before gluing; you can paint the wallpaper only 12 hours after gluing; do not tolerate chemicals when cleaning, detergents are prohibited; should not be used in rooms with very high humidity.
Year after year, the modern market expands its construction range to satisfy consumers, take into account their taste and material capabilities, thereby offering them a wide variety of wall coverings. These new wall coverings include glass wallpaper. Very often you can find them in hotels in Turkey, pay attention to them while traveling. 
Glass wallpaper allows you to create a simple and clear design
Advantages of glass wallpaper: strength, resistance to any impact; moisture resistance; possibility of accumulation electric charges(dust does not accumulate); easy to clean; allow the walls to “breathe”.
Cons of fiberglass wallpaper: can only be glued on perfectly flat surfaces, which must be carefully prepared before gluing; can only be glued with special and expensive glue; when gluing, it is necessary to apply increased safety measures: wear gloves and a respirator, because glass particles can get into respiratory tract, after painting, the wallpaper ceases to be dangerous to humans.
On the modern construction market there is a very large number of different interesting wallpapers, both in structure and in appearance, but everyone should choose the wallpaper that they like, that suits them and to their liking. A banal thesis, but damn right.
Wallpapering walls is the most obvious and widespread way of finishing. But this finishing material has different characteristics and prices. What types of wallpaper are there, how they differ, where which is best to use - we’ll talk about all this further.
Classification by characteristics
In order not to make a mistake when choosing wallpaper, you need to have an idea of what they generally are. Let's start with a general classification according to various characteristics and properties.
The first thing you should decide on is how friendly the finish should be with water and how often it will need to be washed. According to this feature they are:
This characteristic is displayed on the label of each roll in the form of a graphic icon - a wavy line (look at the photo).
Next, you need to decide on resistance to fading. It is no secret that some materials and paints change their color on sunlit surfaces. For sunny rooms, it is better to choose fade-resistant wallpaper. In rooms with windows facing west or north, this is not so critical. For those without windows (corridors, bathrooms, toilets, etc.) this does not matter at all. This characteristic is also displayed on the label with a sun pictogram (pictured below).
Resistance of wallpaper to fading - graphic designation
The fit of the pattern may also be important. Some colors do not require pattern selection or offset at all (plain colors). Others require displacement, and by different amounts. The displacement increases the consumption of finishing material. This information is also indicated on the label using pictograms.
All types of wallpaper are equipped with an instruction insert that displays this data. There are also pictures that show how to apply the glue. The method of removal is also shown - they are removed completely or partially. Next, we will consider the types of wallpaper - what they are made of, what advantages, disadvantages they have, and scope of application.
Paper
Paper wallpaper is the most common and cheapest. Their popularity is due to their low price, wide range, and good performance properties. They are environmentally friendly, permeable to air, but are susceptible to high humidity, have low mechanical strength, and fade quickly. Average service life is 3-5 years. Not much, but this and all other shortcomings are compensated by a very attractive price.
There are several types of paper wallpaper:
When choosing, pay attention to such an indicator as density - it greatly influences the strength, but keep in mind that thick paper wallpapers are harder to glue to uneven walls - they are not as elastic as average ones. Very thin ones are also bad, since, on the contrary, they stretch very much, and when wet they can practically crawl apart in your hands or “roll”, go in waves, when you try to level them on the wall. In general, the best option is medium. They will also cover up any imperfections and are easy to work with. The division is as follows: up to 110 g/m2 - light, 110-140 g/m2 - medium, more than 140 g/m2 - heavy.
If you need an inexpensive “breathable” material for wall decoration, paper wallpaper is practically unrivaled. When gluing, the simplest glue is used, which is applied to both the wall and the canvas (but not always, read the instructions).
Non-woven
Non-woven fabric is non-woven fiber, which consists of cellulose fibers (sometimes artificial fibers are used). This material has high vapor permeability, conducts air and moisture well, and comes in different densities. Thin non-woven fabric is a fairly elastic material that can be glued to uneven walls. But it stretches too much, which can be a problem. Canvases with medium and high density are easier to glue, but they have practically no stretch, so the surface must be flat.
