The Guide to Textured Wallpaper
Textured Wallpaper-Your Comprehensive Guide
What do you look at first when you walk into a room? For most people, it’s the furniture and the décor. Me, I look at the walls. I suppose it’s an occupational hazard. But seriously, it’s like looking at what kind of shoes people wear—it says a lot about that person and her taste.
I remember growing up in the 80s and 90s, when the most popular trend was faux painting. Everyone’s home looks like a fake Italian palazzo! Do you remember that look? That was the best way to make your wall stand out. But, just like shoulder pads and big hair--I look at faux paint and I cringe the way I cringe looking at my photos from those years.
Fortunately, we are now in 2022, where technology has made textured walls so incredibly advanced. The type of wallcovering you can choose from is quite impressive. It’s certainly not cheap, but I can’t think of a better way to make your room instantly luxurious.
Here is the quick guide on how to make your wall sing with textured wallcoverings.
TYPE OF MATERIALS AND FINISH
Textured wallpaper has many options for materials and finish that you can choose from. The following are the most common materials. To see what these look like, click on the link to see sample of the material.
COLOR RANGE
Most people think textured wallpaper only comes in neutral tones, but there are many patterns with bright and bold colors as well. There is textured wallpaper in black, textured wallpaper in white, textured wallpaper in blue , basically, your whole color wheel. However, the neutral tones are the most popular.
HOW TO INSTALL
First, while we are giving you a guide to install, we strongly recommend using a professional installer. This material is expensive, you don’t want to mess it up! That said, the following is a general guide of how to install textured wallcoverings if you would like it for informational purposes.
The first and the most important thing is to inspect the wallpaper to make sure there is no defect. I can’t emphasize that enough. If the paper is hung without prior inspection, and you discover a material defect, that would make it unreturnable.
- Make sure you have enough materials for the walls you need.
- The walls must be clean and properly prepared by using a wall-protecting primer made especially for wallcovering installation and protection.
- Allow the primer to dry.
- Trim edges with a very sharp razor blade (and be careful please). Change your blade often.
- Use a soft brush or cloth when hanging, so the face of the material doesn’t get damaged.
- Hang only one strip at a time.
- Smooth the surface by using a plastic smoother.
- Wallcoverings can be cleaned with a soft brush or vacuum.
Now you see why a professional is recommended for this type of work ;). It’s not easy.
HOW MUCH WOULD YOU NEED
To get an idea of how much you need, use this quick yardage calculator, then confirm it with your installer. It’s always better to buy a little bit more than you think you need, because an extra always comes in handy for repair, trimmings, matching repeats.
If you don’t buy enough, there is a chance that the pattern could be discontinued, the color could be a lot different, not to mention the additional shipping cost. I’ve done that a couple of times myself, and I always end up regretting it.
THE COST
As mentioned above this material is not cheap. Generally sold by the yard, it costs between $20-30 yard on the lower end to $120-$130 per yard for the high end.
Additionally, there is usually a minimum order required of 8 yards and up. From there it is sold in additional increments.
WHAT ARE THE BEST BRANDS FOR TEXTURED WALLPAPERS
By far the most popular for this type of wallcovering is Phillip Jeffries. It’s a beloved brand that most interior designers use. You’ll see Phillip Jeffries wallpaper in most design magazines and show case homes. My personal favorite though, is Innovations Wallpaper. This is a cult favorite for contract installations like boutique hotels, restaurants and the likes. Their wallpaper is simply exquisite, and it is made for commercial use so it’s strong and durable.
Many other vendors have textured wallcoverings in their collection as well. Check out Schumacher, Kravet , Schumacher and Winfield Thybony to name a few.
I hope you find this guide useful. As always, if you need any assistance, we are only one click away.
