From lush tapestries that were once displayed in aristocratic homes to bold accent walls that bring mid-century modern flair into a powder room, house wallpaper has been used throughout history to add an extra element of glamour. Whether you lean into moody opulence with a dramatic floral motif or favor a minimal approach with geometric patterns, there’s a wallpaper for every space in your home.
Wallpaper is made of a paper or vinyl material that’s designed to adhere to a wall with wallpaper paste and can be removed without causing damage when you want to redecorate. Originally, wallpaper was only available in printed paper, but today there are a variety of materials and styles. Some are textured, others have a repeating pattern design, and some even have no pattern at all.
Historically, patterned wallpaper came in two forms: uncoated (left as is or coated with a thin layer of vinyl or acrylic for better stain and moisture resistance) or hand-painted. In the 17th and 18th centuries, wealthy Europeans hung wallpaper in their houses to add color and warmth to their stone or plaster walls. They also used it to mask flaws or irregularities in the surfaces. The earliest wallpapers featured scenes, rather than patterns, and were usually hand-painted and expensive.
In the 18th and 19th centuries, manufacturing methods and printing techniques improved and new kinds of wallpaper emerged. Early wallpapers were either silk-screened or block printed, and could be a bit fragile. Today, manufacturers use a wide range of techniques and materials to produce wallpapers, including digital printing and embossing. Some modern wallpapers are hand-painted, while others are screen or digitally printed and are often treated with a protective sealant to hold up to moisture and stains.
Modern wallpapers come in a wide range of textures and colors, from traditional prints to bold stripes and shapes that create an unexpected focal point in your living space. They can also be made from a variety of materials, including vinyl, fabric and non-woven. Non-woven wallpapers are more durable than conventional paper wallpaper, but they’re not as versatile and may not work as well on textured or uneven walls.
When it comes to choosing a pattern, consider the size of your space and the size of the print. Too small of a pattern can be fussy and annoying, and too large of a print can overpower the room.
When it comes to painting over wallpaper, you’ll need some special supplies, including a good oil-based primer and a low-VOC paint. The primer is important because it helps the paint stick to the wallpaper surface, even if there’s years of dirt and grime built up on it. Then, choose a low-VOC interior paint that’s appropriate for the room’s color and style. The paint should also be a semi-gloss or satin finish to resist scuffing and chipping. It’s a good idea to do some prep before you start, such as cleaning the walls with a damp rag and cleaning solution to remove any dust or dirt that might be stuck on the surface.