A Guide to Design, Durability, and Craftsmanship
Wallpaper is one of the most transformative tools in interior design, but not all wallpaper is created equal.
If you’ve ever wondered why some wallcoverings elevate a space for years while others peel, fade, or feel flat, the difference almost always comes down to three defining factors:
Design. Performance. Production.
At Tempaper & Co., we believe true high-quality wallpaper exists at the intersection of these three elements. When aesthetics, substrate performance, and printing craftsmanship are thoughtfully engineered together, the result is a wallcovering that doesn’t just look beautiful on install day, but one that continues to perform in real homes, hospitality spaces, and high-traffic environments over time.
Here’s what to look for when evaluating the quality of wallpaper.
High-Quality Wallpaper Starts with the Aesthetic
Wallpaper is ultimately a decorative surface, so the first marker of quality begins with the design itself.
Beyond color and pattern repeat, premium wallpaper design considers:
· Design layout
· Scale and proportion
· Color & Tonal variation
· Pigment depth
· Finish
At Tempaper & Co., every wallpaper collection begins with a clear point of view. Our in-house design team studies emerging interior design trends across both residential and commercial spaces, drawing inspiration from global travel to the fashion runway. This passion for discovery informs the innovation and creativity that define each collection. Collaborations with interior designers and independent artists introduce distinct perspectives that enhance our offerings, bringing individuality and visual movement to a wide range of spaces and industries.
One of the most overlooked indicators of high-quality wallpaper is finish.
A matte finish wallpaper absorbs light rather than reflecting it, allowing the detail of the print to remain the focus. Compared to glossy or overly coated surfaces, matte wallcoverings tend to feel more architectural and artisan-driven, minimizing glare while enhancing the depth and authenticity of the design. At Tempaper & Co. we spent countless months perfecting the finish of our peel and stick wallpaper before our official launch in 2008. All heat driven, it was important to cure the inks enough so they wouldn’t fade but not overly heat the product as to cause too much shine. Factors that define a high-quality wallpaper and have always meant a great deal to us.
A wallpaper’s long-term durability begins with its substrate, the base material onto which the design is printed.
Different substrates are engineered for different environments:
Vinyl Wallpaper: Commercial-grade and residential vinyl wallpapers are known for their durability and washability. Ideal for bathrooms, kitchens, entryways, and hospitality settings, vinyl wallcoverings are designed to withstand humidity, steam, and everyday wear in high-traffic areas. Tempaper® peel and stick wallpaper is made from vinyl making it an ideal product for bathroom installations.
Natural Wallpaper Substrates (Grasscloth, Jute, Linen, Paperweave):
Authentic grasscloth wallpaper and other natural fiber wallcoverings offer dimensional texture that enhances both visual warmth and acoustic performance. These organic materials help absorb sound, making them a preferred choice in bedrooms, dining rooms, and boutique hospitality spaces where comfort matters as much as aesthetics. When coated, natural wallcoverings gain added moisture resistance without compromising their tactile appeal.
Paper Wallpaper: Traditional paper substrates are breathable and lightweight, which can make them beneficial in historic homes or older construction where airflow through the wall assembly is important. However, they are typically less moisture-resistant than vinyl or non-woven options and are best suited for lower-traffic or residential areas.
Choosing the right wallpaper substrate ensures your wallcovering performs as beautifully as it looks, especially in rooms exposed to daily use.
Printing Methods Shape the End Product
The final layer of quality lies in how wallpaper is produced. Advanced wallpaper printing methods influence everything from color saturation to tactile dimension:
Gravure Printing: Sinceour first production run in 2008, Tempaper® has been produced using the time-honored intaglio copper plate engraving process, a gravure printing method known for its precision, depth, and ability to achieve exceptional detail. Gravure printing allows for exceptional ink control, and the use of specialty inks that introduce metallics and texture directly into the print. Techniques such as raised grout lines or layered colors create wallcoverings that are both visually dynamic and physically dimensional.
Screen Printing
Screen-printed wallpaper applies a heavier ink deposit, producing rich, saturated color and an artisanal finish that echoes traditional hand-crafted wallcoverings. This process is often associated with high-end designer wallpaper collections.
Digital Printing
Digital wallpaper printing supports intricate pattern detail and precise color matching, allowing for complex large-scale designs without sacrificing clarity. When paired with durable vinyl substrates, digitally printed wallpaper can offer both high aesthetic impact and performance in demanding environments.
Wallpaper Is Where Art Meets Engineering
High-quality wallpaper is more than a surface pattern, it’s the result of material science, print technology, and intentional design working together.
Or as Tempaper Co-Founder and Chief Creative Officer Jennifer Matthews puts it:
“Exceptional wallpaper lives at the intersection of design, performance, and production, remove one, and the integrity of the entire product is compromised.”
At Tempaper & Co., our wallcoverings are gravure and digitally printed on a variety of substrates - from authentic grasscloth, premium unpasted wallpaper, and certified peel and stick vinyl substrates, resulting in textured, durable wallpaper designed for any occasion.
Explore our collection of high-quality wallpaper, including peel and stick, natural grasscloth wallcoverings, and designer-grade unpasted wallpaper to find a finish that enhances both the beauty and performance of your space.
