The Main Types of Wallpaper Designers Want You to Know About Before You Even Think About Getting Out Your Pasting Table

Image of a living room with fine line black and white wallpaper that has cloud motifs. There is a large black tile fireplace with a round coffee table in front of it, a black rug, and two leather and wood accent chairs, and a white floor lamp.

As someone who has always lived in a rented apartment, I've — regretfully — only ever been able to really consider peel-and-stick wallpaper for my space. It's easy to apply, removable, and a relatively straightforward DIY. But if you're planning to paper the walls of your own home, there are a range of different types of wallpaper to consider. Do you want texture? Is it for a high-traffic area? Will there be moisture? Different types of wallpaper will suit different scenarios.

So, how do you decide the right type of wallpaper for your project? "Put simply, there are two main things to think about when shopping for wallpaper," shares James Mellan-Matulewicz, CEO of UK-based wallpaper brand Bobbi Beck. "The first consideration is the design. It's essential that you like the look of the wallpaper, as it's something you'll be looking at often. The second factor is the durability of the material needed for your space."