Meet the Wallpaper Types: Pros, Cons & Best Uses

1. Peel-and-Stick Wallpaper

Peel & Stick wallpaper is the most beginner-friendly option out there—and a favorite among renters and design experimenters. It features a woven linen texture and comes with a self-adhesive backing, so there's no need for paste or water. Simply peel the backing and smooth it onto your wall. It's fully removable, which makes it ideal for temporary spaces or anyone hesitant about commitment. Keep in mind, it adheres best to smooth, clean, and primed walls—textured walls can lead to bubbling or peeling over time. Perfect for apartments, nurseries, dorms, and seasonal updates.

• Texture: Subtle linen texture and matte finish
  
• Application: Self-adhesive (no water or paste needed)
• Removal: Fully removable (renter-friendly)
• Ideal For: Smooth, clean walls
• Best Uses: Apartments, nurseries, accent walls, seasonal or commitment-free designs
• Pros:
• Simple to apply
• Easy to remove
• No need for extra tools or adhesives
• Great for small projects or temporary installs
• Things to Know:
• Works best on smooth, clean walls
• May not adhere well to textured surfaces like orange peel or knockdown
• Humidity (like in bathrooms) may reduce longevity

2. Traditional Pre-Pasted Wallpaper

Traditional Pre-Pasted wallpaper is a great middle-ground option. It features a smooth paper texture and comes coated with a water-activated adhesive—just spray or soak it with water to activate the glue. It’s a bit more permanent than Peel & Stick but still relatively easy to work with for DIYers. Pre-pasted wallpaper is also easier to remove than pasted types, requiring only water and some effort to peel off. It’s especially popular in nurseries and bedrooms, where you want a clean look and don’t expect a lot of moisture or wear.

• Texture: Smooth paper texture and subtle sheen
  
• Application: Water-activated adhesive
• Removal: Removable with water and some effort
• Ideal For: Smooth, clean walls
• Best Uses: Nurseries, bedrooms & accent walls
• Pros:
• A step up from Peel & Stick with slightly stronger adhesion, but still accessible for DIYers
• Easier install than traditional paste
• No need for adhesives
• Things to Know:
• Works best on smooth, clean walls
• May not adhere well to textured surfaces like orange peel or knockdown
• Less renter-friendly, but perfect for forever homes

3. Traditional Non-Pasted Wallpaper

• 
  Texture: Sueded matte finish with subtle pebbled texture
• Application: Requires wallpaper paste (sold separately)
• Removal: Not as easily removed as peel-and-stick or traditional pasted wallpaper
• Ideal For: High-traffic environments subject to wear and tear
• Best Uses: Playrooms, bathrooms, restaurants and office spaces
• Pros:
• More flexibility and control over installation
• Excellent option for textured surfaces or uneven walls
• Long-lasting and both scrub and scratch resistant
• Things to Know:
• More work upfront, but worth it for challenging surfaces and long-term use
• Use of a professional installer is strongly recommended

4. Vinyl Wallpaper

Vinyl wallpaper is the workhorse of the group—moisture-resistant, highly durable, and ready to stand up to the wear and tear of busy households. Like Non-Pasted wallpaper, it requires paste-the-wall installation, but its surface is much more forgiving in high-traffic or moisture-prone areas. It also features the same subtle embossed leather texture, offering a sophisticated look that balances function and form. If you're decorating a bathroom, kitchen, hallway, or kids’ space, vinyl is often the smartest choice.

• 
  Texture: Fabric-backed commercial grade subtle embossed leather texture
  
• Application: Requires wallpaper paste (sold separately)
• Removal: This is a highly durable, permanent solution that is also scrub- and scratch-resistant
• Ideal For: High-traffic commercial environments
• Best Uses: Bathrooms, kitchens, high-traffic spaces
• Pros:
• Highly durable and easy to clean
• Moisture-resistant
• Great for high-traffic areas
• Things to Know:
• Requires professional installation using traditional wallpaper paste

5. Grasscloth Wallpaper

• 
  Texture: Natural sisal grass texture
  
• Application: Requires professional installation using a ready mixed clear adhesive
  
• Removal: More difficult to remove
• Ideal For: Smooth, clean walls
• Best Uses: Formal, low-traffic areas
• Pros:
• Rich, organic texture with artisanal charm
• Looks stunning
• Things to Know:
• Not washable - spot clean only
• Seams are visible and part of the aesthetic
• Professional installation is stongly recommended
  

Comparison Table: What's Best for Your Needs?

