Wallpaper FAQ
Everything you need to know about our wallpaper and wallcovering collections — from natural substrates like grasscloth, silk, and linen to commercial-grade Type II vinyl. Whether you're choosing a pattern, planning an installation, or specifying wallcovering for a commercial project, these answers will help you decide with confidence.
Substrates & Materials
What is silk wallpaper?
Silk wallpaper is a wall covering made with a genuine silk surface laminated to a paper or fabric backing. The natural silk fibers create a luminous, light-catching surface with subtle sheen and soft texture. Unlike vinyl or synthetic wallpaper that mimics silk, real silk wallpaper has natural variation and depth that shifts with changing light conditions throughout the day.
What is linen wallpaper?
Linen wallpaper is a wall covering made with real linen textile laminated to a paper backing. The natural flax fiber weave creates a soft, tactile surface with subtle texture and organic variation. Unlike vinyl or paper wallpaper printed with a linen texture, real linen wallcovering has genuine depth and warmth that you can see and feel.
What is the difference between real grasscloth and faux grasscloth?
Real grasscloth is made from actual woven plant fibers and has genuine three-dimensional texture, natural color variation, and a handcrafted feel. Faux grasscloth is printed vinyl or paper designed to mimic the look of grasscloth but lacks true texture — it is flat, uniform, and does not respond to light the same way. Real grasscloth is more expensive but delivers an authenticity that faux versions cannot match.
What is the difference between real textured wallpaper and faux texture?
Real textured wallpaper uses actual dimensional materials — woven grasscloth fibers, silk threads, linen weave — that create genuine tactile surfaces. Faux textured wallpaper prints a photographic image of texture onto flat paper or vinyl. The difference is visible and tangible: real texture catches light unevenly, feels dimensional to the touch, and has natural variation. Faux texture is uniform, flat, and lacks the depth and warmth of natural materials.
Can you print patterns on silk wallpaper?
Yes. Poppy Print Studio prints original designs directly onto real silk substrate, combining the luminous surface quality of silk with bold, contemporary patterns. The interplay between the light-catching silk ground and the printed design creates a layered visual effect that is unique to natural substrate printing — something that paper or vinyl wallpaper cannot replicate.
Is traditional wallpaper better than peel and stick?
Traditional paste-applied wallpaper generally provides a stronger bond, smoother finish, and greater longevity than peel-and-stick alternatives. It is better suited for large-scale applications, complex patterns requiring precise matching, and rooms where the wallpaper will remain for years. Peel-and-stick is convenient for temporary or rental applications, but traditional wallpaper remains the professional standard for permanent installations.
Design & Styling
Is floral wallpaper outdated?
Floral wallpaper is one of the most enduringly popular styles in interior design — far from outdated, it is consistently among the top-searched wallcovering categories. The key to keeping floral wallpaper current is choosing designs with a fresh perspective: updated colorways, contemporary scale, and premium substrates. Vintage florals done well feel curated and intentional, while modern botanicals bring artistic energy to any space.
What is dark floral wallpaper?
Dark floral wallpaper features botanical designs on deep, richly saturated backgrounds — typically black, navy, forest green, or dark charcoal. The contrast between the dark ground and the floral motifs creates a dramatic, moody effect that is both modern and romantic. Dark floral wallpaper is especially popular in dining rooms, powder rooms, and accent walls where bold impact is desired. Our dark florals are printed on natural substrates for added depth and texture.
How do I choose the right scale for floral wallpaper?
Scale depends on room size and application. Large floral wallpaper with oversized blooms creates maximum impact and works best on accent walls or in rooms with high ceilings where the pattern can breathe. Small-scale florals are better suited for full-room applications and smaller spaces, where they create an all-over texture without overwhelming. As a rule, order samples and tape them to your wall at the planned viewing distance before deciding.
What is minimalist wallpaper?
