Wallpaper is extremely popular right now. If you invested in wallpaper in the ‘80s, you probably still have nightmares about getting it off your walls. Which begs the question: is the wallpaper trend worth it?
With the renewed love of wallpaper in full swing, there are plenty of reasons to throw your hesitation aside – you just may find yourself wanting to wallpaper every square inch of wall space in your home!
As often happens, fashion runway trends have made their way to interior design, and prints are very much in vogue – whether on clothing or on your bathroom wall. Another reason that wallpaper is experiencing a reawakening is technology – advances in digital imaging have allowed for an extraordinary variety of prints that were previously impossible to achieve.
The Benefits of Wallpapers
Most of us shy away from wallpaper because we think of it as a huge commitment – something that can’t be reversed. But, if properly applied, all wallpaper is removable. If you change your mind or get tired of a pattern, the variety of adhesives available today make it easier than ever to remove wallpaper.
One of the many benefits of wallpaper is the texture and pattern that it brings to a room. While a fresh coat of paint can reform a tired space in your home, it doesn’t compare to the elegance and complexity of wallpaper. Gone are the days that wallpaper is just about floral patterns. You can choose from an amazing variety spanning from natural fibers like grasscloth, to metallic foil, to a more traditional vinyl wallpaper. The assortment of styles and prints available is nearly limitless – from tiny, demure prints to realistic photo wall coverings.
Wallpaper is a fantastic way to hide uneven or bumpy drywall. If you live in an older home where the walls are showing signs of age, or perhaps a home that has imperfections in the drywall, nothing disguises these flaws as easily as wallpaper. And, if installed properly, wallpaper can look fresh for more than a decade.
The right wallpaper can make cleanup in kitchens and bathrooms an easier task. In addition to offering a wipeable surface, wallpaper can add texture and pizazz to these busy rooms of your home.
Why Wallpaper is Worth the Investment
Traditionally, wallpaper was so costly that few could afford the expense – both for the cost of the paper and the cost of installation. Wallpaper is now a more affordable option. It can be an inexpensive method to add visual interest to your space. Digital technology has made wallpaper accessible in all price ranges – and technology has made installation easier too, with many pre-pasted or paste-free options available. Wallpaper is an affordable means to make a big impact on your home décor. After paint, wallpaper is the second most popular wall covering.
Wallpaper is worth the investment because it’s distinctive – nothing customizes and delineates a space quite like wallpaper. While every house on your block might have shades of gray throughout, it’s unlikely someone will have the same wall covering you choose. One reason many decorators and homeowners choose wallpaper is that it can be customized to your specific décor style.
You might find yourself wondering if the new popularity of wallpaper will last or be a short-lived trend, but the right wallpaper design can stand the test of time. If you’ve never been a fan of wallpaper, or perhaps ambivalent about using it in your décor for fear of making the wrong selection, now is the time to give it a try!
Why You Should Pay for Professional Installation
If you are an avid do-it-yourself decorator, there are lots of wallpaper options that are relatively easy to install – but most are time consuming. Even if you love DIY projects, if you select a wallpaper print that requires matching a pattern, it can become a frustrating project and you may not like the result.
Another thing to consider is that paste-free papers can be especially difficult as they are essentially large wall decals and require perfect placement to avoid lumps, bubbles, and rolls in the image. To ensure that you love final product, we recommend professional installation. With the resurgence of wallpaper’s popularity, there are many professionals who have learned how to install wall coverings properly and do so for a reasonable fee.
Professional installation is quicker than doing it yourself. Hiring an expert can not only prevent frustration, it can save you money by avoiding costly mistakes that might require purchasing more paper if you do it yourself. Professionals will also know how to install wallpaper so that it comes off easily when you are ready to redecorate.
The Guest Room’s design consultants can help you find the perfect wall covering – no matter how big or small the room. We can help you pull any room, floor to ceiling, from rugs to furniture, wallpaper to lighting. We welcome all projects large and small and are happy to work with you one on one at the Guest Room design center or with you in your home.
