Sticking Around

Peel-and-stick wallpaper is a simple way to transform your space on a budget, but is it a lasting trend? Local design professionals give us their opinion on whether or not peel-and-stick wallpaper is here to stick around.

Edited by Moe Godat

Photography courtesy of Design & Detail

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Craze

Peel-and-stick wallpaper is definitely a craze. Although it gives a DIYer an opportunity to do a little wallpaper project on their own, it’s not the long-lasting intentional way wallpaper was meant to function. We like to hire a professional and know choices are endless regarding finishes, colors and textures! But do what’s best for your skill, budget and overall look! Anne Marie Boedges, Anne Marie Design Studio.

With younger generations being in rentals where they’re unable to put anything permanent on the walls, peel-and-stick wallpaper allows them to express their creativity and individuality with the current trends without the hassle of installing traditional wallpaper. It can be installed and removed within minutes, with little to no damage to the wall underneath. With that said, the conscientious installation of peel-and-stick wallpaper can be difficult to get it perfectly lined up with the other panels if placed on the wall in the wrong position. Since this type of wallcovering adheres immediately to the wall, removing bubbles can be a challenge. Furthermore, anyone planning on using this needs to understand that the durability factor goes way down if it is placed in direct sunlight or rooms that have a lot of humidity, such as laundry rooms or bathrooms. In conclusion, removable wallpaper isn't going anywhere soon but is definitely a craze. Savannah Sells, Youtopia Designs.

While I see why this might sound like a great idea in theory as it eliminates the fear of having to go through the nightmare of removing paper the old-fashioned way, it still needs to be hung properly to avoid looking like our grandmother's cupboards with their contact paper-lined shelves. I have seen fun removable pieces that were ideal to adorn a nursery or a child's room with age-appropriate characters that can be easily removed when the occupant tires of the subject matter. The temporary, occasional motivational phrase or scripture verse is fun as well.  For that, I say "Bravo!"  Beyond that, I feel like this one has got to be labeled a craze. Teddy Karl, The Great Cover Up.

Peel-and-stick wallpaper is a great option for those that want to add color or pattern to an apartment, dorm room or for someone who likes to keep their décor current with the latest styles. I think it is a great option but not necessarily a classic design element. Barbara Collins, Barbara Collins Interior Design.

Classic

I have found it to be a useful product when an area has a tight budget that won’t allow for real stone, brick or expensive paper. As a designer, of course I always prefer the real material, but with today's digital capabilities, peel and sticks are very realistic and a reasonably priced alternative. It started as a craze, but I believe it is here to stay, making it a classic! CJ Knapp, Yours By Design.

Variations of peel-and-stick wallpaper have been around for years. However professionals don’t advise it as a DIY. The application can be tricky, especially with large sizes. To do a really good installation, you can use a professional installer. It’s likely ideal for apartments and temporary residences where you can easily remove and not damage the wall. Is it here to stay? As a solution for temporary wall covering, yes. Dana King, Dana King Design Build Remodeling.

I feel peel-and-stick wallpaper will be around and become a classic. Wallpaper trends have come and gone over the years, I believe because of the labor it takes to apply and also remove.  But with peel and stick, the application is so much easier to apply and also remove, it’s more desirable as a selection. Pamela Calvert, Pamela Calvert Designs.