Minimalist wallpaper is wallcovering designed to add texture, warmth, and subtle visual interest to walls without bold patterns or high-contrast designs. It relies on material quality and tactile depth rather than graphic complexity. Natural substrates like grasscloth, silk, and linen are ideal for minimalist wallpaper because their inherent texture creates a living, dimensional surface that paint cannot replicate — all with quiet restraint.
Which wall should I wallpaper as an accent wall?
Choose the wall that naturally draws the eye when you enter the room. In bedrooms, this is typically the wall behind the headboard. In living rooms, the wall behind the sofa or the fireplace wall. In dining rooms, the wall visible from the entry. Avoid wallpapering a wall with too many doors, windows, or interruptions — the pattern needs unbroken surface area to create the intended impact.
Is wallpaper or paint better for a minimalist interior?
Both can work, but they achieve different effects. Paint provides a flat, uniform surface. Minimalist wallpaper — particularly natural fiber wallcovering — adds warmth, texture, and depth that paint cannot. The light-response alone makes a significant difference: textured wallpaper creates gentle shadows and tonal variation that give walls life without visual clutter. For minimalist interiors that feel warm rather than sparse, wallpaper is the superior choice.
Installation & Care
Can you put wallpaper on textured walls?
Yes, but wall preparation is key. Lightly textured walls (orange peel, light knockdown) can often accept wallpaper with proper primer and sometimes a skim coat. Heavily textured walls (deep knockdown, popcorn) should be skim-coated smooth before wallpaper installation. Our natural fiber wallcoverings — grasscloth, silk, and linen — have inherent thickness and texture that can bridge minor surface irregularities better than thin vinyl or paper wallpaper. Professional installation is always recommended.
Can traditional wallpaper be removed?
Yes. Traditional paste-applied wallpaper can be removed, though the process requires more effort than peeling off self-adhesive paper. Most modern wallpapers, including ours, are strippable or peelable — meaning the top layer can be pulled away cleanly, with any remaining backing removed using warm water and a scraper. Scoring tools and wallpaper removal solution can speed the process for stubborn installations.
How do you clean grasscloth wallpaper?
Grasscloth wallpaper should be dusted regularly with a soft brush or dry cloth. For spot cleaning, use a slightly damp cloth and blot gently — never rub or use liquid cleaners, as natural fibers can absorb moisture and stain. Most marks on grasscloth can be prevented with careful handling during and after installation. Professional cleaning is recommended for significant soiling.
Is wallpaper waterproof enough for a bathroom?
Most wallpapers are not fully waterproof, but many are moisture-resistant enough for bathroom use. In powder rooms and half baths, natural substrates like grasscloth and linen perform excellently because they never contact standing water. For areas near showers or tubs, commercial-grade vinyl wallcoverings offer greater moisture protection. The key factor is ventilation — a well-ventilated bathroom allows wallpaper to thrive for years.
What is the best wallpaper for a ceiling?
Textured grasscloth is the most popular ceiling wallpaper because the natural fiber variation adds warmth and dimension while masking imperfections in the ceiling surface. Subtle tone-on-tone patterns and soft geometrics also work well — patterns that create visual interest when viewed from below without overwhelming the room. For a bold statement, consider a mural-style wallpaper or a saturated solid in a bedroom tray ceiling.
Commercial & Trade
What is commercial grade wallpaper?
Commercial grade wallpaper is wallcovering manufactured and tested to meet specific performance standards for use in high-traffic public and business environments. It must pass standardized tests for abrasion resistance, tear strength, stain resistance, colorfastness, and fire safety (typically ASTM E84 Class A). The most common standard is ASTM F793, which defines Type I and Type II performance levels for contract wallcovering.
What is the difference between Type I and Type II wallcovering?
Type I and Type II refer to performance categories defined by ASTM F793. Type I wallcovering has a minimum weight of 7 oz per square yard and is suitable for moderate-traffic areas like offices and hotel guest rooms. Type II wallcovering has a minimum weight of 13 oz per square yard and is built for high-traffic areas like hotel corridors, hospital hallways, and restaurant dining rooms. Type II offers greater abrasion and tear resistance.
Do you offer PVC-free commercial wallcovering?
