Wallpaper Buying Guide: Types, Costs & Installation Tips

Wallpaper has made a strong comeback, and today's products are tougher, more washable and easier to install than ever. Here is what to know before you buy.

Types of wallpaper

• Vinyl: durable, washable and moisture-resistant, ideal for most rooms.
• Non-woven: breathable, easy to install and remove, and dimensionally stable.
• Textured and grasscloth: natural, tactile looks for feature walls.
• 3D embossed: raised relief for dramatic TV or headboard walls.
• Murals: printed to your wall size as one continuous artwork.

How much wallpaper do you need?

A standard Indian roll covers roughly 50–57 sq ft. Measure wall width × height, subtract large openings, and add 10–15% for pattern matching and wastage.

Making wallpaper last in humid weather

1. Check walls for dampness with a moisture meter.
2. Fix seepage and cracks first.
3. Apply a wallpaper primer.
4. Use anti-fungal adhesive.
5. Choose vinyl or non-woven papers for humid rooms.

Where wallpaper works best

Headboard walls, TV walls, dining feature walls, powder rooms and kids rooms. Avoid direct wet areas such as shower walls.

Cost factors

Wallpaper pricing depends on the material, design and brand, the width and length of the roll, pattern repeat (large repeats need more rolls), and wall preparation needed before installation. Murals are usually priced per square foot because they are printed to size.

Choosing a pattern for your room

• Small rooms: light colours, small-scale patterns or subtle textures.
• Large rooms: bold, large-scale prints or murals on one feature wall.
• Low ceilings: vertical stripes or upward-reaching botanicals.
• Kids rooms: washable vinyl with playful themes.

Installation: DIY or professional?

Peel-and-stick papers can be DIY for small areas, but traditional and premium wallpapers need professional hanging for invisible seams, accurate pattern matching and correct adhesive. Poor installation is the most common reason wallpaper fails.

How long does wallpaper last?

Good-quality wallpaper typically lasts many years indoors. Its life depends far more on wall preparation and moisture control than on the paper itself.

Frequently asked questions