The Art of Wall Design: Why Choosing the Right Wallpaper Matters
Designing your own four walls is about much more than just a choice of color. Wallpapers give a room character, depth, and texture. However, anyone standing in front of the shelves at a DIY store or browsing an online shop today is often overwhelmed by the variety of materials. Non-woven, paper, textile, vinyl, or fiberglass – the selection is enormous. In this comprehensive guide, we focus on the three most popular categories: non-woven (vlies), paper, and textile wallpapers. We explain the advantages and disadvantages of these materials, how they are applied, and which style best suits your home project.
1. Non-woven Wallpaper: The Modern All-rounder
Non-woven wallpapers have revolutionized the market over the last two decades and are now the most frequently sold type of wallpaper. But what makes them so special?
Material and Properties
Non-woven wallpapers consist of a combination of cellulose and textile fibers, which are strengthened with a binding agent. Unlike pure paper wallpapers, they are extremely dimensionally stable. This means they do not expand when wet and do not shrink when drying.
Advantages of Non-woven Wallpaper
- Paste-the-wall technique: The biggest advantage is the ease of application. You don’t apply paste to the wallpaper strip, but directly to the wall. The dry wallpaper is then simply laid into the bed of paste.
- Crack bridging: Thanks to the flexible fibers, small hairline cracks in the plaster can be concealed.
- Easy to remove: When it’s time for a change, non-woven wallpapers can usually be pulled off the wall completely dry and in one piece.
- Suitable for humid rooms: Many non-woven wallpapers are water-resistant and are therefore suitable for kitchens or guest bathrooms.
Disadvantages
The only noteworthy disadvantage is the slightly higher price compared to standard paper wallpaper. Additionally, non-woven wallpapers are often slightly translucent, which is why a color-consistent substrate (or wallpaper primer) is important.
2. Paper Wallpaper: The Affordable Classic
Paper wallpapers are the traditional choice and impress primarily through their ecological aspects and enormous variety of designs.
Material and Properties
They usually consist of high-quality recycled paper. A distinction is made between single-layer and multi-layer (duplex) wallpapers. The latter are of higher quality because they are more stable and the embossing remains better intact during wallpapering.
Advantages of Paper Wallpaper
- Breathability: Paper wallpapers are very vapor-permeable, which promotes a healthy indoor climate.
- Eco-friendliness: Since they are mostly made of recycled paper and contain no plastics, they are ecologically beneficial.
- Cost-effective: They are the first choice for budget-conscious renovators.
Challenges in Application
Applying paper wallpaper requires some practice. The strips must be coated with paste and then allowed to soak for a defined period (usually 5–10 minutes). If you do not adhere strictly to this soaking time, bubbles or wrinkles will form on the wall.
3. Textile Wallpaper: Luxury and Acoustics for the Senses
If you want to create an exclusive and warm atmosphere, textile wallpapers are a must. They belong to the upper class of wall coverings.
Composition of Textile Wallpaper
In textile wallpapers, natural or synthetic fibers (such as silk, linen, wool, or jute) are applied to a backing made of paper or non-woven material. The result is a tactile structure and a unique look.
Special Benefits
- Sound insulation: Due to the textile surface, these wallpapers absorb sound and noticeably improve room acoustics.
- Thermal insulation: The fibers have a slight insulating effect and provide a cozy feeling.
- Exclusivity: Each strip acts like a unique piece due to the natural irregularities of the fibers.
Care and Price
Textile wallpapers are more sensitive to dirt and odors (such as cigarette smoke or kitchen fumes). Cleaning is usually done carefully with a vacuum cleaner or a soft cloth. In terms of price, they are in the top segment.
Direct Comparison: Which Wallpaper for Which Room?
Here is a quick guide for your decision:
- Living Room: Non-woven for modern looks, textile for maximum coziness.
- Bedroom: Textile wallpapers for peace and acoustics or paper wallpapers for best breathability.
- Kitchen & Bathroom: Non-woven (washable) is the best choice here.
- Children’s Room: Robust non-woven wallpapers or ecological paper wallpapers.
- Hallway: Durable non-woven wallpapers, as people often bump into walls here.
Pro Tips for Surface Preparation
No matter which material you choose, the result stands or falls with the substrate. The wall must be:
- Dry (no residual moisture in the plaster).
- Smooth (remove old wallpaper residue and unevenness).
- Stable (old paint must not peel off).
- Absorbent (a deep primer works wonders here).
Conclusion
The choice of the right wallpaper depends on your budget, your manual skills, and the desired indoor climate. While non-woven wallpaper is the uncomplicated favorite for almost every area of application, paper wallpaper scores with sustainability and price. Textile wallpaper remains the pinnacle of wall design for everyone who values haptics and exclusivity.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can non-woven wallpapers be painted over?
Yes, many non-woven wallpapers are specifically designed as paintable textured or smooth non-woven liners. Even patterned non-woven wallpapers can usually be painted over with emulsion paint without any problems.
Why do paper wallpapers need to soak?
Paper expands when it gets wet. If you apply the wallpaper to the wall without soaking time, it will expand there, leading to unsightly wrinkles and bubbles.
Are textile wallpapers suitable for allergy sufferers?
Since textile wallpapers can trap dust, allergy sufferers should be careful. Regular vacuuming with a HEPA filter is necessary. Paper wallpapers are often the better choice for allergy sufferers.
How many rolls of wallpaper do I need?
The rule of thumb is: (room perimeter x room height) / 5. This applies to standard rolls (0.53m x 10.05m). For wallpapers with a pattern match, you should add about 10-15% for waste.
What does ‘dimensionally stable’ mean for non-woven wallpapers?
It means the wallpaper keeps its shape. It doesn’t swell when in contact with paste and doesn’t shrink when drying, which makes butt-jointing extremely easy.
How do I remove old textile wallpapers?
Textile wallpapers with a non-woven backing can often be pulled off dry. For paper-backed ones, the surface usually needs to be perforated with a spiked roller and then soaked with water and detergent or wallpaper stripper.
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