Korean Wallpapers Malaysia Guide
Introduction
Home is the most beautiful part of your life. It is the place where you spend most of your time. A comfortable and eye-catching environment positively impacts your mood and health. Therefore, it is essential to make your house beautiful. There has been a boom in the home furnishing industry in the past few decades.
There are hundreds of home furnishing service providers in Malaysia who provide price-competitive services. Companies like Furnishings Hub are doing an excellent job transforming your dream house into a reality. It is a one-stop solution for furnishing needs and follows the best management practices to satisfy clients.
Recently, there has been a new trend in the furnishing industry of using wallpapers to improve aesthetics. Especially, the Korean wallpapers are trending nowadays, which create a vibrant atmosphere in the room. This is a hassle-free and affordable option with thousands of variants available. For this reason, the demand for home wallpapers has increased to manifolds in the last few years. However, finding a reliable and trustworthy service is a big challenge. Especially in this era of massive competition where every service provider is claiming to be the best in the market, it is hard to identify the one which can fulfill your requirements.
Home is a once-in-a-lifetime investment for most people in the world. Therefore, choosing a supplier without doing the homework is a fool’s play. I have jotted down a few points so you can have some basic knowledge of the home wallpapers and you can decide whether this is suitable for your house or not.
A Brief History of Wallpapers
Although, wallpapers have started trending in the past few decades due to advancements in technology. However, this concept is nothing new as it can be traced back to the 13th century when these were used in Europe by the affluent community. These wallpapers have religious icons printed on them and were a status symbol.
With the advent of the 16th century, some cheaper variants were introduced in the market, and middle-class households started purchasing wallpapers for their home furnishing. In the 18th century, the USA began importing these wallpapers from Europe. The wallpapers became extremely popular, and demand increased over time.
It was impossible to fulfill the demand with the rising shipping cost from Europe to the USA. Therefore, their local businessmen started developing these wallpapers locally and improved the methods to make them more economical. After the advent of the 20th century, there were advancements in techniques to produce home wallpapers at total capacity and a cheaper rate. And after that, there was no coming back, and these decorative home wallpapers became an essential part of the home furnishing.
The 20th century is the most highlighting year for developing home wallpapers. Although there were ups and downs during this period, people experimented with the paints as well. However, they always came back to the wallpaper as the permanent part of the house.
With the advent of the 21st century, the production of wallpapers became automated entirely, and digital printing made it easy for producers to introduce new designs. There are now numerous materials in which home wallpapers are produced, and each one comes with a specific price category. They serve a particular purpose and are according to the consumers’ taste.
Wallpapers
It is a sheet of synthetic material usually, which is used for the interior decoration of the walls. This can be used in domestic as well as commercial buildings. There has been a lot of material options in the wallpaper, and some of the most popular ones are:
- Vinyl based
- Solid sheet
- Nonwoven
- Grasscloth
- Bamboo wallpapers
Each material type serves a specific purpose and comes with a different price point. Therefore, it is a tempting option for affordable home furnishing.
Difference Between Non-Woven and Vinyl Wallpaper
In the categories as mentioned above, two of them are very popular and in-demand nowadays:
- Nonwoven Wallpapers
- Vinyl Wallpapers
These both serve different purposes and come at different price categories. Therefore, it is essential to know the difference between both. Wherefore, you can make a better decision at the time of purchase.
The construction of the nonwoven wallpapers involves both natural and synthetic materials. It is an incredible innovation in wallpapers and was introduced in the market less than two decades ago. There are numerous reasons for which nonwoven wallpapers are preferred in the market.
- Printing: Nonwoven wallpapers’ respond very well towards digital printing. This home wallpaper type is easy and non-problematic during the printing. The behavior of this home wallpaper type is satisfying both in humid and dry atmospheres.
- Breathable: The main reason for the falling trend of the wallpapers during the early ’90s was the problems arising in the mold. Traditional wallpapers are air-locked and do not provide any breathing space to the wall. The water vapors stuck between the wallpaper and the wall can cause serious trouble if not taken care of promptly. However, nonwoven materials are provide breathing space, and this problem is eliminated forever.
