Wallpaper has the power to reshape a space more than most finishes. A bold pattern can add energy, while a textured surface can soften a room’s atmosphere. Costs, however, vary widely. Material type, wall condition, and installation method all influence the final total. Some homeowners prefer to handle the work themselves, while others hire professionals for precision and speed.
This article looks closely at what drives wallpaper pricing, compares common types, and breaks down the main expenses involved in planning a wallpaper project.
Factors That Affect Wallpaper Cost
Wallpaper pricing can swing quite a bit from one project to another. Two rooms of equal size might come in at completely different totals because material quality, wall preparation, and installation all shape the outcome. Understanding how each of these factors plays a part makes it easier to plan the project without surprise costs later.
Type of Wallpaper
Material choice has the greatest impact on price. Peel-and-stick wallpaper is quicker to install but varies widely in construction. Some versions use thin film that wrinkles under pressure, while thicker vinyl holds color and texture much better.
Traditional unpasted wallpaper takes more time and skill, yet the result is often smoother and longer-lasting. Heavier textures, metallic finishes, or deep embossing raise the cost because they require additional handling during installation.
Quality and Brand
Quality differences show up fast once the roll is unwrapped. Premium papers use stronger backing, finer printing, and coatings that resist moisture or scuffs. Cheaper materials may fade or tear more easily. At Grovetree Décor, our wallpapers are printed at up to 600 DPI, giving crisp color and precise pattern definition.
The material itself is roughly twice as thick as many standard options and uses an advanced adhesive formula that holds firmly yet allows for repositioning during installation. Those construction details place it firmly in the higher-quality tier of the market.
Roll Size and Coverage
Roll dimensions change how far each unit goes. Larger rolls reduce seams but add to the initial purchase price. Pattern repeats—how often the design cycles vertically—also matter. A big repeat wastes more material, especially on smaller walls or when matching across corners. Measuring the space carefully before ordering helps avoid paying for extra rolls that won’t get used.
Installation Method – DIY vs Professional
Applying wallpaper can look simple, but precision is everything. DIY wallpaper installation can work well for smaller projects, yet pattern alignment and trimming can test anyone’s patience.
Professionals bring the right tools and techniques to handle seams cleanly and keep patterns consistent across large walls. Labor costs raise the budget, but they often prevent wasted material and rework later.
Average Wallpaper Costs by Type
The cost of wallpaper depends heavily on the material. Thickness, texture, and printing quality all shape how much you’ll pay per square foot. Below is a breakdown of the main types found in residential interiors and what to expect from each.
Peel & Stick Wallpaper Costs
High-quality peel-and-stick wallpaper typically averages around $7.20 per square foot CAD at regular pricing, with current sale prices landing closer to $5.96 per square foot. This range applies mainly to smooth vinyl surfaces, which are the most common in this category.
An average accent wall done with premium peel-and-stick material usually totals about $750 at full price. Lower-end products do exist, but they’re thinner, less textured, and tend to wrinkle or tear more easily.
Vinyl Wallpaper Costs
Vinyl wallpaper sits close to the upper end of the market because of its strength and texture options. Prices often align with good peel-and-stick materials, though some specialized vinyls run higher. The appeal is durability—vinyl stands up to moisture, making it suitable for kitchens and bathrooms. It cleans easily and maintains color depth longer than paper-based products, which offsets its higher upfront cost.
Paper Wallpaper Costs
Traditional paper wallpaper is lighter and usually 10 to 20 percent less expensive than high-grade peel-and-stick materials. It’s often used in dry, low-traffic spaces such as bedrooms or dining rooms. Because paper can absorb moisture, it’s not ideal for bathrooms or kitchens.
Many manufacturers don’t disclose exact paper weight or coating details, so performance can vary widely between brands.
Non-Woven Wallpaper Costs
Non-woven wallpaper combines natural fibers with synthetic binders, creating a material that breathes better and resists shrinkage. Its cost typically falls in the mid-to-high range, depending on texture and finish.
Non-wovens are easier to install and remove than standard paper. They hold pattern alignment well and hide wall imperfections better than thin stock, which adds to their appeal despite a higher price point.
How to Calculate Total Wallpaper Cost
Figuring out the real cost of wallpaper isn’t just about the sticker price on a roll. Measuring, wall prep, waste, and installation all add up. A clear plan early on keeps the project realistic and prevents mid-job surprises.
Start with the walls themselves, then build up layer by layer: material, labor, and extras.
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Measure your wall area: Take the height and width of each wall and multiply them. Subtract any large windows or doors. Round up to keep a small buffer for trimming.
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Account for pattern repeats and waste: If your wallpaper has a repeating design, you’ll need extra for alignment. Adding roughly 10% to 15% more material covers trimming, test cuts, and accidents.
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Check roll coverage: Rolls vary in size. Most packaging lists how many square feet each covers—use that to calculate how many you’ll need. Always double-check against your measurements before buying.
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Add the material cost: Multiply your required square footage by the wallpaper’s price per square foot or per roll. This gives you the base cost of the project.
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Include wall prep and tools: Primer, sanding blocks, paste (if unpasted wallpaper), and a smoothing tool add to the total. Even a minor crack or uneven patch can show through wallpaper if it’s not repaired first.
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Factor in labor: Professional installation comes with skill, speed, and precision. DIY installation saves on labor, but it may take longer and involve trial and error.
Once all these pieces are added up, you’ll have a realistic idea of what your wallpaper project will cost before you even open a roll.
Average Cost Per Room or Area
Below is a realistic look at what typical spaces cost to wallpaper, using the current $4.50–$10 per square foot range for quality materials.
