Paper Backed or Fabric Backed?????

Hey,

I never thought that I would be writing a blog about the topic mentioned above. But here I am doing exactly the same thing. See I am in India, so I will be just putting infront of you an Indian scenario.

Yesterday it so happened that one of my architect friends happened to ask me , what would you suggest, Mr Salesman, a paper backed wallpaper or a fabric backed wall covering for a residential site. My answer was obviously a paper backed wallpaper. Lot of people also ask me the same question, but since I am not just a vendor but also a client service manager so my job also involves educating the clients and providing best solution as per their requirements. So let me just try to start from the scratch into explaining why fabric backed and why paper backed.

The right word to use for a fabric backed wallpaper is " wall covering" and not a wallpaper. Since there is no paper backing so that's why it is a wall covering. So let me give you an example or two to explain whether to use a paper backed or a fabric backed. Say for example, If you want lot of designs, floral patterns, handmade wallpapers, or if you want to impress someone or how the walls look is a matter of pride for you, then obviously one should go for paper backed. (Besides, it is a wrong perception that paper backed can only come in economical ranges. The price range of paper backed wallpapers would vary from less than a hundred bucks and can easily go upto few thousand rupees per square feet). 

But if you dont want designs and durability is the only concern for you (few commercials and hospitality segments, whose primary aim is durability and cost effectiveness) go with fabric backed wallcoverings. Unlike a residential site, where in the quantities are small and people prefer different designs and patterns for different walls, the commercial segment generally uses the same pattern and also the quantities are huge, so that's why cost effectiveness. If I tell a house owner to use the same pattern in all rooms, he will tell me that I have gone mad and trust me, this is a common response which we get.

Now let's talk about some facts based on my primary research.However please note that the research was conducted some 4 months ago, and whether to use paper backed or fabric backed was part of the survey. So, just thought of putting in the excerpts from the same. The data has been derived from surveying 110 end users, 25 interior designers and architects and 7 major contractors who have used or are planning to use wallpapers. The graphs have been depicted at the bottom. The survey has been conducted in Delhi region only.

Out of the total people interviewed, only 5 percent of the population is aware of fabric wallpapers and out of those 5 percent 80 percent of the people prefer paper backed wallpapers. The figure shoots upto 97 percent when you tell them that fabric backed would have limited designs compared to a paper backed. There is a very strong law of demand and supply which exists in the Indian wallpaper industry. Since only 0.05 percent of the total population prefers a fabric backed wallcovering, therefore not many suppliers are willing to stock it unlike the case of paper backed, and hence the time and the cost becomes high.

Besides, these days some commercial projects are using fabric wallpapers, because they just want durability and the same pattern everywhere, with some subtle designs. In those cases since quantities are good, so clients can save a good amount via freight, duties (through EPCG licences, hotels can save even more) and because of little margins in case of big projects.

Other important factor which has to be taken into account is that only 1 percent of wallpapers, which are available in India are of Indian make. And whatever is made in India is as per the demand ie.only paper backed with lots and lots of floral designs. The Indian wallpaper market of today is very much similar to the Chinese paper market of 1970's. So we are moving towards the Chinese market of today, but very very slowly.

Besides, as per the research lot of people get bored seeing the same design again and again. So one of the reasons that they prefer paper backed is that you get some very nice designs in paper backed plus mostly economical range plus one can easily change them after 3 or 4 years.

To give you a jist, I am a big fan of wallpapers and it doesnot really matter as long as I am able to fulfill the needs of the client, provided client is ready to pay for the paper backed or the fabric backed and also wait for the wallpapers(mostly true in case of fabric backed).

Besides we as a company dont just think of ourselves as just mere vendors, because ultimately the aim is to service the clients,which we have always tried to do, and educating them is also a part of providing them the right service, I guess......

Thanks for reading the blog and I hope you liked the blog. Would now be waiting for some good orders from your side. (Paper Backed or Fabric Backed; anything will do)

Please find below the graphs of the surveys...

What kind of a Wallpaper guy you are???

Hey,

Its been a long long time since I have written a blog. The only excuse which I can give is that I have been a bit busy with wallpapers. You know the interesting thing about wallpapers is, the more you see different catalogs, the more passionate you become about them. Besides wallpapers are one of the very few things which I know, so I guess becoming passionate about them is just very much obvious.

So here I am, after 3 years of my research, telling you, the types of wallpapers I have encountered over the last 3 years. Wallpaper has always been a popular alternative to painting a room. But, in addition to traditional wallpaper, there are many types of wall coverings that will enliven a room. You talk about wallpapers with velvet touch, big damasks, handmade wallpapers, murals and posters are some wallpapers which are here to stay.

Some traditional wallpapers would include the following:-

1) Flocked Wallpapers:- These are usually ornate and considered very old fashioned (though still very much in demand). It basically includes a raised pattern that would contrast with the back ground color.

2) Printed Wallpapers:- These are the general category of manufactured wallpapers with patterns which are printed on it.