- Durable: Apart frombeing a production-friendly and breathable wallpaper option, nonwoven material is also very durable. This material cannot be torn off quickly because of its high strength and stability. This is a sturdy material that can easily withstand the humid and dry atmosphere.
The other most popular option in the home wallpaper arena is the vinyl wallpaper. This is a man-made synthetic material with a layer of vinyl film on the top. This option has been in the market for almost a century now and is still widely preferred by people around the globe. The sole reasons for its popularity are:
- Durability: Vinyl wallpapers are scrub-resistant and very durable. These can withstand for more than a decade and are ideal for children’s rooms.
- Easy to Wash: Vinyl wallpapers are easy to clean material, and you can use plenty of water to wash them. This is a water resistance option and cannot be easily damaged. This material does not soak the stains and other dirt materials, so cleaning is done with a wipe most of the time.
- Wide Range of Application: Althoughit isnot recommended to use the wallpapers in the damp and moist areas of the building like washrooms. However, this option is an exception because of its water resistance property. Water does not penetrate inside the material and removes away easily. However, you need to ensure no loose ends on any corner. Otherwise, water vapors might weaken the adhesive chemical.
- Colorfastness: Thevinyl wallpapersundergo a strict testing process to evaluate their colorfastness. This is one of the best home wallpaper options, which retains its full colors over the years even if exposed to direct sunlight.
- Key Differences between Vinyl and Nonwoven Wallpapers
Now that you have some basic understanding of both of these options and what purpose they should be used for. You need to have basic knowledge of their critical differences of them.
- Construction:
The critical difference between both options is the construction and production process—nonwoven wallpapers composed of a mixture of natural and synthetic fibers. On the contrary, vinyl wallpaper’s composition is solely based on synthetic materials. The preparation process is also very different in both cases.
Nonwoven wallpapers are made by laying down the random or directional fibers and then pressed together. However, the Vinyl wallpapers are made in the form of synthetic material film, and vinyl coating is done on top of that.
- Behavior
Nonwoven wallpapers are breathable and let the water vapors pass through them easily. This allows the trapped water droplets to pass through easily. The water absorbency of the nonwoven material is also very high; therefore, it is not preferred to wash this option.
On the contrary, Vinyl wallpapers are airtight material. There is no chance of water to pass through this material. The thick synthetic material and vinyl film ensure water resistance. Therefore, this option is suitable in damp and moist areas like washrooms.
- Maintenance
Both options are highly durable and stable. The average life expectancy of both wallpapers is around 12 to 15 years. However, you need to take extra care of the nonwoven option and maintain it regularly. The main issues are the color fastness and moisture. You need to prevent it from sunlight to retain its color. You also need to keep it from the moist atmosphere; otherwise, water vapors can easily penetrate it and damage the adhesive chemical.
If you cannot provide this protection, it is advisable to go with the vinyl option. The airtight structure of the vinyl does not allow the water to penetrate through it, and the colorfastness in sunlight is also excellent. Therefore, all you need to do is clean the wallpaper at your convenience and check the loose ends from the sides.
- Children Friendly
There are a lot of queries from the parents for the best wallpaper option for their children’s rooms. Kids are naturally energetic and tend to play with the walls. They can create a lot of mess on the wall, and therefore painting the wall is not a good option.
Among these two wallpaper options, vinyl is considered the children-friendly wallpaper. This is because of its easy-to-wash tendency and water repellent property. Contrarily, the nonwoven wallpapers can also be cleaned; however, they can trap water inside them and leave minor spots on the surface.
- Pricing
Nonwoven wallpaper is the more costly option among these two. The reason is the advanced features like water penetration and eases to print. The expensive raw material of the nonwoven is also one of the critical factors of its high price compared to the vinyl wallpapers.
- Eco-Friendly
The nonwoven is eco-friendly because of its natural fibers among these two options. These natural fibers allow the wallpaper to have functionality like air permeability, and the material becomes lightweight. Contrarily, the vinyl wallpaper option is solely based on synthetic raw material and is usually used in hotels and commercial buildings.
Once discarded, the decomposition of nonwoven wallpaper is fast, and it can be recycled if required. However, vinyl wallpapers lack this property.
