The Top 10 Reasons for Home Beautifying and Design Using Wallpaper

Why Wallpaper?

Blank walls in need of a makeover almost always beg the question: What color to paint? But before trotting off to the paint store for color strips and tester cans, consider a new alternative: wallpaper.  Because one of the oldest home decor products -around since the 1600s - has been reinvented.

New technology is making wallpapers simpler to hang and remove, and even easier and less messy than paint.  These easy-hang wallcoverings - called non-wovens - are breaking down walls of resistance of do-it-yourselfers who are now asking: wallpaper or paint?

If you've never wallpapered before, you'll find these clever new papers completely goof-proof.  If you have wallpapered before, you will appreciate that they take a lot less time to hang and remove than customary wallpapers.  Installing easy-hang wallpapers is even quicker than painting, which requires smoothing the wall to perfection, applying at least a couple of coats, and waiting hours or days between steps - whereas wallpapers have always been a great solution for problem walls.

These wallpapers adhere to walls with magnet-force, yet are easily repositionable. Non-woven wallpapers do not expand or contract, so there's no reason for "booking" the wallpaper, or folding it for a few minutes to let it expand.  Once it's up, what you see is what you get, so seams won't ever separate.  In fact, they virtually disappear.  

Made from natural and synthetic fibres found in common household products like gauze, tea bags and coffee filters, non-wovens are tear-resistant during both installation and removal.  Whereas paper-backed, pre-pasted wallpaper may require steamers, strippers and countless hours to pry it off sheetrock walls, easy-hang wallpapers come down in entire sheets within minutes with a simple, gratifying tug at a corner, without marring the walls.  You can even roll the sheets and take them with you if you move.

Non-woven wallcoverings are also eco-friendly, vinyl free and breathable, so they are ideal choices for kitchens and baths or wherever mould and mildew are a concern.

For do-it-yourselfers who want a faux finish look, non-woven wallpapers are far more fail-safe than paint.  Manufacturers offer a variety of patterns to mimic the best faux finishes that only a pro could do. The result is pleasingly uniform and richly textured, without the multi-step process and cost of painting.  And the broad color palette for these wallpapers rivals any paint collection, but without any color surprises at home.  What you see in a sample book is exactly how it will look on your walls.

Here are some tips to get you rolling with the new easy-hang wallpapers:

Find the Product:  While many manufacturers now make easy-hang wallpaper, it's so new that it can be easy to miss in the store.  Often called "non-woven" wallcoverings, several makers and retailers have given their collections clear, identifiable names.  Informative tags on wallpaper books will help you locate the product.

Product Samples: Selecting the right pattern for a room is much easier when you sample the product first. If product swatches aren't displayed in-store, ask your retailer if he can order them for you.  Unlike paint testers, you won't have to re-prime over your "test" section of wall.

Wall condition: Easy-hang wallpapers are available both pre-pasted and un-pasted.  To install pre-pasted non-woven wallpaper, simply dip a strip briefly in water and bring it to the wall.  To install un-pasted non-woven wallpapers, simply roll the paste on the wall, and apply the dry paper to the wall - no water or paint trays are needed.  Both kinds are easy to handle, and each manufacturer provides easy-to-follow instructions, including advice on whether or not you need to prime your walls first.

Be Daring: Don't fret over your pattern choices.  The ease of the product frees you to be more creative with wallpaper.  Consider just buying a pattern for one wall-a hot look in  home decor now-and if you love it, order more for the rest of the room or simply pull it off the wall and let your imagination go wild for another round.

With so many decorating options, why choose wallpaper?

1. Wallpaper is a great impersonator. It can change the visual appearance of your room in many ways.

Decide what you want to accomplish in each room in your home. How do you want to feel when you go into a particular room? Wallpaper, like a fine set of clothing helps you make the most of your room's strong points, while masking its weaker features.

Wallpaper:

• brightens a dark room
• adds character to a dull room
• warms up a room with no architectural features
• creates a cosy atmosphere
• frames the room's best features
• reveals your personality more than any other wall treatment

In addition, wallpaper featuring certain patterns such as stripes and overall prints to perform optical illusions that make rooms that ordinarily look too long, too boxy or have low ceilings appear more proportionate.

2. Wallpaper makes the greatest impact in your room, in a single-application.

No other decorating product offers so much color, design and coverage to suit any mood, taste and need.

3. Wallpaper is economical.

While many wall treatments may seem inexpensive, you have to consider the long-term care of them. Many of today's wallpaper varieties have a life of seven to ten years. In addition, wallpapers defined as scrubbable may be cleaned with soap, warm water and a gentle sponging ù a must in the active families busy where every square inch of space is used.

4. Wallpaper is easy to install.

Don't be fooled! Hanging wallpaper is fun and easy - when you follow the manufacturer's instructions that come with each roll of your wallpaper. You also can speak to your local retailer who will be happy to provide helpful hints and tips to make your job easier. Many retailers, in fact, offer wallpaper hanging clinics geared to the first-time hanger. Make it a party. Invite a friend, put on some music and watch your walls come to life!

5. Wallpaper sets a theme.

Use it throughout the house. Today's wallpaper collections are user-friendly, featuring a host of coordinating patterns, borders and color schemes that create a unified design theme throughout your home. Spread some personality in every room!

6. Wallpaper makes the most of your favorite things.

Do you love sailing, golfing, the seashore? Do you collect pipes, dolls, china or impressionistic prints? Frame out a favorite collection or pastime with wallpaper that helps accentuate your favorite things.

7. Wallpaper creates detail where there once was none.

Moved in to a house that has all the personality of a plain white box? Try some wallpaper.  Wallpaper is the economical way to add missing architectural elements to your room without hiring a general contractor. Create a chair rail with a wallpaper border. Use a full-wall pattern cut into proportionate shapes to make a panelled effect up a wall leading to a vaulted ceiling. Draw attention to a fireplace focal-point wall by wrapping it with a strong pattern, or create a focal-point wall using the same strong pattern on any blank wall. All it takes is a little imagination.

8. Wallpaper coordinates with the looks you love.

Today's wallpaper designers have captured virtually every fashion statement popular today from fresh country looks to upscale modern motifs.

9. Wallpaper adds value to your home.

• Covers flaws in the wall surface that paint can't.
• Protects the wall surface from marks made by today's busy family.
• Provides certain air of quality and richness not found in uncovered walls.
• An excellent fast-fix for those selling their home. Wallpaper offers a wide range of subtle patterns and colors to neutralize the interior to fit anyone's style.
• Adds value to your most important investment. Retail studies show that a tastefully decorated home can attain a 10 to 15 percent increase in property value.

10. Wallpaper is always IN.

Wallpaper is a timeless decorating product. As new styles emerge, wallpaper designers capture it, define it and present it in a variety of color choices. With its ability to capture any style or color scheme, wallpaper helps you express your personality and style - from contemporary to romantic to country or eclectic!