Wallpaper for Walls

Measure the full width and height of each wall you want to cover, then multiply to get the square footage. Round up to the nearest foot on both dimensions to give yourself a small trimming margin at the edges. For walls with doors, windows, or sloped ceilings, measure the largest rectangle that covers the whole area. If you’re unsure, send your measurements and a quick photo of the wall to our team and we’ll confirm before printing.

Peel-and-stick wallpaper has a self-adhesive backing and is the easier install for a renter, a first-time installer, or anyone who wants to swap the look in a year or two. Paste-the-wall wallpaper uses a separately applied wallpaper adhesive and is the stronger choice for a long-term home or a high-traffic room, since it holds up better over time. Both options work on clean, dry, smooth walls. Pick peel-and-stick if you might change the wall later, and paste-the-wall if you’re committing for five years or more.

Paste-the-wall wallpaper typically lasts 10 to 15 years or more when installed on a properly prepared wall in a dry, stable room. Peel-and-stick lasts 3 to 5 years on average, longer in low-traffic rooms, and shorter in bathrooms or kitchens where steam and temperature swings can lift the edges. Direct sunlight fades any wallpaper over time, so walls that get strong afternoon sun will age faster regardless of install type.

Yes, you can! Many modern peel and stick wall coverings are specifically designed to be water-resistant or even waterproof, making them suitable for high-moisture areas like bathrooms and kitchens.

You can install wallpaper on a lightly textured wall, but the pattern reads cleaner on a smooth surface. For orange-peel or knockdown textures, pick a thicker peel-and-stick or apply a lining paper base first to mask the surface. For heavily textured walls like popcorn or stucco, sand the wall smooth or apply a liner before the wallpaper goes on. A matte finish hides small imperfections better than a gloss or metallic finish.

Peel-and-stick wallpaper comes off cleanly from a properly prepared wall, which makes it the go-to choice for renters and anyone who wants to change looks without repainting. Wait at least three weeks after any fresh paint job before applying, and pull the paper off slowly at a low angle when removing. Paste-the-wall papers take more effort to remove and often need a wallpaper steamer, so they’re less suited for short-term homes.

Giffywalls wallpaper is priced per square foot since every order is custom-printed to your wall dimensions. You measure your wall, enter the width and height at checkout, and the price is calculated from the total square footage needed. There are no standard sizes, no offcuts, and no wasted material. A small feature wall behind a bed usually covers 50 to 70 square feet, and a full four-wall living room runs closer to 300 to 400 square feet depending on ceiling height.

Yes, every wallpaper install starts with a clean, dry, smooth wall. Wash the wall with mild soap, let it dry fully, and patch any holes or cracks with filler. Sand the filler flush, wipe the dust off, and the wall is ready to hang. For freshly painted walls, wait three to four weeks before applying peel-and-stick so the paint fully cures. Paste-the-wall papers usually need a coat of wallpaper primer on bare plaster or drywall before the adhesive goes on.

Either works. A single accent wall behind a bed, sofa, or dining table is the easiest starting point and the most forgiving install for a first-timer since you’re only handling one wall. A full four-wall install creates a more immersive effect and suits generous rooms with high ceilings. For a small room, an accent wall usually makes the space feel bigger than papering all four walls would.