Now you have some clarity of the significant differences between nonwoven and vinyl wallpapers. You can decide according to your requirements and budget. Both have their pros and cons. It is better to do an analysis before making any decision because it will have a long-term impact on your house’s look.
Why Should You Use Wallpapers?
Apart from aesthetic purposes, wallpapers are trending for multiple reasons. I have jotted down a few points for which you must apply these wallpapers in your building.
Price Competitive Option
Although some people can argue that paint is a cheaper option than home wallpapers which is true in many cases. However, there are some affordable options in the wallpapers which cost lower than the paint. It depends on your budget, and you can easily find a good option in it.
No Harmful Effects on Nature
Home wallpapers have an aesthetic appeal and can enhance the home environment. Apart from this aesthetic factor, it is admired by the environmentalist community due to its no effect on the environment. The adhesive chemicals used to stick the wallpapers have zero environmental impact. Therefore, it is highly in demand across the world.
- Hides Uneven Wall Surface
Good to Hide Damaged Parts of Walls
A new coating of concrete with paint can be a very costly process. This requires a lot of preparation and an expert to work on it. This can eat up your budget and might not give the desired results in the end. On the other hand, home wallpapers can easily hide the uneven and defective parts of the wall.
Therefore, home furnishing becomes less hectic. This is one of the best solutions to cover up the home walls’ defects and apply to any material.
Can be Removed Easily
People living in rental apartments and dorms can apply the home wallpapers without leaving any marks. These wallpapers are easily removable, and the application is less hectic. You can apply these wallpapers within a few hours and remove them whenever you want to.
All you need to do is find the corner of the wallpaper and peel it off easily. The adhesive chemicals on the walls can easily be removed right after that without any struggle.
Highly Durable and Reliable Material
There is a common misconception that home wallpapers are not long-lasting and can easily rip off with seasonal effects. However, it is not true, and these wallpapers can withstand as long as 15 to 20 years. This is more than three to four times the life of the paint.
This is more than enough if you compare it with the life of the paint. You are required to whitewash your property after every three years to maintain it. This longevity of wallpaper life removes the hassle and saves up the cost.
Hundreds of Options Available
You have limited choices as far as paint is concerned. Although you can choose any color you want, the texture of the paint is still similar and does not feel different. The spectrum of the paint colors is limited and cannot serve the purpose. On the other hand, home wallpapers offer a considerable variety, through which you can choose according to your taste and budget.
You can find a wide variety of patterns, designs, and textures that suit your interior. This has pushed home furnishing to a whole new level. Consumers can now experiment with the color combinations and get the desired results within their budget.
Can be Washed Using Water and Detergent
Unlike painted walls, Korean wallpapers can be cleaned with a wet cloth, or you can even wash them. This is a relief for people having pets and children in the house. They do not need to worry about marks on the walls during the play because they can remove the stains easily using a detergent and water.
This makes the walls appear bright and tidy. However, in the painted wall, you are bound to keep it dirty. It does not matter how hard you try; you cannot achieve the level of cleanliness that you can achieve in the case of home wallpapers.
Straightforward and Quick to Install
The home wallpapers’ most significant unique selling point (USP) is the ease of application. You do not have to shift your furniture to another place for this purpose which is a significant relief. However, hiring a professional to apply the wallpapers at your property is recommended. However, you can also apply it yourself with little guidance.
There is no mess during the application process, and it can be done within a few years. On the other hand, paint can take even days to complete. This is a quick way to transform the look of your home.
When Not to Use Wallpapers?
Now you have a good idea about the benefits of the wallpapers and what you can get out of them. You also need to understand that wallpapers are not suitable for every building type, and applying wallpapers at the wrong place can have drastic results which can disappoint you.
Therefore, you need to understand when not to use the wallpapers in your building. I have jotted down a few points to help you identify them.
Water Vapors Can Damage the Wallpapers
It is not recommended to use wallpapers in a damp and moist atmosphere. You must avoid applying wallpapers in washrooms and saunas. The reason is that the vapor particles can weaken the strength of the adhesive chemical used to stick the wallpaper to the wall.