Yes. We carry PVC-free commercial wallpaper options that deliver contract-grade performance without vinyl content. These products are increasingly specified in LEED-certified, WELL Building Standard, and Living Building Challenge projects where material health and sustainability certifications are required. Contact us for current PVC-free product availability and specification data.
Can I get spec sheets and fire rating data for commercial wallpaper?
Absolutely. Every commercial wallcovering product includes full technical documentation — ASTM E84 fire test results (Class A), ASTM F793 performance data, dimensional stability, colorfastness, and VOC emissions data. Spec sheets are available on request. Email sales@poppyprintstudio.com and reference the specific product for complete specification packages.
Do you offer trade pricing on commercial wallcovering?
Yes. We offer trade pricing for architects, interior designers, and commercial purchasing agents. Volume discounts are available for contract-scale projects. Contact sales@poppyprintstudio.com with your project details and trade credentials for a custom quote. We support projects from initial specification through delivery and can coordinate with your installer on lead times and logistics.
Can you create custom wallcovering for a hotel or restaurant?
Yes. We offer custom colorway development and can work with designers and architects to adapt existing patterns or create entirely new designs for hospitality projects. Custom work requires minimum order quantities and additional lead time. Contact sales@poppyprintstudio.com with your design concept, square footage requirements, and project timeline for a detailed proposal.
Wallpaper Samples
What size are your wallpaper samples?
All of our samples are sized to 8” wide x 10” tall.
Samples are produced on the same wallpaper material you would receive on an order.
Most samples are printed at 100% scale, but some larger repeat mural design samples are scaled smaller to show more of the repeat. Samples that have been reduced in scale are labeled as such.
If your sample does not have a scale label, it is printed at 100% - the same as the roll will be.
Sample artwork is the same for every sample, they all look alike.We make an effort to include all colors in the wallpaper pattern for our samples, but this is not always possible.
All samples are provided labeled with the material listed, roll size, and method of roll production.
If you require a larger sample you can request a strikeoff by contact our sales team at sales@poppyprintstudio.com or by calling 913-303-9629
Should I order wallpaper samples before placing my order?
Yes, we suggest ordering samples prior to placing your order. Colors on a phone or computer screen can vary and it is best to order a sample to verify color and material. All of our wallpaper is print-to-order and we keep standards to verify samples match the final wallpaper, however small variations may occur during the printing process or due to material batches and lots. Samples will match your final order within a variance of 5%
Wallpaper Rolls
What materials do you use? What is the difference between Paste-the-Wall wallpaper, pre-pasted wallpaper, and un-pasted wallpaper and which do you offer?
All of our wallpaper provided unpasted and is paste-the-paper or paste-the-wall. We use premium materials and do not offer pre-pasted or self-adhesive peel-and-stick materials. A full list of materials which specification and installation sheets are available for download here: https://www.poppyprintstudio.com/pages/materials
How do you make your wallpaper?
All of our wallpaper is digitally printed and produced in house at our facility. We have made investments in the newest digital printing and finishing technology to ensure our wallpaper is printed quickly, accurately and to the highest quality standards. We have over a decade of experience with digital printing of home decor products and control the printing process for start to finish with an extensive quality control process, guaranteeing you receive a premium product with fast lead times.
What is your minimum order for wallpaper?
The minimum order for Poppy residential wallpaper is one roll. We do not offer half or partial rolls. Roll sizing varies by design and can be found on the product page for each design offering.
Commercial grade Type II wallcovering is sold by the square foot without minimums, but is not available for direct purchase through our website. Commercial quote requests should be directed to our sales team at sales@poppyprintstudio.com or by calling 913-303-9629
How many wallpaper rolls do I need for my project?
All of our wallpaper products include a per roll square footage coverage notation in the specifications section on the product page.
We strongly recommend the use of a professional wallpaper hanger for the installation of our papers, any reputable installation company will be able to provide you with the amount of rolls required after visiting your job site taking measurements. A full breakdown of the benefits of using a wallpaper hanger can be found below in the "Wallpaper Installation - Can I install wallpaper myself?" FAQ section.
