The Pros and Cons of Peel and Stick Wallpaper
Over the past few years we've seen the rise of peel and stick wallpaper (also known as removable wallpaper) in home decor and styling. And while some people have been scarred by wallpaper removal in the past, this is not the wallpaper of the 80s and 90s that you've probably spent time painstakingly peeling and steaming and scrubbing.
Wallpaper has improved quite a bit, and the rise of peel and stick wallpaper shows that we're ready to give patterned walls another go. Home owners and renters alike are loving that it's something they can install on their own and when it's time to refresh the space, it's simple to remove.
I wanted to give you a good idea of the pros and cons of peel and stick wallpaper so you can know if it's a good fit for your space or whether you might want to consider traditional wallpaper instead. By the end of this article, you'll be able to confidently decide which will work best for your project.
By the end of this article, you'll be able to confidently decide which wallpaper type will work best for your project.
The Pros and Cons of Peel and Stick Wallpaper
What is Peel and Stick Wallpaper?
Peel and stick wallpaper is much like what it says--you peel the backing off the wallpaper and stick it to your walls. It can be made from a variety of materials, although vinyl is most common.
Instead of adding or activating wallpaper paste as you would for installing traditional wallpaper, the adhesive is already there on peel and stick; you just peel the backing off and go so it's very clean and fast. And the adhesive is removable, meaning that you can pull it off and try again if you need to adjust a panel and it's going to stick beautifully again. It also means that when it's time to pull it down, its going to be a quick and painless task.
One of the coolest parts about peel and stick wallpaper is that it's a great temporary or renter-friendly option. So even if you don't own your space, you can give it a go.
Pros of Peel and Stick Wallpaper
Ease of Application
Installing peel and stick wallpaper is a really simple process that takes minimal time and effort for BIG visual rewards. And because the adhesive is removable, it's also a forgiving process. Many people find it less intimidating because it's essentially a giant sticker and anyone can do it.
Wallpaper is the fastest way to completely change the feel of a room--it's even faster than paint and you get big visual impact along the way. And peel and stick wallpaper makes it even easier.
There's no need for paste or water because of the adhesive, and minimal tools required which you probably already have around the house (such as a scraper/credit card for smoothing out bubbles, a level for getting the panel straight, and painter's tape to keep panels aligned). You can watch us installing some Lisee Ree wallpaper in our bathroom below:
Peel and stick wallpaper is easy to install. It is possible to remove a wallpaper panel and reposition it during the installation. If you do go with one of my options, you'll love how thick and durable it is meaning that it won't warp or stretch as you're installing it and will give you a better overall look in the end.
Depending on how it's printed, peel and stick wallpaper is often printed in panels (all my options are printed this way) which cuts down on waste when it comes to matching the pattern from one section to the next. This is especially helpful with larger and more complex repeats where finding the repeat again could waste feet of paper from a continuous roll.
Peel and stick wallpaper is often printed in panels which cuts down on waste when it comes to matching the pattern from one section to the next.
Removability
One of the biggest draws to peel and stick wallpaper is that it's ideal for renters and those who like to change decor frequently. With peel and stick wallpaper, removing it without damaging walls and having to do a lot of work after removal is an incredible perk.
It's so quick to remove--whole walls can be pulled down in a couple of minutes and if you have a high quality product (like I offer) it won't peel off paint or damage your walls. I've spent way too many hours of my life scraping and peeling wallpaper then spending countless hours trying to get glue off the walls. But removable options take all that headache away and you're left with no damage to your walls as long as you're using a good quality product and follow the manufacturer's instructions. You may also want to try a sample first if you're wary.
Always try a sample first if you're wary.
Versatility
There are as many designs out there as there are personalities which is so exciting. I always say that pattern is one of the best ways to infuse personality in a space because any pattern you pick will say a lot about you and how you want your space to feel.
Peel and stick wallpaper can be used in various spaces like bedrooms, kitchens, and even furniture. And yes, a quality wallpaper option works beautifully in bathrooms too (always make sure to test a sample in your space to make sure the quality is going to work in your humid spaces).
I've used peel and stick wallpaper to cover the back of a door, as a kitchen backsplash, and in my bathroom as well as smaller jobs like covering books for home decor and making the back of a bookshelf look extra special. The uses are really quite varied.
Cons of Peel and Stick Wallpaper
Now that we've talked about all the pros, it's time for the cons of peel and stick wallpaper. They mainly comprise of durability, application challenges, lifespan, and environmental impact. Let's take a closer look.
Durability
Removable wallpaper is not as durable as traditional non-woven wallpaper. The adhesion is nowhere near as strong as paste, which is part of its appeal in some situations, but can also lead to peeling at the edges which may require you to stick it back on the wall, but again, quality has a lot to do with this problem (and other problems as well).
Another consideration is that peel and stick wallpaper may not hold up as well in high-moisture areas like bathrooms. Many can do great in bathrooms, but check with the manufacturer to make sure you're choosing one that can take the humidity.
Application Challenges
Alignment or air bubbles during installation are probably the biggest application challenges. I've used lower-quality papers and they're definitely more tricky to install as the paper wrinkles more easily and can distort making matching the pattern more difficult (so be sure you're using a high quality paper and it will go easier). Applying it on textured walls can also be tricky depending on how thick the texture is.
Failing to prepare your walls well can result in poor adhesion, air bubbles, or uneven application. This is user error, but something to keep in mind as it will ultimately affect everything from the overall appearance and longevity of the wallpaper to its clean removal.
Our wallpapers are reinforced with natural synthetic fibers for strength and durability
Our wallpapers are reinforced with natural synthetic fibers for strength and durability, which I love. They also have a lightly woven matte and textured finish to help cover imperfections in your surface, it is also tear and scratch resistant.
Limited Lifespan
Traditional wallpaper wins if you're wanting something for the long haul. But while peel and stick wallpaper won't last forever, it can hold up pretty well over time (5 years or so) when applied correctly.
Interior designers still lean towards traditional wallpaper for its ease of installation and durability, especially in high-use areas and commercial uses. So take into consideration the traffic in the areas you want to wallpaper.
And one other thing to realize is that prepping the wall according to the manufacturer’s instructions and making sure it’s a flat, clean surface can affect how long it stays up. The better you prep your surfaces, the better your results.
Prepping the wall according to the manufacturer’s instructions and making sure it’s a flat, clean surface can affect how long it stays up. The better you prep your surfaces, the better your results.
Environmental Concerns
You'll want to consider the sustainability of the materials used in your wallpaper. These should be listed in the description of the wallpaper options, but if not, you can often find some information on the manufacturer's website. You'll want to check for possible toxins, recyclability, and chemical emissions.
Our wallpapers do not contain any toxic or carcinogenic metals regulated by OSHA. In addition, our GreenGuard Gold certified inks contain no heavy metals and meet the world's most stringent chemical emission standards.
So What Will It Be: Traditional or Peel and Stick Wallpaper?
Whew! That was a lot. Factoring in both the pros and cons of peel and stick wallpaper will help you make the best choice for your project. Both options are more appealing in different circumstances so you'll just have to weigh which are most important to you and the needs of your space.
If you feel like peel and stick wallpaper is the right choice for you, you can shop the options I have available right here.
