5 Types of Wallpaper To Consider For Your Kelowna Home

Wallpaper is older than many people realize. It arguably reached the height of popularity in the early 20th century, but it dates back to at least 17th century China. In Europe, wallpaper emerged during the Renaissance as an alternative to tapestries that formerly covered the walls of rich people’s homes. Like tapestries, European wallpaper originally depicted specific scenes rather than abstract patterns.

By the mid-20th century, wallpaper began to fall out of favour. Lately, however, it has been trending upward. If you are interested in calling painting services in Kelowna for wallpaper installation, you have many more choices than people had 500 years ago, or even 100 years ago. Here are some of the most popular types of wallpaper along with the pros and cons of each.

1. Flock Wallpaper

Flock wallpaper is a classic type of wallpaper that was frequently found in upper-class homes in the 18th and 19th centuries. It is made of a paper base printed with a fibre similar to velvet. This creates three-dimensional patterns that are soft and fuzzy to the touch. This is considered luxurious but may work better in antique or vintage homes than in homes that are more modern. It is not washable and can be hard to maintain, so it is better to use it in low-traffic rooms. It is one of the most expensive types of wallpaper, and if you change your mind about it later, you could have a hard time removing it.

2. Printed Wallpaper

Printed wallpaper has a two-dimensional pattern or design printed on it. There are two different types of printed wallpaper: hand-printed wallpaper, which is higher quality and therefore more expensive, and digitally printed wallpaper, which is mass-produced and therefore less expensive. Compared to hand-printed wallpaper and other types, digitally printed wallpaper may tear more easily so needs to be installed with care. Printed wallpaper should not be used in the bathroom or kitchen because the inks used for printing are water-based and could run. Both types of printed wallpaper offer a wide variety of patterns and colours.

3. Liner Wallpaper

Liner wallpaper can be used on its own, but it is more likely to be used as a base for another type of wallpaper that is more delicate. Made of paper or fibreglass, it is easy to apply and remove. If you have blemishes or imperfections on your wall that look bad but do not affect the underlying structure, you can use liner wallpaper to cover them up rather than attempting to repair them.

Since liner wallpaper is intended to be paired with a more decorative type, it may be dull-looking on its own. However, it may be possible to paint liner wallpaper after you have used it to hide imperfections.

4. Mylar Wallpaper

Mylar wallpaper is an example of a type that should be paired with liner wallpaper. On its own, it would reveal defects in the wall. Mylar wallpaper consists of a polyester film applied on top of a printed paper base. The shiny surface of Mylar wallpaper is washable and resistant to steam, so it can be used in the bathroom or kitchen. However, you must take care to avoid creasing the paper during the installation process.

5. Vinyl Wallpaper

Vinyl wallpaper is the most commonly used type of wallpaper. It consists of printed paper coated with several layers of vinyl. The vinyl coating makes the wallpaper more durable, easy to maintain, and resistant to steam, making it suitable for kitchens and bathrooms. The vinyl can also give the wallpaper a slight texture. Vinyl wallpaper may be difficult to remove, and the sides have to be well aligned for the patterns to match.

Trust Handyman Connection for Painting Services in Kelowna

Our painting services include wall treatments of all sorts, including hanging wallpaper. Find out more about why we rank among the top 500 remodelers.