When it comes to decorating a room most homeowners make a straight choice between wallpapering and paint. Wallpapering can be advantageous for a number of reasons – it can be aesthetically more pleasing, can offer more variety and according to the Hite Report, typically lasts five times longer than paint.

Which wallpaper should you choose?

To avoid expensive mistakes, it`s well worth getting a sample of wallpapers you like from the shop before you buy. Some colours and patterns can look radically different in the showroom and can be overbearing once in your home.

There are many different types of wallpaper to choose from including:

• Vinyl wallpapers
Vinyl is laminated to a paper or linen backing. It can be used anywhere and is well suited to heavy traffic areas as it can be wiped clean.

• Vinyl coated wallpapers
Paper with a hardwearing vinyl or acrylic coating applied to its face.

• Duplex wallpapers
Two sheets of paper that are bonded together. Less hardwearing than vinyl papers.

• Anaglypta wallpapers
A heavily embossed duplex paper that is usually painted after it`s hung and is suitable for both walls and ceilings.

• Metallic or foil wallpapers
Duplex papers with powdered metals added to the ground paper to give a metallic finish on the surface.

You should also think about the colours and patterns you choose – pick something that you like but that is in-keeping with the style and tone of the room.

Extensive patterns can be overbearing, particularly in smaller rooms. Consider using patterned paper to create one feature wall instead. You should avoid patterned papers completely if your soft furnishings are also patterened. Overuse of patterns can give a room a chaotic and cluttered feel and a plain paper will act as an anchor for your patterned furnishings instead. Striped wallpaper is a good way of bringing different colours together and can give a room a contemporary feel. If that`s not your thing then neutral colours are relaxing and can make a room feel more spacious. Likewise, warmer, darker colours can make a room feel cosier. Red is recommended for dining rooms as it is said to stimulate the appetite!

Themed wallpapers can be a great addition to a child`s room, or use bright, primary colours instead to give the room a sense of fun.

Wallpapering tips

Vinyl wallpapers are the easiest to remove and if you`re lucky you may be able to just pull the paper off the walls. Paper-backed vinyl or washable vinyl will usually need to be soaked until the paste is wet and then scraped off the wall before the paste dries again. Steamers can be rented to make life easier.

When hanging wallpapers choose a corner and measure outwards the width of the paper less 2cm. Draw vertical lines to place the paper against – then measure the height of the wall and cut a strip of paper that is around 10cm longer. Hold the top edge against the wall and slide the paper across the pencil line. Work down the centre and out to the edges using a brush to smooth out any bubbles. Crease the paper into angles and trim along the creases before brushing the ends into place.

Don`t assume that borders suit all rooms, but if you do decide they are right for you then most important thing is to ensure they are straight. Use a chalk to mark a line using a spirit level.

When painting over wallpaper you should ensure the paper is in good condition and is not coming away from the walls. Old or brittle paper will need to be removed. Paint a small area first to see if the wallpaper will hold and to check the wall for imperfections. Repair surface tears and scratches with a surfacing compound. The walls should be wiped down and dried and then a primer should be applied. Once this is dry you can apply the paint.

Wallpaper care tips

Dusting is a straightforward way to keep your wallpaper in good condition – use an extended duster and wipe down left to right. With washable wallpapers, use a light touch and sponge with a mild detergent in warm water while non-washable wallpapers should be cleaned with a dry cleaning sponge.

If you do plan to do any decorating, including wallpapering, ensure that your home insurance includes accidental damage cover in case of any spills, breakages or damage to furniture and furnishings