The wallpaper you choose for your living hall makes a statement about your style. Consider the scale of the pattern relative to your room size and ceiling height. Large-scale patterns can make a small room feel smaller, while tiny, intricate patterns can get lost in a large space. For a grand living hall, consider a bold geometric or a dramatic scenic design. For smaller, cozier spaces, a subtle texture or a smaller, repeating motif works well.
Think about the overall aesthetic you want to achieve. Are you going for modern, traditional, bohemian, or eclectic? This will guide your choice of color, pattern, and texture. For instance, a high-gloss finish can reflect light, making a room feel brighter and larger, ideal for a contemporary look. Matte finishes absorb light, offering a softer, more sophisticated feel, suitable for traditional settings.
Types of wallpaper and their suitability for living halls
There are several types of wallpaper, each with distinct characteristics and installation methods. Your choice depends on durability, maintenance, and the desired look.
1. Vinyl wallpaper
Vinyl wallpaper is a popular choice due to its durability and washability. It’s made with a vinyl coating over a paper or fabric backing. This makes it resistant to moisture, stains, and fading, which is excellent for high-traffic areas like a living hall. There are a few sub-types:
- Solid Vinyl: The entire wallpaper is vinyl. It’s the most durable and washable.
- Vinyl Coated: A thin layer of vinyl is applied to the paper. It’s less durable than solid vinyl but still offers good washability.
- Rooted/Solid Sheet Vinyl: This type has a paper backing with a vinyl design printed on top. It’s generally more affordable but less resistant to heavy scrubbing.
Vinyl wallpaper is forgiving for DIY installation as it can often be wiped clean during the process. It’s a practical choice for living halls where accidental scuffs or spills might occur.
2. Non-woven wallpaper
Non-woven wallpaper, often referred to as ‘paste-the-wall’ wallpaper, is made from a blend of synthetic fibers and paper pulp. It’s known for its ease of installation and removal. Unlike traditional wallpaper, you apply the adhesive directly to the wall, not the paper, making it lighter and easier to handle. Non-woven wallpapers are breathable, which helps prevent mildew and bubbling. They also tend to be more durable and tear-resistant than standard paper wallpaper.
This type is excellent for renters or for those who like to change their decor frequently, as it often peels off in one piece when dry without needing to be steamed or scraped extensively.
3. Paper wallpaper
Traditional paper wallpaper is made entirely from paper. It offers a vast range of designs and finishes, often at a lower price point. However, it’s less durable and less washable than vinyl or non-woven options. Paper wallpaper is prone to tearing during installation and is susceptible to moisture damage. It’s best suited for low-traffic areas or for those who prioritize a specific aesthetic over extreme durability.
If you opt for paper wallpaper, be meticulous with your adhesive application and handle the sheets with care to avoid rips.
4. Fabric-backed wallpaper
This type features a fabric backing, such as cotton or linen, with a decorative surface (paper or vinyl). Fabric-backed wallpaper adds texture and a luxurious feel to a room. It can also offer some sound-dampening qualities. However, it is generally more expensive and can be more challenging to clean, as some fabrics are not washable. It requires careful application to ensure the fabric lays flat and smooth.
5. Peel and stick wallpaper
Peel and stick wallpaper is a modern innovation, typically made from vinyl or a similar flexible material with an adhesive backing. You simply peel off the backing and stick it directly to the wall. It’s incredibly easy to install and reposition, making it ideal for DIY enthusiasts and renters. Many peel and stick options are also removable without damaging the underlying paint or drywall.
While convenient, ensure your walls are smooth and clean before application, as imperfections can show through. Some high-quality vinyl murals offer a similar temporary solution, allowing you to transform your living room with a stunning wallpaper mural without a permanent commitment.
Considering materials and finishes
Beyond the type of wallpaper, the material and finish play a significant role in the final look and feel of your living hall.
- Matte: Absorbs light, providing a soft, sophisticated look. Good for hiding minor wall imperfections.
- Satin/Eggshell: Offers a slight sheen, reflecting some light. More durable and easier to clean than matte.
- Gloss/High-Gloss: Reflects a lot of light, making the room appear brighter and larger. Can highlight wall imperfections.
- Textured: Can mimic materials like grasscloth, linen, or even faux finishes like wood or metal. Adds depth and interest.
- Metallic: Contains metallic particles that catch and reflect light, creating a glamorous effect.
For a living hall, a finish that balances light reflection with durability is often ideal. Satin or eggshell finishes are a good compromise.
How to measure your living hall for wallpaper
Accurate measurements are crucial to avoid running out of wallpaper or buying too much. Here’s how to do it:
- Measure the height: Measure the distance from the ceiling to the baseboard in several places. Use the longest measurement.
- Measure the width: Measure the width of each wall you intend to wallpaper.
- Add for waste: Add approximately 10-15% to your total square footage to account for pattern matching and potential mistakes. This is especially important for patterned wallpapers where alignment is key.
Most wallpaper rolls cover about 56 to 60 square feet. Always check the specific roll coverage on the packaging. For example, if your living hall has four walls, each 10 feet wide and 8 feet high, the total wall area is (10 + 10 + 10 + 10) * 8 = 320 square feet. Adding 15% for waste brings it to 368 square feet. Dividing by 56 sq ft per roll gives you approximately 6.57 rolls, so you’d buy 7 rolls.
