New peel and stick wallpaper is an easy way to give your space personality, and today's options go far beyond the old-school prints of decades past.
But when it comes to choosing a style that works for your walls, one big question arises: peel-and-stick or traditional wallpaper?
Both options can look incredible, but they work in very different ways. One sticks with zero mess and comes off just as quickly, thanks to its self-adhesive wallpaper design. The other takes more effort but stays put for the long haul.
In this guide, we'll cover everything you need to know about the two—from installation to durability to price—so you can make the best decision for your home, room, and budget.
Understanding Peel and Stick Wallpaper
Peel-and-stick wallpaper (also called self-adhesive or removable wallpaper) is exactly what it sounds like: it features a self-adhesive backing. It comes with an adhesive backing, which means you don't need paste, water, or any special tools to install it. Just peel the backing off and press it onto your wall.
It's one of the easiest ways to update a room without making a mess. This makes it a go-to for renters, dorm rooms, kids' bedrooms, and anyone who likes to switch things up without a long-term commitment.
Peel-and-stick wallpaper is an affordable and convenient option for home decoration, making it a popular choice for DIY projects and for those who are unsure about the final design of their homes.
It also comes in thousands of styles—from soft neutrals to bold prints—and works on smooth, clean walls.
If you've ever used a vinyl wall decal or wall mural decal, the idea is similar, but peel-and-stick wallpaper usually comes in larger panels and is designed to cover more space.
Understanding Traditional Wallpaper
Traditional wallpaper has been around for generations, and it's still a favorite for rooms that need lasting style. Unlike peel-and-stick options, traditional wallpaper requires paste or adhesive to install.
Traditional wallpaper often incorporates natural and synthetic fibers, contributing to its durability and breathability.
Some versions come pre-pasted, while others require paste to be applied to the back of the paper or directly onto the wall.
Non-woven wallpaper is a popular choice for its durability and ease of cleaning. It also provides a stable installation in high-traffic areas.
Traditional wallpaper is usually found in higher-end interiors, where the look and finish matter just as much as the print.
Because it's often made with thicker, high-quality materials and finished with a matte finish or fabric-like texture, it gives rooms a polished, built-in appearance.
It's also built to last, thanks to the high-quality traditional wallpaper materials used in its construction. Traditional wallpaper is a strong pick for long term solutions or high traffic areas—anywhere you don't plan to change the walls frequently.
Comparing the Installation Process
Both peel-and-stick and traditional wallpaper have different installation methods, each with strengths and weaknesses.
Peel and Stick Installation:
Peel-and-stick wallpaper is perfect for DIY beginners. You don't need glue, brushes, or a professional installer. Just measure, cut, peel, and stick.
When installing removable wallpaper (peel and stick/vinyl wallpaper), remember to use a level, a utility knife, and a squeegee to smooth out air bubbles effectively.
The key here is wall prep. Your walls should be clean, smooth, and dry for the wallpaper to stick properly. Textured walls, dust, or leftover paint flakes can prevent the adhesive backing from bonding well.
Traditional Wallpaper Installation:
Traditional wallpaper requires a bit more effort and skill to hang and install. You must apply the paste, carefully align each panel, and smooth everything out to avoid wrinkles or air bubbles.
This method can be more time-consuming but often results in a more permanent option and durable finish.
Installing traditional wallpaper can get messy, especially if you're new to the process, and sometimes a second pair of hands is helpful.
That said, it gives you more wiggle room during application. Since the paste doesn't dry instantly, you have time to adjust and reposition the paper before it sets.
Peel and stick wallpaper's main benefit is easy installation. Traditional wallpaper takes longer and requires additional tools and skill, but the result can be more refined and look premium.
Durability and Longevity
When it comes to holding power, traditional wallpaper wins the long game. If installed properly and kept in a low-moisture environment, it can last well over a decade—some even stretch into the 15- to 20-year range. It handles humidity better and won't peel up easily at the corners.
Vinyl wallpaper is another durable option, especially appropriate for areas requiring moisture and oil protection, like kitchens and bathrooms.
Peel-and-stick wallpaper, on the other hand, is made for shorter-term use. Most brands last 3 to 5 years, depending on conditions and they are regularly maintained.
It's more prone to peeling or lifting in humid areas like bathrooms or kitchens. That said, if it's applied to a dry, smooth surface and taken care of, it can still look great for years.