Small Bedroom Costs
A compact bedroom—around 100 to 120 square feet of wall space—usually falls at the lower end of the price range.
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Simpler layouts and fewer windows keep waste to a minimum.
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DIY installation is more manageable in smaller rooms.
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Expect a modest number of rolls, depending on pattern size and wall height.
Small bedrooms are often a good starting point for first-time installers since they’re easier to measure and finish cleanly.
Living Room or Dining Room Costs
These rooms often cost more overall because of size and detailing.
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Larger wall sections increase total material use.
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Multiple corners, trim, and openings add time to cutting and pattern matching.
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Furniture placement may limit access, slowing installation.
The cost per square foot remains the same, but total spending rises simply because there’s more wall to cover. Vinyl or non-woven wallpapers are common choices here—they handle wear better and clean easily.
Accent Wall Costs
Accent walls are the most predictable in cost since they’re small and straightforward.
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A high-quality peel-and-stick vinyl wall averages around $750 at full price.
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Ideal for showcasing a bold pattern or texture.
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Minimal material waste when walls are flat and square.
Large Spaces and Commercial Applications
Larger areas change the math quickly. Open-plan homes, offices, and retail interiors all require more coordination.
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High ceilings may need ladders or scaffolding, increasing labor time.
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Long, continuous walls often demand more pattern alignment.
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Commercial-grade wallpaper is usually thicker and built to resist scuffs.
Even with the same $4.50–$10 per square foot range, the total bill grows because of scale and complexity.
Additional Costs to Consider
Wallpaper projects often include more than just the rolls themselves. The surface underneath, the tools required, and the labor involved can all add significantly to the total. Overlooking these items is a common reason budgets fall short. Thinking through each part before starting helps prevent mid-project surprises.
Wallpaper Paste, Adhesives, and Tools
Even though peel-and-stick wallpaper doesn’t need extra paste, other materials do. Adhesives, primers, and application tools add small but important costs.
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Adhesive and primer: Unpasted wallpaper requires specialized paste or activator, usually bought per tub or packet. Priming the wall first helps the wallpaper grip evenly.
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Application tools: Items like smoothing brushes, seam rollers, utility knives, and levels are small expenses but essential for a clean finish.
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Cutting and measuring supplies: A metal ruler, a cutting mat, and extra blades help avoid tearing during trimming.
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Ladders or scaffolding: Needed for tall walls, staircases, or vaulted ceilings. Rental costs can add up on multi-day projects.
Even for DIY installers, investing in proper tools pays off in cleaner seams and less wasted material.
Wall Preparation Costs – Sanding, Priming, Repairing
Wall prep is often underestimated but makes a huge difference in the finished result.
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Sanding and cleaning: Any bumps, dust, or leftover paint drips will show through thin wallpaper. A light sanding and a wipe-down with a damp cloth give a smoother surface.
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Patching and filling: Small holes or cracks must be filled and leveled. Uneven surfaces cause bubbles and poor adhesion.
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Priming: For new drywall or repaired walls, primer creates a consistent surface and prevents uneven absorption of adhesive.
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Removing old wallpaper: Stripping older layers adds time and cost, especially if they were installed with strong adhesives or multiple layers deep.
Professionals often spend nearly as much time preparing the wall as hanging the wallpaper. Skipping this step almost always shortens the life of the finish.
Labor Costs for Professional Installation
Hiring a professional installer can raise the total, but it often saves money in the long run.
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Skill and precision: Professionals handle pattern alignment, seams, and complex wall shapes efficiently.
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Speed: A single room that might take a DIYer two weekends can be completed in one day by a pro.
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Special conditions: Bathrooms, kitchens, and stairwells often require ladders, extra adhesive, or moisture-resistant techniques.
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Guarantee: Many installers offer a workmanship warranty, which protects your investment if issues appear later.
Professional installation usually adds the most to the project cost, but it also minimizes waste and rework — two of the biggest hidden expenses in DIY wallpapering.
Removal and Replacement Costs
Eventually, even the best wallpaper comes down. Planning ahead for removal can save time later.
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Peel-and-stick wallpaper: Easier to remove, but adhesive residue from cheaper brands will need cleaning.
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Traditional pasted wallpaper: Removal is more labor-intensive and may require steaming or stripping solutions.
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Wall damage repair: Occasionally, paint or drywall peels off during removal, adding repair costs.
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Disposal: Old paper and paste create more debris than expected, especially in large rooms or commercial projects.
Conclusion: Budgeting for Wallpaper
Wallpaper adds character and texture that paint can’t match. Budgeting for it means accounting for materials, wall prep, tools, and labor. Small details—like pattern repeats or uneven walls—can shift costs fast. High-quality wallpaper, such as the thicker 600 dpi prints from us, installs neatly and lasts for years. A balanced plan covers the surface, materials, and time it takes to do the job right. The result is a clean finish that holds up beautifully over time.
FAQ
1. How much wallpaper should I order?
Measure wall space carefully, subtract openings, and add about 10 to 15 percent for trimming and matching.
2. Can I install wallpaper myself?
Yes, with patience and the right tools. Smooth walls, accurate cuts, and proper alignment make the biggest difference.
3. What’s the difference between vinyl and non-woven wallpaper?
Vinyl resists moisture and wipes clean easily. Non-woven breathes better and removes without damaging the wall.
4. How long does wallpaper typically last?
High-quality wallpaper usually lasts 10 to 15 years if installed correctly and kept in stable conditions.
5. Is wallpaper safe for bathrooms or kitchens?
Yes, but choose vinyl or moisture-resistant wallpaper to prevent peeling and damage in humid areas.
