When it comes to statement finishes in a home or office, nothing has ever ( Sorry Michelangelo ) got close to the options available from Wallpaper and similar wall coverings.
The Advantages of Wallpaper
There are several advantages of using wallpaper over paint. And there are many different types of wallpaper! Here are some of the key benefits. You can see some of our past work in the Derbyshire Wallpaper Specialist gallery.
- Design options: Wallpaper offers a wide range of design options that can add texture, patterns, and visual interest to a room. You can choose from countless styles, colors, and patterns to suit your personal taste and interior design scheme. Wallpaper allows for more creativity and customization compared to the limited options provided by paint.
- Durability: High-quality wallpapers are generally more durable than paint. They are designed to withstand wear and tear, making them suitable for high-traffic areas such as hallways or children’s rooms. Some wallpapers are even washable or scrubbable, making them easy to clean and maintain.
- Concealing imperfections: Wallpaper can effectively hide minor imperfections on walls, such as cracks, dents, or uneven surfaces. The texture and patterns of wallpaper can help camouflage these flaws, providing a smoother and more aesthetically pleasing appearance.
- Longevity: Unlike paint, which may need periodic touch-ups or repainting, wallpaper has a longer lifespan. If properly installed and maintained, wallpaper can last for many years without the need for replacement. This can save you time and money in the long run.
- Versatility: Wallpaper is not limited to walls alone. It can be applied to ceilings, furniture, cabinets, or other surfaces to add visual interest and transform the overall look of a room. This versatility allows for more creative options when decorating your space. Keep some offcuts or roll-ends and use them in feature artwork or as appliqué.
- Ease of installation: While installing wallpaper requires some skill and preparation, it can be easier and quicker compared to painting, especially if you choose peel-and-stick or self-adhesive wallpapers. Modern wallpapers often come with user-friendly installation instructions, making it more accessible for DIY enthusiasts. There are pre-glued wallpapers that you just soak in water and stick!
- Resale value: Well-chosen and well-maintained wallpaper can enhance the value of your home. It can make a strong visual impact on potential buyers, increasing the overall appeal and attractiveness of your property. The much talked-of Downing Street wallpaper will stay there for many years we’re sure.
It’s worth noting that both wallpaper and paint have their own merits, and the choice ultimately depends on personal preferences, the desired look, and the specific requirements of the space you’re decorating. Wallpaper hanging services will vary. Whoever you use you should ensure that the manufacturer’s instructions are closely followed and that the wallpaper hanging service you use, uses the approved adhesive, and wallpaper lining paper and preparation techniques expected.
Modern Wallpaper is, of course, safe, unlike some wallpapers from history!
How much does Wallpaper Cost?
The biggest factor in Wallpapering is likely to be the cost of the wallpaper itself. With a single roll of a really high-quality paper possibly exceeding the daily rate of a decorator, or wallpaper fitter to hang it, it’s not difficult to see why!
The cost of wallpaper for a room is therefore, roughly, the cost of the amount of paper required, plus the cost to properly prepare the surface, including the supply of any lining paper and adhesives, and the cost of labour to do the hanging. Wallpapering one wall will obviously be cheaper than wallpapering a room, but we probably didn’t need to say that.
You can do it yourself of course – and many do – but with the cost of a specialist being potentially only a small part of the overall job, we would obviously recommend getting in a specialist! Obviously we would, but we’re biased, and we enjoy hanging wallpaper with confidence.
Wallpapering Stairwells, ceilings and wallpapering alcoves, around a chimney breast and the likes will pose a serious challenge to even the most experienced Wallpaper hangers so consider the wallpapering job from all angles.
Sizes of Wallpaper rolls
The ‘usual’ roll of wallpaper in the UK will probably be 10m x 52cm ( That’s 11yds x 20 1/2 inches, dad ) but it’s not guaranteed so check the packet! There are an increasing number of wider rolls being produced with custom-printed mural finishes. So do some measuring and work it out! Watch out for repeated patterns as this will mean you will need to allow for ( up to ) an adjustment equal to the length of the pattern repeat per drop.
If you’d rather New Look Decorating sent you a Derbyshire wallpaper specialist near you to do the measuring, of course, you know where we are. 07886 902716
Cost of wallpaper per roll
Where to start! residential Wallpaper starts from around £10 per roll and goes all the way up to ‘If you have to ask the price, this wallpaper isn’t for you, Sir!’ Pressed for an answer … anything up to £180 per roll and well beyond wouldn’t be a surprise. This is of course where a professional pays for themselves, as that’s not the sort of thing you want to risk a) wasting or b) tearing over and over again during the wallpaper installation.
Many wallpapers are ‘generic’ from the old wood chip and Anaglypta finishes designed to be over-painted, to branded wallpaper suppliers and trademarked or copyrighted one-off specialist wallpaper originals. Fancy wallpaper can come with fancy pricing, but the results can really be stunning and add to a property’s value for sure.
The wallpapering quote featured in the featured image here was a great Orla Kiely wallpaper design and you can read about the job and product here.
Some pictures from our Derby Wallpapering Gallery