Too much and continuous moisture can also weaken the wallpaper itself. It can peel off in no time and can disappoint you. Therefore, it is highly recommended to look for a room with a relatively dry atmosphere.
Keep Away the Heat From Wallpapers
Wallpapers are usually made up of materials that can catch fire easily. This can be a great danger to the house’s safety. Therefore, experts recommend not applying wallpapers near a fireplace or kitchen.
There are some fireproof options available; however, the heat can put a layer of carbon on the wall surface, which is very hard to clean. So, wallpapers’ application near fire should be avoided at every cost.
Leaked Walls Can Damage the Wallpapers
Wallpapers are trendy to hide uneven and damaged wall surfaces. However, it does not mean that you should apply it to the leaking water walls. This can have some drastic results which can ruin your home furnishing experience.
The water in the leaked walls can cause the swelling of the wallpapers. It weakens the strength of the adhesive chemical, and ultimately the wallpaper peels off from the wall. For this reason, you must identify the leaked parts of the walls and fix them. Once you fix the wall, you must dry it for a few days and then apply the wallpaper to it.
- Applying Under Direct Sunlight
Sunlight Fades the Color of Wallpapers
The sunlight contains ultraviolet rays, which are not suitable for the color and strength of the wallpapers. The direct and continuous sunlight weakens the structure of the wallpapers and fades its color to a great extent. Therefore, it is recommended not to apply these wallpapers with direct sunlight coming in.
Similarly, you must avoid applying this wallpaper outdoors. If you have to apply the wallpaper in rooms with direct sunlight, you must cover the windows with curtains to prevent the sunlight from coming inside the room.
One of the most significant drawbacks of decorative home wallpapers is that they are prone to scratches. Therefore, if your room has exercise machines or maintenance tools, it is recommended to avoid applying wallpapers in it. The sharp edges of the devices can puncture the wallpapers, and you need to replace them at any cost.
Similarly, it would help if you placed the furniture at some distance from the walls; otherwise, the sharp edges can cause scratches on the wallpapers. If the building is not roomy and you have a lot of furniture and other stuff, you must avoid applying decorative home wallpapers.
Need Cleaning and Washing Once Every Two Months
You need to understand that the wallpapers require regular maintenance and cleaning. They are prone to dust and tear, significantly decreasing their lives. It is essential to clean the wallpapers with a wipe at least once every two months. So, it can retain its brightness, and bacteria are not accumulated on its surface.
Similarly, if any damaged part of the wallpaper should be repaired or replaced immediately; otherwise, the moisture can enter inside it and weaken the adhesive chemical. If you are committed to spare some time for such maintenance, you must go for it. Otherwise, it is recommended to avoid applying the wallpapers inside your building.
Difference Between Wallpaper and Paint
I believe that you have a basic understanding of the wallpaper types and their benefits. This is the critical point where you need to decide whether you will go for the paint or wallpaper. There are several benefits and flaws of using wallpaper for home furnishings.
Similarly, painting the house can be a good option in numerous cases. The fact of the matter is that you need to identify whether you must go with the paint or wallpapers. For this reason, I have made a few points to make you understand the critical difference between both home furnishing options.
Installing Cost of Wallpaper is Higher
There is a considerable cost difference between the paint and wallpapers. The incurring cost depends on multiple factors like the brand and quality of the product. However, the overall cost of the wallpapers is higher than that of paint. If you analyze the price on a timeline, you will observe that wallpapers have 3 to 4 times longer life than paint, making it a viable option. Still, the initial cost is higher, a determining factor for the decision.
Paints are Easy to Apply
Painting the walls does not require any special skills and can be done by the homeowner without making much effort. Contrarily, applying wallpapers on the wall is a specialized skill and needs a service provider to stick it to your wall. The measurement of the wall corners and assessment to stick the wallpaper is a specialized skill, and you cannot do it on your own by watching some youtube tutorials.
Wallpapers Offer a Huge Variety
If you compare the variety in both options, wallpaper is the clear winner here. The reason is that it provides a wide range of options. Whether it is material, design, or color, you will find a wide variety in the wallpapers. In the case of paints, you can play in colors, but there is not much beyond that.
