Somewhere along the way, wallpaper became something people approach with hesitation instead of excitement.
In the same breath though, I get it. I design wallpaper for a living and still go through the same series of commitment issue style questions when it comes to making a decision for my own home.
This is what I hear (and ask myself):
What if I decide to move? Is this going to hurt my resale value?
Does wallpaper damage walls?
Is wallpaper hard to remove?
Peel and stick vs traditional wallpaper — which is safer?
Is wallpaper a good investment?
How do I pick a pattern?
And I get the fear. Most of us inherited stories about floral borders from 1992 and drywall casualties from those early days HGTV shows. ...wallpaper being chipped away one tiny piece at a time.
SPOILER ALERT: You can use a "strippable" wallpaper adhesive that, when properly installed, allows the wallpaper to come off in huge hunks/sheets.
But here’s what I need you to know from everyone who has followed up with an “OH MY GOSH, I can’t believe I waited this long.”:
Wallpaper isn’t scary.
It isn’t reckless.
And it certainly isn’t a commitment issue.
Wallpaper is an act of self-trust. So if I wasn’t afraid to hurt your feelings (lovingly, of course), here are ten things I’d tell you.
1. Resale Is Not a Design Strategy.
If your primary design goal is “neutral enough for future buyers,” you are decorating for strangers.
I’m often asked about wallpaper resale value or whether wallpaper will hurt home value. The truth? Most buyers repaint anyway. Even brand-new white walls get covered up the minute keys change hands.
A well-designed home photographs beautifully. It stands out. It feels intentional. ...and don't let any real estate agent tell you differently. Story sells.
BUT more importantly — you live here now. Zillow doesn’t sit at your kitchen table. You do.
2. You’re Not Afraid of Wallpaper — You’re Afraid of Choosing.
This is the real one.
It’s not wallpaper you don’t trust. It’s your own taste.
Decision paralysis shows up loudly in home design because our walls feel permanent.
But here’s the thing: choosing wallpaper you won’t regret has less to do with trend forecasts and more to do with identity. Instead of asking, “Will this go out of style?” ask:
Would I still love this in five years if no one else saw it? If the answer is yes, that’s your pattern.
OR
Is changing this in 5 years really that big of a deal? If the answer is no, well, there's your permission.
3. Pattern Never Goes Out of Style. Playing It Safe Does.
Wallpaper has existed for centuries.
Historic homes are layered in florals, damasks, stripes, and murals that have outlived multiple design eras.
What goes out of style is chasing what’s trendy without asking if it fits your life or your architecture. Wallpaper itself isn't a trend. It's the pattern choice that makes it timeless.
Pattern is foundational. It creates warmth, rhythm, and visual interest. Blank walls aren’t morally superior — they’re just quieter.
And not everyone is meant to live quietly.
4. Wallpaper Isn’t a Commitment Issue. It’s a Confidence Move.
When someone says they’re worried wallpaper is “too permanent,” what they usually mean is they’re nervous about making a bold decision.
But permanence isn’t the enemy. Indecision is.
A thoughtfully chosen wallpaper becomes part of your architecture. It grounds a room. It gives it identity. It makes it feel finished instead of staged.
If you’ve ever wondered, Is wallpaper a good investment? — yes. Emotionally, it absolutely is. A home that reflects you is always worth the effort.
There's more guidance and prompts on figuring out what works in your space here on our Start Here page.
5. You Can Change Your Mind. That’s the Beauty of Design.
Now let’s talk about the practical side: Is wallpaper hard to remove?
Modern-Day traditional wallpaper — when installed correctly on properly primed walls — is designed to strip away cleanly. Many high-quality papers remove in full sheets.
Homes evolve. Tastes mature. Seasons change.
Consider this permission: You can repaint. You can redecorate. You can re-wallpaper.
I'll repeat it for the people in the back, removing modern-day traditional wallpaper really isn't like it used to be in the 80s.
TIP: We recommend using Roman PRO-880 Ultra Clear adhesive.
6. Wallpaper Is Not a Phase.
There’s a reason traditional interiors still captivate us.
Layered walls feel collected. Nostalgic. Rooted.
Wallpaper isn’t a fleeting design phase — it’s a historic design standard. Minimalism had a loud moment, but warmth never left the room.
If you're not a fan of literal translations of pattern (as in you don't want a wall covered in flowers), think grasscloth or soft/subtle or even mono-chromatic patterns. That way, your other decor like furniture and rugs can play bolder pattern roles that compliment your subtle wall layer.
7. Start Small. Think Big.
If you’re easing into wallpaper, start where bravery feels manageable.
Small spaces are great ways to tap into pattern with wallpaper. It gets those creative juices flowing and makes it easy to pair color and pattern with elsewhere.
My favorite little nooks to hang wallpaper:
Powder rooms
Mudrooms
Laundry rooms
The backs of built-ins
Closet interiors
Even ceilings
Small spaces are powerful. They let you experiment without overwhelming a room.
