The retail cost of a roll of wallpaper can range from $18 to $250 per roll. But the price of wallpaper does not necessarily indicate the level of durability of the product. In fact, some of the more expensive wallpapers are delicate and need to be handled carefully to prevent damage.
The most common wallpapers are also the least expensive. They are machine printed and have a protective vinyl coating. Resilient wallpapers have more vinyl and are more expensive. They can be rubbed and resist stains well. Both types are available in a wide variety of colors and styles.
For something more original, consider using wallpaper created by hand from screen prints. As you might expect, it's quite expensive and somewhat fragile due to the labor-intensive nature of producing this type of wallpaper, but it offers a look you won't find in many homes.
Handmade textured wallpapers are more durable and are designed to simulate the look of metal, concrete, glass or leather. Because they are so expensive (about $200 a roll), they need to be hung by a professional.
When you're ready to select wallpaper for a room, start by searching magazines and other homes for designs that suit your tastes. Think about the furniture in the room and decide what kind of look you want to achieve. Do you want a classic country style? Maybe you'd like to create the look of an English living room, or maybe you'd like to sleep in a real room.
Before you buy, gather some upholstery and carpet samples from the room where you want to hang the wallpaper. You can also bring samples of the colors you want to use. Also consider the type of room you'll be wallpapering:kitchens and playrooms require wallpaper with greater durability.
If you find a design appealing but don't like the color, talk to someone at the wallpaper store about your options. For a fee (usually around $50), the manufacturer can customize the wallpaper to suit your tastes. If you are concerned that the wallpaper will not look good in the new color, the manufacturer can also provide a color sample for an additional charge.
Once you find a sample you'd like to use, ask the store staff for a photo of the wallpaper in a room. Sometimes wallcovering looks different after it has been applied to a wall. The store might also be willing to provide a sample book or large piece of wallpaper for you to take home.
