What are the types of wallpaper for walls: photos, pros and cons, main characteristics

Of course, there are people who change the wall covering every year. But still, the average life of any type of wallpaper for walls is designed for at least 5 years. And if it comes to your mind to change them earlier, then only in order to refresh the appearance of the room, and not because the coating began to look unaesthetic.

Wallpapering walls is one of the most common and affordable ways of interior decoration. But when it comes to a country house, the question arises of how expedient it is. After all, most of these houses are not heated and during the winter the room becomes very cold. Opinions differ on this matter. Some dacha owners had a bitter experience when wallpaper lasted only one season. And during the winter they dampened and flaked off. Others, also relying on their own experience, argue that nothing like this happens to the wallpaper, and they have been successfully serving for several years.

The reason for these disagreements, apparently, lies not in the wallpaper, but in the arrangement of the country house itself. If it has good waterproofing, the walls are insulated, the roof does not leak, then nothing threatens the durability of the wallpaper. After all, they do not deteriorate from low temperatures, but from excess moisture. Therefore, if you are confident in the reliability of your country house, feel free to proceed with the choice of wallpaper. Moreover, there is plenty to choose from – the range of a wide variety of wallpapers is very large.

In this article, you will learn what types of wallpaper for walls are, and what are their main characteristics.

Modern types of wallpaper

Modern wallpapers differ in many different ways – in pattern, density, texture, durability, materials, prices. It is necessary to navigate this diversity in order to make a deliberate and successful purchase.

According to such a characteristic as a pattern, all types of wallpaper for walls can be divided into plain and colored wallpapers; with a large, medium or small pattern; with vertical or horizontal ornament; with repeating ornamental elements or with one composite picture (wallpaper). Separately, there is a drawing that requires adjustment of the strips for its coincidence and does not require one. This is especially important to consider when calculating the required number of rolls.

According to the density of the wallpaper are light, dense, medium density and heavy. These parameters are important to consider when choosing wallpaper glue.

According to the texture of the surface, the wallpapers are divided into smooth and rough, glossy and matte, with a relief convex pattern and with a relief embossed pattern, as well as multilayer, ribbed, with a silk surface.

By resistance to moisture, one can distinguish non-water resistant (paper), medium water resistance, washable and with strong water resistance (vinyl).

All types of wallpaper for walls have different wear resistance characteristics and differ in some other parameters.

Pros and cons of wallpaper of different types

Paper wallpaper. This is the most common and economical type. They can be single-layer (simplex) and two-layer (duplex). The latter are stronger and more durable.

The average life of paper wallpaper under normal use is about 5 years. Low cost and ease of use are the advantages of such wallpapers. The disadvantages include their exactingness to the surface. It must be very even and smooth, otherwise all its defects will affect the quality of the sticking and appear even more strongly. In addition, the moisture resistance of paper wallpaper is the lowest. Therefore, in rooms with high humidity, they will not last long.

As you can see in the photo, this type of wallpaper is very diverse in terms of its decorative qualities – a huge selection of patterns and textures will allow you to decorate the interior for every taste:

Some types of paper wallpaper (embossed or coarse-grained) can be used for painting.

Non-woven wallpaper. They are made from non-woven fabric based on textile and cellulose fibers. This type of wallpaper, which is usually widely represented in the assortment of building stores, is distinguished by its strength, durability and great decorative possibilities. It is convenient to stick such wallpapers – glue is applied only to the wall. They can be used as paint wallpaper for acrylic, latex and water-based paint. They endure up to 5-6 repaints without damage, they are an additional sound and heat insulator. However, they also have a number of disadvantages – they easily absorb dust, odors (it is not recommended to glue them in a room where they smoke), they are poorly resistant to moisture and mechanical damage.

Vinyl wallpapers. They are made on a paper basis with a vinyl mass applied to it. The texture of the wallpaper depends on the type of vinyl layer: flat, foamed, dense, silkscreen. This type of wallpaper has a lot of pluses, and there are practically no minuses. They are durable, resistant to moisture and UV radiation, not afraid of mechanical stress and temperature changes. They can be cleaned and washed with water and detergents. Ideal for painting with any kind of paint, withstand repeated repainting.

Pay attention to the photo – according to the texture, this type of wallpaper for walls can imitate wood, stone, leather, silk, textured plaster, etc.:

But it should be noted that vinyl wallpaper is the most expensive.

Cork wallpaper. Its characteristics are close to vinyl. They also have a paper base, on which a natural cork coating is applied in a thin layer. Resistant to washing and cleaning, have dust-repellent properties, are sound and heat insulators. An additional advantage of such wallpapers is their 100% naturalness and environmental friendliness.

Textile wallpaper. They can have a paper, acrylic or non-woven base, on which a woven or non-woven material made of cotton, linen, silk, viscose, nylon or velor is applied. Textile wallpapers are expensive elite coatings. However, at the same time, they lose in their characteristics to most other types of wallpaper. The fabric absorbs odors, is unstable to moisture and dust, and may fade when exposed to direct sunlight. In a word, this is a very beautiful and stylish type of wallpaper, but in practicality comparable to paper.

Now you know what wallpapers for walls are, which means you can choose the type that meets all your requirements.