After years of neglect,wall coverings are making a comeback. There’s a logic behind the renaissance. New materials, more exciting textures, and more interesting designs have sparked renewed interest in wall décor, inspiring designers and homeowners to think beyond the bare-bones, solid-color approach of recent years.
A Boundless Assortment of Exquisite Wallcoverings
Trends aside, there’s a timelessness to quality wall décor. The right paper, texture, or mural can change the style and mood of any room. You can liven up a space or subdue it. You can imbue a room with charm and whimsy or elegance and sophistication. The trick is to select the wallcovering that matches the color and style of a particular space.
That’s no easy task. These days, you have an endless variety of wall covering types from which to choose. You can spice up a room with wood veneers or patent leathers, braided hemp or crocodile skin. You can opt for traditional prints or graphic murals. So, how do you sift through the endless variety of colors, textures, and patterns to find the perfect covering for each space? Here are some tips for choosing the right wallcovering.
Choose Your Material
Durability may not be as exciting as style, but it should top your list of concerns. Walls that take more abuse demand more robust wallcoverings.
Do a lot of people come in and out of the room? Do pets scurry all over the house? Do kids run their hands (and crayons) all over the walls? If so, then you need tougher materials, like vinyl and synthetic textiles, which are favorites in hotels, schools, hospitals, and other busy hubs. Great for high traffic areas, they not only withstand abuse; they’re also easier to clean.
If you’re not worried about wear and tear, or if you love to switch out your décor every few years, then there’s nothing to stop you from choosing wallcoverings made of paper and other natural materials. More delicate than vinyl, natural wallcoverings are, nonetheless, durable enough for the average home.
Choose Your Style
Next comes style. Do you prefer a more traditional look? Want to imbue a room with a sense of classic sophistication? You have plenty of options, including small prints, floral prints, toile, chinoiserie, paisley, and damask.
If you want to add a little stylish fun, try a novelty wallpaper. Think lighthouse orbird cage patternscourtesy of York wallcovering. Such charming designs make perfect linings for hallways, entryways, kitchen nooks, and even accent walls.
Want to add a more contemporary twist? Bigger prints are hot, right now, as are natural materials like cork, bamboo, hemp, and rice paper. Homeowners and designers are also flocking to textures, which add both tactile and visual interest. Popular choices include grass cloth, a traditional wallcovering that harkens back to the 70s, and any kind of fabric, from linens to velvets.
Others prefer more exotic materials. How about crocodile skin?Onyx patterned wallpaper with a pearlescent finish? Or metal wall tiles fitted into unusual geometric shapes like trapezoids? Murals have also been a prevailing trend ever since digital printing techniques brought us sharper images, more vibrant colors, and greater customization.
Get Expert Design Tips and Magnificent Wallcoverings
Need help whittling down your options? The design consultants at JC Licht can help you cut through the noise and select the perfect wallcovering for any room and any style. We carry a huge selection of the best brands—everything from York toWashington wallcoverings.
No matter what you’re looking for—textures, prints, murals, fabrics—we can help you upgrade your interior space until the reality matches your dreams. Browse through our wall coverings and fabrics to find all the best décor in one central location.