With structured motifs and layered shapes, this design channels a modern Bauhaus influence—updated with painterly dimension and tonal depth. It’s a geometric that’s graphic, but not harsh. Strong, but not cold. The deep red-burgundy palette adds richness and depth, giving the space a grounded, luxurious feel. Ideal for accent walls or full-room drama, this pattern works beautifully in bedrooms, offices, and even lounge areas where bold design meets quiet sophistication.

Available in peel-and-stick, grasscloth, vinyl, non-pasted, and traditional wallpaper types—perfect for homeowners and renters alike.

How to Style This Look in Your Home

• 

  Keep the Furniture Grounded: A black metal bed with circular accents echoes the curves and angles of the wallpaper while allowing the wall to shine.

• Play With Contrast: Light bedding, mirrored accents, and soft neutrals balance the drama of the deep burgundy wall.

• Layer Warmth: Rust-toned throws, brushed metal lighting, and wood or fabric accents keep the palette cohesive and inviting.

• Scale Thoughtfully: This wallpaper design looks especially elegant as an accent wall behind a bed or desk—drawing the eye while still feeling contained.

Paint Palette Pairings

This design pairs beautifully with warm, rust-toned colors. Try these Sherwin-Williams shades:

• SW 2802 Rookwood Red

• SW 2801 Rookwood Dark Red

• SW 2814 Rookwood Antique Gold

Styling Tip: Sample Before You Commit

Ready to Shop the Look?

You can find Block Shapes Geometric Wallpaper in a variety of colors and application types including removable peel-and-stick, traditional pasted, grasscloth, and more. Ideal for both renters and homeowners looking to make a statement.

*** Ready to bring this look to your walls? Available now on Spoonflower

*** Style it your way—visit more color options for this design or more designs in this Art Deco collection at www.nicoletoerber.art

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Should I order a Test Swatch first? A: Ordering a test swatch first is always encouraged. That way you can make sure the wallpaper type, color, and scale all meet your expectations in all types of light. You can also do a test installation on your unique surface.

Q: Do you have samples? Are they at the same scale?
A: Yes, samples (called swatches) come in 12-inch by 24-inches for all wallpaper types. Swatches print at the same scale and repeat as a full roll. I always recommend purchasing a swatch before ordering rolls so you can test the paper on your surface, see the color in your space first and confirm your design decision.

Q: Will dents, scratches, or other imperfections on my wall show through the paper?
A: Major wall imperfections may be noticeable after installing your wallpaper. It is best to prep your walls and make sure they are smooth prior to installing wallpaper. If you paint your walls, it is recommended that you let the paint fully cure for 4+ weeks prior to installing your wallpaper.

Brushstroke Lattice is a quiet pattern with a lot of presence. Its rhythmic strokes mimic hand-painted lattices—softened by a subtle linen texture in the background. Printed in a warm, tonal palette, it pairs effortlessly with wood tones, neutral textiles, and nature-inspired decor. Whether used on a full wall or as a refined focal point behind the bed, it brings a grounded, tranquil quality to the space.

Available in peel-and-stick, grasscloth, vinyl, non-pasted, and traditional wallpaper types—perfect for homeowners and renters alike.

How to Style This Look in Your Home

• 
  Choose Calming Furniture: A gently curved bed frame in an aged whitewash or soft taupe helps set the
  mood. Match with light wood or painted nightstands, and consider antique-inspired shapes with modern finishes to bring out the Japandi balance.

• Add Texture with Intention: Japandi style shines when the textures do the talking. Think stonewashed bedding, cotton-linen blends, handwoven pillows, and soft wool rugs. Don’t shy away from layering cool grays with creamy whites—it’s all about depth, not drama.

• Bring in Natural Accents: Potted plants, ceramic vases, woven baskets, or linen curtains add softness and movement to the room. Bonus: organic forms help break up the structure of the lattice print without overwhelming it.

• Light for Tranquility: Use soft ambient light from warm-tone lamps and let natural light filter through gauzy sheers. Japandi interiors feel especially restful when shadows are gentle and golden.

Paint Palette Pairings

This design pairs beautifully with muted, nature-inspired colors. Try these Sherwin-Williams shades:

• SW 7639 Ethereal Mood – warm greige beige

• SW 1015 Skyline Steel – soft stone gray

• LSW 7042 Shoji White – creamy neutral

Where to Use This Wallpaper

• Behind the bed as a serene statement wall
  

• Inside a cozy reading nook

• On all four walls of a calm guest room

• As a soft contrast to matte black accents or mid-tone woods
  
  

About the Design

Part of my growing Japandi Harmony collection, the Brushstroke Lattice design reflects my love of painterly marks, imperfect symmetry, and grounded neutrals. I created it with the intention of feeling both intentional and relaxed—just like the spaces I imagine it living in.