For budgeting purposes we are happy to provide you with an estimate on the amount of rolls required if you can provide us with the wall dimensions or a blueprint with dimensional callouts. When in doubt photos and measurements will help our team provide you with a roll estimate. Quantity inquiries should be directed to our sales team at sales@poppyprintstudio.comor by calling 913-303-9629.
What if I under-ordered and need more wallpaper for my project?
All of our orders go through a quality control checklist prior, during and after the printing process. One of the quality control steps is to keep a physical counter sample from each order for future reference if required. In the event that a short order occurs, we will have a counter sample to reference for your reorder. However, we cannot guarantee a 100% match can be achieved due to a variety of factors including passage or time and material variations from batch to batch. For this reason we recommend ordering overage and attic stock. Please see "What is wallpaper overage" FAQ section below for an explanation on how to avoid short orders.
What is wallpaper overage?
The purpose of overage is to allow for extra material in the event of any installation issues or short orders.
Our wallpapers are small batch print-to-order goods and while color is consistent from roll to roll there are minor batch variances which can make reprinting to a specific color match difficult if not impossible, not to mention it can delay your completion date or result in reprinting of an entire wall.
Any leftover overage rolls can be stored for use as attic stock in the event that the wallpaper is damaged in the future.
For residential wallpaper orders we suggest ordering a minimum 1 additional roll for overage.
For commercial material orders we suggest ordering a minimum of 15% additional material for overage.
What is wallpaper attic stock?
Attic stock is unused wallpaper which can be stored for future use. In the event that your wallpaper is damaged after installation you will have replacement material on hand from the same batch which guarantees an exact match for replacement.
Do you have EPD (ENVIRONMENTAL-PRODUCT DECLARATION), HPD (Health Product Declaration), and Low VOC certificates for your wallpaper materials?
All of our materials meet WA-101 standards for low VOC indoor air quality - including California IAQ-1350 and Prop 65.
Certificates for each material are available from us by request by contacting our sales team at sales@poppyprintstudio.com or by calling 913-303-9629.
Do you have peel-and-stick wallpaper
No, we do not offer temp paper or peel-and-stick wallpaper.
Lead Times
How long does it take to get wallpaper samples?
In most cases all of our wallpaper samples are in stock and ready to ship within 24 hours.
Orders placed before 1:00PM CST are normally processed the same day, orders after the 1:00PM cutoff time ship the following business day. We offer both Standard USPS service which arrives in 3-4 days and Express service which arrives in 2 days. Shipping options for both services are selectable during checkout.
If you require overnight service prior to a presentation or to meet a deadline, please email sales@poppyprintstudio.com or call 913-303-9629 and our sales team and we will make every effort to accommodate your rush wallpaper sample request.
All of our samples ship with a tracking number allowing you status updates as the package travels to you.
How long does it take to receive wallpaper rolls?
Standard processing time for wallpaper rolls is 5-7 business days or sooner, plus transit time. All of our products are made-to-order.
Our shipping method for wallpaper roll orders is UPS Ground. Most locations in the continental USA will receive their delivered order in 2-4 days. Some very rural areas will take 5 days.
If you require rush shipping or order processing services to meet a deadline, please contact our sales team by email at sales@poppyprintstudio.com or call 913-303-9629 and we will make every effort to accommodate your rush request.
How long does it take to receive commercial grade wallpaper orders?
The production time for commercial orders is 5-7 business days for typical smaller volume orders (less than 1000 Square Feet). Large volume projects can increase the lead time up to 4-6 weeks. Material availability, initial design sampling, cutting for approval issuance, quote approvals, and transportation times can all add to the lead time. In general most commercial orders can be completed in 2-6 weeks. For timelines specific to your commercial wallpaper projects, please contact us and we can advise you on what to expect.
How long does it take to receive a CFA (cutting for approval) or strikeoff for a commercial or custom wallpaper order?
