Traditional vs Removable Wallpaper
When it comes to dressing up your walls, the debate between traditional and removable wallpaper can feel like a classic showdown. With the arrival of peel-and-stick options, many of us are left scratching our heads, trying to decide which choice is the right fit for our spaces. Let’s break down the pros and cons of each type so you can find what truly suits your style!
Garden Bloom Wallpaper photo courtesy of Libby Rasmussen
Traditional Wallpaper
Let’s start with traditional wallpaper. We’re talking about non-woven varieties—those that aren’t self-adhesive. This type requires a separate adhesive, which means a bit of prep work before you dive into decorating. Non-woven wallpaper was created to tackle the headaches associated with older varieties of wallpaper. Old wallpaper could be a nightmare to remove and often led to issues with expansion, contraction, stains and wall damage.
So, what’s this “non-woven” magic? It’s all about the backing made from a mix of natural and synthetic fibres, allowing for breathability and significantly reducing the risk of mould. Plus, it’s easy to wipe clean with a damp cloth. One of the best bits? You can remove it without the usual drama that comes with older wallpaper types—hello, hassle-free updates!
The clip above shows how Traditional Non-Woven Wallpaper easily removes in large pieces.
Why Isn’t Traditional Wallpaper Called Removable?
Now, you might wonder, if traditional wallpaper is so easy to take down, why isn’t it branded as “removable”? Great question! It comes down to intention and reputation. While it can usually be pulled down without a hitch, traditional wallpaper is made to last. It’s designed to withstand the hustle and bustle of busy homes and fluctuating conditions.
That said, the old-school perception that it’s hard to remove still lingers. And once it’s down, you can’t really reuse it because, let’s face it, it often gets a bit battered in the process. But here’s the silver lining: traditional wallpaper is much kinder to the environment, made without the nasty chemicals found in older varieties.
The clip above shows Camden Factory Bricks being installed in a paste-the-wall method as is typical for traditional non-woven wallpaper
Let’s Talk Removable Wallpaper
Now, onto removable wallpaper—commonly known as peel-and-stick. This clever invention is marketed as reusable and super user-friendly. No soaking, no pasting; just peel off the backing and stick it up. Easy, right? It’s especially popular with renters (hence the nickname “renter’s wallpaper”). But does it really hold up? Let’s dig a little deeper.
The clip above shows how peel & stick is applied and removed like a sticker
Installation: Traditional Wallpaper vs Removable Wallpaper
While both types can be removed, how you install them differs significantly. Traditional wallpaper demands a bit more effort, requiring adhesive and tools like a roller brush. On the flip side, removable wallpaper makes life a breeze with its no-fuss application.
Both types need careful cutting and a steady hand to ensure a perfect fit. Here’s where traditional wallpaper wins this one: since you’re applying paste to the wall, you’ve got a bit of leeway to reposition the paper if needed. This flexibility makes it easier to get everything just right and smooth out those pesky wrinkles.
The clip above shows how you can maneuver the wallpaper in place before the paste dries with traditional non-woven wallpaper
With removable wallpaper, however, once it’s stuck, it’s pretty much a one-shot deal. If you find it’s not straight or there are bubbles, you’ll have to peel it off and start over. And if you have to remove it too many times to get it straight, the adhesive strength may decrease. Talk about a hassle!
The clip above shows how after the peel & stick wallpaper is applied, bubbling can still occur.
Wallpaper Durability
When we talk durability, traditional non-woven wallpaper is the clear winner. The adhesive on peel-and-stick wallpaper is often less strong and can peel away over time, especially in humid spaces like bathrooms or kitchens. It’s not uncommon to walk into a room and see the corners lifting or even whole sections falling off. It’s also created as a temporary wallpaper with a projected lifespan of six months to two years.
Given these issues, we’ve had to approach removable wallpaper with caution. After seeing its limitations firsthand, we decided to stop offering it. If it can’t stick around on your walls, why should it stick around on our website?
The above image shows how temporary wallpaper is notorious for losing its adhesive strength and falling off the wall.
Making the Right Wallpaper Choice for You
At the end of the day, choosing between traditional and removable wallpaper comes down to your lifestyle and personal taste. If you’re in a temporary space or love the idea of flexibility, removable wallpaper might be appealing. But if you’re planning to settle in for the long haul and want something reliable and high-quality, traditional non-woven wallpaper is the way to go.
While removable wallpaper technology is improving, it still has a way to go before it’s considered a dependable option. For now, traditional non-woven wallpaper is the clear champ in the world of wall coverings!
