For a long time, wallpaper only came in one form: the traditional kind that needed paste and a lot of patience to install. Then, in the early 2000s, peel and stick wallpaper changed the game.
With two solid options now on the table, one question remains: Which type of wallpaper is right for your project?
In this guide, we'll walk you through the key differences between peel and stick and traditional wallpaper, covering everything from installation to cost so you can make a confident, informed decision.
Jump Links
- What's the Difference?
- Pros and Cons: Peel and Stick
- Pros and Cons: Traditional Wallpaper
- How to Install Peel and Stick Wallpaper
- How to Install Traditional Wallpaper
- Durability and Maintenance
- Cost Considerations
- Which Wallpaper Is Right for You?
- Design Your Custom Wallpaper Today
What's the Difference?
Peel and stick wallpaper has a sticky backing, so you don't need glue to install. It's easy to apply, and just as easy to remove without damaging your walls. That makes it a great option if you're renting or like to change up your space often.
Traditional wallpaper is more challenging to hang. You'll need paste, patience, and possibly the help of a professional. However, the payoff is a polished, long-lasting finish that holds up well in busy or humid spaces.
The chart below offers a closer look at how the two options compare, helping you find the best fit for your next custom wallpaper project.
| Peel and Stick Wallpaper | Traditional Wallpaper | |
|---|---|---|
| Installation Method | Self-adhesive backing; no paste needed | Requires adhesive; more prep and tools needed |
| Difficulty Level | Beginner-friendly; easy for solo DIYers | Intermediate to advanced; often easier with two people or a pro |
| Tools Required | Smoothing tool, level, utility knife | Paste brush or roller, smoother, sponge, drop cloths |
| Wall Compatibility | Best on smooth, clean, flat surfaces | Can handle slight texture or minor wall imperfections |
| Durability | Holds up for a few years with care; may lift in humid areas | Lasts 15+ years; more resistant to humidity |
| Removal | Removes cleanly without damaging walls | Often requires water, steam, and scraping |
| Best For | Rentals, accent walls, temporary updates | Long-term projects, full-room installs, high-use areas |
Pros and Cons: Peel and Stick
Pros
No glue, no mess
Peel and stick wallpaper has built-in adhesive, so there's no need for paste.
Ideal for rentals or temporary updates
Because peel and stick wallpaper removes cleanly without damaging walls, it's a great option for renters or commitment-shy decorators.
Repositionable during installation
Peel and stick wallpaper gives you the flexibility to adjust panels during install without ruining the material or damaging the wall.
Requires minimal tools
You only need a smoothing tool and a utility knife to get started. A step stool and an extra pair of hands can help, but the install is easy enough to DIY.
Cons
Not suited for textured or glossy walls
Peel and stick wallpaper may not adhere to textured surfaces, glossy finishes, or low-VOC paints.
Can stretch or crease during install
Since peel and stick wallpaper is more pliable than traditional wallpaper, it can stretch or crease when pulled too tightly.
Lower adhesive strength overall
Peel and stick wallpaper has less adhesive grip than traditional wallpaper and can start to lift at the edges in humid or high-traffic areas.
Pros and Cons: Traditional Wallpaper
Pros
Durable and long-lasting
Traditional wallpaper is designed to go the distance. With proper installation, it can last 15+ years.
Better for textured or imperfect walls
The adhesive used for traditional wallpaper helps it stick to lightly textured or uneven surfaces.
Performs well in humid spaces
Traditional wallpaper holds up in steamy bathrooms, kitchens, and laundry rooms.
Cons
Requires more tools and prep
Traditional wallpaper takes more time to prepare and install than peel and stick. You'll need more tools and patience to get the job done.
Harder to install
Paste can dry quickly, and there's not much room for error once the wallpaper is on the wall. If you're new to wallpapering, you might consider hiring a pro.
Tougher to remove
Traditional wallpaper isn't meant to come off easily. Taking it down often involves water, scraping, and steaming.
How to Install Peel and Stick Wallpaper
Peel and stick wallpaper is designed with simplicity in mind. No paste, no drying time, and very little mess.
What you'll need:
- Tape measure
- Pencil
- Level or laser level
- Utility knife
- Smoothing tool (plastic squeegee or felt edge tool)
- Step stool or ladder
Step 1: Prep your surface
Start by giving the wall a good wipe-down with a damp cloth. You want a clean, dry surface free of dust, dirt, or any old adhesive.
