What's new in wallpaper

New technologies have resulted in wallpapers that can be easily removed, are eco-friendly and even some that need no toxic glues.

Removable wallpaper

It has long been the bane of renting that you can’t do much to change the décor. Enter the removable wallpaper: there are now wall coverings that you can put up and remove without leaving any trace behind.

Removable wallpaper is non-woven and comes in natural or synthetic fibres. Best of all, mounting it is a breeze:

• The paste is applied to the wall, not the paper.
• The sheets will slide on the wall, so it’s easier to line up the designs.
• It’s tear-resistant during installation and removal.

When you’re ready to move house or want a change, just pull the wallpaper off in sheets, roll it up and pack it away.

Green walls, naturally

If you prefer to avoid harsh chemicals and synthetics, consider burlap, hemp or bamboo wallpaper made from environmentally friendly natural products.

These fibre wallpapers can be mounted using liquid starch and removed by applying water, so there’s no need for toxic glues.

Express yourself

Don’t feel inspired by any ready-made designs you’ve seen? Look for firms in Australia that will print custom wallpaper using your digital photos or, if you have time on your hands, try Wallpaper-By-Numbers by UK designer Jenny Wilkinson.

She outlines designs on wallpaper for you to fill in using paints, colouring pencils or felt-tip pens. A ‘Borders’ range is available if you or the kids don’t feel quite up to colouring an entire wall.

Artists and designers worldwide are constantly applying their creativity to make wallpaper interesting, so it’s not just flowers and flock any more.

Netherlands-based designer Jonas Samson has taken that even further, with his light-emitting wallpaper that looks like plain wallpaper until switched on, when it turns into a work of art providing ambient room lighting.

The next time you want to make over a room in your home, think about using wallpaper; it can be an easy and creative alternative to painting, and great if you’re renting.