In public buildings, walls are among the most heavily used elements of the entire interior. Daily contact with users, the need for regular cleaning and high safety requirements mean that standard decorative wallpapers are increasingly being replaced by professional contract solutions. How do professional wallpapers differ from those intended for residential use, and why are architects increasingly keen to use them in commercial projects? We’ll explain!
Why do public spaces require different finishing materials?
Materials used in public spaces must withstand much greater wear and tear than those used in homes. Hotel corridors, reception areas, restaurants and offices are subject to heavy use every day, which is why the walls are exposed to scuffing, knocks, dirt and frequent cleaning. In commercial projects, compliance with fire safety and hygiene requirements, the ability to be disinfected, and long-lasting aesthetic appeal are also key considerations. This is precisely why architects are increasingly opting for materials developed specifically for the contract market, where technical durability is just as important as visual appeal.
Contract wallpapers – how do they differ from classic decorative wallpapers?
Contract wallpapers are designed for many years’ use in demanding conditions. Their construction utilises contract-grade vinyl or other specialist substrates that enhance resistance to abrasion, mechanical damage and the effects of cleaning products. Unlike traditional decorative wallpapers, they retain their colour stability even with intensive use and regular disinfection. It is precisely this predictability of technical parameters that means architects designing hotels, offices or healthcare facilities are increasingly turning to contract wallpapers, viewing them as a factor influencing the durability of the entire project, rather than merely as wall decoration.
Vinylpex wallpapers – a solution designed for demanding projects
Theprofessional wall coverings from Vinylpex have been designed for premises where high aesthetic standards must go hand in hand with durability and safety of use. A thick layer of vinyl, a flexible backing and resistance to abrasion, moisture and disinfectants ensure that the wallpapers retain their properties for many years of intensive use. Another key advantage is its Class B-s2,d0 fire resistance and high colour fastness to UV radiation.
The extensive range of collections allows the wallcovering to be tailored to the character of almost any project. Ralph, Kris and Milo draw inspiration from natural fabrics; Bruce and Mark interpret concrete and stone; Tela features subtle woven patterns; whilst Harry and Hugo utilise the elegant rhythm of vertical stripes. Organic inspirations can be found in the Cora and Illa collections, whose textures evoke associations with tree bark or mosaics. The brand’s portfolio has recently been expanded to include six new collections: Ravia, Ravia Puro, Eira, Eira Puro, Duna and Duna Puro. The new designs build on Vinylpex’s signature style, characterised by sophisticated textures, natural finishes and a calm colour palette, making it even easier to match the wallpaper to modern hotels, offices, restaurants or premium apartments.
How to choose wallpaper for a hotel, office or restaurant?
The choice of wallpaper for a commercial space should be based primarily on how the premises are used. Each type of interior places different demands on materials, which is why a solution that works well in a hotel will not always be the best choice for a restaurant or a doctor’s surgery. In addition to aesthetics, it is worth considering wear resistance, ease of cleaning and compliance with technical requirements.
- Hotels: in hotel premises, walls should retain a presentable appearance despite heavy use. Particularly high standards apply to corridors, lobbies and communal areas, where wall coverings are exposed to frequent contact with luggage, service trolleys and heavy footfall. Durability, resistance to damage and elegant textures that create a calm interior atmosphere are of great importance.
- Restaurants and cafés: catering interiors require materials that can withstand frequent cleaning, high humidity and heavy use. Wallpaper should retain its aesthetic appeal despite daily wear and tear, whilst helping to create the venue’s ambience through a carefully chosen texture, colour scheme or bespoke design.
- Offices: modern workspaces prioritise materials that emphasise the professional character of the interior and help create an organised environment conducive to concentration. Subtle textures and solutions that improve acoustic comfort are increasingly being used, particularly in open-plan offices.
- Shops and boutiques: walls become part of a brand’s visual identity, so cladding should emphasise the character of the interior whilst maintaining high resistance to daily wear and tear. In retail spaces, what counts is the durability of the finish, ease of cleaning and aesthetics that remain unchanged despite high footfall.
- Medical practices: healthcare facilities require materials that meet high hygiene standards. Resistance to disinfectants, ease of cleaning and compliance with sanitary requirements are of key importance, whilst maintaining a calm aesthetic that promotes patient comfort.
Every project requires an individual assessment, which is why it is worth consulting a supplier specialising in contract solutions regarding the choice of materials right from the design stage.
Acoustic comfort as an element of modern interior design
Just a few years ago, acoustics was treated as a technical issue – today it is one of the factors influencing how an interior is perceived. In a hotel lobby, conference room or open-plan office, excessive reverberation quickly reduces users’ comfort, even if the interior design looks very impressive. That is why acoustic wallpapersare increasingly being incorporated at the design stage , improving acoustic conditions without the need for visible sound-absorbing panels. Their multi-layered construction reduces sound wave reflections, improves speech intelligibility and helps to create a calmer environment for work or relaxation. This solution is particularly valued in offices, hotels, private practices and premium apartments, where a combination of high aesthetic appeal and functionality is key.
What should you look out for when choosing wallpaper for commercial projects?
The best contract wallpaper is one that retains its appearance and performance throughout the building’s entire lifespan. In commercial projects, there is much more to consider than just an attractive design. The material should be able to withstand heavy use, allow for regular cleaning and disinfection, and meet the fire safety requirements applicable to the specific type of project. The continuity of the collection and the ability to reorder the same wallpaper during subsequent stages of construction or future refurbishments are also of great importance. That is why it is worth consulting a supplier specialising in contract solutions before selecting professional wall coverings. At Tapetujemy.pl, architects and developers can count on support in selecting materials that meet the requirements of a specific project, thereby minimising the risk of costly mistakes even before work begins.
In contemporary commercial projects, walls serve a far more important function than mere decoration. They ensure the durability of the finish, influence the comfort of users and help shape the image of the entire space. That is why architects are increasingly turning to professional contract solutions that combine high technical specifications with refined design.
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