What are the disadvantages of wallpaper?

Author: Prof. Ansel Gleason PhD  |  Last update: Monday, February 16, 2026

Cons of using wallpaper:
  • Higher cost – yes, the cost is more upfront. ...
  • Difficult removal – yes, we just said it was easy to remove wallpaper. ...
  • Hard to replace – wallpaper patterns come and go. ...
  • Humidity and climate – choose the right paper for the room.

What are the side effects of wallpaper?

In addition to plasticizers, various chemicals such as fungicides, flame retardants, and colorants are used. Over time, these chemicals are released throughout the room as volatile organic compounds (VOCs). These VOCs can cause various symptoms such as headache, dizziness, and flickering eyes, depending on the person.

What are the negatives of wallpaper?

Maintenance: Requires careful cleaning, making maintenance a bit challenging. Cost: Typically more expensive due to its luxurious finish and intricate manufacturing process. Suitability: Not ideal for high-traffic or damp areas due to its delicate texture.

Is it better to paint or wallpaper?

If you're looking for versatility, affordability, and ease of maintenance, painting your walls might be the way to go. If you're looking for durability, texture, and the ability to hide imperfections, wallpaper might be a better option.

How many years does wallpaper last?

Wallpaper Durability

Wallpaper can last up to 15 years and beyond, which makes it a cost-effective, durable way to decorate your room. It is generally accepted that properly hung wallpaper will last 3 times as long as paint. Wallpaper is a great way to decorate high traffic areas in your home.

Wallpaper vs Paint | Cost, Durability, Application & More | Wall Painting Ideas (Expert Guide)

Where not to use wallpaper?

Not Suitable for High-Moisture Areas

If you plan to use wallpaper in a bathroom, especially in areas near showers, bathtubs, or sinks, standard peel-and-stick wallpaper is not the best choice.

Is it cheaper to paint or wallpaper?

Generally speaking, painting is a less expensive process, while wallpapering is longer lasting and more durable. If you're on a tight budget, a beautiful look in any room can be achieved with a well chosen paint color and plenty of accent pieces in similar color schemes.

Is wallpaper high maintenance?

Wallpaper can last for years with only minor maintenance. Paint usually needs refreshing and touching up every few years due to scuffs and scrapes from regular wear and tear. Wallpaper can maintain its original beauty without constant touch-ups.

Is it better to paste wallpaper on the wall or paper?

Pasting the paper allows it to soften and relax, so it's ready to hang. However, most modern wallpapers have moved away from this as it's time-consuming, requires additional equipment, and can affect the results if you get the timing wrong. The easier way to hang wallpaper is to use "paste-the-wall" wallpaper.

Is peel and stick wallpaper better than paint?

Durability and Longevity

Wallpapers, especially peel and stick vinyl options, are known for their durability. Unlike paint, which may chip or require touch-ups, wallpaper can maintain its appearance for years, making it a cost-effective long-term investment.

Why don't people like wallpaper?

This can look really effective, especially as there is so many fabulous designs out there. So, why do people dislike wallpaper? Having done some research on this, the continuous theme seems to be the trouble it takes both putting it up and taking it down. The other is that it's tacky or old fashioned.

What type of wallpaper is best?

Vinyl. Vinyl wallpaper is one of the most versatile wallcoverings on the market today, so it's a great option for growing families. It is easy to install and can be cleaned with a damp sponge. Made from PVC, vinyl wallpaper is extremely durable making it a great choice for kid's rooms, bathrooms and even kitchens.

Does wallpaper devalue a home?

Here are some common home improvement projects that could decrease the value of your home: Too much wallpaper. Built-in electronics. Wall-to-wall carpeting.

What are the cons of wallpaper?

Of the two, wallpaper is likely to have the biggest negative impact on potential buyers. Wallpaper does not have broad appeal and is difficult and costly to remove. Since repainting is a relatively easy project, potential buyers are more likely to look past a paint color they don't like.

Is wallpaper in style now?

Wallpaper is making a strong comeback in home design, and it's more versatile and creative than ever.

What is the safest wallpaper?

  1. La Grand Classique. FSC. Handcrafted. ...
  2. Spoonflower. American made. Eco friendly packaging. ...
  3. If Your Walls Would Talk. American made. Handcrafted. ...
  4. York Wallcoverings. Greenguard certified. Best For | Wide variety of designs. ...
  5. Chasing Paper. American made. Family owned. ...
  6. Walls By Me. American made. FSC. ...
  7. Paperbird. Budget friendly.

Does peel and stick wallpaper really not damage walls?

Peel and stick wallpaper is designed for easy and clean removal without causing damage to the underlying surface. It peels off smoothly, leaving little to no residue behind, making it perfect for temporary decor changes or rental properties.

Should you wallpaper every wall?

If you love a wallpaper design then please go ahead and use it on every wall. This is for two reasons, firstly because you love it so why not surround yourself with it? And secondly, papering the whole room will make it feel larger.

How long do you leave paste on wallpaper before hanging?

Soaking time is dependent on room temperature and wallpaper type (around 8-12 minutes). Only paste a small number of strips at one time, and hang them in the order they were pasted.

Where not to put wallpaper?

These are the places you should never wallpaper if you want a low-maintenance home
  • High-moisture areas.
  • High-traffic areas.
  • Structural features.
  • Uneven or textured surfaces.
  • Around fireplaces.
  • Exterior walls.

Why did people stop using wallpaper?

There are lots of theories as to why this all happened, but it was likely a combination of a desire for simpler, more minimalist interior designs and the reputation wallcoverings had (some would say justifiably) as something difficult to put up—and even harder to take down.

What is the lifespan of wallpaper?

Wallpapers can last up to 15 years and have high sustainability and reliability. Whereas, wall paints have a tendency to get damaged easily. Paints can last on a well-prepared surface for 5-6 years, still needs to touch up every year or two.

How much should I expect to pay for wallpaper?

On average, you can expect to pay $30-50 for basic double rolls. More elaborate designs and higher quality paper will cost more. About $1.14 per square foot.

How much do painters charge to hang wallpaper?

Cost to Install Wallpaper per Square Foot

The actual labor costs of hanging wallpaper can range from $1 to $7 per square foot, or $3 to $9 per yard, on top of the cost of the wallpaper itself. It costs approximately $25 to $80 per hour to have a professional put up wallpaper.

Does wallpaper look cheap?

In contrast, regular wallpaper can come off as cheap, especially when it is surrounded by high-quality furniture and decorations. The images and hues it includes may be less pleasing or more casual than what you desire. It's also very rare to find regular wallpaper that is not flat and plain with regard to tactility.

Previous article
What to do when toilet water is high?
Next article
How long does it take to see the effects of an air purifier?