Types of Photo Wallpapers

There are three main types of photo wallpaper printing:

UV printing (further referred to as UV) allows for vibrant photo wallpapers with rich, fade-resistant images. UV printing uses UV-curable inks: when exposed to UV radiation, the inks polymerize and solidify, remaining on the paper surface.

Photo 1 — UV printing

Thus, the inks do not absorb into the material, preserving the original color intensity.

Eco-solvent printing (further referred to as ES). The ink contains pigment and solvent. Photo wallpapers printed with these inks are generally more affordable (as you will see from the pricing below for each texture type). The main drawback is that the wallpaper will have a distinct odor upon leaving the printing facility, which can be dissipated but not within a single day.

However, these wallpapers are UV-resistant, non-abrasive, and washable.

Latex ink printing (further referred to as LI). The ink contains pigment, water, and a polymer—latex. The ink solidifies instantly after printing. Latex wallpapers are fade-resistant and durable against external factors. They are odorless.

The best option for children’s rooms. UV-resistant, non-abrasive, and washable.

Wallpaper textures

Since we’ve begun discussing glossy photo wallpapers, let’s start with the first point.

This type of wallpaper features a face layer without embossing. It has a nearly smooth surface with a moderate gloss. Unlike textured wallpapers, this type may show visible seams between panels if not applied carefully. Therefore, it is recommended to purchase glossy wallpapers made of fewer sections. By standard, one wall covering is divided into 8 sections.

Recommended for printing cosmic themes, cartoons, and famous personalities (portrait photo wallpapers).

Price: paper photo wallpapers of standard size (assembled roll) with a glossy surface rarely cost more than $60.

ES: from $14/m²; LI: from $20/m²; UV: from $20/m².

Photo 2 — Texture 'Glossy'. London in your office interior

Photo 3 — Paris in your bedroom

Photo 4 — New York in your living room

(has a variation — simplified texture 'Plaster'). Moving to more original textures. Wallpapers with base type 'Decorative Plaster' are paper-based wall and ceiling coverings that mimic artistic wall painting. This type is considered a universal material, as it works well with various themes: from architectural scenes to art pieces (especially antiquity). Plant motifs look excellent on this textured surface — images of flowers, trees, and grass.

Recommended for children’s rooms.

Price:

ES: from $20/m²; LI: from $28/m²; UV: from $28/m².

Photo 5 — Texture 'Plaster'

(has a variation — texture 'Sand' with finer texture elements). These wallpapers are matte. This base type is best suited for printing architectural landscapes (texture adds slight roughness, making stone masonry, asphalt, or cobblestone look more realistic).

Recommended for architectural, automotive, and wildlife photography.

Price:

ES: $18/m²; LI: from $25.6/m²; UV: from $25.6/m².

Photo 6 — Texture 'Sand'

Photo 7 — Texture 'Sand' in a living room interior

This texture features a distinctive embossing similar to canvas for painting. 'Canvas' is considered one of the most interesting textures in the series. It features calm yet rich tones. Seams between panels are nearly invisible when joined.

Recommended for art, architecture, nature, and popular designs such as world maps, flowers, and plants.

Price:

ES: $18/m²; LI: from $25.6/m²; UV: from $25.6/m².

This type of wallpaper base is considered the deepest and most pronounced. The texture mimics natural linen fabric.

This texture pairs well with rough textiles, wood, bamboo wallpapers, and more.

Ideal for natural and exotic themes, including plant motifs.

Price:

ES: from $22.5/m²; LI: from $30/m²; UV: from $30/m².

Photo 8 — Texture 'Linen'

Photo 9 — Texture 'Linen'. Printing 'world map' style wallpapers

Photo 10 — Texture 'Linen'. Printing floral patterns — orchids, peonies, roses

The base for this print type consists of fine fibers resembling frost or watercolor paper. This texture adds a matte finish to any image.

Recommended for printing interior scenes, animals, and business or finance-themed photos.

Price:

ES: from $22.5/m²; LI: from $30/m²; UV: from $30/m².