We produce standard cutting for approval order requests in 5-7 business days plus transit time. Custom order strikeoffs are also processed in 5-7 business days in most cases. However, orders with large amounts of custom color matching may take longer. Please contact our sales team with details on your custom project for specific timelines.
Wallpaper Installation
Can I install wallpaper myself?
Engaging a professional wallpaper installer for the installation of your Poppy wallpaper offers several advantages, ensuring a successful and visually appealing outcome. A few of the reasons we suggest using a professional for your wallpaper installation:
Installers will visit your site prior to installation to confirm dimensions and provide you with a recommendation on the amount of wallpaper required.
Professional wallpaper installers possess the skills and experience necessary for handling different materials and patterns. Their expertise ensures a precise and flawless installation tailored to the specific characteristics of Poppy products.
Professionals understand the importance of thorough wall preparation. They can address imperfections in the wall surface, providing a smooth and even base for your Poppy wallpaper. This meticulous preparation is crucial for achieving a seamless and long-lasting result.
Achieving perfect alignment and pattern matching, especially with intricate Poppy designs, is a specialized skill. Professional installers are adept at aligning patterns as close to seamlessly as possible, minimizing visible seams and ensuring a cohesive look.
Most importantly hiring a professional installer can avoid costly mistakes. Wallpaper installation mistakes can be expensive. Additional material orders and delayed installation dates can add up quickly. Professionals are less likely to make errors, reducing the chances of wasted materials and additional expenses.
For the best experience, we strongly recommended our customers consult Wallcovering Installers Association to find a reputable installer in their area. This ensures that the chosen professional is well-versed in handling Poppy wallpapers, contributing to a high-quality and successful installation.
Why are the wallpaper seams visible?
Wallpaper seams may be visible when viewed up close for various reasons during the installation process. Some common factors include:
If the wallpaper panels are not aligned correctly during installation, it can result in visible seams. Ensuring precise matching and alignment is crucial.
Changes in temperature and humidity levels can cause wallpaper to expand or contract. If the wallpaper isn't properly acclimated before installation, seams may become visible as a result of these changes.Uneven or damaged walls can contribute to visible seams. It's essential to properly prepare and smooth the wall surface before installing wallpaper.
To minimize the visibility of seams, it's crucial to follow proper installation procedures, including precise alignment, thorough wall preparation, and using the recommended adhesive for the wallpaper type. Additionally, choosing high-quality wallpaper can contribute to a more seamless and visually appealing result.
All Poppy wallpaper is provided with installation directions and best practices result from using a professional wallpaper installer and following the directions exactly.
Will the wallpaper design match exactly all the way from the floor to the ceiling?
Our wallpaper rolls are manufactured at the highest tolerances to allow for a perfect match. However, it is standard practice during installation to make the eye level match first and then work the material up and down so that any mismatches or slight pattern variations are high or low on the wall and not noticeable. If you pattern does not match exactly from top to bottom of wall this does not mean it is defective or installed incorrectly.
Material errors or imperfections
If you or your installer encounter any issues with the wallpaper during the installation process, cease installation immediately and capture images of the problem. Remove the wallpaper before the adhesive dries and contact us promptly. If the issue is determined to be a result of a print or trim error, we will promptly dispatch a replacement. We strongly advise inspecting the wallpaper for any issues after every 2 to 3 drops. Poppy is not responsible for any associated labor charges resulting from installation of product which does not meet your standards.
Warranty & Repair
Do you offer warranty for your wallpaper?
All our products are subject to an extensive multipoint quality control process prior to shipping.Our warranty provides a guarantee against manufacturer defects. In the event that your wallpaper rolls are flawed or damaged during shipping we will work with you to send replacements.The guarantee covers any manufacturing or material defect.
The guarantee does not apply to installation errors.
Projects that are installed are not eligible for warranty claims. The materials must be inspected prior to installation. Installation of wallpaper is deemed an acceptance of the goods.
Do you offer extended warranty?
No, there is no explicit or implied long term warranty for installed wallpaper.