Article
Wallpaper is back because materials got smarter: non-woven backings remove in whole sheets, inks are richer, and patterns add warmth fast. The trick is choosing the right type and a reliable maker—and skipping peel-and-stick if you want a result that looks custom.
Around the Piedmont Triad, clients love wallpaper for dining rooms, powder baths, offices, and calm bedrooms. Below is our field guide—what to use where, how to order the right amount, which brands deliver consistent quality, and the installation details that make it look built-in.
“Pattern should feel like architecture, not a sticker—start with the wall prep.”
Why the Comeback?
- Non-woven technology: Paste-the-wall installs, dry-strippable removal.
- Better color and texture: Deeper pigments, tactile linens, grasscloths, and murals.
- Instant warmth: Pattern balances modern, plain walls and adds “finished” in a weekend.
Types of Wallpaper (and Where They Shine)
Non-woven (our default): Stable, breathable, easy to hang/remove. Great for most rooms.
Vinyl & performance vinyl: Scrubbable; best for powder rooms, kids’ rooms, and commercial spaces.
Grasscloth & natural fibers: Texture and depth; seams show by design. Avoid high-humidity zones.
Fabric-backed vinyl: Very durable for high-traffic or hospitality-style installs.
Murals/panels: Made to fit a wall; plan exact dimensions and obstacles (doors, windows, sconces).
“If it’s a bathroom with daily showers, choose vinyl or moisture-tolerant non-woven—and ventilate well.”
Why We Avoid Peel-and-Stick
- Adhesion drift: Edges can lift, creep, or shrink—especially on lightly textured walls.
- Wall damage: Removal can pull paint/primer, leaving patchwork repairs.
- Humidity problems: Steam and temperature swings accelerate failure.
- Short lifespan look: Seams telegraph; finish reads “temporary,” not custom.
Brands We Trust (Category Shortlist)
We prioritize consistent print quality, sane repeats, and reliable backings. Here are maker families we reach for, grouped by use case:
- Heritage pattern houses: Cole & Son, Sanderson, Morris & Co., Thibaut, Schumacher.
- Accessible trade-quality: York Wallcoverings (incl. A-Street Prints), Graham & Brown, Brewster/Seabrook.
- Natural textures: Phillip Jeffries (grasscloth & specialty), Thibaut Grasscloth, York Grasscloth Resource.
- Boutique/artisanal: Farrow & Ball, Hygge & West, Scalamandré.
- Best Overall: House of Hackney.
(We’re brand-agnostic for your project—these are simply dependable sources for durable materials and true color.)
Ordering Math (Avoid Running Short)
- Measure perimeter × height and subtract openings; add 15–20% for waste and pattern matching.
- Know the match: Straight match wastes less; half-drop matches need extra.
- “Double rolls” are the norm: Coverage is listed per double—verify before ordering.
- Batch/lot numbers: Order all rolls from the same run to avoid shade differences.
Prep & Install Details That Sell the Look
- Prime with a wallpaper primer, not standard paint; skim/sand orange-peel texture smooth.
- Paste-the-wall for non-wovens; book time if the maker specifies it.
- Plumb first panel, then work out from the most visible corner; wrap inside corners with ½-panel + new drop.
- Seam rollers lightly: Don’t squeeze adhesive out; wipe paste immediately with a damp sponge.
- Baths: Use a rated paper/vinyl and run the exhaust fan; avoid grasscloth next to daily steam.
Care & Longevity
Dust with a dry microfiber; spot-clean per the maker’s label (vinyls are more scrub-friendly). Avoid harsh chemicals on natural fibers. With proper prep, quality papers last for years and remove cleanly when you’re ready for a change.
Quick Spec Checklist for Your Quote
- Room photos, wall dimensions, and ceiling height
- Paper type (non-woven, vinyl, grasscloth, mural) and color direction
- Pattern repeat & match (straight vs half-drop)
- Humidity/ventilation notes (powder vs daily-use bath)
- Desired install date and any electrical/sconce moves
Ready to add warmth fast? We design, prep, and install wallpaper across Winston-Salem, Greensboro, Mount Airy, and nearby. Browse our portfolio and explore our services for rooms that feel layered and lasting.