As much as it may be a home, all people have a desire to make their house to be presentable and beautiful. In this respect, people will attempt to enhance their beauty with ornaments.
There are a lot of options for wall decoration. Two types that have been commonly used are the wallpaper choice and the wall decal choice. Both serve the purpose of altering the appearance of any room, however, are not the same and are more suitable for some scenarios than the other.
Join me today, in a Walls and Dreams blog post, as I explain the various ones, and how they compare with another favorite of mine – the wall decal.
Wallpaper
Wallpaper, as a common and familiar type of wall decoration, which is produced in the form of a roll and installed with the help of paste material, has the potential to entirely change the appearance of an entire wall due to a virtually unlimited choice of ornamentation, materials, and colors.
Advantages of Wallpaper
- Wallpapers can also be produced with many design patterns and texture of the wallpapers varies.
- Nothing adds beauty to dull walls quite like wallpaper does to plain walls.
Wallpaper of better quality has a rather long duration and happens not to be damaged easily.
Wallpaper can well hide minor defects like cracks or uneven surface of walls.
Properly selected wallpaper can add on the value of a property.
Disadvantages of Wallpaper
- Applying wallpapers for instance is by no means a small feat since it requires preparation of the walls, measurements, cutting of the wallpaper itself and applying the wallpaper.
- Some old wallpapers are almost impossible to strip and also, this process can harm your walls.
- Wallpaper should be applied where there is no contact with water or dampness such as in washrooms and kitchen.
- Though some wallpapers are cheap, one can still obtain quality wallpapers at unbelievably high prices.
Wallpaper styles can be easily outdated so expect to replace some in order to accommodate new trends.
Different Types of Wallpaper
1. Liner Wallpaper (Lining Paper)
Liner wallpaper or lining papers are manufactured from paper or fiberglass. It can obscure defects in walls and in many cases minimizes redecoration or repairs. It can of course be used together with fancy wallpaper or by itself and it is also paintable. This type of shelter can also be easily erected, and dismantled if need be.
2. Printed Wallpaper
This is a basic type of wallpaper that comes in a number of colours and designs. It is less costly than handmade wallpaper but it becomes damaged easily. It is not suitable for kitchen and bathroom since it is water based ink.
3. Vinyl Wallpaper
This comes with a printed paper with a vinyl coating, it has a fairly hard surface. The material is thicker and is made of vinyl coatings that are more powerful than the other ones. It’s ideal to be used in the kitchen and the washrooms because it withstands steam and is very easy to clean.
4. Foil Wallpaper
This gives a metallic shiny finish which is done through polished metal foil. It reveals wall imperfections because of the reflectiveness of the material, thus, proper preparation of the walls is needed.
5. Flock Wallpaper
This has a velvet-like, relief pattern made of fibre printed on paper. It’s more costly and sensitive and perfect for areas that are not frequently used much.
6. Mylar Wallpaper
It has a glossy foil like appearance made from a polyester film layer. Preparation of the wall is required but it can be washed off and the application is very simple. Ideal washrooms floors and kitchen floored with this material.
7. Bamboo Wallpaper
This type of wallpaper is created by hand with natural bamboo and glued to paper base. The coloration of each roll may be different because it is natural. It requires a delicate installation and does not come in contact with water in any way. It is like an art form through which designers of interiors are free to use natural impressions, raw veins, and ornate patterns.
Wall Decals
We mean wall art that can be applied and easily removed – these are known also as wall decals, which are made of vinyl and have adhesive on their back side. Actually they are available in different forms and designs and most commonly they are applied to build certain images on the wall. Decorative wall stickers that are easy to install are used more frequently in homes today than before.
Advantages of Wall Stickers/Decals:
- Because these are stickers, they do not take a lot of effort in putting up because they have adhesive at the back to fix on the walls.
- Available in numerous design options such as pictures or words of encouragement, you get to select those that suit you.
- You can remove decals and reuse them somewhere else without damaging the wall.
- Decals are cheaper than things like wallpaper or paint for decorating walls.
- Besides walls, you can stick decals onto furniture, mirrors, windows, or even laptops.
Disadvantages of Wall Stickers/Decals:
- Wall stickers may not last long because they get worn out over time. The sticky backing can stop sticking after a while.
- Decals may cover a smaller wall area than wallpaper or paint.
- When putting them up, air bubbles can form under the decal, making it look uneven.
- While many decal designs are limited in size, detail, and custom design compared to other options, decals may not stick well to rough or textured wall surfaces.
Different Types of Wall Stickers/Decals
1. Murals
These are perfect wall stickers for home decoration. They are large wall stickers that cover the complete wall. They are usually used for advertising, branding, or providing information in places like museums and schools.
2. Stickers Made of Vinyl
These are made of vinyl material and come in different sizes. Since bigger stickers can stretch and tear with time, smaller ones are better. These are useful at home or in the office for decorating purposes.
3. Traditional Stickers
These self-adhesive wall stickers are made of PVC plastic and cut into different shapes using a single color. They are printed on vinyl and then cut out. If you only need one color, then this will be perfect.
4. Block-Cut Vinyl
These can be more colorful and can have different finishes, such as shiny, mirror-like, or sparkly. You can choose any texture you like for these.
5. Fabric Wall Graphic
These self-adhesive wall stickers are made of materials other than PVC and give your walls a fabric-like appearance.
Wallpaper vs Wall Decals
| Feature | Wallpaper | Wall Decals |
| Installation | Covers large areas seamlessly, adding texture and depth to a room. | Easy to apply with peel-and-stick backing; allows repositioning until satisfied with the placement. |
| Durability | A highly durable material that can retain its luster for many years, it also covers wall blemishes. But it should not be used in areas that have so much humidity, for example in the bathroom or kitchen. | A temporary decor solution. They resist moisture and are easy to clean, so they work well in humid areas. However, after a while, the decals may start peeling off the wall because the sticky backing loses its stickiness over time. |
| Aesthetics | Adds significant visual interest and texture, creating a permanent and polished look. | Usually used for adding a few decorative accents, not for decorating an entire room with a single theme. |
| Cost | High initial cost but durable, making it cost-effective in the long run. | Generally less expensive; an affordable way to update decor without significant financial commitment. |
| Ease of Removal | Requires careful removal to avoid damage. | Easy to remove without leaving stains or damage on walls. |
Conclusion
Ultimately, wallpaper and wall decals have merits, and your specific design goals, budget, and the intended use of the space should guide your choice between them. Whether you choose wallpaper or wall decals, both can transform your walls into spaces that showcase your personal style. Additionally, consider options like brick stickers for walls, kitchen wallpaper stickers, marble wallpaper stickers, wall stickers for hanging, and wall mount stickers to further enhance your home’s aesthetic.