Preparing your walls for wallpaper
Proper wall preparation is the most critical step for a professional-looking wallpaper installation. Skipping this will lead to adhesion issues, bubbles, and a poor finish.
- Clean the walls: Wash your walls with a mild detergent and water to remove any dirt, grease, or grime. Rinse thoroughly and let them dry completely.
- Repair imperfections: Fill any holes or cracks with spackling compound. Sand smooth once dry. For significant damage, consider using a skim coat of joint compound.
- Prime the walls: Apply a coat of wallpaper primer. Primer seals the wall surface, prevents the wallpaper adhesive from soaking into the drywall, and makes future removal easier. Use a primer specifically designed for wallpaper. For dark or vibrant wallpapers, a tinted primer might be necessary to prevent the old wall color from showing through.
- Remove existing wallpaper (if applicable): If you have old wallpaper, remove it completely. A wallpaper steamer or a solution of hot water and fabric softener can help. Ensure all residue is gone.
- Smooth the surface: Ensure the walls are perfectly smooth. Any bumps or debris will be visible under the wallpaper.
Wallpaper installation: step-by-step
Once your walls are prepped, you’re ready to hang the wallpaper. The process varies slightly depending on the type of wallpaper, but the general steps are similar.
1. Cut the wallpaper
Measure the height of your wall and add about 4-6 inches (10-15 cm) for trimming at the top and bottom. This extra length accounts for any irregularities in the ceiling or baseboard. Cut your first strip and then subsequent strips, ensuring you account for the pattern repeat if your wallpaper has one. Numbering the back of the strips can help keep them in order.
2. Apply adhesive (if needed)
For traditional and paper wallpapers, apply the adhesive evenly to the back of the wallpaper strip using a roller or brush. Fold the edges towards the center (booking) and let it sit for the time recommended by the manufacturer, usually 5-10 minutes. This allows the adhesive to activate and the paper to expand, preventing bubbles.
For non-woven (‘paste-the-wall’) wallpaper, apply the adhesive directly to the wall, covering an area slightly wider than your strip.
3. Hang the first strip
Start in a corner or near a prominent feature like a door or window. Align the edge of the first strip with the corner or a plumb line (a vertical line marked with a level) to ensure it’s perfectly straight. This is crucial, as subsequent strips will align with this one.
4. Smooth the wallpaper
Use a wallpaper smoothing tool or a clean, damp cloth to press the wallpaper onto the wall, working from the center outwards. This removes air bubbles and ensures good adhesion. Be gentle to avoid tearing the paper.
5. Trim excess
Once the strip is in place and smoothed, use a sharp utility knife or a razor blade to carefully trim the excess wallpaper at the ceiling and baseboard. For corners, allow the wallpaper to slightly overlap the adjoining wall and then trim for a crisp edge.
6. Hang subsequent strips
Apply the next strip, butting the edge up against the previous strip. Do not overlap unless the wallpaper is specifically designed for it (like some vinyl types). Ensure the pattern matches perfectly. Continue this process for the entire room.
Dealing with obstacles: windows, doors, and outlets
- Windows and Doors: When you reach an opening, hang the wallpaper over it. Make diagonal cuts from the center of the opening to the corners. Smooth the wallpaper around the edges, then trim the excess.
- Electrical Outlets: Turn off the power at the breaker box. Unscrew the outlet cover. Hang the wallpaper over the outlet, make small cuts in the wallpaper over the opening, and then carefully trim the excess around the box. Reinstall the outlet cover.
Maintenance and care
The maintenance required depends on the wallpaper type. For washable wallpapers like vinyl, use a soft sponge with mild soap and water to clean stains. Avoid abrasive cleaners or scrub brushes, which can damage the surface. For textured or fabric wallpapers, follow the manufacturer’s specific cleaning instructions, which may involve dry brushing or professional cleaning.
Mistakes to avoid
Several common mistakes can ruin your wallpaper project:
- Improper Wall Preparation: Not cleaning, repairing, or priming walls adequately leads to poor adhesion and visible flaws.
- Not Matching the Pattern: For patterned wallpapers, failing to align the pattern repeat will result in a mismatched and unprofessional look.
- Using Too Much or Too Little Adhesive: Too much can cause excessive bubbling and seepage; too little leads to peeling and poor adhesion.
- Overlapping Strips (unless designed for it): This creates visible seams that can lift over time and look unsightly.
- Using a Dull Blade for Trimming: A dull blade will tear rather than cut, resulting in ragged edges.
- Hanging the First Strip Crooked: If your first strip isn’t perfectly straight, the entire wall will look off-kilter. Always use a level or plumb line.
- Ignoring Manufacturer Instructions: Different wallpapers have specific requirements for adhesive, booking time, and cleaning. Always read and follow the instructions that come with your chosen wallpaper.
When choosing patterned wallpaper, consider options like those featuring beautiful flowers on wallpaper or thematic designs such as stunning Yellowstone wallpaper designs to add personality to your living hall.
For those seeking a specific aesthetic, exploring brands like Rifle Paper Co. wallpaper can offer unique and charming patterns. And don’t forget the decorative impact of wallpaper borders for living room accents, which can complement your main wall covering.