Wallpaper buying guide

When selecting a wallpaper, you should take the following characteristics into account:

• The wallpaper material;

• The application method;

• The wallpaper's resistance to moisture and fading.

Paper-based wallpaper

Paper-based wallpapers consist of one or several layers of paper and fall into three categories:

• Simplex wallpaper is made of a single layer of paper;

• Duplex wallpaper is composed of two layers of paper and is therefore stronger;

• Vinyl features a higher weight per square metre (m²) making it more durable. It is also easier to maintain.

Non-woven wallpaper

Non-woven wallpaper is composed of textile fibres and comes in two different types:

• Vinyl-based non-woven;

• Paper-based non-woven: the easier of the two to hang as the wallpaper paste is applied directly to the wall.

Paintable wallpaper

Paintable wallpaper allows you the option of applying the paint of your choice over the wallpaper once hanging is complete. This type of wallpaper is not to be confused with glass-fibre wall coverings which offer greater resistance but also usually feature pre-printed patterns. Self-adhesive wallpapers are also readily available and are especially suitable for borders, decorative stickers and magnetic wallpaper.

Light fastness (resistance to fading by light exposure)

Pattern matching

Application methods 

Removal method

Other symbols 

How many rolls of free match wallpaper do I need?

1. Firstly, determine the number of strips you require by dividing the combined width of the walls you want to cover by the width of a roll of wallpaper.

2. Then work out how many strips you can get out of a roll. To calculate this, divide the length of the roll by the height of the wall. I

3. Find out how many rolls you require overall by dividing the total number of strips (step 1) by the number of strips per roll (step 2).

How many rolls of offset wallpaper do I need?

1. Firstly, determine the number of strips you require by dividing the combined width of the walls you want to cover by the width of a roll of wallpaper.

2. Then work out how many strips you can get out of a roll. To calculate this, divide the length of the roll by the height of the wall. In this case, however, you will have to add the pattern repeat (noted on the packaging) and an additional 6 cm (for levelling) into the equation.

3. Find out how many rolls you require overall by dividing the total number of strips (step 1) by the number of strips per roll (step 2).

With the decision-making part out of the way, it’s easy enough to hang the wallpaper yourself as long as you are armed with the proper wallpapering tools, a bit of know-how and a lot of patience!