How much does wallpaper cost?

Per sq ft: budget: $0.50-$1. Mid-range: $1-$3. Premium: $3-$6. Designer: $5-$15+. Per roll (28 sq ft): $15-$300+. Professional installation: $1-$3/sq ft (on top of material). Total installed: budget: $1.50-$3/sq ft. Mid-range: $2-$5/sq ft. For an accent wall (80 sq ft): $80-$500. For a full room (400 sq ft): $200-$2,400. Peel and stick is the most affordable option for DIY.

Is wallpaper better than paint?

Wallpaper pros: more design options (patterns, textures). Hides wall imperfections. Lasts 10-15+ years (vs 5-7 for paint). Premium look. Wallpaper cons: more expensive upfront. Harder to install (DIY). Harder to change. Can peel in humid areas (some types). Paint pros: cheaper. Easier to apply. Easy to change colors. More color options. Paint cons: less design variety. Shows imperfections more. Needs repainting every 5-7 years. The trend: wallpaper is making a comeback, especially for accent walls. Many designers recommend wallpaper on one feature wall with paint on the other three.

Is peel and stick wallpaper good?

Peel and stick is great for: renters (fully removable). Accent walls. Temporary decor. DIY (easiest to install). Limitations: lower adhesion than traditional wallpaper. Can fall or peel in humid rooms (bathrooms, steamy kitchens). Not ideal for textured walls. Shorter lifespan than traditional (3-5 years vs 10-15). Tips: clean the wall thoroughly before applying. Use a heat gun to smooth bubbles. Apply in moderate temperature (not too hot or cold). Best brands: Tempaper, NuWallpaper, Chasing Paper, Spoonflower. Cost: $1-$4/sq ft.

How do I remove wallpaper?

Method 1 (score and spray): score the wallpaper with a scoring tool. Spray with warm water and wallpaper remover solution. Wait 10-15 minutes. Scrape with a wide putty knife. Repeat if needed. Method 2 (steamer): rent or buy a wallpaper steamer ($30-$50). Hold steamer plate against the wall (30-60 seconds). Scrape while warm. Best for multiple layers. Method 3 (peel and strip): non-woven and peel-and-stick wallpaper. Pull from a corner and peel off in sheets. Minimal mess. After removal: wash walls with warm water to remove paste residue. Sand any rough spots. Prime before repainting or re-papering. Cost: DIY: $20-$50 (supplies). Professional: $1-$3/sq ft ($400-$1,200 for a room).

Article

Finishing

Wallpaper Guide: Types, Cost & How to Hang

Lumberama Editorial Team, Wall Covering & Design Specialists Nov 8, 2026 9 min read

Wallpaper Types

Vinyl wallpaper: Most popular and durable type. Vinyl coating over paper or fabric backing. Washable and moisture-resistant. Easy to clean. Best for: kitchens, bathrooms, high-traffic areas. Cost: $1-$5/sq ft.

Non-woven (fleece): Blend of natural and synthetic fibers. Tear-resistant and breathable. Easy to hang (paste the wall, not the paper). Easy to remove (peels off in sheets). Best for: DIY installation, any room. Cost: $1-$4/sq ft.

Peel and stick: Self-adhesive backing. No paste needed. Repositionable and removable. Perfect for renters. Lower adhesion (can fall in humid areas). Best for: accent walls, renters, temporary decor. Cost: $1-$4/sq ft.

Grasscloth: Natural woven fibers (jute, sisal, seagrass). Textured, organic look. Not washable. Seams visible (part of the aesthetic). Best for: living rooms, dining rooms, accent walls. Cost: $3-$10/sq ft.

Paper-backed: Traditional wallpaper. Affordable but less durable. Tears easily when wet. Harder to remove. Best for: bedrooms, low-traffic areas. Cost: $0.50-$3/sq ft.

Fabric-backed vinyl: Commercial grade. Very durable and washable. Used in hotels, offices, and hospitals. Best for: high-traffic commercial or residential. Cost: $2-$8/sq ft.

Cost

Wallpaper (per single roll, ~28 sq ft): Budget: $15-$30. Mid-range: $30-$60. Premium: $60-$150+. Designer: $100-$300+.

Per sq ft: Budget: $0.50-$1. Mid-range: $1-$3. Premium: $3-$6. Designer: $5-$15+.

Professional installation (per roll): $25-$75 per roll. Per sq ft: $1-$3.

Total installed cost (per sq ft): Budget: $1.50-$3. Mid-range: $2-$5. Premium: $4-$9.

For a typical accent wall (80 sq ft): DIY peel and stick: $80-$320. Professional with mid-range paper: $200-$500.

For a full room (400 sq ft of wall): DIY: $200-$1,200. Professional: $600-$2,400.

Wallpaper removal: DIY: $0.25-$0.50/sq ft (supplies). Professional: $1-$3/sq ft.

How to Hang Wallpaper

Preparation: Remove old wallpaper completely. Repair any wall damage (holes, cracks). Apply primer/sizing (helps adhesion and future removal). Measure walls and calculate how many rolls you need (add 10-15% for waste and pattern matching).

Installation steps: 1. Find a plumb line (use a level, not the corner). 2. Cut strips, adding 4 inches extra top and bottom. 3. Apply paste to the paper (or wall for non-woven). 4. Book the paper (fold paste to paste) and let it relax (5-10 min). 5. Hang first strip along plumb line. 6. Smooth from center outward with a wallpaper brush. 7. Match pattern and butt seams (do not overlap). 8. Trim excess at ceiling and baseboard with a sharp blade. 9. Roll seams gently. 10. Wipe excess paste immediately.