Note that all of the above estimates may vary between specific brands of wallpaper.
So, if you're looking for commitment, go traditional. If you want something that can come down as quickly as it went up, peel and stick is the way to go.
Cost Considerations
Price can vary quite a bit based on the brand, style, and materials, but here's a general idea:
- Peel and Stick Wallpaper: Usually ranges from $0.50 to $5 per square foot.
- Traditional Wallpaper: Typically costs between $20 and $35 per roll (or more for premium styles) and often requires professional installation unless you're experienced.
Temporary wallpaper and wall decals are cost-effective solutions for those seeking a non-permanent décor option.
Peel-and-stick wallpaper is more budget-friendly overall, especially since you can install even stylish wall decals yourself. Buying paste and brushes or hiring a pro is unnecessary.
Traditional wallpaper can get expensive once you add in the cost of labor and materials.
If you're decorating on a tight budget or want to try a temporary look, peel-and-stick wallpaper offers the most style for your dollar.
Suitability for Different Spaces
Choosing between peel-and-stick and traditional wallpaper often depends on the type of room and where it will be placed. Some rooms are better suited for one type over the other.
Peel and Stick Works Best In:
- Rental homes and apartments
- Kids' bedrooms and nurseries
- Accent walls or small projects
- Dorm rooms
- Seasonal or theme-based décor
Traditional Wallpaper Is Better For:
- High-moisture areas like bathrooms or kitchens
- Living rooms or dining rooms with a more formal look
- Long-term design plans
- Walls with a texture that needs extra adhesive grip
Design is another important factor in suitability. Having temporary holiday wall decals in your living room or home office wall murals can affect the vibe and mood of any room.
In short, peel and stick is your go-to for flexibility and ease. Traditional wallpaper is better when you're after a permanent, professional finish.
Environmental Impact
Both options have environmental pros and cons. Peel-and-stick wallpaper is often made from vinyl, which isn't biodegradable and may contain PVC.
However, some newer brands are working with greener materials and low-VOC inks.
Traditional wallpaper varies more widely. Some are made from paper and printed with water-based inks, which may be more eco-conscious. Others include synthetic fibers or require less environmentally friendly paste.
The traditional paper that is found in most wallpapers is known for its eco-friendly and sustainable properties.
If sustainability is important to you, check the label. To reduce your carbon footprint, look for paper-based options, low-VOC materials, and U.S.-made products.
Peel and Stick vs Traditional Wallpaper: Which Do You Choose?
There's no obvious winner here—it depends on your space, goals, and how hands-on you want to be with installation.
If you're someone who loves changing things up, working on your personal projects, or avoiding long term commitments, peel-and-stick wallpaper is the easy choice. It gives you freedom without the fuss.
However, traditional wallpaper removal can be more labor-intensive than peel-and-stick options, which can be a deciding factor.
If you're looking for a polished, permanent look that can stand the test of time (and moisture), traditional wallpaper will give you exactly that.
Whichever you pick, both styles have come a long way—and you can't go wrong choosing a look that makes your space feel more like you.
StickerBrand offers many design options and styles that can fit anyone's preferences. Check out their designs to make your interiors pop.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is Peel-And-Stick Wallpaper Easy to Remove?
Yes! Peel-and-stick wallpaper is designed to come off cleanly. As long as it was applied to a clean, smooth surface, it should peel away without damaging the wall underneath.
Just start at a corner and pull slowly. If it has been up for a while or is stuck to a textured wall, you might need a little extra care, but it's still much more straightforward than removing traditional wallpaper.
Can Traditional Wallpaper Be Applied in Bathrooms?
Traditional wallpaper can absolutely work in bathrooms—as long as you choose the right kind. Look for vinyl or moisture-resistant designs, and make sure the room is adequately ventilated.
If installed correctly with a strong adhesive, traditional wallpaper can withstand steamy environments like full baths or powder rooms.
Does Peel-And-Stick Wallpaper Damage Walls?
Generally, no. Peel-and-stick wallpaper is safe for most walls if the surface is clean, painted, and smooth. However, if applied to fresh paint or a wall that hasn't been prepped, it may pull off some paint during removal.
To avoid that, always wait until the paint is fully cured (about 3 weeks) before applying it and test a small spot first.