Wallpaper has become popular in recent years and has no signs of losing popularity anytime soon.  Many people are using it through out the home in the kitchen, hallway and the bathroom! This wall covering can truly transform a space whether to soothe your mood or to create a bold backdrop.

Emerging from China in 105 BC, the earliest forms of wallpaper were hand-painted prints and stories on walls using rice paper. Some of the first designs included scenes of genealogy, the gods, and nature. Eventually, trade routes facilitated the spread of wallpaper to Europe. Fast forward to today, wallpaper has reemerged as a top trend in across the style spectrum.

What are some of the benefits of wallpaper?

It is durable, and can last over 15 years, often longer than paint. If your walls have imperfections, wallpaper can hide those well. It can help bring warmth and depth to a room that cannot be achieved by paint alone

There are three types of wallpaper: unpasted, prepasted SureStrip and removable peel & stick.

Unpasted is the more traditional route and is long-lasting and timeless. This wallpaper does not come prepared with adhesive so paste is required. Though the pasting process can be messy, it tends to produce the most long-lasting results.

Prepasted SureStrip is water-activated which allows for paste-free application and quick removal. All you need to do is mist the paper or dip it in water before applying. This method avoids a messy installation and makes for an easy removal as you are pulling off strips.

Removable peel & stick, also called self-adhesive is a good option for apartments. Its like a giant sticker leaving no residue and requiring no water or paste. Its also easy to remove and reposition while installing and if you redecorate often, this can be a great option as it’s easy to replace.

Paint comes in many colors, however there is a limited spectrum of finishes. Conversely, wallpaper comes in a variety of designs with a large selection of textures and effects. Beads, flock, metallic, emboss and other textures.

Most wallpapers are wipe clean or washable, if any marks appear on walls. Walls can become dirty over time with fingerprints, oil, germs, dust, and pollen build up. Many wallpaper designs are vinyl which is the most trouble-resistant option, making it perfect for rooms that get damp or dirty. Vinyl wallpaper can stand up to a good amount of scrubbing with the same warm water and soap on a damp sponge.

Paint is a great option for adding a burst of color to your interiors but it doesn’t quite have the impact of a statement wallpaper. With a wide range of designs, colors and textures available, wallpaper can reflects more accurately express a person’s personality and style. Great for making your home unique and personal.

Wallpaper can be seen as art for your entire wall. Once you’ve decided on wallpaper, the next step is to choose which materials and design you want. Some options include digitally printed, naturals like jute and grasscloth, non-woven or the exquisite Gravure Printed.

What about the financial cost and the time/energy cost? Painting is less expensive upfront but wallpaper is known to last longer. Generally, prepping for hanging wallpaper will take slightly longer than painting. This depends on whether you have existing wallpaper that needs to be removed. If so, then wallpaper removal can be time-consuming. 

Clearly wallpaper is having its moment and we’re enjoying it. As you can see, there are many benefits to the wall covering. It can help bring and depth to a room. It can be a way of expressing your personal style within your home. If wallpaper is something you’re considering for your space, stop by the Ciao showroom to check out our samples.