Wallpaper is Steeped in a Rich History
Wallpaper has been used to decorate homes since the 16th century. It originated in China, where paper was invented, they are said to have pasted rice papers on to walls as far back as the Qin dynasty. Smoother linen fibres later replaced rice, so that painting and printing on paper became easier. By the 12th Century, the skill of paper making had spread to the West via the Silk Route.
Spreading to Europe during the Renaissance, early wallpapers were hand-painted and often used by the wealthy as a less expensive alternative to tapestries. By the 18th century, advancements in printing technology made wallpaper more affordable and accessible to the middle class. The Victorian era saw a boom in wallpaper usage, with elaborate designs becoming popular. Today, wallpaper continues to evolve with new materials, printing techniques, and trends.
Design and print your own wallpaper
There are many fantastic online print on demand services available to allow your creativity to shine. One such platform is Spoonflower provides high-quality wallpaper, fabric, and home décor items, all printed on demand. Their collection features unique designs created by independent artists from around the world. With Spoonflower, you have the option to design your own products or explore their marketplace to find the perfect design to suit your needs.
Latest Wallpaper Trends
Botanical Prints: Nature-inspired designs, especially large-scale botanical prints, are popular for creating a calming, biophilic environment.
Textured Wallpapers: Textures like grass cloth, linen, and silk are trending, adding depth and dimension to walls.
Geometric Patterns: Bold, geometric shapes in vibrant colours are in demand, offering a modern and dynamic look.
Metallic Accents: Wallpapers with metallic finishes add a touch of luxury and sophistication to interiors.
Eco-Friendly Materials: Sustainable and eco-friendly wallpapers made from recycled materials or natural fibres are gaining popularity among environmentally conscious consumers.
Top 5 Tips When Choosing and Hanging Wallpaper
Consider the Room’s Purpose: Select wallpaper that complements the room's function. For example, soothing patterns work well in bedrooms, while bold designs can make a statement in living rooms.
Match Patterns and Colours: Ensure the wallpaper’s pattern and colour palette match the existing decor. Consider using a colour wheel or mood board to help with coordination.
Measure Carefully: Accurately measure your walls before purchasing wallpaper. Allow for extra material in case of pattern matching or mistakes during installation.
Prep Your Walls: Properly prepare your walls by cleaning them and filling any holes or imperfections. A smooth, primed surface ensures better adhesion and a flawless finish.
Start from the Centre: When hanging wallpaper, start from the centre of the wall and work outward. This approach helps balance the pattern and ensures a more symmetrical installation.
For the latest wallpaper advice and trends visit your local Paint Place store.
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