Lining paper

Use as a base, for decorative paper or paint, on walls that have lots of filled cracks or other imperfections. Available in three weights: light (for painting over), medium (for most wallpaper) and heavy (under embossed papers).

Standard wallpapers

There is a huge range of colors and designs available, often with matching borders. Cheaper papers have designs machine printed onto the paper but the more expensive designer papers are hand designed. Look out for the narrow width (26cm [101/4in]) papers for creating a stripe effect used vertically or horizontally or both.

Textile wall coverings

Traditionally paper backed Hessian and flocked papers are increasingly readily available as they are undergoing a revival in popularity. However, other textile papers, like grass cloth and silk, are much less common now because paper simulations have been so much improved recently.

Vinyl wall coverings

Paper backed vinyl: the color and pattern is heat fused onto the vinyl rendering it is more resistant to moisture than washable vinyl. This is the best choice for kitchens and bathrooms as the paper withstands grease and spills well.

Washable: the printed paper is coated with a thin, clear layer of PVC which forms a barrier against moisture. Paper like this can be sponged clean but avoid scrubbing.

Both types need a special adhesive for borders stuck over the top.