Does wallpaper make a room look bigger?

Hanging wallpaper can impact the perceived size of a room. If you hang wallpaper with large bright patterns, the room will often appear larger than it is. If you choose dark colors or smaller patterns, a room will often appear smaller than it is. Wallpaper colors follow a similar suite to paint colors. Rooms painted with a bright and vibrant color will often appear larger, while darker color rooms often seem smaller.

Is it difficult to put up wallpaper?

While guides can make hanging wallpaper seem straightforward, the real truth is that it takes know-how, a keen eye, and a steady hand. The most challenging part of putting up wallpaper is making perfectly straight cuts on a vertical surface. Even with a wallpaper trimming knife or blade, this can be a difficult task. The result could be that the wallpaper showing visibly crooked lines, jagged edges, and seams.

What supplies do you need to install wallpaper?

At a minimum, you will need the following supplies to install wallpaper: wallpaper, wallpaper paste, a wallpaper application brush, a plumb line measuring tool, wallpaper trimming knife or blade, measuring tape, a pencil, and cleaning cloths.

A large amount of mass-produced wallpapers is made with PVC, which is known to off-gas volatile organic compounds (VOCs). VOCs, similar to those found in paint, can adversely affect your health. Inhaling VOCs can cause respiratory problems, asthma, eye irritation, and even liver disease. A 2010 Ecology Center study found more than 40 parts per million of antimony, cadmium, and lead in the PVC wallpapers they tested. Look for wallpapers that contain low or no PVC. Wallpapers labeled with the Greenguard certification are guaranteed to contain low levels to no VOCs.

Can wallpaper be eco-friendly?

When printed with environmentally friendly non-toxic water-based inks, wallpaper can be an environmentally friendly alternative to paint. Also, look for manufacturers using recycled paper or Forest Stewardship Council (FSC)-certified paper.

Can old wallpaper make you sick?

Studies warn the toxins could be produced by fungus growing on the wallpapers in our home. This can result in a contaminates in the air and can be easily inhaled, leading to "sick building syndrome”. Sick building syndrome is a term used to describe occupants who experience health-related effects that are often linked to the time spent in a building.

Is it dangerous to remove old wallpaper?

Unaware of any dangers, early manufacturers of wallpaper used asbestos in their manufacturing process to make the wallpaper fire retardant. If your home was built or renovated between 1930 and 1980, you might be at risk of asbestos exposure when removing wallpaper, if done incorrectly. It's recommended to have a small piece of the wallpaper tested for asbestos by a local professional before removal. If the results are positive for asbestos, it's essential to hire a licensed professional to remove the wallpaper safely.

How do you remove old wallpaper glue?

If you've recently taken on a renovation project where you have to remove wallpaper glue, you can do so with a simple, homemade solution. Combine hot water, liquid dish soap, and a tablespoon of baking soda into a bucket. Using a sponge, apply the solution to the wall, and let sit for a few minutes. After a few minutes, remove with either a putty knife or a wet rag. You may need to apply the solution and soak and area multiple times. Commercial grade glue may require you to add vinegar to the mix to break down the glue. If this is the case, add 1 cup of vinegar for every gallon of water used. For hard to reach areas, you may want to opt for a spray bottle. Spray bottles can also help prevent drips and spills.

Learn about Wallpaper

Traditionally, wallpaper was the quickest way to add color, pattern, or interest to a room. While paint, art and accent walls have taken center stage we are seeing a resurgence in sustainably manufacturer wallpaper. This wallpaper can be printed in just about any color and pattern and can be used for various décor applications like borders, accent walls, or a full room.

While wallpaper can printed on a variety of materials, and it’s up to you to choose one that’s fits your style, desired texture, and climate. Steer clear of cheap toxic vinyl options. If you're environmentally conscious, look for wallpaper that has been printed on recycled paper or Forest Stewardship Council (FSC)-certified paper. These options are almost always produced sustainably and contain fewer or no chemical components!

Most mass-produced wallpapers are made with PVC, which can off-gas volatile organic compounds (VOCs). The effects of inhaling VOCs include respiratory problems, asthma, eye irritation, and even liver disease. To avoid poor air quality in your home, look for wallpapers that don’t contain PVC. Many sustainably minded manufacturers offer VOC-free wallpapers. These are made from renewable and recycled materials and water-based inks which allow you to decorate with style while protecting your family from harmful toxins. Wallpapers labeled with the Greenguard certification are guaranteed to contain either low levels or no VOCs.

Living a sustainable life means thinking about nature and our impact in everything we do. As you decorate your home, consider the options in sustainable wall coverings that are both good for the environment, and are a beautiful addition to your plain walls.

The 1960's introduction of vinyl wallpaper lowered the cost because it was cheaper to make, but that came with the addition of dozens of chemical additions. The Ecology Center did a study of the 11 leading wallpaper brands. They found that just about every single one incorporated chlorine-based coatings.</p>

Learn about Wallpaper

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