What is wallpaper?

Beyond wallpaper's decorative appeal, it also plays a protective role, shielding walls against dirt and wear. Let this guide help you discover the endless possibilities that wallpapers offer in transforming your spaces.

Line Arty Flowers - Beige - PWB
Line Arty Flowers - Beige - PWB

Wondering what is wallpaper? At its core, it is a reliable and attractive way to add patterns or designs to a wall. It enhances a room's aesthetics with various patterns, motifs, or textures. Wallpaper can transform interior spaces, often contributing to the overall theme and ambiance with repetitive patterns and unique designs. 

In this article, we will explore the world of wallpaper: the different types, the concept of wall mural wallpaper, and the diverse applications of wallpapers and wall murals. It will also help you gain a deeper understanding of wallpaper by closely examining how it is printed, packaged, shipped, and more. 

 

What are the types of wallpaper?

Knowing the types of wallpaper is essential if you want to understand what wallpaper is. Here are the five general types of wallpapers:

1. Non-woven wallpaper: Among the most contemporary options in the wallpaper market, non-woven wallpaper is constructed by binding natural and synthetic fibers together. This results in a breathable, lightweight, and washable product that is environmentally friendly and easy to install or remove without damaging the walls.

2. Self-adhesive wallpaper: This is also known as peel-and-stick or removable wallpaper. This type offers an incredibly convenient application process. Simply peel the backing off and stick the wallpaper onto your desired surface. Its ease of adjustment and repositioning during installation and the reduced mess and preparation time make it a favorite among DIY enthusiasts.

3. Natural materials wallpaper: This category includes bamboo and fabric wallpapers. Bamboo wallpaper offers a unique texture and organic aesthetic, although it requires special care to prevent damage and discoloration. Fabric wallpaper, made from textiles like cotton or linen, adds a luxurious touch but also requires careful maintenance.

4. Vinyl and fiberglass wallpaper: Vinyl, with its paper or fiber backing and a vinyl coating, is suitable for rooms with high humidity. Fiberglass wallpaper, woven from glass strands, is resistant to fire, mildew, and stains. However, they might require professional installation.

5. Textured, metallic, foil, or flocked wallpaper: This category includes wallpapers designed with specific aesthetics or visual effects in mind. These wallpapers may require more careful installation and maintenance.

Among these varieties, non-woven and peel-and-stick wallpapers often emerge as popular choices due to their balance of ease, aesthetics, versatility, and durability. Whether you're a DIY enthusiast looking for an easy weekend project or seeking to transform your space, these wallpaper types are worth exploring. 

 

What is a wall mural wallpaper?

 

Tuscan Splendor - Panorama - PWP
Tuscan Splendor - Panorama - PWP

After comprehending the concept and types of wallpapers, let's delve into a more specialized form called wall mural wallpaper.

A wall mural wallpaper elevates the concept of wallpaper to an entirely new level. It is typically a large picture or an immensely magnified photograph affixed directly onto a wall or ceiling. Rather than offering repeating patterns like its traditional counterpart, a wall mural morphs an entire wall into a striking piece of art. You may even turn your own art into a wall mural; here's how: How to make custom wallpaper

 

Photowall offers wallpapers and wall murals

 

Photowall bridges the gap between wallpaper and art: it offers both wallpapers and wall murals that create a striking focal point in any room, introduce depth, and stir visual interest.

The wall mural collection of Photowall spans myriad themes— from classic imagery of forests and beaches to fairytale motifs from popular children’s movies and icons of pop culture. The designs also encapsulate magnificent architectural structures and vibrant cityscapes. Colors range from subtle hues like dusty rose and denim to vivid tones like ocean blue and lime green. Indeed, the possibilities are endless. 

As for Photowall’s wallpaper collection— they feature a broad spectrum of styles, empowering homeowners to express their personal taste and style. Whether drawn to the orderliness of stripes, the boldness of large patterns, the simplicity of solid colors, the abstract beauty of splatters, the authenticity of rustic motifs, or the vibrant diversity of multicolor designs, Photowall provides the perfect fit. These diverse styles cater to various aesthetics, whether modern, Scandinavian, or evocative of the groovy 1970s revival.

 

What are the different applications of wallpapers and wall murals?

 

Now that the concept of wallpaper and wall murals is clear, let’s delve into their practical and decorative applications.

1. Interior design: Wallpapers and wall murals are popular for interior design and personalization due to their flexibility and diverse patterns, colors, and textures. You can use them to decorate your bedroom, living room, dining room, child’s room, playroom, nursery, and other parts of your home interior. They can also transform the aesthetics of your office interior or commercial space.

Line Arty Flowers - Beige - PWB

Adagio - Martin Bergström

2. Space alteration: Wallpapers, especially those with certain patterns and colors, can alter the perceived dimensions of a room. Light-colored wallpapers can make a small room appear larger, while dark wallpapers can make a large room feel cozier. Wall murals can create an illusion of depth in a room, making the room feel more spacious.

3. Mood enhancement: People also apply wallpapers to influence the ambiance of a room. Whether you aim for a serene and relaxing atmosphere, a lively and energetic vibe, or a vintage charm, the right choice of wallpaper can help achieve the desired effect.  

Jungle Joy - Oliver Robins
Jungle Joy - Oliver Robins

4. Wall protection: Beyond aesthetics, wallpapers also serve a practical purpose by providing a layer of protection to walls, guarding against dirt, scratches, and minor damages.

5. Educational tools: In educational environments, wall murals can serve as useful visual aids for teaching. Murals featuring maps, historical events, or scientific concepts can transform learning into a more engaging and interactive experience.

