Wallpaper has come a long way since it was first used for wall decor.
In 1785, Christophe-Philippe Oberkampf from France invented the first machine for printing wallpaper.
We’ve seen many styles come & go since then. Some styles will hopefully never make a comeback!
But modern wallpaper has come a long way.
It’s seen many innovations in the use of different materials as well as beautiful, modern & contemporary styles.
So how long can you expect wallpaper to last? When correctly installed, traditional wallpaper will last up to 15 years & in many cases a lot longer. Removable, otherwise known as peel & stick wallpaper, will also last for many years if it’s of good quality.
Do Some Wallpapers Last Longer Than Others?
There’s a few different materials that traditional wallpapers are made from. Each has its own characteristics.
When correctly applied & maintained, wallpapers made from different materials will all have the same longevity of 15 years or more.
The term “ traditional ” simply describes the type of wallpaper that’s applied using an adhesive or paste to one side.
Different wallpapers can require their own approach to cleaning & maintenance, which I’ll cover in the next chapter.
How to Make Your Wallpaper Last
Another factor that will affect how long your wallpaper stays on the wall is preparation.
Walls need to be properly prepared & the correct glue or paste used for the wallpaper you are applying.
This is just a case of reading instructions or asking the store where you purchased the paper from.
Wallpaper will require some ongoing maintenance as it can collect dust, air-borne grease & other particles as well as finger marks around light switches & other areas.
It’s recommended to dust your wallpaper once a month or so.
Other marks will need further cleaning.
There are a few types of wallpaper available today.
1. Fabric Backed Vinyl
2. Paper Backed Vinyl
3. Solid Vinyl
4. Vinyl Coated
5. Plain Pulp
6. Non-Woven
7. Grass-cloth, Bamboo or other Natural Fibre
8. Fibreglass
Honestly, in writing this article I came across many terminologies & various descriptions for wallpapers.
But cleaning is just common sense.
Whichever type of wallpaper, give it a good dusting first.
Vinyl wallpapers can simply be wiped down, usually just with mild soapy water. But Isopropyl Alcohol or Rubbing Alcohol is also recommended.
But don’t use any type of abrasive sponge. Just use a soft sponge or cloth.
Other papers can be more tricky to clean. But when in doubt, try a small inconspicuous area first.
Handy Hint - buy an extra roll or 2 of wallpaper. That way you can always replace a section should it get damaged. As some papers can be discontinued after a year or so.
Shelf Life for Peel & Stick Wallpaper
This style of removable paper is also called renters wallpaper.
Because it can be applied & taken down without creating damage to the walls, it’s the perfect alternative to traditional papers.
Although if it’s been up a while, the walls may need cleaning.
It’s often used instead of traditional papers simply because it doesn’t require the hassle of pasting it to the walls.
They are also highly durable & easy to wash.
But .. How long do removable wallpapers last? Peel & stick papers can vary widely in how long they will remain on your wall. In some cases it could be good for a few years, in others only a few months.
There are people that have successfully had this style of paper on their walls for a good few years.
Then there are stories of it bubbling & peeling after only a few months.
Some wallpaper suppliers have even stopped stocking it as they don’t feel confident selling it.
But before this discourages you from trying it, there’s a few variables that can affect how long it will adhere to your walls.
Like most things, you get what you pay for.
There will always be manufacturers making better quality & those that are the cheaper end of the market.
It can also depend on the wall it’s being applied to.
The walls need to be flat & in good condition. The type of surface & even paint it’s going to sit on can be a factor.
Correct application.
Peel & stick, sounds easy right? There is still a correct way to hang this paper to make sure it’s free of bubbles & sitting to the wall properly.
Humidity & moisture.
Removable wallpapers don’t fair well in bathrooms, utility rooms & places with a high moisture content.
Even though I’ve personally never used this style of wall covering, it’s popularity is quite obvious.
And there are success stories.
So maybe it’s a case of researching the best suppliers, making sure your walls are suited for it & learning how to hang it properly.
Final Thoughts
Modern wallpaper makes for really stylish interiors & are perfectly suited for feature walls.
Tradition wallpapers at least, when hung correctly, are going to outlive your personal taste in decor.
So if you’re making the decision to go with wallpaper, you want to make sure you’re going to be happy with it for many years to come.
I love modern wallpaper, especially as an accent wall.
I’m in a rental, so maybe I’ll give the peel & stick a go one day!
If you’ve found value in this article, don’t be shy in spreading the love.
Comments are always welcome too!
If you're looking for a huge choice of quality wallpaper, I highly recommend checking out Walls Republic. I am an affiliate, this simply means you won't pay a cent more, but I receive a small commission .. it all helps to keep the lights on! So thank in advance if you do make a purchase. You can find out why I only promote certain companies here.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can You Paint Over Wallpaper?
It can be done, and certain papers are easier to paint than others. It can sometimes be a worthwhile alternative to stripping off old wallpaper. Learn more.
Can You Hang Art Over Wallpaper?
Yes, it can be done. Depending on the size of artwork, there are ways to hang art with minimal to no damage. Learn how.
Does Wallpaper Fade?
Yes, it can..but that doesn't mean it will. Learn more
Is Wallpaper Old Fashioned?
Modern wallpaper is far from being old fashioned. You can even buy retro & vintage wall coverings that look fantastic with a contemporary decor. Learn more ..
Is Wallpaper a Good Idea?
It's amazing how many people still ask this question. There are pros & cons to wallpapering though. Learn more ..
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