Considering wallpaper for your home? We peel back the layers of this decorative surface so you can get better acquainted. Do you know that there are three types of wallpaper that currently dominate the Singapore market? They are the Korean, European and Chinese wallpapers.
- Korean: Made of vinyl (paper-backing), these wallpapers come in a wide range of designs. The roll size is typically 15.6m x 1.06m, bigger than other wallpapers in the market.
- European: Sized at 10m x 0.53m per roll, European wallpapers are usually priced higher due to transport and manufacturing fees. Want a look that’s beyond the mainstream? European wallpapers are your best bet are they are usually designed by individual designers.
- Chinese: Like European wallpapers, roll size is typically 10m x 0.53m. Made from PVC material, they are one of the cheaper wallpapers available.
When Shopping for Wallpapers…
- Determine what look and mood you are going for in your home, and which room you’re applying the wallpaper. For bedrooms, you might want to opt for relaxing colours like blue and green or patterns that conjure up romance like damasks and florals.
- Always check if the price includes installation. Wallpaper is not expensive in and by itself; what takes up most of your budget are the installation fees.
- How much do you need? As a general guide, Korean wallpaper provides about 13sqm practical coverage per roll, while European/Chinese wallpaper provides about 4sqm practical coverage per roll. Always measure your wall dimensions carefully to determine how much you need.
5 Wallpaper Application Don’ts
- Don’t hang wallpaper directly on a wall with defects including unevenness, stones, debris or underlying issues like prolonged stains, mould or burnt marks.
- Don’t use wallpaper fixing glue or other types of glue as it will be difficult to remove the wallpaper. Use wallpaper paste instead, which allows you to move it around to match the pattern.
- Don’t wallpaper over an old one if your previous wallpaper is made of vinyl, as it will result in mould forming.
- Don’t paper an entire room with a busy print, unless you’re looking to have a permanent headache. Keep it to accent and feature walls.
- Don’t choose wallpaper without considering the rest of your furniture.
Looking to stick wallpaper around sticky spots like fancy moulding? Don’t cut your wallpaper according to the shape of that spot straightaway, as it might be difficult to match the pattern later on. Match the pattern on the wall first, then cut. – Seanna Asyiah Lee, Managing Director at The Upper Room
Wallpaper Routine Maintenance
A wallpaper job can last 7 to 10 years if well maintained. Here are some tips for them to last for a long time to come.
- Keep your wallpaper dry and avoid cleaning it regularly. Use a duster to get rid of accumulated dust.
- When necessary, use a damp cloth to wipe away stains.
- Avoid placing furniture against the wallpaper, particularly if the piece gets moved around a lot as it might result in scratches on your wallpaper.