🛍 Ready to bring this look to your walls? Available now on Spoonflower.

👉 Style it your way—this pattern comes in multiple colorways to suit every mood. Browse this design and more in my Japandi Harmony Collection.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use this in a rental? A: Yes! The peel-and-stick version is renter-friendly and removes cleanly without damaging walls.

Q: How do I clean it?
A: Gently wipe with a damp cloth or sponge. Avoid harsh scrubbers or cleaning products.

Q: Can I request a different scale or color?
A: Absolutely! Visit www.nicoletoerber.art/change for scale or color change requests.

This moodboard pairs vintage glam with modern structure—see how our Art Deco Delight wallpaper sets the tone for a moody, elegant living room.

This design pulls from a rich palette inspired by nature and nostalgia—muted mauves, grounding browns, and layered neutrals that work seamlessly with both vintage finds and modern pieces. We've paired Sherwin-Williams hues like Plum Brown, Steady Brown, and Armory with warm beiges and taupes to soften the bold geometry of the wallpaper and bring balance to the space.

Design Details to Inspire

• The Wallpaper: A vintage-inspired geometric motif with bold scallops and glints of gold—perfect for an accent wall that feels collected, not chaotic.

• The Sofa: Classic tufting in a soft beige keeps the look grounded while offering texture and comfort.

• The Accents: Rounded wood pieces with ribbed detailing play beautifully with the Art Deco arches. The subtle wave of the rug repeats the geometry in a more relaxed tone.

• The Palette: Soft velvet, rich walnut, brushed gold, and lush greenery round out the styling—creating depth and visual rhythm.

Styling Tips

• Start with a feature wall to define the space.

• Keep furniture lines clean, but don’t shy away from texture—tufting, pleating, and ribbing add interest without clutter.

• Layer lighting: warm sconces, an arched floor lamp, or a bold chandelier will echo the Deco glam.
  

Why Peel & Stick Works Here

This design features a peel-and-stick wallpaper that looks custom—but goes up in an afternoon. It’s renter-friendly, eco-conscious (PVC-free), and repositionable for a flawless finish. Perfect for statement walls, ceilings, or even lining bookcases.

Shop the Look

Available now on Spoonflower. Style it your way—this pattern comes in multiple colorways to suit every mood. Want a custom version to fit your vision? Visit www.nicoletoerber.art/change for scale or color change requests.

👉 Browse this design and more in my Art Deco Delight Collection.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Do you have samples? Are they at the same scale?
A: Yes, samples (called swatches) come in 12-inch by 24-inches for all wallpaper types. Swatches print at the same scale and repeat as a full roll. I always recommend purchasing a swatch before ordering rolls so you can test the paper on your surface, see the color in your space first and confirm your design decision.

Q: Will dents, scratches, or other imperfections on my wall show through the paper?
A: Major wall imperfections may be noticeable after installing your wallpaper. It is best to prep your walls and make sure they are smooth prior to installing wallpaper. If you paint your walls, it is recommended that you let the paint fully cure for 4+ weeks prior to installing your wallpaper.

In this post, we’ll walk through the differences between small, medium, and large scale patterns, what types of rooms they work best in, and how to visualize the scale before committing to a full wall. And yes—I'll be showing you examples from my own wallpaper designs so you can see scale in action.

Why Scale Matters

Imagine printing a dainty floral pattern at a jumbo size—it loses its charm. Or applying a bold geometric design in micro-scale—it might feel unexpectedly busy.

Scale changes everything.

Scale impacts:

• How a room feels (calm vs. busy, bold vs. soft)
  
  

• The perceived size of a space
  
  

• Whether a design fades into the background or commands attention
  
  

• How detailed or spacious a print feels from different distances
  
  

Understanding this helps you confidently choose a pattern that complements your space, furniture, and lighting.

Small-Scale Patterns

Best for subtle texture, smaller spaces, and supporting designs

These are typically tight, repeating motifs that can read almost like a texture from afar. They’re ideal for:

• - Powder rooms, backs of bookcases, inside cabinets
  
  

• - Creating a soft background for art or gallery walls
  
  

• - Spaces where you want detail without drama
  

Example: My Ditsy Florals in Small Scale adds subtle movement and texture without taking over the room.