How much does wallpaper cost?

Per roll (covers 28-56 sq ft): peel-and-stick $25-$60, pre-pasted $20-$80, unpasted $30-$150, grasscloth $40-$150. For an accent wall (10x8 ft, ~80 sq ft): $50-$200 in materials. For a full room (400 sq ft of wall area): $200-$1,500 in materials. Professional installation (labor): $3-$10/sq ft. Professional (accent wall): $300-$1,000 total. Professional (full room): $1,500-$5,000 total. DIY saves 40-60% by eliminating labor. The biggest cost variable: the wallpaper itself (designer papers can be $100-$300/roll vs. $25-$50 for basic patterns).

Is peel-and-stick wallpaper good?

Yes, for the right applications. Pros: easy to install (no paste or tools needed), removable without damage (rental-friendly), repositionable during installation, and no messy paste. Cons: may peel in humid rooms (bathrooms with showers), may not stick to textured walls (works best on smooth, painted walls), thinner than traditional wallpaper (imperfections may show through), and some patterns are less detailed than traditional options. Best uses: accent walls, bedrooms, living rooms, home offices, closet interiors, and furniture accents. For bathrooms with showers: use vinyl wallpaper with paste (better moisture resistance). For long-term permanent applications: traditional unpasted wallpaper is more durable.

How hard is it to hang wallpaper?

Moderate difficulty. Easier than most people think with modern wallpapers (especially peel-and-stick). The main challenges: getting the first strip perfectly vertical (use a level), matching patterns at seams (requires careful measurement), handling around corners and obstacles (outlets, windows), and trimming cleanly at ceiling and baseboard. Tips: start with an accent wall (one wall, fewer obstacles), use peel-and-stick for your first project, watch 2-3 YouTube tutorials, and buy an extra roll for mistakes. Time: accent wall (1-3 hours), full room (4-8 hours for a DIYer). Having a helper makes hanging much easier (one person holds, one aligns and smooths).

How do I remove old wallpaper?

Steps: 1) Score the wallpaper surface with a scoring tool ($5-$10). 2) Spray with wallpaper remover solution or a 50/50 vinegar-water mix. 3) Wait 15-20 minutes (let the solution soak through the scores and dissolve the paste). 4) Scrape with a wide (6-inch) putty knife. Start at a seam or corner. 5) Repeat the spray-and-scrape process for stubborn areas. 6) Wash the wall with warm water and a sponge to remove paste residue. 7) Sand lightly and prime before painting or reapplying wallpaper. For faster removal: rent a wallpaper steamer ($30-$50/day). The steam melts the paste instantly. Time: one room (150-300 sq ft of wall) takes 4-8 hours depending on the wallpaper type and how well it was originally applied.

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Wallpaper Guide: Types, How to Hang & Removal

Lumberama Editorial Team, Interior Design & Wall Covering Specialists Jul 5, 2026 12 min read

Wallpaper Is Back

Wallpaper has made a massive comeback. Modern wallpapers are easier to install and remove than ever, and the design options are extraordinary — from bold geometric patterns to subtle textures, tropical botanicals to minimalist line art. Today's wallpaper is used for accent walls, powder rooms, bedrooms, dining rooms, and even ceilings. It adds personality, texture, and visual interest that paint alone cannot achieve.

Types

Peel-and-stick (self-adhesive): The easiest to install. Peel off the backing and apply to the wall. Removable without damage (rental-friendly). No paste or water needed. Cost: $25-$60/roll (covers 28-56 sq ft). Drawbacks: may not adhere well in humid rooms (bathrooms) or on textured walls. Best for: renters, accent walls, first-timers, and temporary decor.

Pre-pasted: Adhesive is pre-applied to the back. Activate by dipping in water or using an activator. Easier than unpasted but messier than peel-and-stick. Cost: $20-$80/roll. Best for: DIYers who want a permanent application without mixing paste.

Unpasted (traditional): Requires wallpaper paste applied with a roller or brush. The most durable and professional option. More forgiving during installation (paste allows repositioning). Cost: $30-$150/roll. Best for: professional installations, high-end papers, and permanent applications.

Vinyl: Plastic-coated for durability and moisture resistance. Easy to clean (wipe with a damp cloth). Best for: kitchens, bathrooms, and high-traffic areas. Cost: $20-$80/roll.

Grasscloth: Woven from natural fibers (jute, seagrass, sisal). Textured, organic look. Each panel is slightly different (natural variation). Cannot be wiped clean. Cost: $40-$150/roll. Best for: accent walls, dining rooms, and bedrooms.

How to Hang Wallpaper

Prep: Clean the walls (remove dust, grease, and grime). Fill holes and sand smooth. Apply a wallpaper primer (helps adhesion and future removal). Measure the wall height and width. Calculate the number of rolls needed (measure wall area in sq ft, divide by the roll coverage, and add 10-15% for waste and pattern matching).

Installation: Start at the least conspicuous corner (where a mismatch at the seam will be least visible). Use a plumb line or level to mark a perfectly vertical guide line. Cut the first strip (wall height + 4 inches for trimming). Apply paste (for unpasted) or activate adhesive (for pre-pasted). Book the paper (fold paste sides together, let rest 5-10 minutes to relax). Hang the strip, aligning the edge with your plumb line. Smooth from the center outward with a wallpaper smoother (push out air bubbles). Match the pattern on the next strip, butt the seam (do not overlap). Trim excess at the ceiling and baseboard with a sharp blade. Continue around the room.

Removal

Peel-and-stick: Pull from the top corner at a 45° angle. Comes off cleanly in most cases.

Vinyl or pre-pasted: Score the surface with a scoring tool (PaperTiger). Apply wallpaper remover solution or a 50/50 vinegar-water mix with a spray bottle or sponge. Let soak 15-20 minutes. Scrape with a wide putty knife. Repeat for stubborn areas. A wallpaper steamer ($30-$50 to rent) makes the job much faster. After removal: wash the wall with a sponge and warm water to remove paste residue. Sand lightly. Prime before painting or reapplying wallpaper.