An Expert’s Guide to Wallpaper Types: Pros & Cons

Thinking of giving your room a new look? Wallpaper is an easy, versatile option that can really change how a room feels. It’s one of the quickest upgrades you can give to your space. 

There are dozens of different types of wallpapers on the market—from vinyl to embossed, textile, and grasscloth—so it's a good idea to understand the pros and cons of each and when to use each one. 

Keep reading below to learn about the differences between each wallpaper type along with some helpful hints to make the most out of your home design. There's a lot to learn, but it’s amazing to see how the right wallpaper can transform your space.

Vinyl Wallpaper

Vinyl wallpaper is one of the most common types of wallpaper due to its versatility and cost-effectiveness. It is primarily made from ethylene and chlorine, which when combined, form Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC). The resulting material is then applied to a paper backing to create a durable, easy-to-install wallpaper.

Pros

Durability: Resistant to everyday wear and tear, making it ideal for high-traffic areas.

Moisture Resistance: Suitable for humid areas like bathrooms and kitchens.

Easy Maintenance: Simple to clean with most stains easily wiped away.

Cons

Breathability: May lead to mold growth in damp climates due to lack of wall breathability.

Removal Difficulty: Stripping can be challenging and might require professional help.

Environmental Concerns: Production is not eco-friendly and the material is not biodegradable.

Embossed Wallpaper

Embossed wallpaper is known for its unique textured design created by pressing patterns into the wallpaper during manufacturing. This type of wallpaper can significantly enhance the aesthetic appeal of a room by adding depth and dimension to otherwise flat walls. The raised patterns in embossed wallpaper not only create a tactile and visual interest but also have a practical use in concealing wall imperfections.

Pros

Texture: Adds depth and dimension to walls, enhancing the room’s aesthetic appeal.

Concealment: Effective in hiding wall imperfections or blemishes.

Paintable: Many embossed wallpapers can be painted over, offering customization to match room decor.

Cons

Cleaning: Textured grooves may accumulate dust, requiring more frequent cleaning.

Cost: Typically more expensive than standard wallpapers due to the intricate design.

Installation: May require professional installation to ensure the embossed pattern aligns perfectly.

Flock Wallpaper

Flock wallpaper is distinguished by its luxurious velvety texture, achieved by adhering small fibers onto the paper backing. This traditional type of wallpaper dates back to the 17th century but has seen modern revivals due to its classic design. The rich texture of flock wallpaper provides a soft touch, elevating a room's ambiance to a cozier and more elegant level.

Pros

Luxury: Velvety texture exudes a sense of sophistication.

Feel: Provides a soft touch, enhancing the room's coziness.

Design Appeal: Available in various patterns and colors, allowing for a stylish room transformation.

Cons

Maintenance: Requires careful cleaning, making maintenance a bit challenging.

Cost: Typically more expensive due to its luxurious finish and intricate manufacturing process.

Suitability: Not ideal for high-traffic or damp areas due to its delicate texture.

kül tip: Enhance your wallpaper design by choosing kül plates switch plate covers that seamlessly blend or contrast with your wallpaper, providing a polished and integrated look to your space.

Grasscloth Wallpaper

Grasscloth wallpaper is a unique wall covering made from woven grasses that are adhered to a paper backing. Its natural composition introduces an organic, earthy vibe to any space, and it is often sought after for its ability to bring a touch of nature indoors. The distinctiveness of each roll, due to its natural fibers, ensures a unique wall covering that can make a room feel more personalized and warm.

Pros

Natural Appeal: Introduces an organic, earthy vibe, adding a unique texture to the room.

Uniqueness: Every roll is distinct due to its natural composition, ensuring a personalized look.

Eco-Friendly: Often made from renewable resources, making it a more environmentally friendly wallpaper option.

Cons

Durability: Susceptible to fraying and wear over time, especially in high-traffic areas.

Cleaning: Stains tend to be permanent and it requires delicate handling, making maintenance more challenging.

Cost: Typically pricier due to its natural materials and the unique aesthetic it provides.

Textile Wallpaper

Textile wallpaper is a high-end wall covering option made from natural or synthetic fabrics such as silk, linen, or polyester adhered to a paper backing. The fabric surface of textile wallpaper provides a soft, refined look that adds a touch of elegance to any room. Additionally, the tactile texture introduced by the fabric creates a unique depth, bringing a cozy and sophisticated ambiance to spaces. It's a perfect choice for creating a luxurious and inviting environment.

Pros

Elegance: Offers a refined, luxurious look with its fabric finish.

Texture: Introduces a tactile depth to walls, adding visual interest 

Design Variety: Available in various materials, colors, and patterns for a customizable aesthetic.

Cons

Price: Generally more expensive due to the use of fabric materials.

Maintenance: Not suitable for rooms prone to spills or moisture as cleaning can be difficult.

Installation: May require professional installation to ensure proper alignment and adherence.

Wallpaper Design Tips

• Always choose wallpaper based on the room's functionality rather than mere aesthetics.
• Before committing, get samples to test how they look in different lighting conditions.
• A smooth, primed wall surface is essential for flawless wallpaper application.
• Consider the room size—wallpaper with a lighter color can make a small room feel larger and airier, while darker wallpapers can create a cozy, intimate vibe in larger rooms.
• Think long-term and choose a wallpaper design that you will enjoy over time rather than following a fleeting trend.

Wallpaper and Light Switch Covers

When giving a room a new look with wallpaper, it's the small details that help pull everything together. That’s where we come in at kül grilles. Besides our modern air vent covers, we offer sleek light switch covers, kül plates, that can match the style of your wallpaper, making your design look well thought out.

Traditional light switch covers have visible screws, which can distract from your wallpaper. Our kül plates use a magnetic faceplate system to hide those screws, giving a clean, smooth look. They come in different finishes, so you can pick something that blends in with your wallpaper or choose a contrasting finish to make a bold statement. The Anodized Matte Black and Glacier Frost finishes are easy to match with many wallpaper styles, making them a popular choice.

In summary, choosing the right wallpaper is a big step in refreshing your room. But don’t overlook the small details like light switch covers that can really enhance the overall look. With the right wallpaper and matching kül plates, every part of your room can reflect your personal style.

Shop kül grilles air vent covers and kül plates switch plate covers now.