How to Choose the Right Wallcovering for Your Home

Navigating the many wallcovering options can be overwhelming. We break down the key factors — durability, texture, pattern, and room type — to help you choose with confidence.

Step 1: Consider the Room's Purpose

The single most important factor in choosing a wallcovering is where it will be installed. A powder room has different demands than a kitchen, and a child's bedroom needs different durability than a formal dining room. High-traffic areas need scrubbable, washable wallcoverings — typically vinyl or vinyl-coated materials. Low-traffic decorative spaces offer more flexibility to explore natural fibers, grasscloth, and delicate patterns.

Step 2: Understand Durability Ratings

Wallcoverings are classified by durability grades. Here's a quick guide:

Step 3: Choose the Right Texture

Texture adds depth and personality to a space, but also affects maintenance. Smooth vinyl is easy to wipe clean but can feel clinical. Grasscloth and natural fibers offer warmth and tactility but are harder to clean and not suitable for humid environments. Embossed or textured vinyls split the difference — offering visual interest with practical durability. Consider how much sunlight a room receives too, as texture dramatically affects how light reads across a wall surface throughout the day.

Step 4: Pattern Matching & Room Size

Patterns dramatically affect how a room feels. Vertical stripes add height; horizontal patterns widen a space. Large-scale patterns work beautifully in big rooms but can overwhelm small ones. Always consider the pattern repeat — larger repeats mean more material waste during installation. A professional installer can help you calculate how many rolls you'll need accounting for both repeat waste and room dimensions. For smaller rooms, we often recommend a bold feature wall with the patterned wallcovering and plain painted walls on the remaining three sides.

Step 5: Think About Humidity & Moisture

Bathrooms, kitchens, and laundry rooms require moisture-resistant wallcoverings. In these spaces, standard wallpaper or natural fibers will fail — peel, mold, or bubble. Solid vinyl or vinyl-coated materials are the right choice. Also ensure proper ventilation is in place before installing any wallcovering in moisture-prone areas, as even the best vinyl wallcovering can fail if the substrate is damp or the room lacks airflow.