Wallcoverings are decorative materials applied to interior walls to enhance the appearance of a space, add texture and help protect the wall surface. Wallpaper is one of the most widely recognised wallcovering formats because it offers patterns, colours, finishes and visual depth that are difficult to achieve with paint alone.
Wallcoverings may include printed wallpaper, vinyl wallcoverings, non-woven wallpaper, grasscloth, natural fibre wallcoverings, fabric-backed or textile wallcoverings, metallic or reflective wallcoverings, digital murals, acoustic wallcoverings and paintable wallcoverings. The right option depends on the room, surface condition, traffic level, cleaning requirement and desired design effect.
Wallcoverings can instantly transform a room by introducing colour, texture, scale, pattern and character. They are useful for feature walls, living rooms, bedrooms, study rooms and office spaces where the wall needs to become part of the design story.
Wallpaper is a printed or textured wallcovering available in many styles, including abstract, botanical, damask, geometric, plain, plain texture, striped, traditional and tribal designs. It is best used when the design intent is colour, pattern, texture or a feature-wall effect.
Vinyl wallcoverings have a vinyl or PVC-based decorative surface or coating. Common constructions include vinyl-coated paper, paper-backed vinyl and fabric-backed vinyl. Solid or fabric-backed vinyl wallcoverings are generally more durable and cleanable than delicate paper or natural wallcoverings, making them suitable for high-traffic areas where product specifications allow.
Non-woven wallpaper is made using bonded fibres, commonly a blend of cellulose and synthetic fibres. It is valued for dimensional stability, tear resistance and easier installation or removal compared with some traditional paper-backed wallpapers. It is a practical choice for homes and commercial interiors where a stable and user-friendly wallpaper is preferred.
Grasscloth and natural wallcoverings are made from natural fibres such as grass, jute, sisal or similar materials bonded to a backing. Natural colour variation, visible seams and irregular texture are part of their design character. These products are best suited to dry, low-traffic rooms because steam and moisture can damage natural fibres.
Fabric and textile wallcoverings use woven, non-woven or fabric-look surfaces laminated to a backing. They add softness, texture and a premium interior feel. Synthetic textile wallcoverings can offer improved stain and abrasion resistance compared with delicate natural textiles, depending on the product specification.
Digital wallcoverings allow large-format designs, murals and custom graphics to be printed on suitable wallpaper substrates. They are useful when a space needs a specific theme, oversized artwork, brand wall or customised visual story.
Asian Paints Wall Coverings offers a curated range of wallpapers across brands, categories, colours, designs and styles. The AP.com wallcoverings section allows customers to explore current designs, designer collections and popular styles such as abstract, botanical, damask, geometric, plain, textured, striped, traditional and tribal.
Asian Paints also provides expert assistance for wallpaper selection and professional application support through relevant service channels and stores, subject to city and service availability. The published Asian Paints wallpaper application sequence highlights surface preparation, adhesive application, wallpaper application and smoothening to remove bubbles.
A wallcovering is a decorative material applied to a wall to enhance appearance, add texture and help protect the surface. Wallpaper, vinyl wallcoverings, non-woven wallpaper, fabric-backed wallcoverings, natural fibre wallcoverings and digital murals are all examples of wallcoverings.
Common wallcovering types include wallpaper, vinyl wallcoverings, non-woven wallpaper, grasscloth, natural fibre wallcoverings, fabric or textile wallcoverings, and digital murals.
There is no single most durable wallcovering for every application. For high-traffic interiors, commercial-grade vinyl wallcoverings are widely used because of their durability, abrasion resistance and cleanability. However, the correct choice should always be based on the product data sheet, wall condition, room usage and cleaning requirement.
A washable wallcovering can be gently cleaned without damaging the finish. Some vinyl and select non-woven wallpapers may be washable, but cleaning instructions vary by product. Always follow the manufacturer guidance, test an inconspicuous area first and avoid abrasive cleaners.
Only suitable wallpaper should be used in kitchens, bathrooms or humid areas. Asian Paints guidance notes that vinyl-coated paper is treated to repel water and soil and may be appropriate for kitchens, bathrooms and high-humidity areas. Natural wallcoverings such as grasscloth can be damaged by steam and moisture and are better suited to dry, low-traffic rooms.
Paint and wallpaper serve different needs. Paint is easier to recolour and can be faster to apply, while wallpaper offers richer patterns, texture and design impact. The better choice depends on the design intent, room use, budget, maintenance expectation and surface condition.
Calculate the wall area by multiplying height by width. Subtract windows, doors and any area that will not be covered. Divide the final area by the roll coverage and add extra allowance for pattern repeat, trimming and wastage. Asian Paints notes that one wallpaper roll can cover approximately 52 sq. ft., but final coverage depends on design, repeat and installation wastage.
Wallpaper should be applied on a clean, dry, smooth and sound surface. Old wallpaper should be removed, cracks and imperfections should be repaired, painted walls may need sanding, and the surface must be cleaned and allowed to dry. Asian Paints product guidance also highlights priming and levelling before adhesive and wallpaper application.
No. Wallpaper seams should normally be butted together, meaning the two edges should touch without overlapping. A seam roller may be used gently to seal the seam, but excessive pressure can push out adhesive.
Drying time depends on the wallpaper type, adhesive and room conditions. Average drying time is around 6 to 10 hours, while some wallpapers may take up to a week for the adhesive to completely dry and set.
Wallpaper can be easy to maintain when the right product is chosen for the right space. Many wallpapers can be dusted or vacuumed with a soft brush attachment. Washable wallpapers can be cleaned gently as per manufacturer guidance, while certain textured or natural wallpapers should not be washed.
Peeling can happen due to inadequate surface preparation, weak adhesion, moisture, leakage, wall movement or unsuitable adhesive. Bubbles and creases may occur when air is trapped below the wallpaper or when smoothing is uneven. Any moisture or leakage issue must be corrected before re-fixing wallpaper.
Small damaged sections may sometimes be repaired or replaced using the same pattern, depending on availability and installation condition. If wallpaper peels because of wall damage, leakage or moisture, the root cause must be resolved before repair.