Some interior designers recommend using a combination of paint and wallpapers. This allows you to give a unique look to your house as properties of options are used. However, the choice is yours whether you want to go with the paint or wallpapers.
Wallpaper is an Eco-friendly Option
Most of the wallpaper options are eco-friendly in comparison to the paint. The adhesives used for sticking the wallpaper to the wall are non-toxic and do not affect nature in any form. On the contrary, painting releases toxic fumes that are hazardous for the health and safety of individuals.
Although some reasonable quality paints provide some level of safety, most of the paints available in the market are low-grade. They harm the health of the house residents and affect mother nature.
Paint is Hard to Maintain
The biggest drawback of the paint is its complex maintenance. If there are some dirt spots on the painted wall, you need to apply a new coat of paint to fix it. This is a time-consuming and hectic process that can bleed your money. However, in the case of wallpapers, this is a blessing in disguise because maintenance is straightforward. You need to wash the surface, and you are done.
Nevertheless, it is essential to ensure that you do not scratch the wallpaper; otherwise, it will get permanently damaged. It would help if you replaced the whole wallpaper panel to fix it.
So, these are the critical differences between decorative home wallpapers and paint. The choice is all yours keeping in view your budget and requirements. If you are not planning to stay in the rented apartment or dorm for long, you can apply the paint coats on the wall and skip the initial high cost of the wallpapers. However, the removable factor of the wallpaper without leaving any marks on the wall is also a good feature. You have to do a cost and benefit analysis to make the right decision.
Benefits of Using Paint
There are numerous advantages of applying decorative home wallpapers. Then what is the need to apply paint, and why is this industry booming parallel to wallpapers? This is a common question raised by people looking for home furnishing services.
The fact of the matter is that paint also comes with several reasonable benefits, for which homeowners prefer it over wallpapers. However, the choice is in accordance with the requirements of the individuals. I have jotted down some pros of using paint in your building to help you understand the need for paint.
The initial cost of applying the paint is low compared to the wallpapers. You can find numerous quality and brands in the market form which you can choose according to your budget and convenience. The cost of painting a room is 4 to 5 times less than applying the wallpapers.
People who do not have children or pets in their homes can apply the paint without hesitation. If you live in a rented property, you do not need to spend much money on furnishing. You can go for the color, which is an affordable option
Application of wallpapers requires a skilled service provider who can transform your room into a beautiful home space. This can be very costly depending on the fee charged by the service provider, and doing it yourself is not an easy task at all. You can create some severe mess if you try to apply the wallpapers yourself.
However, this is not in the case of the paint because it is relatively a more manageable task than applying the home wallpapers. All you need is a paint bucket with some essential tools, and you are ready to start painting your walls. So, if you are tight on budget, you can always do it yourself.
The purpose of the wallpapers is to cover and hide the damaged parts of the walls. This is not a remedy for your walls but a way to avoid the problem. The chances are high that the wall’s condition becomes much worse, and you would not even notice it. This can cause some severe bleeding of money on repairing the house.
Contrarily, the paint is a viable option in this case. You can apply some recovery fillings and then paint them. If any problem arises, you can notice it and take action timely. Therefore, if there are leakages problems in your walls, it is recommended to go for the paint option rather than applying the home wallpapers on it.
Suppose some damages are done on the wallpapers like scratches on the surface or holes. Then the only option is to replace the complete panel on the wall. The chances are high that you would not find the same design in the market because of the fast pace of the home wallpaper industry.
However, this is not a problem in the case of paints. You can quickly get the matching shade from the market and paint the damaged part easily. Therefore, people who can spare some time to repaint the damaged parts should go for this option.
Moisture Impact on Wallpapers
Now you have a clear idea of the pros and cons of both wallpapers and paint. The biggest problem arising on the wallpapers is moisture in the room. You need to have some basic knowledge of moisture impact on wallpapers and how to deal with it. Below are some of the problems that can arise from the moisture on wallpapers.
- Effect on Adhesive Chemical
Moisture Can Weaken the Adhesive Chemical
There are some water-resistant options available in the home wallpapers. You can apply these wallpapers in the moist part of the house like bathrooms and kitchen. You need to ensure that all the corners of the wallpaper are entirely sealed, and there is no hole on the surface.
