Wallcoverings

Wallcoverings are materials applied to interior walls to provide decoration, texture, or protection. The category includes wallpaper and flexible coverings such as fabric, vinyl, foil, and composite sheets. They are typically attached with an adhesive and can be removable or permanent, depending on the product and installation method. Wallcoverings are used in homes, offices, hotels, and other spaces to achieve a wide range of finishes.

Materials and varieties: Traditional wallpaper is made of paper or vinyl-coated paper. Modern options include solid vinyl, nonwoven fabrics, and textiles such as grasscloth or silk; as well as glass fiber, foil, cork, and leather. Grasscloth offers natural texture but can be delicate; vinyl-coated surfaces are durable and washable. Some wallcoverings are printed digitally or feature embossing and metallics.

Installation and maintenance: Substrates should be smooth, clean, and dry. Preparation may involve priming and repairing defects. Patterned products require careful matching; seams are aligned, and edges trimmed. Adhesives vary by material; some coverings are strippable, others permanent. Removal can involve soaking or steaming. Cleaning needs depend on the material; vinyl and coated surfaces are typically wipe-clean, while textiles and uncoated papers may be fragile.

History and standards: Wallpaper originated in Asia and Europe and became widely produced in the 18th and 19th centuries. Today wallcoverings are regulated for durability, fire performance, and environmental aspects such as volatile organic compounds and formaldehyde disclosures in some markets.