The world of peel and stick wallpaper can be a confusing place for those stepping into it for the first time. On the one hand, there’s a lot of love for removable wall coverings and the freedom and flexibility they bring. At the same time, there are people who will strongly advise against anything other than paint for your walls. Today we’re here to end the dilemma with a comprehensive list of peel and stick wallpaper pros and cons.

Before we get into the details, there’s a fundamental reason for the polarizing views about removable wallpaper. Not all peel and stick wall coverings are alike. A cheap product with a thin build and glossy finish may not be able to meet the visual standards of a richly painted wall. On the other hand, a durable peel and stick wall covering with a versatile matte finish may meet and even exceed your quality expectations. The same goes for the inks used to print the designs on your wallpaper, the adhesive quality of its backing, and so on.

Keeping these parameters in mind, let’s explore the advantages and disadvantages of using removable wallpaper.

Peel and stick wallpaper pros

It doesn’t need a long-term commitment

This is by far the main selling point of peel and stick wallpaper. You can decide on a design you like right now, and not have to worry about being stuck with it for years. A good quality removable wallpaper will come off your wall without causing damage, and let you try something new the next time you fall in love with a decor style or color palette.

It’s DIY-friendly

Even those who are mulling over the pros and cons of peel and stick wallpaper find it hard to ignore this obvious advantage. You don’t have to roll up your sleeves and learn to paint your wall. You don’t need much assistance or too many tools. Installing these wall coverings is just like peeling off the backing of a large sticker and applying it to the wall surface.

It’s easy to maintain

Mild detergent solution and a damp cloth – that’s all you need to clean a wall covered in removable wallpaper. With regular cleaning, a good quality, durable removable wallpaper will last you for years if you need it to. Our wallpapers sport a latex coating that protects the print and allows you to clean the surface effectively.

Endless style options

Last but not least, the number of style, color and pattern options you can find in peel and stick wallpaper is basically impossible to match. From classic floral decor to trendy geometrics and themed prints, you can bring home just what you love. What’s more, you can even emulate brick, stone, wood or fabric clad walls by choosing high quality faux textures in a peel and stick format!

Peel and stick wallpaper cons

Size could matter more than you think

Peel and stick wallpapers are easy to install, but if you don’t purchase the right size and quantity, you could end up with awkward results. This is why we recommend carefully measuring your walls, keeping in mind doors, windows and wall mounted units, to arrive at the right quantity of wallpaper for your room. We offer multiple panel size options to help you find the best fit.

What you see is not always what you get

You fell in love with a beautiful beige wallpaper you found online, ordered it, only to discover it’s actually a little too orange for comfort. It’s happened to us all, and is an unfortunate risk of shopping online. When discussing peel and stick wallpaper pros and cons, this usually tops the list of negatives. The good news is that you can reduce the risk by opting for high quality, matte finish wallpapers from trusted brands.

At Walls By Me, we do our best to ensure that colors are accurately represented in our listings. However, we highly recommend ordering a sample before finalizing your purchase. This will help you see the wallpaper you’ve chosen in its future setting, and understand whether the lighting conditions and surrounding elements will complement it.

Not compatible with every surface

Peel and stick wallpapers in general will not adhere well to textured surfaces. They need a smooth wall for the adhesive to hold the wallpaper in place. Our wallpapers work with light textures like orange peel, but again, we recommend getting a sample to know for sure.

Safety concerns

Some peel and stick wallpapers, especially the cheaper variants, use lead-based inks or other potentially toxic materials that can over time compromise the quality of your home’s indoor environment. However, this issue is easily resolved by opting for better quality, non-toxic wallpapers. Our products are free from PVC, VOC and lead. They even have a Class 1 fire rating. Find out more about what makes them safe for your loved ones.

Have these peel and stick wallpaper pros and cons settled your confusion to some extent? Why not take the next step by finding a stylish wall covering for your home? Shop now from our updated collection.