Temporary Wallpaper – The Good and the Bad

Temporary wallpaper, also known as peel and stick or removable wallpaper, has been around for some time now. It may seem to be becoming more popular with its rise in popularity on social media with quick tutorials and impressive before and after photos. This type of wall décor is exactly what the same implies; wallpaper with the intention of being taken off later that is easily peeled and stuck to walls. There are definitely pros and cons to using this type of wallpaper, and as professional painters we are here to lay out the details so you can make an informed decision for your next DIY or home improvement project!  

Benefits to Temporary Wallpaper 

There are many benefits to this type of wallpaper, especially if you want to decorate your home as a renter or without a permanent commitment. Peel and stick wallpaper is great for those of do-it-yourselfers as well because it requires next to no training with instructions readily available with the paper. More benefits include:  

  • There are no tools involved in application or removal other than a careful eye and steady hands  
  • Wall integrity underneath the paper is kept intact so long as proper installation and removal is followed  
  • Less time and effort overall are required than paint or traditional wallpaper  
  • Completely removable and even reusable  
  • Intricate patterns, details, and textures can be achieved for a fun finished product  

Some decorative and quality products we recommend:  

Drawbacks to Temporary Wallpaper 

It should be noted that there are some significant drawbacks that come with peel and stick wallpaper. There are risks with any wall decoration: paint, wallpaper, spackle, even wall hangings. Some of the most important cons include: 

  • There is no guaranteed timeframe that your wallpaper will last, it could be years, months, or weeks depending on the quality, installation, and condition of the wall  
  • The price is much more costly than paint, especially when time used is considered  
  • Not all areas of a home are suitable, such as bathrooms or high moisture basements  
    • Bubbling in the paper may occur upon installation where moisture can gather  
  • Upkeep is considerable as it is expected that corners may peel and need re-stuck 
  • Peel and stick papering over existing wallpaper will likely damage the traditional paper  

In our professional opinion, we think temporary wallpaper is a great option for people who do not own their home or room since it is easy to do, provides character, and is low commitment! As long as the user knows the pros and cons of the product, it should provide a personalized home for however long they are staying. If you want a more permanent solution, we recommend traditional wallpaper or paint. These each have their own benefits that we would be happy to discuss with any homeowner interested. Call us today at (717) 396-1176 to set up a free on-site consultation and estimate for your home improvement project!