There are many differing types of wallpaper, understand the differences to choose the right one for you.
Wallpaper Ideas
There are thousands of colours, textures and designs to choose from in the wallcovering world. For ideas, browse the Vision Wallcoverings Colour and Design showcase or visit your local retailer.
Once you have decided on your wallpaper, check how to apply it properly. In the back of all our pattern books you will find a sheet detailing the product type and notes that will help you find the right product for your job – check this sheet to find recommended size’s and pastes.
Wallpaper Types
There are three main groups of wallpaper, according to how they are applied:
Pre-Pasted Paper
Paste is already applied to the paper, and the paper needs to be soaked in a water trough to activate the paste.
Un-Pasted Paper
Paste must be applied to the paper. This can be done with a brush or a pasting machine.
Paste The Wall
Paste is put on to the wall rather than the paper. This is the easiest to hang and easy to remove, simply peels off in one piece.
Roll reckoner
To figure out the number of rolls of wallpaper you may need, use our handy Roll calculator.
Work out how much paper you will need to do the job.
Roll reckoner
To figure out the right number of rolls you will need.
- Measure the distance around the room (include walls with doors and windows).
- Measure the height of the walls from the skirting.
- Use the Roll Reckoner to work out how many rolls you need for the room.
Please note:
The measurements below are based on a standard roll of 0.5 metre wide × 10 meters long. Check the measurements on the paper you have chosen, and adjust the roll count accordingly.
If the wallpaper you have chosen has a pattern match, you will need to take that into account when using the charts below.
Distance around the room (metres) | ||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1.5 | 2.0 | 2.5 | 3.0 | 3.5 | 4.0 | 5.0 | 6.0 | 7.0 | ||
Wall height (metres) | 2.0 - 2.4 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 3 | 3 | 4 |
2.4 - 2.8 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 3 | 3 | 4 | 4 | |
2.8 - 3.2 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 3 | 3 | 4 | 4 | 5 | |
3.2 - 3.6 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 5 |
Distance around the room (metres) | ||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
8.0 | 9.0 | 10.0 | 11.0 | 12.0 | 13.0 | 14.0 | 16.0 | 18.0 | ||
Wall height (metres) | 2.0 - 2.4 | 4 | 5 | 5 | 6 | 6 | 7 | 7 | 8 | 9 |
2.4 - 2.8 | 5 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 7 | 8 | 8 | 9 | 10 | |
2.8 - 3.2 | 6 | 6 | 7 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 9 | 11 | 12 | |
3.2 - 3.6 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 10 | 12 | 13 |
Distance around the room (metres) | ||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
19.0 | 20.0 | 22.0 | 24.0 | 26.0 | 28.0 | 30.0 | ||||
Wall height (metres) | 2.0 - 2.4 | 10 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | ||
2.4 - 2.8 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | |||
2.8 - 3.2 | 13 | 13 | 14 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | |||
3.2 - 3.6 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 18 | 19 | 20 | 22 |
Understanding the symbols in the pattern book, and on the instructions.
International Wallcovering Symbols – and what they mean.
Light fastness

Good light fastness

Moderate light fastness
Installation method

Pre-pasted

Paste the paper

Paste the Wall
Hanging instructions

Reverse hang alternate lengths
Care instructions

Spongeable

Washable

Scrubbable
Stripping

Wet removal

Strippable

Easy peel (Dry Peelable)
Any D.I.Y. job is easier with the correct tools.
What you need to wallpaper
Like any DIY project… it’s easy if you have the correct equipment.
Equipment
What tools you need will depend on the type of paper you’ve chosen – check with your retailer and read the guidelines on the roll label.
- paint roller or brushes
- scissors and a knife with a sharp blade
- sponges
- water trough
- tape measure
- plumb-line, plumb bob or a spirit level
- the right adhesive and size
- ladder
- bucket
- drop cloth
Stripper, size and adhesives
Use the right products for the right results when you are hanging wallpaper. First, read the instructions on the label of the wallpaper you have purchased, and on the packaging of the accessory product; then follow the recommended mix ratios and the directions carefully.
Look for the HALLS-BEELINE, SHUR-STIK and METYLAN products at your decorating store. Our METYLAN Wallpaper remover will make the job of removing old wallpaper quicker; our SHUR-STIK size and wallpaper adhesives (pastes), and our HALLS-BEELINE and METYLAN SPECIAL adhesives make it easy to prepare the surface properly and successfully hang the wallpaper of your choice.
Look for these products at your decorating store ask your retailer to assist you to select the correct products for your job.