Otherwise, moisture can enter the inner side and weaken the adhesive chemical material. Water vapors can accumulate on the back of the wallpaper through these tiny openings, and you can observe its swelling. Therefore, you need to ensure that the wallpaper is completely locked on all sides and there are no scratches.
Moisture Leads to Fungus Growth
In some cases, moisture accumulation can cause the fungus to grow. It happens when there are leakages in the walls, and water gets trapped inside them. This accumulation of moisture can cause bacteria and fungus to grow. You can feel the foul odor in your house, which is a very unpleasant experience. This is a considerable risk for the health and safety of your family because wallpapers can collapse sometimes.
You need to ensure that the walls are completely dry and there isn’t any sign of leakages in them. If at all there are some leakages, you need to identify them at the very initial stage to prevent drastic outcomes. If you feel any foul odor in the house, contact the service provider for walls inspection and repair it timely.
Moisture Weakens the Structure of Wallpaper Materials
Wallpaper options like nonwoven do not possess the water resistance property, and therefore, it is not recommended to use them in a damp and moist atmosphere. The moisture can penetrate through the surface of the wallpaper and impact its color and structure.
Especially during the snowy season, there can be a lot of moisture inside the room, which needs to be eliminated to protect the wallpapers. The best way is to keep the heaters on so that the moisture is evaporated and the room is arid.
Wallpapers Can Reduce Cost of Home Furnishing
There is a wide variety of decorative home wallpapers in the market, and it is an affordable way to fulfill your home furnishing needs. Although the wallpapers’ initial cost is higher compared to paint, it is long-lasting and durable. There is a common misconception that wallpapers are a costly home furnishing option.
The fact of the matter is that the overall cost of home furnishing lowers to a great extent when you apply the decorative home wallpaper. It is a viable option when the wall is uneven, and the surface is not smooth. In this case, the new coating of the plaster can be costly.
The application of plaster coating is a lengthy process that needs an expert to fulfill the requirements. These experts can charge a hefty amount; therefore, applying wallpaper is a viable option. In the case of paint, the color combination is the key to making your home look beautiful. Either you can use your imagination which can be a risky thing, or get the job done through an interior designer.
The interior designer’s services are costly and can charge you thousands of dollars for them. On the other hand, wallpapers come with advanced designs, and you can choose from the library easily. All you need to do is follow the theme from the booklet of the service provider, and your house will be transformed within a few hours. This is less hectic and an affordable option.
Apart from paint, people also use tiles and woodwork to make their homes beautiful and tempting. This is one of the most expensive options in the market, and the chances are high that you would not get the desired results. You can find the readymade wooden and stone design wallpapers that serve the purpose.
The cost of these wallpapers is many times lower than that of actual material, and the application process is also rapid. There is less mess in the house, and you can choose from a vast library of designs. Therefore, home furnishing has become a lot easier, convenient, and affordable through decorative home wallpapers.
Final Thoughts
In a nutshell, home furnishing can be a hectic, time-consuming, and expensive process. However, due to the recent advancements in the wallpaper industry, it has become easy for lower-income people to make their homes beautiful. The wallpaper industry was booming and became a number one choice for people looking for an affordable way to transform their houses.
There are many options available in the wallpaper industry now, and you can choose the most viable one according to your requirements. If you are planning to renovate your house and have decided to go for the wallpaper option, it is essential to have some knowledge of its basic types.
It will help you to choose the most viable option for your building. Selecting the wrong choice can be catastrophic and ruin your home furnishing experience. Therefore, I have tried to cover all the crucial aspects of the wallpaper industry to make an educated and better decision.
Over the past few decades, the evolution of wallpapers has eliminated all the defects to make them the most viable option for your building. With the advent of automation in this industry, the quality of the product has improved a lot, and businesses are offering a wide range of variety in this product.
Furnishings Hub is a big name in Malaysia for providing a wide range and high-quality wallpapers. We provide Korean wallpapers of the highest standards at affordable prices. All you need to do is contact one of our representatives or visit our outlet. We will help you decide the best option for your home furnishing needs to make your experience excellent.
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