Please note that there are wallpapers made from 100% non-woven fabric, and some only based on it. Now we are talking about those that are completely made of non-woven fabric, since otherwise their characteristics depend on the second layer. By the way, when searching in the catalog, write “non-woven wallpaper with non-woven coating”, otherwise most of the results are vinyl wallpaper with a non-woven backing, and they have completely different properties.
Non-woven wallpaper comes in two forms - regular and “paintable”, and is glued with a special glue based on well-purified starch and/or PVA. They can be smooth, textured, embossed or voluminous. They have good performance properties:
- When wet, non-woven fabric does not swell with glue or water and does not change its shape after drying.
- The preparation of the walls may not be ideal - due to the density of the material, some unevenness will be hidden, but large depressions and protrusions are unacceptable.
- Can be used in new houses - it does not tear when new small cracks form.
- Slightly reduces the thermal conductivity and sound permeability of walls (it is clearly not enough to significantly improve sound insulation, but read how to improve it).
Most non-woven fabrics on sale are imported, but there are also a few Russian ones (for example, Milassa, Loymina). They do not differ in price, so there is little point in choosing based on this criterion. When choosing, pay attention to the fact that the width is 53 cm and 105 cm, the length in a roll is from 10 meters to 25 meters. So the price per roll is far from an indicator. It’s easier to compare if you consider the price per square meter.
Vinyl
Vinyl wallpapers are paper-based or non-woven. A layer of polyvinyl chloride (PVC, PVC or, more simply, vinyl) is applied to the base. This film is less than a millimeter thick, but it gives the finishing material strength (can be washed with a brush), water-repellent properties, and high resistance to fading. Vinyl sheets can be washed, and many are abrasion-resistant and allow the use of a brush.
This set of properties allows you to use this type of wallpaper in rooms with high humidity, in particular in the kitchen or bathroom, but not in close proximity to water sources. It also performs well where high durability of the finish is required (corridor, hallway) - you have to try hard to scratch it.
Another type of wallpaper with special properties is vinyl.
Their main drawback is that they do not allow air to pass through, which is why they try not to use them in residential premises or compensate by having a good ventilation system.
Types and varieties
Which vinyl wallpaper is better - paper-backed or non-woven? It is easier to glue on non-woven fabric, but only on a well-prepared base. The fact is that thin non-woven fabric is used as a base, and since the vinyl film is also thin, the overall thickness of the coating is small, they are simply not able to hide unevenness - all errors are visible. Another nuance - if the vinyl wallpaper is light, then the base should be a single color, otherwise the uneven color may show through.
If we compare vinyl and other types of wallpaper, they are the best in terms of strength and are easily glued to a relatively flat (maybe not ideal) surface. But, with significant unevenness, difficulties may arise - the dry fabric is glued and it is completely inelastic.
Vinyl wallpaper comes in a wide variety of colors. The surface can be smooth or textured. The drawing can be simply applied or may have volume ( embossed wallpaper). There is also one for painting.
One of the types of vinyl wallpaper is hot stamping (silk screen printing)
Separately, it is worth mentioning vinyl wallpaper, which is produced by hot stamping using silk or artificial threads. They are called silk-screen printing for their characteristic shine. They look very formal, which is why they are often used in living rooms. Some types of silk-screen printing can be seen on the walls in the hallway - they make the room larger with their matte shine.
Vinyl wallpaper is sold in rolls with a width of 53 cm, 70 cm and 105 cm, the length per roll is usually 10 meters (more precisely, 10.05 m), they are glued with a special glue, as they have quite a lot of weight.
Read how to properly glue wallpaper.
Acrylic wallpaper
To be precise, this is paper wallpaper with acrylic coating. The polymer is applied pointwise, without completely covering the base, so it only comes with a textured surface. This has practically no effect on the number of colors, but on the weight - quite strongly. Acrylic sheets are not as heavy as vinyl sheets, which is why the glue used is not as thick. Thanks to the spot application of the polymer (it is itself airtight), this type of finish can be classified as breathable, which is why this type of wallpaper is often used in residential premises.
