Wallpaper

This page answers most wallpapering questions;
Otherwise, just call us or email us at  info@hdll.co.nz

How do I decide whether to have wallpaper or paint?
You don't have to choose one or the other, they work well together.  Some rooms in your home can be painted, others can be wallpapered-it's up to you. Designers use wallpaper and paint on different walls of the same room and many wallpaper retailers also sell wallcoverings that match most paint colours on the market, so you can co-ordinate the two finishes. Only paper has a choice of patterns and it's just one process.

What are the advantages of wallcoverings?
Wallpaper is now firmly back in style and has many new textures, modern colours and designs. It is a great wall concealer as, textured wallcoverings can hide less than perfect walls and can save time, and money as its often quicker than painting-especially as one 'coat' of wallpaper is all you need to cover the wall for an instant colour make over.  Wallpaper is easy-care too-many modern papers are washable, or even scrubbable and wear well.
Wallcoverings have great 'touch appeal' too; adding an important extra element of texture to a room.

Is it true that if I wallpaper it will be hard to remove when I want to change the look
It used to be but now there are papers that can be easily stripped and replaced. If you make sure that the walls are properly prepared with a sealer before you put up new wallpaper, it makes re-decorating next time much easier.

Are there 'samples' for wallpaper?
Your wallpaper retailer will provide you with a good-sized sample piece of the wallpaper you like so you can try it at home. Just tape or pin the sample on the wall and see how it looks.

What are the latest trends in wallpaper design?
Every year there are new colours and designs in every product area responding to global and local influences, cultural and lifestyle trends and changes.  Wall covering manufacturers regularly bring out new colours and designs; sometimes with subtle variations in colour and texture and other times they use more dramatic patterns. The trend to patterned, printed and embroidered fabrics has seen an equal shift to dramatic, "look at me" wallpapers.  Rich and rococo-inspired patterns slightly over-scale and often with a play of metallic shimmer against a matt background; updated retro geometric designs of the 60s and 70s; and re-worked floral and botanical prints are trends featuring in design magazines.

What about feature walls
Yes, it is still a very good way to make a focal point in a room. Use of interesting wallcoverings can highlight an important area of a room or create a positive first impression in an entrance hall, for example. You could paper the wall behind the bed, making a headboard 'wall'. It can be a cost-effective and easy way to update a room, but a feature wall in every room might be too much...If you don't want to go over the top, then make a statement with a stand-out wallpaper on a feature wall. Bolder patterns can be used as 'statement' walls to add life to a dull room; some can even be framed as artwork.

Wallpaper stripping.
Wallpaper stripping if allowed for by HDL is usually only based on an estimated amount of hours and can sometimes prove more difficult than expected to remove therefore increasing costs. There may also be damage to walls as yet unseen that will need plastering or skimming and In some cases cross lining walls may also be required. These are unseen challenges and usually not allowed for.  Once we have stripped the walls we will know more.
When quoting,  wallpapering is usually priced on non-match, pre pasted solid vinyl & excludes imported papers & special adhesives unless we have sighted these at your home.

Should I buy local or imported wallpaper
Many imported paper can be difficult to hang and it is a good idea to check with HDL what types are the best if there is a budget to keep to.

Imported wallpapers:
Due to the vast range of imported papers, we cannot allow for these when pricing unless you have samples of the paper required when we are there quoting.  Imported wallpapers generally require more time to hang with special adhesives required and walls need to be pigmented sealed before hanging.  If you would like to use imported wallpapers, please contact us and we will price accordingly.  Also be aware that imported paper, if not in stock at the time ordered, will sometimes take six to eight weeks to be imported. Be aware to ask your Supplier if the paper you have chosen is imported or local, as sometimes it is difficult to tell.

Check out these papers which we can hang.  Digital art

Roll reckoner

To figure out the number of rolls of wallpaper you may need, use our handy Roll Reckoner.

• 1. Measure the distance around the room (include walls with doors and windows).
• 2. Measure the height of the walls from the skirting.
• 3. 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.

It is also very important that you allow extra for wallpaper that is heavily patterned horizontally as often the pattern match means you can lose a good half metre top and bottom of the drop, just in order for the pattern to match up. If in doubt ask your Supplier to check as the specifications are written on the label. It is often wise to order an extra roll than you think as often there are ordering delays, plus there can be slight differences between batches that could be noticeable on the wall. Having a spare for future accidents or damage is never a bad thing either!