Digital Print Shop
Top Printing Service

Get My Free Quote   Live Chat Available

Top 10 Uses of Wallpaper in Film and TV

In the realm of film and cinema, world building has become an art form of its own merit. Short of constructing a set design, common solutions range from painted/printed backdrops to green screens and video editing.

While the latter is certainly useful and impressive, there is still a thriving market for the nostalgia of how films used to be made. It was a much more tactile experience, where interaction between performers and a custom set design were inevitable.

Digital printing has grown to fill this niche with high definition resolution, vibrant colors and consistent quality. It has proven to be a versatile and cost effective medium to compliment or replace the need of a fully constructed set.

Here are some of the most popular uses of wallpaper printing in the film industry:

1. Photowall Panoramas

Photo of a man in front of a printed mural of striking scenery

Create historic scenes or places long abandoned. Reproduce convincing backdrops for exotic locations or a future limited only by one’s imagination. 1440 dpi resolution gets you astonishingly clear and realistic results.

Note: High resolution source file (at least 300+dpi) required for best results

2. Vintage Wallpapers

Photo of old television in front of vintage wallpaper

Adding retro patterns and motifs is an effective way to date a set for any period piece. Supply a sample or high resolution scan and have it digitized, cleaned up and printed as an opulent or kitschy detail from a forgotten era.

3. Fantasy Backdrops

Photo of people in front of vintage a printed image of a space craft

Photo-editing and 3D programs have made it easier than ever to fabricate any fictional universe. Get even more creative with 31 materials to choose from, including matte, fabric and specialty finishes to achieve the desired effect.

4. Textured Backdrops

Photo of a woman in front of a printed marble wall

High resolution photography allows us to print convincing stone, wood and metallic surfaces. You could print a cave wall, forest scene or patterns etched in gold with a high level of detail and quality to create the perfect illusion.

5. Step Repeat Patterns

Photo of a film set with logos printed on the walls

Documentaries, adverts and interviews will often promote a brand or series of brands by converting logos into staggered patterns. It is also a common method used at red carpet events and fashion shows. We recommend using vector logos (EPS/PDF) for optimal printing quality

Photo of a woman in a museum

Producing a biopic of a famous painter/muralist has never been more straightforward. We provide museum-quality prints with fully matched colors, printed on durable vinyl with a paper or art canvas finish.

7. Wallpaper Ceiling Installations

Photo of an intricate, vaulted church ceiling

You could paint the Sistine Chapel ceiling yourself, or.. send a high resolution image and we’ll print it out in clearly labelled panels which are easy to install. Enjoy the ambience of an iconic location without blowing your budget on a rebuild or costly travel expenses.

8. Wallpaper for Floors

Photo of a detailed tile floor

Reproduce any texture, topography or map with ease. People often ask how this is possible as the name “wallpaper” implies an exclusive use. Our printable floor coverings aren’t just any wallpaper. Composed of durable vinyl, they offer slip resistance and a resilient finish which holds up to foot traffic and is easy to clean.

9. Wallpaper Vehicle Wraps

Photo of a metallic car on an empty street corner

This method is mostly known for its visibility as street promotion. However it also opens up creative possibilities for modifying vehicles without costly paint jobs or inflicting damage. You can also apply subtle effects to make a car stand out - a common tactic for advertising spots.

10. Wallpaper Textiles & Fabrics

Image of an intricate woven textile

Recreate stunning woven designs printed on a fabric texture. It is a vinyl substrate with a matte finish that holds up well under intense lighting. Produce art prints, patterns or elaborate tapestries with minimal effort.

Summary

This list could go on and on. Imagination is the only limit when it comes to on-demand digital printing. Regardless of who you turn to for your wallpaper needs, always be sure that they

  • Provide printed samples (preferably on a few materials)
  • Are willing and able to color match
  • Provide guidance for suitable materials or finishes

We hope you found this list inspiring and wish you the best of luck in telling your story.

About Fine Print

We're a NYC Print Shop & Design Firm Devoted to the art of Custom Wallpaper and the Replication of Vintage Wallpapers.

Related Products

The #1 Independent Wallpaper Printing & Design Shop in New York

Request Estimate • Call us at (212) 619-5446


Guidance & Tips

Read More
How to Prepare Wall Surfaces for Wallpaper InstallationOne of the most important yet neglected stages of wallpaper installation is the preparation of the wall itself.Continue Reading
Read More
How to Design Files for Wallpaper PrintingA brief guide to wallpaper file preparation. Produce consistent, high quality murals, patterns and prints with this handy set of tips.Continue Reading
Place Order for Custom Samples12" x 12" Press Proofs Available in 4 finishing options.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a minimum square footage?
Yes, we have 50 square feet minimum per order.
What are the most popular sizes?
The three most requested sizes are 100, 300 & 500 square feet.
What is the maximum width x height you can print per roll?
The maximum roll size width is 52 inches wide by 360 inches in length.
Can I see sample before printing my project?
Yes, you can order a press proof sample of your custom artwork. We offer four coating/finishing options: matte, gloss, semi-gloss and texture.  
Can I see a digital proof before final production?
Yes, our pre-press department will provide two rounds of digital proofs for approval prior to final print production. Please note, any additional digital proofs will be billed accordingly.
What kind of wallpaper material do you use?
Our wallpapers are a vinyl material with adhesive backing for fast and easy installation. They are available in matte, gloss, semi-gloss or textured coating/finishing options. We also offer traditional wallpaper.
Do you offer embossed wallpaper?
Yes, we offer specialty embossed wallpaper printing services. Please email us for more information.
What is the standard turnaround time?
Once final proofs are approved, standard production time is 5-7 business days. Please note, production time may change depending on our current press schedule and how many specialty options have been selected.
Can I pick my own design/image?
Yes, if you provide high resolution artwork, we can print your custom design.
Is the material durable and washable?
Yes, ordinary dirt and smudges can be removed from the surface with a mild soap and warm water.
Is the material removable?
Yes, our wall coverings can be removed. Please note, all surfaces must be primed with a drywall sealer and water based primer prior to installation.
Do you provide installation services?
Unfortunately, we do not provide or recommend installation services, however the following article is a useful guide for installers: How to Prepare Wall Surfaces
Can you ship material/printed samples for my review?
We can not send out material/printed samples without a job ticket being generated into our system.
How can I make a payment?
We accept all major credit cards and company checks. Please note, a job ticket must be created and payment is required before we can start proofing/final production.
Corporate Headquarters

Open Monday - Friday: 9:30am-5:30pm
*Closed Saturday & Sunday*

Open in Google Maps
Production Facility

Open Monday - Friday: 7:30AM - 3:30PM
*Closed Saturday & Sunday*

Call us at (212) 619-5446  Request an Estimate  Email us at
All Rights Reserved  © 2023 Fine Print, Inc  Terms of Use  Privacy Policy