What are the downsides of wallpaper?

Author: Anabelle Zemlak  |  Last update: Wednesday, August 13, 2025

Wallpaper is challenging to install, especially if you go with traditional wallpaper, and it's more expensive if you hire a local wallpaper installation company. Wallpaper removal is even more challenging, especially if you used traditional wallpaper, and removal will be an added expense you wouldn't have with paint.

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.

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.

When not to use wallpaper?

In damp areas like kitchens, bathrooms, and laundry rooms, wallpaper can warp or peel due to exposure to high humidity. Wallpaper is not recommended for use in children's rooms because it can be difficult to keep clean or change if the child outgrows the pattern.

Why do people not like wallpaper?

Also wallpaper is more maintenance as it can get discolored, stained, ripped etc and correcting these issues is more complicated than slapping on paint. In the past, people were willing to commit time to doing this, but not so much anymore in this busy day and age.

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Does wallpaper lower home value?

Appraisers don't value homes based on a seller's style preferences, so your frilly sofa and yellow carpeting are safe in their ruling. However,”older wallpaper can make a house look and feel outdated. While this may not directly affect the value of the house, it might affect the marketability.

Why did we 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.

Where not to put wallpaper?

Spaces with high or fluctuating levels of moisture, humidity, and potential water exposure aren't suitable for wallpaper since these factors can lead to peeling, water damage, and mold growth, undermining the aesthetic appeal of your 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.

Is wallpaper in or out of style?

In general, wallpaper usage seems to be on the rise, but more specifically, certain styles, patterns, and applications are extra in vogue. Here's what trends the experts are predicting for 2024.

How long will 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.

What are the benefits of removing wallpaper?

The Benefits of Wallpaper Removal

The main benefit to getting rid of your wallpaper is obvious—you can finally stop looking at a pattern you don't like! But there are practical reasons for taking it down as well. Over time, wallpaper can start to peel or bubble, which gives your walls a look that's not so polished.

Which wallpaper is best for a wall?

Solid Vinyl: The Most Durable wallpaper design for your home. This highly washable, scrubbable, and scratch resistant type of wallpaper is inexpensive and is a great choice for the kitchen interiors and bathroom. They come in intricate textures and patterns that can transform the look of a room.

Does wallpaper mess up walls?

Check what type of adhesive the wallpaper has

Some adhesives are permanent, and some are temporary/removable. Permanent glue will damage your wall, whereas removable glue will not leave a residue and should leave your wall damage free.

Is wallpapering a good idea?

Long-lasting durability – paint often needs retouching or repainting every two to five years depending on children, pets, and traffic. Using wallpaper for a room instead of paint can provide 10 to 15 years of durability.

Is it wrong to paint over wallpaper?

With the proper prep, you can paint over almost any kind of wallpaper. The only thing to consider is the condition of the wallpaper. If there are any chips, holes or noticeable scratches in the wallpaper, it's better to strip the wall instead of painting over the wallpaper.

What are the disadvantages of wallpaper?

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.

When did wallpaper go out of style?

As we turned into the mid to late 1990s, wallpaper began to fall out of favor. Homeowners began ripping it down, dealing with the price tag-like paper that left glue everywhere.

Does wallpaper hurt resale value?

“Most of the time, wallpaper is something that the buyer looks at as something that dates the house, and they consider things that are dated to be repairs. In their mind, they're going, ka-ching, ka-ching, and taking numbers off. Nine times out of ten, they're gonna subtract a good bit of money.”

Is it OK to wallpaper just one wall?

Wallpapering one wall can create a beautiful statement accent wall in the interior. It is a great option when you are looking to add a bolder pattern in the room and a focal point.

Is peel and stick wallpaper OK?

You can count on high-quality peel and stick wallpaper to adhere to most surfaces and brighten up most rooms. But there are a few exceptions. Self-adhesive wallpaper will need a surface that it can effectively stick to. So if your wall isn't smooth enough, your removable wallpaper may not adhere to 100% to the surface.

Do people still use wallpaper in their homes?

The resurgence of wallpaper continues to dot our homes with a lively rhythm of pattern and color, energizing our interiors in ways painted walls alone could never.

Is wallpaper out of style now?

In the book you will find so So here's the thing, wallpaper will never go out of style. Here's why. It has been used in homes for hundreds of years. This is defined as traditional style.

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 wallpaper old fashioned?

Ultimately, the perception of wallpaper being old-fashioned is subjective and can vary from person to person. The key is to choose wallpapers that align with your personal style, the overall design concept, and the ambience you want to create in your space.

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