3) Textured Wallpapers:- These are the papers which have a raised texture which you can easily feel. Still very much in demand as per my research.

Now lets compare the above with some modern wallpapers which are expensive, status symbols, trendy, in style and in a connoisseur's language, very much contemporary.

1) Hand Made Wallpapers:- These are some of the most beautiful wallpapers which you will find in the market. Since these are hand made that is why they are premium ranged products compared to a machine made wallpaper. You will find wallpapers made of champagne cork, jute wallpapers, silk papers and the list goes on.

2) Big Damasks:- These are the kind of wallpapers which will always be in. They were in, in the early seventies, and are still running successfully in the market. The only difference probably is that in the seventies only China was making these kind of wallpapers, but now you will find damasks made in Germany, U.S.A, Korea, U.K, Italy etc.

3) Glittery Wallpapers:- These were the kind of papers which were very much in during the early seventies. But because of some reason, the market has been flooded with these type of wallpapers in the recent years. The only reason which I can think of is the law of demand and supply. So, surely demand must be there and that is why the supply. But the important thing here is to be sure about the manufacturer of these type of papers. Usually there are just 2 countries (as per my knowledge) which manufacture such glittery wallpapers i.e. China and Korea. Koreans are probably the best manufacturers of glittery papers. Not to say that chinese are not, but Koreans are very good.

4) Fabric Backed Wallpapers:- The only reason why people prefer fabric backed is because of its durability. But if you look at the facts, a paper backed will also be durable, plus it gives you individuality, thousands of designs, easy availibility , cost effectiveness for small quantities,warmth, and a status symbol as well. These (fabric backed) are the types of wallpapers which are primarily used in the hotel industry or may be corporates, where cost and durability(because quantities are very high) are the factors. Besides these type of hotels just choose one pattern for the entire area, so thats why cost effectiveness. But seriously, in a home, generally people don't prefer fabric backed as you don't find lot of designs and these can be expensive for small quantities. 

5) Posters / Murals:- Lot of sceneries, exceptional designs, can be customized if quantities are good and easily available. So if you want to set a trend, go for these posters and murals. 

6) Velvet Coated Wallpapers:- Again, a premium ranged product with the coating of velvet on the top. Primarily these types of wallpapers originated in the U.K. but now countries are Germany and Italy are also producing the same. A bit of maintenance is required as there is a velvet coating but one of the most beautiful products you can find.

7) Foils:- An original hand made gold foil would be very very expensive(sometimes unaffordable). But these days, lot of japanese, chinese and korean foils (silver and gold foil) have entered the market, which are duplicates of the original foils, but they are doing very well and are very durable and cost effective as well.

I guess, the list of wallpapers which I have encountered will never end and I can continue forever  with the same and I am sure that I will encounter lots of different wallpapers in the future as well. But the irony is that business won't come, just by blogging. So, to earn some money, I will have to take your leave and focus on the business for now. So I just hope that you liked my post and would wait for my next blog.

However, in case of any requirements or queries, please feel free to call me. Would be waiting for your calls.

Regards

Client Service Manager

Home Life Furnishing

09999703531, 09810179660

How to choose a wall paper

Hey,


As we have already explained to you, as to, why should you use wallpapers, the next question which would automatically come to your mind is, how to chose a wallpaper. Well, its a very fair question to ask.


See, choosing a wallpaper is a very difficult task. I am sure there are lot of experts who would agree with me that even in the best of times, it becomes difficult sometimes for an interior designer as well to chose the right wall paper for a particular place. We are not by any means saying that we are experts and we can never go wrong in choosing the right paper. What we are saying is that on the basis of our knowledge, our experience, and of course our research(primary and secondary data), in this field, we are sharing few ideas which might help you to chose the right wallpaper for your office or your house. So, here goes some of our ideas:-


1) Observe the Fashion:-  In the 1970's era, when lot of chinese wallpapers were in the market, people would go in for very loud designs. Then the trend changed and people preferred less and elegant designs. Now in 2000's era, fashion again has changed and now we are back again with big damasks, softened metallics, textures with animal skins etc.


2) Always chose what you like:- Its your home, so don't listen to what your vendor or your neighbor is saying. Since you are the one who would be staying in that house, so always chose what you like. There is a saying which goes like this " Always listen to everyone but do what your heart says". This saying holds true specially while chosing a wall paper.


3) Ask for samples:- If you like a particular design, ask for the sample of the same from your vendor. Usually, it is very difficult to get a large sample, but just ask, your vendor might be able to provide you the same.


4) Avoid the tendency to order immediately:- I have seen lot of people who have a tendency to order immediately once they like a particular design. This tendency doesnot seem to work as far as selecting a wallpaper is concerned. Once you like a particular design , try to live with that design for a couple of days. Try to imagine your walls with that wallpaper and whether that design works well with other room's walls. Once you feel that everything is in symmetry, go for it then.