Step 2: Create a straight starting point
Using a level, draw a vertical line where your first panel will go. Walls and corners aren't always perfectly square, so this step helps keep everything aligned from the start.
Step 3: Peel and stick—slowly
Peel a few inches of the backing at the top of your panel, and press that section onto the wall. Once it's in place and straight, continue peeling the liner down gradually, smoothing as you go.
Step 4: Smooth out bubbles
With your smoothing tool, work from the center outward to push out any air bubbles.
Step 5: Trim where needed
Use a sharp utility knife to trim the top, bottom, or sides of the panel.
Step 6: Line up your next panel
Apply the next panel, carefully matching the pattern along the edge.
How to Install Traditional Wallpaper
Traditional wallpaper takes more time up front, but if you're after a polished, long-lasting look, the results are well worth the effort.
What you'll need:
- Tape measure
- Pencil
- Level
- Utility knife
- Wallpaper paste
- Brush or roller for applying paste
- Wallpaper smoothing tool or brush
- Sponge and clean water
- Drop cloth to protect the floor
Step 1: Clean and prep the wall
Start with a clean surface. Wipe down the wall to remove any dust or grease, and let it dry completely. Some people also like to use a wallpaper primer to help with adhesion and easier removal later on.
Step 2: Mark your starting point
Grab a level and draw a straight vertical line where you plan to hang your first panel.
Step 3: Apply the paste
How you apply the paste depends on the wallpaper. Some papers are pasted directly on the wall, while others need the paste applied to the back.
Step 4: Hang the panel
Starting at the top, press the paper into place along your guideline. Gently smooth it downward with your hands as you go.
Step 5: Smooth it out
Use a wallpaper brush or smoother to press the panel flat. Start in the middle and work out to the edges. If paste squeezes out at the seams, wipe it away with a damp sponge.
Step 6: Trim the edges
Once the panel is in place, trim any excess paper at the top and bottom using a sharp utility knife.
Step 7: Line up the next piece
Hang the next panel, carefully matching the pattern at the seam.
Durability and Maintenance
Both peel and stick and traditional wallpaper can last, but the right choice depends on where you're installing it. A quiet guest room? Either will do. A steamy bathroom or busy hallway? One may outperform the other.
Peel and Stick
- Best for low-traffic areas like offices and bedrooms
- Can last several years with proper prep and installation
- May lift or bubble in humid or high-touch environments
- Easy to clean with a damp cloth
Traditional Wallpaper
- Designed for long-term use—often 15+ years
- Handles humidity better than peel and stick
- More resistant to bubbling, lifting, or scuffing
- Some styles are scrubbable or can be sealed for extra durability
Cost Considerations
When comparing wallpaper costs, it's not just about the price per roll. You also have to consider what it takes to get it on the wall—tools, time, and whether you'll need to call in a pro.
Peel and Stick
- Usually a bit more expensive per square foot
- Built-in adhesive means no paste and fewer supplies
- Easy to install yourself—no extra labor costs
- May need replacing sooner
Traditional Wallpaper
- Often cheaper per roll, especially for standard materials
- Requires paste, more tools, and possibly a pro installer
- Better value for long-term use
Which Wallpaper Is Right for You?
Still on the fence? Use this quick decision guide to figure out which option fits your space, timeline, and goals.
Choose Peel and Stick If...
- You're renting and need something removable
- You plan to install it yourself
- You want a fast, low-mess project
- The wall surface is smooth and flat
- The space isn't too humid (like a bedroom or office)
- You like to switch up your style every few years
- You're working on an accent wall or a small area
Choose Traditional Wallpaper If...
- This is a long-term design (15+ years)
- You're wallpapering a bathroom, kitchen, or humid area
- You're hiring a professional installer or feel confident DIYing with paste
- The walls have light texture or aren't perfectly smooth
- You're covering a large area or full room
Design Your Custom Wallpaper Today
Whether you're looking for an easy peel and stick project or a more permanent install, the right wallpaper should fit your space and your style.
At Fabric On Demand, you get the best of both worlds: peel and stick for quick, mess-free makeovers, and traditional wallpaper for long-term, high-impact designs. Just upload your artwork or browse thousands of patterns, pick your preferred material, and we'll custom-print it to your specs.
Ready to get started? Design your custom wallpaper today.