A different kind of wall treatment

Decorative wall decals, murals and stickers that have for years been used as an advertising and branding solution due to their ability to capture ones are now finding their way into our homes.

Their ability to command more focus and define the living space has led many home owners to integrate them as a decorative tool.

For most people renting houses in Nairobi, there is little probability of the house being painted in your desired colours. Mostly, it is the traditional cream or white washed walls staring back at you every time you enter your home.

The lease agreement can also be a barrier when it stipulates that no changes should be carried out in the house, especially painting the walls.

However, many homeowners have found a way around these barriers. With various stick-on wall treatments available, tenants are now able to spruce up their walls without worrying about the effects this may have on the walls, since these treatments can be easily peeled off without damaging the walls.

Low-cost

Ms Jacinta Wanjiru of Vivid Enterprises, a wall décor company, says that the different creative designs in the wall decals have gained much acclaim from the many people who have used them as a decorative piece, pushing wall hangings off the racks.

“The range covers nursery designs for children’s rooms right through to stylish kitchen, so you’re sure to find that perfect artwork for any wall in your home” she says.

Mrs Faith Sambaya, the Manager of Hobby Craft Creations, says that this form of décor is the perfect low-cost way of totally transforming a room, allowing for a brand new look, and incorporating whatever style you have in mind.

“Wall stickers and decals are an excellent idea for anyone looking for a quick and easy home makeover solution to compliment the look and feel they are hoping to accomplish in any space in their house,” she says.

Different formats

The creations which are available in various sizes, colours and patterns are a sure way of bringing a desired theme to any room in your home. They are also available in different formats for children’s rooms and other rooms in the house.

For long, homeowners have used wallpaper to change the look of their walls but these do not come cheap and when it’s time to remove them, it means spoiling the wall and ending with a major job to restore the same.

Whatever pattern or designs that one desires, wall stickers have become the latest wall treatment fad with various companies taking up the idea for their office space.

Popular designs

The most recent wall murals are the bath room stickers which can stick on the tiles without peeling off. Flower designs are the most popular and are ideal for all rooms in your home since they add a touch of nature with the tree themes, flowers blossoming, branches and birds or falling leaves.

These are mostly stuck in the living room and on the corridors of the house. There are also those made from electrostatic material that is stuck on windows.

Children’s decals are the most sought-after as they are a lively and colourful way to bring life to your children’s rooms without spending too much money or altering the wall in any way.

The features and designs for boys and girls include cartoon characters, animals and professional characters such as astronauts and many more. You can also personalise your sticker with your child’s name for an extra special touch.

“Once your child has out grown the design or theme, the stickers can be easily removed and replaced by others,” says Ms Sambaya.

Bedroom wall stickers have a more personalised touch with more beautiful and sensual designs mostly featuring fantasy characters, butterflies, floral and fancy wall art. Most of the murals are sold in small separate pieces, leaving the buyer to create their own illusion of how they want the room to look like.

One can also re-arrange the patterns to give a different feel to the room. The stickers are available in a variety of colours making them blend well in any kind of wall painting.

Other than on walls, murals can also be used on furniture to give a continuous look of the room’s theme. They also can be used to decorate vases, glass doors and glass tables.

No damage

The advantage it has over wall paintings and wall paper is that it’s easily peeled off without damaging the wall and one can put up another design without having to do anything to the wall before you do this.

In case one is moving houses or repainting their walls, the decals can be peeled off and re-used them later. Other advantages are that they do not peel off on their own and can be used to spruce up old furniture.