Ask the designer

Q I’M new to wallpapering – can you advise on all the different types out there?

A. Choosing the right wallpaper can be confusing because there’s such a variety available. But here’s a brief guide to some of the most common types. First there’s lining paper — plain paper used to prepare the surface for wallpapering. Pre-pasted wallpaper is a good choice for a beginner like yourself as it comes with a coat of adhesive which activated with water. Simplex is the technical name for most non-vinyl wall coverings where the pattern is directly printed onto the paper.

Vinyl is laminated to a paper or linen backing making it washable. Vinyl-coated wallpaper has a vinyl or acrylic finish to make it more durable.