Photo 11 — Texture 'Frost'

This impressive base texture is ideal for art, nature, favorite patterns, and images of flowers, plants, and abstract designs on walls and ceilings.

The 'Painting' texture gives a unique look even to ordinary images.

Price:

ES: from $22.5/m²; LI: from $30/m²; UV: from $30/m².

Photo 12 — Texture 'Painting'

Additional texture types include:

• 'Wood Bark' (suitable for art, architecture, geographical maps, and floral or plant-themed prints; also ideal for wallpapers that create a sense of space, such as perspective photos), price ES: from $18.5/m²; LI: from $23/m²; UV: from $23/m²;

Photo 13 — Texture 'Mosaic'

• 'Roof Tile' (ideal for art and architecture photography, geographical maps, flowers (e.g., macro dandelions or vibrant tulips), plants, and perspective scenes), price ES: from $17/m²; LI: from $21/m²; UV: from $22/m²;

Photo 14 — Texture 'Textile'

• 'Geometric Pattern' (same application recommendations as the two above), price ES: from $19/m²; LI: from $23/m²; UV: from $23/m²;

• 'Straw' (recommended for use with the same types and themes as above), price ES: from $18.5/m²; LI: from $22/m²; UV: from $22/m²;

• 'Coral' (can be used for floral and plant-themed images, maps, and photos of ancient architecture or art), price ES: from $19/m²; LI: from $23/m²; UV: from $23/m².

The most expensive texture type for large-format printing is Smart Stick — a fabric-like surface. It is a fibrous coating that adheres easily to any flat surface and can be removed without damage if needed.

Price:

ES: from $27.5/m²; LI: from $35/m².

Photo 15 — Smart Stick Texture

Conclusion

Thus, photo wallpapers can be purchased from $14 to $35 per square meter. Meter-based ordering is convenient if the wall area does not match standard sizes.

The standard full price for photo wallpapers averages between $48 and $60 (based on a sheet size of 368 x 254 cm).

If you want to install high-quality photo wallpapers at a reasonable cost, consider eco-solvent ink wallpapers, but with one major caveat: if you have enough time before moving into a newly renovated apartment, allow the ink odor to fully dissipate.

This type is not recommended if you are highly sensitive to strong chemical or paint-like odors. If you seek truly high-quality material that won’t cause issues during installation or long-term use, choose between latex ink and UV printing. The price difference is either non-existent or minimal.

Photo 16 — 'Cosmos' photo wallpapers for your child’s imaginative room

About manufacturers

German manufacturer Komar leads the market in high-quality photo wallpapers. The majority of production is paper-based photo wallpapers. You can purchase photo wallpapers in bulk by ordering through the company’s website.

The second major production line is non-woven (flocked) wallpapers.

Photo 17 — Whitewashed Wood non-woven wallpapers from Komar

Photo 18 — Whitewashed Wood non-woven wallpapers from Komar in a living room interior

Photo 19 — Stone Wall non-woven wallpapers

Photo 20 — Stone Wall non-woven wallpapers. Ideal for covering a faux fireplace

Specifications of the models presented

Number of sections: 8. Size: 368 x 254 cm. Price: from $65.

Komar specializes in custom photo wallpaper projects and offers high-quality products at moderate prices.

IMPORTANT! The company does not produce vinyl wallpapers.

Custom photo wallpapers

Ready-made photo wallpapers can be ordered online through specialized websites. You can buy models from the catalog either in standard sizes or customize the print to your exact dimensions (priced by area). Production and dispatch usually take no more than two days (provided the item is in stock and no official holidays are affecting the company’s work schedule).

Photo 21 — 'Cars' photo wallpapers for adult men

Photo 22 — and cars for children

Where to buy photo wallpapers?

Photo wallpapers can be purchased online, just like any other item. This is one of the most convenient ways to order wall coverings. Use a trusted supplier for best results.

To order from regional company outlets, check the manufacturer’s website for a list of licensed retail locations.

These precautions are essential if you care about the quality of your investment.

Photo 23 — How to apply photo wallpapers to a wardrobe door