Explorer Map - PWB
Explorer Map - PWB

6. Partial wall coverings: Rather than covering a whole wall, wallpaper can also be used to cover small areas, creating a unique design element. This can be a great way to accentuate architectural features or to create a feature wall without overwhelming a room with pattern or color.

7. Craft and art projects: Wallpaper's use isn't limited to wall applications; it can also be utilized in various craft projects, serving as a unique design element that adds depth and interest to handmade items. Some people use wallpaper to cover bookshelves, line drawers, or create customized gift wraps. Leftover wallpaper can find new life as creative material for children's party crafts, Easter decorations, or even birthday embellishments. For tips and ideas on fun wallpaper crafts for all occasions, refer to our magazine.

These applications showcase the versatility of wallpapers and wall murals, making them a preferred choice for both residential and commercial interiors. 

 

The wallpapers and wall murals of Photowall

 

Dive deeper into the world of wallpaper by knowing the specifics of how wallpapers are made for you. Learn these things by journeying with Photowall. This section provides a glimpse into Photowall's meticulous production process, from the choice of materials and design collaboration to printing, packaging, shipping, and dedication to environmental friendliness. 

 

Materials

At the core of Photowall's production process is their carefully chosen, high-quality materials, spanning three distinct types: Non-Woven Standard, Non-Woven Premium, and Peel and Stick. All designs come in these three types,  providing ample choice for every wallpaper need.

•  Non-woven standard wallpaper: This is a tough, long-lasting wallpaper. It's made from a nonwoven material and needs glue applied to the wall for installation. It's a great choice because it doesn't fade in sunlight and is friendly to the environment. It doesn't contain PVC and is fire-rated, which means it's safe to use in your home or office.

•  Non-woven premium wallpaper: This is a step up from the standard wallpaper. It has all the same good stuff - tough, non-fading, and safe. Plus, it has an extra layer making it scratch-resistant and matte, so it won't reflect light. It's easy to clean, which makes it stay nice for longer.

•  Peel and stick wallpaper: Considering both convenience and quality, this self-adhesive wallpaper has a smooth satin finish, giving it a textile-like feel, and is easy to clean. Made from eco-friendly, PVC-free, high-quality, non-woven, uncoated, and self-adhesive material, this wallpaper is always ready to help you make beautiful yet quick transformations in your room. 

Each of these options offers something special. Whether you're looking for easy use, toughness, or premium features, Photowall has a wallpaper material that suits your needs.

 

The design process 

Photowall's design process thrives on global collaborations with innovative designers. Specifically, it has 30,000 designs from 100 different designers from all over the world. This results in a diverse array of wallpaper and mural designs. The wall mural collection spans a range of themes, including natural landscapes, architectural structures, pop culture icons, dynamic sports scenes, and more. In parallel, the wallpaper collection features diverse styles, from the simplicity of abstract art, solid colors, and rustic motifs to the boldness of large patterns and vibrant multicolor designs. 

With over 30,000 designs to choose from, selecting the perfect wallpaper for your space can be a daunting task. To help you make the best choice, we've put together a comprehensive guide on how to choose wallpaper: How to choose wallpaper

 

The printing process

 

Photowall's printing process is meticulously tailored to customers' needs. They print the wallpaper according to the specific measurements provided, numbering the strips in the order they should be hung. This method ensures that the installation process is straightforward and enjoyable, making it easy for customers to transform their space.

 

The packaging process

Safeguarding the product's quality extends beyond the design and printing process. Each wallpaper is meticulously packed in a sturdy cardboard box and shipped with free delivery. The box also contains powdered glue and assembly instructions to ensure customers have everything they need for the installation. This attention to detail is part of Photowall's commitment to providing an optimal customer experience.

 

The shipping process

Photowall prioritizes quick, efficient, and reliable delivery for all its customers globally. After an order is placed, it's typically dispatched within 1-4 days. Customers receive a delivery confirmation email with detailed order tracking information.

Further, customers can benefit from Photowall’s free shipping fee. For all customers within the EU or in any country with its own dedicated Photowall site, such as the United States, Canada, Singapore, Australia, United Kingdom, and Switzerland— shipping is entirely free. The only locations that might incur a shipping fee are those outside the EU without a Photowall site, but Photowall strives to keep these charges minimal to maintain the affordability of their products.

 

Ensuring environmental friendliness

Tropical Eden - PWB

 

At Photowall, environmental sustainability is a cornerstone of the production process. We only produce products to order, reducing waste by avoiding unnecessary storage or disposal. Our printing ink is not only free from hazardous chemicals but also biodegradable, underscoring our dedication to minimizing our environmental footprint. Our packaging reflects our environmental commitment, as your wallpaper is shipped in a cardboard box made from fully or partially recycled materials.

 

Final thoughts: Why use wallpaper?

As we wrap up our journey into the world of wallpapers, let's reflect on why using wallpaper could be a transformative decision for your living spaces.

•  Wallpapers offer a broad spectrum of design options

•  They are lasting. The usual time frame for Photowall's wallpaper is around 15 years, and that Is with little maintenance.

•  They are adaptable. For instance, Photowall's non-woven wallpapers can be installed using the simple "paste the wall" technique, while its peel-and-stick is a boon for those who love to change their interiors frequently

•  They can cover uneven walls and hide defects with minimal preparation. 

•  For the environmentally conscious, wallpaper can be a sustainable choice. Companies like Photowall prioritize environmental sustainability, using eco-friendly printing inks and producing wallpapers to order.

Indeed, wallpapers offer a multitude of benefits, from practicality and longevity to aesthetic diversity and environmental friendliness. Their transformative potential extends beyond simple decoration, allowing you to create spaces that are truly yours.

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