The funny thing is that nothing dates faster than the latest trends! Whether it's the recent vogue for Pistachio green, Orange, or neutral greys or taupe colours or trendy wallpapers, such as the ubiqitous 'Woods'. Paint is the safest and easiest option for those without confidence or design knowledge. Paint does bring out the architectural quality and details (that why until recently architects have rejected them on the whole). But I really disagree with those that say paint lasts longer than papers. Of course it depends on if it's used in high traffic areas but wallpapers in some houses have lasted well over a century! A choice of wallpaper show a certain statement of confidence and with current Site specific, carefully designed Digital papers or Artisan designed, hand crafted or printed wallpaper you are installing a work of art to be enjoyed for a considerable time.

I don't think it's going to be as hard as you think. I would imagine the top layer is going to peel off relatively easily. Then work on one wall at a time..............score the backing paper ( you can use a paint scraper ), fully soak the wall all over ( using a big car sponge - and i mean soak it ), then go back to the beginning and re-soak an area of around 6-8 feet at a time. Scrape the paper in an upwards but slightly sideways direction, It should hopefully come off ok. Steamers are a waste of time! The old fashioned way, worked well enough for decades! Good luck x

The first paper visualises tin ceilings of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. It was usually painted over in gloss paint to allow easy cleaning. Using this paper would create a very shabby chic room. Unless you're opting for a classic look or a very carefully contrived eclectic look, I wouldn't use the 2nd paper. Paper 3 will give you a classic wood paneled effect. Using it all over may be overpowering in a small room. Consider using it on the lower half of all 4 walls or just as a feature wall.

I would box in the pipework as that is going to be very difficult to paper around. I would also get yourself a proper scalpel from an art shop as these are best for cutting paper in situ - it will also be easier if you have paper where you can paste the wall rather than the paper. One issue you will have is around the edge of the fireplace as its such an irregular shape you will really struggle to get a clean edge. I would be inclined to agree with others who have said you will get a better finish if painted - if the wall was painted I would also polish the copper pipes to a high sheen if you don't plan to box them in, its an easy job and looks great when done.