Types of Wallpaper: A Complete Buyer's Guide to Materials

The main types of wallpaper are defined by their application method: Non-Pasted (traditional), Pre-Pasted (water-activated), and Peel & Stick (self-adhesive). Each type has a distinct installation process and is suited to different rooms and skill levels, from durable, classic finishes to easy, renter-friendly options.

What are the different types of wallpaper?

Understanding the different types of wallpaper is the first step in any decorating project. The primary distinction lies in the application method, which determines the tools you will need and the permanence of the installation. Each has its own set of advantages.

At Casavono, all our made to measure murals are available on three certified, PVC-free papers, allowing you to choose the best application method for your space and confidence level. This ensures you can have any design you love on a paper that works for you.

Here is a breakdown of the three main application types you will encounter:

How to choose wallpaper for a living room?

To choose wallpaper for a living room, consider the room's function, natural light, and existing decor. A living room is a versatile space, so the wallpaper can set a tone, whether it is calm and relaxing or bold and sociable. Look for a design that complements your furniture and reflects your personal style.

For a serene and inviting atmosphere, consider a quiet botanical such as the Cotterstock, Sage mural, which brings a gentle touch of nature indoors. If you prefer a more dramatic and sophisticated look, a deep, intricate design like the Kinmont, Midnight mural can create a stunning focal point.

Scale is another important factor. On a large, uninterrupted wall, a repeating pattern can sometimes look busy or fail to align perfectly. This is where a made to measure mural is a better answer. Because a mural is a single image printed to your wall’s exact dimensions, it provides a cohesive, impactful design without any awkward pattern repeats. Explore our curated living room wall murals for more ideas.

Murals made to your measure

Montmartre, StonePrinted to your wall sizeStillwater, MistPrinted to your wall sizeKinmont, MidnightPrinted to your wall size

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Which wallpaper is best for kitchens and bathrooms?

The best wallpaper for kitchens and bathrooms is one that can withstand higher levels of humidity and is easy to clean. While no wallpaper is fully waterproof, certain materials perform much better than others in these environments. Avoid papers that are highly absorbent or have delicate textures.

Casavono's Pre-Pasted wallpaper is an excellent choice for these spaces. The paper has a textured matte finish and the water-activated adhesive creates a secure bond that holds up well against the everyday humidity from cooking and showering. It can be gently wiped with a damp cloth to clean away splashes.

When wallpapering a bathroom, it is best to avoid direct contact with water. Do not apply it inside a shower enclosure or directly behind a sink where it will be frequently splashed. A well-ventilated room is key to ensuring the longevity of your bathroom wallpaper.

What is the easiest wallpaper to install?

Peel & Stick is widely considered the easiest wallpaper to install, especially for beginners. Its self-adhesive backing eliminates the need for paste or water, making the process cleaner and faster. Because it is repositionable for a short time, you can adjust the placement if you make a mistake.

While the concept is simple, a successful installation for any wallpaper type depends on careful preparation and following instructions. A made to measure mural from Casavono simplifies the process further, as the panels are delivered numbered and rolled in hanging order. You hang them from left to right without any overlap.

Here is a simplified comparison of the installation steps:

1. Peel & Stick: Prepare the wall. Peel about 30 cm (12 inches) of the backing from the first panel. Align it at the top of the wall and smooth it down, gradually peeling away more backing as you work your way down.
2. Pre-Pasted: Prepare the wall. Activate the adhesive on the back of the first panel with a water tray or sponge. 'Book' the panel (fold it pasted-side to pasted-side) for a few minutes. Unfold and hang.
3. Non-Pasted: Prepare the wall. Apply an even layer of wallpaper paste directly to the section of the wall where your first panel will go. Hang the dry panel onto the pasted wall and smooth it into place.

For detailed instructions, refer to our official step by step installation guide. You can also browse our full collection of Peel and Stick Wallpaper designs.

Can you wallpaper over tiles?

Yes, you can wallpaper over tiles, but it requires thorough preparation to create a smooth, suitable surface. Applying wallpaper directly onto a tiled surface will result in every grout line showing through, creating an uneven and unprofessional finish. The key is to completely flatten the wall first.

The goal is to create a surface that is as smooth as a plastered wall. This involves filling the grout lines and levelling the entire area. It is a labour-intensive process, but it is essential for a good result. If you are not confident, consulting a professional decorator is recommended.

Follow these general steps:

1. Clean the tiles thoroughly. Use a strong degreasing cleaner to remove any soap scum, grease, or grime. Allow the surface to dry completely.
2. Scuff the tile surface. Lightly sand the glossy surface of the tiles with medium-grit sandpaper to help the filler and primer adhere.
3. Fill the grout lines. Apply a flexible filler or tile skim coat over the entire tiled area, using a trowel to create a perfectly flat surface. You may need two or three coats to fully hide the grout lines.
4. Sand until smooth. Once the filler is completely dry, sand the entire wall until it is perfectly smooth to the touch.
5. Prime the wall. Apply a high-quality, adhesion-promoting primer. This creates a uniform surface for the wallpaper adhesive to bond with.

Once primed and dry, your previously tiled wall is ready for wallpaper. For more tips on surface readiness, see our guide on how to prepare a wall for wallpaper.

Can you wallpaper over paneling?

Yes, you can wallpaper over wood paneling, but just like with tiles, extensive preparation is required to achieve a smooth finish. Paneling, or panelling, often has grooves or bevelled edges between the boards that will show through the wallpaper if not properly addressed.

The objective is to create a flat, non-absorbent surface. Wood is porous and can absorb moisture from wallpaper paste, causing the wallpaper to fail over time. It can also contain tannins that may bleed through and stain light-coloured papers. Proper sealing and priming are non-negotiable.

Here is the process:

1. Clean and Sand the Paneling

Start by cleaning the paneling with a sugar soap solution to remove any dust, grease, or polish. Once dry, lightly sand the entire surface to remove any glossy varnish and create a key for the filler and primer to stick to.

2. Fill the Grooves

Using a flexible wood filler and a putty knife, fill all the grooves, knots, and any imperfections in the wood. Overfill slightly to account for shrinkage as it dries. For deep grooves, you may need to apply the filler in two or more layers, allowing it to dry between applications.

3. Sand and Prime

After the filler has fully cured, sand the filled areas until they are perfectly flush with the paneling surface. The goal is a wall that feels completely smooth. Then, apply a stain-blocking primer over the entire wall. This prevents wood tannins from bleeding through and ensures the wallpaper adhesive bonds correctly. If you are wallpapering over painted paneling, our guide on wallpapering over paint has additional tips.

What is the difference between wallpaper and a wall mural?

The main difference between wallpaper and a wall mural is the design. Traditional wallpaper features a repeating pattern, where the design is duplicated on each roll to create a continuous look. A wall mural, on the other hand, is a single, large-scale image that spans your entire wall, like a piece of art.

With repeating pattern wallpaper, you often have to purchase extra rolls to account for pattern matching, which can lead to waste. Aligning the pattern from one strip to the next requires precision and can be challenging. A scenic landscape or a delicate floral design may be interrupted by the pattern repeat.

A made to measure mural is the superior choice for creating a seamless, high-impact feature wall. Casavono prints one continuous image, such as the serene Stillwater, Mist, to the exact width and height of your wall. It arrives in numbered panels that are hung edge-to-edge with no overlap, making installation straightforward and ensuring the final image is flawless. Explore our complete collection of wall murals to see the possibilities.

More murals to consider

Cotterstock, SagePrinted to your wall sizeWetherby, LinenPrinted to your wall sizeAlpenglow, TerracottaPrinted to your wall size

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