Plain & Textured Wallpaper for Beginners

In depth

Let's talk about the textures you’ll see on wallpaper – this is where it can feel a little overwhelming for someone new to the process. The terms used to describe them aren’t always intuitive, so let’s break down what they actually mean and which ones might suit your project best. Essentially, textured wallpaper adds a three-dimensional element to your walls, creating depth and visual interest. It comes in a huge range of effects, from subtle to dramatically raised.

The most common way to describe the texture is using terms related to how the surface *feels*. ‘Embossed’ means that the pattern has been physically pressed into the wallpaper during manufacturing, creating raised elements. You'll often find embossed patterns with flowers, foliage or even geometric designs where each element stands out slightly from the background. Then there’s ‘peeled,’ which refers to a more delicate texture created by layering and stripping away small pieces of paper, giving it a subtly distressed, almost aged look. These tend to be quite subtle; don't expect a very pronounced effect. 'Rag’ wallpaper has threads of fabric – typically cotton or linen – embedded within the paper itself, creating a textured surface that resembles woven material. The depth and appearance will vary depending on how densely the rags are incorporated. Finally, you might encounter ‘roller embossed’ which is created using rollers to press patterns into the wallpaper during production. This can create a range of raised effects, often more uniform than traditional embossing.

When choosing a textured wallpaper, it's important to consider the scale of the pattern and how it will look in your room. Larger, bolder textures like ‘roller embossed’ or heavily embossed floral designs can make a small room feel even smaller, so they’re usually best suited for larger spaces. Smaller, more subtle textures like 'peeled' or ‘rag’ wallpaper are better choices for smaller rooms as they create the illusion of depth without overwhelming the space. The colour of your walls and furniture will also influence how the texture looks – a light-coloured textured wallpaper will have a different impact than a dark one.

Now, let’s talk about the technical stuff – ‘booking’. This refers to the way the wallpaper is applied to the wall. It's a crucial factor in determining whether you can achieve a professional finish without specialist tools and experience. 'Booked' wallpaper has a built-in channel or groove along its length, designed to be pressed onto the wall using a special setting square – sometimes called a ‘booking tool’. The goal is to create a tight bond between the wallpaper and the wall surface. If you’re going to be applying the wallpaper yourself, it’s absolutely essential that your walls are perfectly smooth and have no bumps or ridges. Even minor imperfections will show through the textured surface, creating an uneven look. You'll need to spend some time prepping your walls – filling any holes with filler and sanding them down until they're as smooth as possible. Don't skip this step; it’s absolutely vital for a good result.

The ‘booking tool’ itself is relatively inexpensive and widely available, but it does require a bit of practice to use correctly. It’s used to ensure the wallpaper is being applied evenly and that the booking channel is properly engaged with the wall. If you're struggling, don’t force it – gently reposition the wallpaper and try again. 'Unbooked' wallpaper, on the other hand, doesn’t have this built-in channel. It's typically a heavier paper stock and relies on adhesive alone to stick to the wall. This is generally easier for beginners to apply as you don’t need to worry about precise booking, but it requires careful measuring and cutting, and can be more prone to peeling if the walls aren’t perfectly smooth.

Finally, consider ‘drop match’. This refers to how the pattern repeats across the wallpaper roll. 'Drop match' means that the pattern will repeat every 45cm or 18 inches – a very common choice. If you’re hanging a large wall and want the pattern to flow seamlessly, you’ll need to ensure that your walls are perfectly straight and level. Even slight deviations can disrupt the pattern, creating unsightly breaks in the design. ‘Random match’ wallpaper has a completely random pattern repeat, making it more difficult to align correctly. It's often used in hallways or smaller rooms where precision isn't as critical. Don't worry about this too much at first – most people find that 'drop match' is the easiest to work with.

Don’t be overly concerned about terms like ‘air release’ or ‘paste the wall’ until you’ve gained some experience. These are techniques used by professional wallpaper hangers and often involve special pastes and tools. For a beginner project, it’s perfectly acceptable to use ready-mixed paste (available from most DIY stores) and apply the wallpaper using standard scissors for cutting. Focus on getting the basics right – accurate measuring, careful alignment, and smooth application – and you'll be well on your way to achieving a beautiful textured wall finish. Remember that practice makes perfect, so don’t be afraid to start with a small area or a less prominent wall if you’re feeling unsure.