Acrylic wallpaper is a paper base (usually colored) on which acrylic is applied pointwise
Partial coating of paper with acrylic slightly increases its resistance to washing - they are classified as waterproof, and their resistance to fading is average, as is their price category. They are glued according to the same principle as paper ones - glue is applied to both the wallpaper and the wall; difficulty of gluing is average. Problems may arise if the acrylic coating is too soft - if you press a little harder, it will come off. Then they behave the same way during operation - the coating can be removed by accidentally touching it with something hard. Even with a fingernail. This does not apply to all types of acrylic wallpaper, but there are such examples. Overall, a good option, but not great.
The width of rolls of acrylic wallpaper is most often 53 cm, but there are 70 cm, and you can also find meter-long ones. The standard length is 10 meters. The price range here is greater than that of other types of wallpaper: there are very inexpensive ones made in Russia and Ukraine (cost from $3-5 per roll), there are imported ones - 8-15 times more expensive. It is worth noting that the quality, and appearance, differ significantly.
Textile (fabric)
Textile wallpaper is made from paper and non-woven fabric. A woven or braided material made of linen, cotton, viscose, jute, polyester, silk, etc. is glued onto this base. The texture can be smooth, silky, velvety. It depends on the material used and weaving technique. In addition, relief designs can be woven onto the fabric.
Textile wallpaper - looks great, but is expensive
Fabric wallpaper is another type of “breathable” wall decoration, and therefore can be used in living rooms. This is a very beautiful finishing material, but expensive. Even if we compare such not very cheap types of wallpaper as silk-screen printing or natural ones. At the same time, it is demanding in terms of operating conditions - it is afraid of high humidity, fades, and can only be cleaned dry, occasionally using a damp sponge.
There are two forms of release: standard - rolls 10 meters long (width 70-80 cm). Some textile wallpaper (more expensive) is sold by linear metres. Their width is usually 105-120, but there are also wider canvases.
The rules for combining wallpaper are described.
Glass wallpaper
Fiberglass wallpaper is a special type of finishing material for painting. They are good because they are not afraid of moisture and can be glued in damp rooms. You just need to choose the right paint. Second positive point- they can withstand repeated repainting (the highest quality - up to 20 times) and their service life is 20-30 years. Other types of wallpaper are much inferior to them in this parameter.
Due to the interweaving of fiberglass, wallpaper is vapor-, air- and water-permeable. However, it is worth remembering that the properties of the surface to be glued depend on the properties of the paint with which they will be coated.
If you need durable wallpaper that can be painted, choose one made from fiberglass
The disadvantage is that the range is not very large, it has a somewhat “office” appearance, and also that before painting, tiny particles of glass get into the air. It is also worth wearing protective clothing when working. Glue fiberglass wallpaper using a special glue that is applied to the wall
A very interesting coating, which is rather one of the subtypes of plaster mixtures. Sold in powder form or ready-to-use formulation. It consists of astringent components (glue), textile fibers, cellulose, mineral and decorative additives. How putty is applied to walls with a spatula or something resembling this tool.
An important property of liquid wallpaper is its undemanding nature on the base. All other types of wallpaper require a flat surface. Some are more even, some less. Liquid wallpaper itself can level the wall it is applied to. But, in order to save composition, significant recesses should first be sealed with suitable putty.
Liquid wallpaper is suitable for heated and unheated premises, but require normal humidity. Another advantage of this type of coating is its high maintainability. The damaged area is cleaned off, the resulting recess is filled with the same composition. Once dry, the repaired area is almost impossible to find. Therefore, some of the composition is stored “until required”.
Other types of wallpaper
The finishing materials that are presented in any hardware store are described above. But there are types of wallpaper that are rarely used, but have good performance properties and look very unusual. This may be why they are not so widespread.
Now you know all types of wallpaper - both widespread and not so widespread. Knowing their main characteristics, you can select the finishing material to suit your requirements. specific premises and your desires.