Confidence builds quickly when you see what pattern can do.
8. Your Walls Deserve a Personality.
Blank walls aren’t the default because they’re better. They’re the default because they’re safe.
But safe isn’t always soulful.
Pattern adds depth. It softens light. It creates a sense of belonging. A layered room wraps around you — and for those of us who love staying home, that matters.
You should want to linger in your spaces. Your walls can help with that. For those of us with an undeniable love of pattern, wallpaper isn’t excess. It’s home.
And again, if you're not a fan of literal translations of pattern and a moody floral wall is just too much, go for something soft/subtle or mono-chromatic patterns.
9. Peel and Stick Isn’t the Safer Option You Think It Is.
Let’s have the honest conversation about peel and stick vs traditional wallpaper.
Peel and stick is often marketed as the low-commitment, damage-free option. But in reality, the peel and stick adhesive-backed wallpaper can grip drywall aggressively — especially on textured or improperly primed walls.
Which leads to the big question: Does peel and stick wallpaper damage walls?
It can. Especially if removed too quickly or installed over flat paint without proper prep. Adhesive can pull paint and even the top layer of drywall. And installing it? It's a big giant sticker and she will humble the less than patient person.
Now let’s talk about traditional paste-the-wall wallpaper.
When walls are primed correctly, traditional wallpaper is:
More forgiving during installation
Repositionable while hanging
Designed to dry tight and smooth
Traditional adhesive is designed to strip away cleanly in the future
Does traditional wallpaper damage walls? Not when installed properly on primed surfaces. In fact, it often removes more predictably than adhesive-backed options.
Traditional wallpaper isn’t outdated. It’s reliable. It was designed for real homes — not just quick makeovers.
10. Design a Home You Don’t Want to Escape From.
This is the heart of it.
The goal isn’t resale.
The goal isn’t neutrality.
The goal isn’t pleasing the algorithm.
The goal is creating a home that feels like you.
Wallpaper can transform a room from passable to personal. From temporary to rooted. From blank to belonging.
When you stop asking, “What if I get tired of it?” and start asking, “Does this feel like home?” — everything shifts.
The biggest mistake people make with wallpaper is overthinking it to the point of paralysis.
Wallpaper isn’t a test you can fail. It’s a tool. A layer. A personality piece.
The goal isn’t perfection. It’s connection.
My MOST Asked Questions:
Is traditional wallpaper better than peel and stick?
In most cases, yes — especially when quality and longevity matter. Peel and stick wallpaper might sound easier, but it’s really just a big sticker –– and she will humble you. It can bubble, stretch, and leave sticky residue behind. Although, removable wallpaper (which is often different than peel & stick) is great for rentals. Traditional wallpaper, when installed correctly, goes on smoother, looks more elevated, and holds up beautifully over time. It’s the better choice when you’re looking for a finish that truly lasts with the added benefits of little to no damage if you want to change the vibe down the road.
What if I want to remove my wallpaper down the road?
With proper wall prep, wallpaper absolutely does not ruin your walls. Most wallpapers today use modern glues that are designed to be removable, especially when applied over primed surfaces. If you ever decide to remove it, it’s more like a gentle process than a full-on renovation. No damage, just a little steam or water and some patience.
What if wallpaper goes out of style?
In my humbled opinion, wallpaper never left. Wallpaper trends may go out of style, but the medium itself is here to stay. My biggest tip, and this goes for all design decisions, is to respect the architecture and pick something timeless that works with your space.
How do I decide on which pattern?
Don’t overthink it.
Truly.
The right pattern is the one that works with your room — not against it. Look at what already lives there: your upholstery, your rugs, your wood tones, your lighting. A wallpaper doesn’t have to match everything perfectly. It just needs to feel at home among the layers.
If your room is already busy, try a smaller-scale or tonal pattern.
If your room feels flat, try something with movement and contrast.
If your heart skips a beat when you see it? That’s usually your answer.
Wallpaper works best when it complements the room — not when it’s chosen in isolation.
What if I pick the wrong choice?
There isn’t one perfect choice.
There are several good ones.
Most hesitation comes from trying to predict every possible future mood you might have in that space. But homes aren’t math equations. They’re lived in.
Choose the pattern that feels aligned with how you want the room to feel — cozy, fresh, dramatic, nostalgic, calm.
You can trust yourself more than you think.
Should my wallpaper match my furniture?
It doesn’t need to match. It needs to coordinate.
Look for shared undertones, complementary colors, or similar levels of contrast. A room feels layered and intentional when patterns relate — not replicate.
Think harmony, not uniformity.
Wallpaper is a confident design choice that adds warmth, depth, and personality to your home.
Choosing the right pattern doesn’t require perfection — it simply needs to work with your room and reflect how you want the space to feel.
Getting started with wallpaper is less about eliminating fear and more about trusting your taste and giving your walls the character they deserve.
