Why Luxury Wallcoverings Are Back — And What You Need to Know Before Hanging One
Why Luxury Wallcoverings Are Back — And What You Need to Know Before Hanging One
Blog Article
There’s a quiet renaissance happening in some of London’s most exclusive interiors. It’s not a new paint trend, nor a radical palette shift — it’s the resurgence of luxury wallcoverings. From grasscloth to hand-printed silks, from antique murals to modern metallic weaves, today’s wallcoverings offer far more than decoration — they offer identity.
At JRSL Interiors, we’ve been installing wallcoverings in Belgravia, Holland Park, and Fitzrovia long before they returned to fashion. Here’s what we’ve learned about doing it properly — and what to avoid at all costs.
1. Wallcoverings Aren’t Just Wallpaper
Let’s begin with the biggest misconception. When clients say “wallpaper,” they often think of paste-the-wall prints or paper-backed vinyl. But what we install more often includes:
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Grasscloth (natural fibres like jute or sisal)
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Silk wallcoverings (delicate, reflective and hand-dyed)
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Textile-backed vinyls (for washability in family homes)
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Anaglypta and Lincrusta (paintable textures for listed buildings)
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Bespoke murals and panels (from brands like Fromental, de Gournay and Iksel)
Each material requires a different adhesive, preparation method and hanging technique. Installing a £3,000 roll of hand-embroidered silk isn’t the same as hanging high street wallpaper. It’s fine craft — and one misstep can ruin an entire shipment.
2. The Surface Beneath Is Everything
Before a single panel goes up, we spend hours (sometimes days) preparing the substrate. Why? Because luxury wallcoverings highlight imperfections, not hide them.
Our surface prep includes:
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Lining walls with cross-lined 1200 grade lining paper
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Filling and sanding using light-angled LEDs
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Dehumidifying the room 24–48 hours before install
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Applying specialist primers to avoid bleed-through
This ensures the final surface is crisp, smooth and stable — essential when working with high-gloss, metallic or textured coverings.
3. Mistakes You Should Avoid
Here are three mistakes we’re often asked to fix:
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“It’s peeling off in the corners.”
Often caused by using the wrong adhesive, or failure to size the wall correctly. -
“The joins are showing.”
Textured or patterned papers require perfectly aligned seams — done by eye and experience. -
“There are bubbles beneath the surface.”
These form when air gets trapped during installation. We use specialist tools to prevent this, and stretch-and-smooth methods specific to each material.
4. Our Most Requested Looks Right Now
Across West London and Central London homes, we’re seeing a huge rise in requests for:
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Gracie Studio panels in formal dining rooms
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De Gournay murals framed with antique cornicing
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Natural raffia wallcoverings in bedrooms and studies
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Textured gold leaf prints behind headboards or in powder rooms
Often, we work in tandem with interior designers who specify custom cuts or multi-room schemes. In every case, our job is to translate the concept into flawless reality.
Case Study: Marylebone Townhouse, W1
We recently installed a full suite of hand-painted chinoiserie panels in a Grade II listed townhouse in Marylebone. The client, a boutique hotelier, wanted an elegant, timeless aesthetic that would transition between personal and guest-use spaces.
Our scope included:
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Wall smoothing with breathable plaster fillers
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Lining with acid-free archival paper
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Installation of hand-trimmed panels using silk paste and micro-roller application
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Touch-up and invisible seam work to match colour across panels
The result was a space that drew compliments from every guest — and was later featured in a Vogue Living online editorial.
5. FAQs: For Homeowners & Property Managers
Can wallcoverings be used in kitchens or bathrooms?
Yes — with moisture-resistant backings or sealed vinyls. We recommend brands like Arte and Elitis for performance luxury.
What if the walls aren’t perfectly flat?
We use a combination of lining papers and ultra-fine skimming to create an ideal surface before hanging.
How long does it take to install?
Most single rooms take 1–2 days (prep excluded). Whole-home installations may take 1–2 weeks, depending on complexity and materials.
Can you remove old wallpaper without damaging the wall?
Yes. We use steam-free, low-impact removal techniques, especially in listed buildings or lime plaster properties.
Do you work with interior designers and architects?
We frequently do. We’re happy to attend site visits, supply samples, and coordinate scheduling with project teams.
Contact JRSL Interiors
Studio: Charlotte Street, Fitzrovia, London W1
0207 112 8885
info@jrslinteriors.co.uk
www.jrslinteriors.co.uk
Instagram: @jrsl_interiors
Looking for flawless wallcovering installation in Central London?
JRSL Interiors offers discreet, expert application of the world’s finest materials — with the respect your home deserves.