Is Peel-and-Stick Wallpaper Actually Easier to Hang? How It Compares to Traditional Versions

Spoiler: The answer is yes—but only if you do it right.

Peel-and-stick wallpaper gives you the look of traditional wallpaper without the cost, commitment, and complicated installation. The big question is whether the popular DIY wall covering is actually easier to work with than regular wallpaper. To find out, we tapped Jennifer Matthews, chief creative officer at Tempaper & Co., who has experience using both traditional and peel-and-stick wallpapers.

Her answer: Yes, peel and stick wallpaper really is easier to work with. Not only does it not require you to hire a professional installer, but you don’t have to deal with any messy paste, there’s no time pressure while you’re applying it, and it’s easily removable. And an added bonus: peel-and-stick wallpaper is renter-friendly. If you’re curious about how the product works, what the benefits are, and how to choose the right print for your home, here’s what the expert has to say.

Is Peel-and-Stick Wallpaper Easier to Work with Than Regular Wallpaper?

Traditional wallpaper and peel-and-stick wallpaper are two different products and Matthews says they should therefore be approached accordingly. Having worked with both, Matthews believes peel-and-stick wallpaper is easier to apply for three reasons.

First, there’s no messy glue or paste to clean up since all you need to do is peel off the back liner and apply the paper to your surface. Second, it’s DIY-friendly and doesn’t require professional installation like traditional wallpaper typically does. Lastly, there’s no time pressure when working with peel-and-stick wallpaper. “Unlike traditional wallpaper where you have to work quickly before the paste dries, peel-and-stick wallpaper gives you the flexibility to take your time,” Matthews says. This means you can apply panels at your own pace, taking as many breaks in between as you like.

Benefits of Peel-and-Stick Wallpaper

It’s Cost-Effective

Not only is the product itself generally less expensive than traditional wallpaper, it doesn’t come with the cost of hiring a professional installer since peel and stick wallpaper is designed to be DIY-friendly.

It’s Renter-Friendly

“Peel-and-stick wallpaper allows renters to update their space and make it feel like home without the commitment or damage of traditional wallpaper,” Matthews says. She notes that it’s designed for both temporary and longterm use, which means you can easily remove it when it’s time to move out of your rental.

It’s Moisture-Resistant

Unlike some wall coverings, Matthews says their peel-and-stick wallpaper is designed to be steam and moisture-resistant. This makes it an excellent option for humid environments like bathrooms.

Expert Tips for Working with Peel-and-Stick Wallpaper

While not all peel-and-stick wallpapers are the same and you should always refer to the product label for specific instructions, Matthews shares a couple of expert tips to keep in mind when applying the wall covering.

• For best results, choose the right surface as that will allow for smooth application and a flawless finish. Matthews recommends working with a clean, smooth, and dry surface.
• Be as precise as you can be when measuring peel-and-stick wallpaper and most importantly, measure twice and cut once. “Take your time and make sure each panel is aligned properly,” the expert adds.
• Find the right application method for you. Matthews says you can work directly from the roll of peel-and-stick wallpaper or pre-cut panels to size and then apply them to the surface. Choose whatever method is easiest and most effective for you.
• Don’t rush the process. As Matthews points out, one of the big benefits of peel-and-stick wallpaper is that it gives you the time to work at your own pace since you don’t have to worry about a paste drying too fast. If you start feeling frustrated with the process or notice you’re making mistakes, take a break and step away from the project for a moment.

Professional Advice for Choosing and Applying Peel-and-Stick Wallpaper

“Choosing the right design is a personal decision and we encourage you to take your time exploring options,” Matthews says. To get started, she suggests taking the brand’s design quiz which will help you find the perfect print for your project. Before you commit to a wallpaper, Matthews highly recommends ordering a sample as it allows you to test the following factors:

• Adhesion assurance: This simply means a sample will help you see how well the peel-and-stick wallpaper actually sticks to your walls. This is especially important if your walls have a textured finish.
• Texture evaluation: If you are considering a textured peel-and-stick wallpaper such as grasscloth, a sample allows you to evaluate the texture and assess whether it suits your space.
• Color coordination: The only way to see the true color of the product you’ve selected is in a sample. Additionally, having a sample in hand means you can evaluate how well it works with your existing decor and paint colors. “Lighting and room colors can impact how a design looks and samples give you a better sense of how the wallpaper will fit into your space,” Matthews says.
• Natural lighting assessment: Colors appear different at different times of the day, and the expert says seeing the sample in various lighting conditions is important so you know you like it as much in the morning as you do at dusk. She also notes that some designs that have metallic elements may look different in varying light and a sample helps you decide whether the wallpaper works within your broader aesthetic.

At the end of the day, Matthews says you should trust your instincts. “Whether it’s color or style that guides your choice, you can’t go wrong picking what brings you joy,” she says.