More about wall treatments and choices in wallpaper materials

Wall coverings that are made of paper coated with a thin layer of vinyl, looks like paper and not vinyl, so it lends an air of sophistication to light-use areas. Even those vinyl-coated papers that are washable can stain and tear more easily than other papers with vinyl content.

Textile wall coverings come in many colors and textures, from very casual to elegantly formal. They're usually made of cotton, linen, other natural plant fibers, or polyester, often bonded to a paper-type backing. Grass cloth is a traditional favorite among textile wall coverings; its threads can be arranged vertically, horizontally, or in a woven pattern.

Hemp, another textile, is similar to grass cloth but has thinner fibers. Wall coverings made of yarn and string (really thin yarn) have been surpassing grass cloth in popularity lately because they're often easier to install. For a rugged appearance, consider burlap, usually bonded to a backing. At the other end of the spectrum are the sophisticated moire silks and wall coverings featuring a flame stitch or a pattern printed over the dyed textile.

Some textiles require liner paper underneath; many should be installed only by a skilled paperhanger. Keep in mind that most textiles fray easily and are not washable, though most will accept a spray-on stain repellent.

Other elegant wall treatments

Hand-screened papers

Each color in a hand-screened paper is applied with a separate handmade and hand-placed silk screen. This process makes hand-screened papers more expensive than the majority of other wallpapers, which are machine printed. Hand-screened papers have a unique three-dimensional appearance and can offer a wealth of colors in just a single pattern. Patterns match less accurately than machine-printed ones, and edges often need to be trimmed and double-cut at seams. Because these papers are often printed with water-soluble dyes, special care must be taken to keep the printed side free of paste and water. For this reason, professionals usually handle installation.

If you like the appearance of this type of wall treatment, you may be able to find some of the new machine-printed papers that have the look of hand-screened ones but are more affordable.

The texture of a flocked paper resembles damask or cut velvet. Because they're hard to work with, flocks are almost always professionally hung.

A mural, often depicting nature or some historic event, opens up a room, particularly if the strips are hung across a large expanse of wall. Or, for a little less drama, try hanging a single-panel mural in the middle of a large wall; on either side hang a paper that matches the mural's background.

In a child's room or a family room, look for photomurals, often scenes taken from nature. In a more elegant setting, try high-quality hand-screened murals, which usually feature traditional European or Oriental themes. Generally, the panels must be hung in a particular order, as specified by the manufacturer. Be sure to place the panels so that the scene begins at the same height as nearby furniture; otherwise, the scene will appear to float above it.