A Guide to Custom Printed Wallpaper: Types, Uses & Material Options

Written by: Gregory Staff | April 01, 2026
Intentional, Design-Driven Wallcoverings 

Custom printed wallcoverings often do more than fill a space.. they define it. From vibrant, branded environments to subtle textures, today’s wallpaper solutions transform blank walls into intentional, high-impact interiors. Whether you're designing for a corporate office, healthcare facility, retail space, or hospitality environment, walls are a great place to start when you want to shape how a space looks, feels, and performs.

Understanding Wallpaper Types

Commercial wallpaper is categorized into three types based on durability, thickness, and performance. Choosing the correct type ensures your wallpaper not only looks great on day one, and will hold up well over time. Here's a quick overview: 

Type I - Light-Duty Applications

Type 1 wallpaper is designed for low-traffic environments where visual impact is the primary goal. It is lightweight, cost-effective, and ideal for decorative applications where durability demands are minimal.

Best suited for: 

  • Residential interiors 
  • Private offices 
  • Feature walls 
  • Low-traffic commercial spaces

If your project prioritizes design and aesthetics over heavy wear, Type 1 is a great choice.

Type II - The Commercial Standard

Type 2 wallpaper is the most commonly used option for commercial interiors. It offers a strong balance between durability and design flexibility, making it suitable for a wide range of environments.

Common Applications Include: 

  • Corporate offices 
  • Retail spaces 
  • Hospitality environments 
  • Healthcare waiting areas

With improved cleanability and abrasion resistance, Type 2 wallpaper is the go-to solution for spaces that experience moderate traffic but still demand a high-end look.

Type III - Heavy-Duty Performance

Type 3 wallpaper is built for high-traffic, high-impact environments where durability is critical. It is the thickest and most robust option, designed to withstand frequent cleaning, abrasion, and daily wear.

Ideal For: 

  • Healthcare corridors 
  • Educational facilities 
  • Public buildings 
  • High-traffic hallways and common areas

When performance and longevity are the top priorities, Type 3 delivers unmatched reliability.

No matter the setting, the goal is the same: combine aesthetic impact with long-term reliability. While wallpaper “type” defines durability, the material itself also plays a major role in overall performance and appearance. 

Some common material options include:

  • Vinyl wallcoverings 
  • Fabric-backed vinyl 
  • Specialty textured finishes

Before selecting your material, it's important to consider that it will affect surface texture and visual depth, cleanability and maintenance, and durability. With multiple vinyl experts in our corner and expanded material offerings available through the DreamScape Print Provider Network, we make it easier than ever to match the right wallcovering to your exact application. We're also happy to assist with proper file setup and panel layout, ensuring consistent color and print quality, and provide helpful tips for a smooth install.

Reach out to our team to request samples, explore options, or start your custom wallpaper project today!