Traditional Wallpaper
Traditional wallpaper is installed using paste—either pre-pasted on the paper or applied separately like a glue. The process takes a bit of patience, but many people find it almost cathartic. Because the paste stays workable while wet, you have time to slide the paper into place and adjust as needed, which makes it a surprisingly forgiving installation method.

Peel-and-Stick Wallpaper
Peel-and-stick wallpaper functions much like a large sticker. It can be a more budget-friendly option and appeals to those wanting a quicker project. That said, installation can be a bit tedious since once it touches the wall, there isn’t much room to reposition and the more you do so, the more stick you lose. Depending on the wall surface and adhesive, it may also leave residue or cause minor wall damage when removed.

Removable Wallpaper
“Removable” Wallpaper actually refers more to how wallpaper comes down than how it goes up. Many wallpapers today are designed to be removable whether it's traditionally pasted or peel & stick wallpaper, though some are more easily stripped than others. Traditional wallpaper, when installed with a strippable paste, is designed for clean removal later on. Peel & Stick wallpaper, if labeled as removable, is geared towards temporary or short-term installs (think rental spaces, craft level projects, merchandised spaces that change often, etc.)

There are different types of wallpaper for different needs — and each has its place.

That said, traditional wallpaper (installed with paste) is widely considered the gold standard for a reason. It offers:

• A smoother, more seamless finish
  
• Greater durability
  
• Better performance in humidity and high-traffic areas
  
• Long-term beauty
  

When professionally installed, traditional wallpaper lays flatter, lasts longer, and can be removed properly if needed in the future. It’s not about being “stuck” — it’s about getting the most beautiful result.

Start with the room itself.

• What kind of light does it get?
  
• What architectural features already exist?
  
• Do you want the wallpaper to whisper… or speak?
  

Small-scale patterns create texture and depth. Large-scale designs create drama and movement. Stripes and geometrics add structure. Florals bring softness and romance.

I will always recommend starting with the color palette that works for your space. Even if you like the colorful pops, would your space do best with neutral? Then start there. Are you already in a neutral space and need a pop of color? Well, by all means.

There’s no formula — just harmony.

Wallpaper today is not the wallpaper of the 80s. When properly installed and removed, traditional wallpaper should release in large sheets or big sections — not the nightmare of scraping off tiny paper scraps for days.

We recommend using Roman PRO-880 Ultra Clear adhesive, which provides a strong, reliable hold while still allowing for easier removal later with little to no wall damage when properly installed and removed.

The key? Proper prep.

Clean, primed walls and following installation instructions carefully make all the difference — both for a beautiful finish now and a smooth removal someday. (We include detailed install guidance for exactly this reason.

Homes evolve. Seasons change. If you decide to refresh your space down the road, you absolutely can. Choosing wallpaper isn’t about locking yourself into one look forever — it’s about loving where you are right now.