5) Durability:- While choosing a paper, one should always consider durability of the wallpapers. There are 2 types of wallpapers. One type of wallpapers are those which have a paper backing and the others are those which have a fabric backing. Paper backed wallpapers are not washable, are only spongable but fabric backed are always washable and are much more durable than paper backed but you will not get many designs in a fabric backed compared to a paper backed.


6) Play:- Walls don’t have to be completely covered, and borders can go places other than the top of the wall. Try hanging borders a foot from the ceiling, or around a door. Mix patterns. Consider papering the ceiling, too.

7) Don’t know where to begin? The best rooms to paper are rooms without soft furnishings. Dining rooms, bathrooms, kitchens, and laundry rooms are great places to start.

8) It’s not forever:- Gone are the days when it was easier to take out the wall than remove old wallpaper. Today’s wallpaper is easy to apply and remove. If you don’t like what you picked in a few years, no big deal.

We have tried our level best to try to increase your knowledge about chosing a wallpaper. However in case you still are confused, just give us a call, we will ourselves come with the samples, to help you chose better.

Our Telephone Number:- 09999703531, 09810179660..........

Your feedbacks are always welcomed....

Regards

Home Life Furnishing

Client Service Manager

Ohhh Wallpaper .....My Wallpaper

Hey,


Now as promised we will continuously be adding articles and materials to ensure that you have a decent amount of knowledge about decorating your home's or for that matter your office's interiors.


So, today we will be discussing about wallpapers. Well apart from it being our bread and butter, I must say selling wallpapers is our passion as well. One of our close architects once said to us"  When you people give a presentation on floorings or blinds or carpets for that matter, I don't see the passion which you always keep talking about, but when you give a presentation on wallpapers I see a glitter in your eyes, and then I can relate to the passion which you people always keep blabbing about. Well we will take it as a compliment, except ofcourse, that blabbing part.

Luxurious, isn't it

 Now let us understand what is a wallpaper...


Well in simple terms it is a substitute of a paint. Now let me make things a bit complicated and go into intricacies and benefits of wallpapers:-


Gone are the days when paint was considered as one of the most popular wall treatment due to the fact that it is widely available and relatively cheap as well. But today people are looking for something by which they can highlight their walls. If you want to give your home a luxurious look then a wise man would never go for a paint, but he would always prefer a wall paper. 

Paint like that if you can

We are not by any means saying that wallpapers are cheap. One can say that in the short run they are relatively expensive than paints but in the long run they are always a better option because of their durability.


I personally am a fan of wallpaper simply because of the myriad choices available to bring out character and warmth in a living space. It is much more widely available and implemented in modern homes these days and if you really have been thinking about the ’should-I’ or ’should-I-not’ for doing your place up with wallpaper, I’m suggesting you lean towards trying it out – if you’re not adventurous, try it out on a small piece of wall as a feature instead.

Just a wallpaper not any animal fur

Here is a list of advantages of wallpapering a living space:-


1) Cost Effective
2) Easy to install and remove.
3) Gives individuality to your walls.
4) Millions of choices available with different designs.
5) Safe for the kids as these are eco friendly.
6) No poisonous fumes.

Next topic would be

"How to choose a Wall Paper"

What is Home Life Furnishing

Hey All,

This is the first time we have  created a blog so please don't expect us to be 100 percent perfect in our writing. So without wasting much of your time, let us get straight to the point.

Now, you would be asking as to why there is a need to create a blog. As you all must be knowing that Home Life Furnishing is a company which we have started some time back, so the idea of creating a blog is to tell all of you as to what Home Life Furnishing is all about.

As the name "Furnishings" would suggest, its all about furnishings(be it wallpapers, wooden floorings, carpets, carpet tiles, blinds and lot more....). And as the name "Home Life" would suggest its all about adding life to your home. Adding life does not mean that without these things there is no life at home. For us, home is a place where there is a closely knitted family(who is there with you in good as well as bad times). But each one of us also want our homes to be luxurious, comfortable, cozy and beautiful. That is where Home Life Furnishings come into the picture.

One thing we can make sure is that your home looks beautiful, elegant and cozy. And obviously we will also make sure that your home becomes your neighbors envy.

From now onwards we will constantly keep on adding new articles, new materials so that you can yourself add beauty to your home's interiors. Mind you we can never have the kind of knowledge which an architect or an interior designer would have. We have lot of respect for the kind of creative minds these people have and we respect them a lot. A good knowledgeable architect or an interior designer is someone who can make a small "jhopdi" look like a million dollar house.

But you all would agree that there are a lot of things in a house interiors on which we need some advice and generally we don't go to architects or interior designers because these are very small things. Obviously if you can afford an architect or an interior designer then our advice is hire them but for small issues, if you don't want to go to interior designers then you can simply mail us as to what advice you need and we will make sure to revert you asap.

We hope now you would know what Home Life Furnishing is all about. And just incase, you need wallpapers, floorings, blinds or carpets you can  mail us at homelifefurnishing@gmail.com or call us at 09999703531, 09810179660.

Regards
Client Service Manager
Home Life Furnishing
homelifefurnishing@gmail.com