When to Use Traditional Vs. Peel-and-Stick Wallpaper Leave a comment
How do you know when to use traditional, non-pasted wallpaper vs. peel-and-stick wallpaper? I get this question all the time, and it’s a good one because I’ve actually used both kinds of wallpaper in our house. Greta’s room is all peel-and-stick, but we have traditional wallpaper in just about every other room. There’s even one of each happening in the CLJ Studio!
Traditional Wallpaper in the Dining Room | Room Sources
So which one should you choose? It really comes down to a few key things.
The Case for Peel-and-Stick
If you’re in a rental, this one is a no-brainer. Go with peel-and-stick wallpaper! It’s relatively straightforward to install and can be removed without damaging the walls, which is exactly what you need in a temporary space.
I also think it’s a great choice if you’re a bit indecisive or you just want to try something bold without a long-term commitment. Maybe you’re looking to add a fun pattern to the back of a bookcase, line a few drawers, or try a pop of color in the kitchen. Even a mural! Peel-and-stick wallpaper is your friend here.
Peel-and-Stick Mural from our CLJ x Pottery Barn Kids Collaboration
It’s also a great option for a kid’s room. A pattern that you love for your toddler may not work for the same kid when they’re a teen. Each of my girl’s rooms has wallpaper, and I can see at least one of them wanting a change in the next few years.
Traditional Wallpaper in Polly’s Room | Room Sources
If you’re a family that moves frequently or you know your kids’ tastes change a lot, peel-and-stick wallpaper is the way to go. It’s also going to be a lot less messy than pasting wallpaper, and you can skip the professionals and hang it yourself!
See: Tips for How to Install Peel-and-Stick Wallpaper
The Case for Traditional Wallpaper
In a more long-term home, I honestly think traditional (also known as unpasted or non-pasted) wallpaper is a great commitment. In fact, it’s the only option I recommend for applications like walls with any texture at all or ceilings. Peel-and-stick won’t adhere properly to a textured surface, and it will look bubbly and messy. Save yourself the headache and go with the traditional option.
Traditional Grasscloth Wallpaper in the Mudroom | Room Sources
Since traditional wallpaper has been available for decades longer than peel-and-stick, you’re also going to have a bigger selection of options (although the peel-and-stick market is catching up fast!). Some people prefer more textural wallpaper like grasscloth or leathered finishes, which are more commonly found in traditional wallpapers than peel-and-stick.
Traditional Wallpaper in the CLJ Studio | Room Sources
Just a reminder: if your walls have any texture at all, you should absolutely go with traditional.
For us, I don’t regret using traditional wallpaper in our house one bit. Could I have put peel-and-stick in Polly’s room? Sure, and I know she’ll want a change in a few years, but for a 7-8 year run, it’s totally worth it. I can always wallpaper over it! The quality and finish of traditional wallpaper are just different, and when it’s in a space you plan to be in for a while, it’s a great investment.
What Happens If You Want to Change Your Traditional Wallpaper?
Traditional Hand-Painted Wallpaper (colorway no longer available)
When you don’t have multiple layers of wallpaper already, it’s pretty simple to remove with the right tools. If it’s only one layer and in good condition, you can often wallpaper right over it, which has been done for ages. That’s what our wallpaper installer recommended when we recently updated the traditional wallpaper in our powder bathroom from a stripe (above) to a moody jacquard (below).
Traditional Wallpaper in the Powder Room | Room Sources
The only time you run into trouble is when you have layers of old paper affecting your trim or a door’s swing, or if you want to install over wallpaper that is already peeling off extensively. And unless you’re extra handy, we usually hire out traditional wallpaper installation, which does add an extra cost.
See: How Much Does It Cost to Install Wallpaper?
Which Wallpaper Application Is Right for You?
Ultimately, both have their place. It all depends on your space and how long you want your wallpaper to last! Once you decide on which application you prefer, I’ve got you covered with our moody and modern collection of CLJ x A-Street Prints traditional wallpaper and CLJ x WallPops peel-and-stick wallpaper!
Pin this chart to refer back to it!
