The Best Wallpaper, According to Real Simple Editors

Our Testing Process 

Our testing process began with an assessment of the wallpaper’s quality and appearance. We started by checking whether the pattern or print was sharp and clear or if there were any printing errors or blurriness. We also evaluated the paper type and ease of application by cutting two 2-inch strips from the top and bottom of the roll to see if the paper curled or laid flat. If it curled, we rolled the wallpaper in the opposite direction to see if it would flatten out easily.

Next, we followed the manufacturer’s application instructions, making note of how simple they were to follow. For pre-pasted wallpaper, we sprayed the back with water, and for non-pasted options, we mixed and applied the paste as directed. We paid attention to how simple it was to cut and handle the wallpaper, how well we were able to smooth out any bubbles or wrinkles, and how simple it was to reposition the panels. We also tested how easy it was to line up the different patterns and if any excess glue was able to be cleaned up with a sponge or cloth. 

Once the wallpaper was hung, we let it dry for at least 24 hours before testing how it held up against everyday stains like crayons, coffee, and barbecue sauce. We then followed the manufacturer’s cleaning instructions to see how well the stains came off, noting if there was any color transfer, damage to the wallpaper, or fading from the cleaning process.

How to Shop for Wallpaper Like a Pro 

Design 

While you should always opt for a pattern you love, it’s also important to consider the design style of the room and your home as a whole. “I love using wallpaper to layer in even more texture, color, and pattern into a space, and I prefer it to coordinate with the other furniture and textiles in the room,” Walder says. 

 The scale of the pattern is also important to keep in mind when selecting a wallpaper since the size of the design can impact the overall feel of the room. The wallpaper can either be subtle or the focal point. “The larger the pattern, the bigger the statement,” Walder says. “Even if it’s a small powder room, you can use a large print like an oversized floral for a big impact. If you’re looking for a more subtle statement, consider a small geometric pattern or textured paper.”

Material and Thickness

When choosing wallpaper for different spaces, it’s important to think about both durability and functionality. According to Walder, vinyl is best for high-traffic spaces (like a hallway or mudroom) since it’s durable. Vinyl is also the better choice for rooms with moisture, like the bathroom. 

For a more sophisticated look, Walder recommends grasscloth and adds that it pairs beautifully with custom millwork and wainscoting. This would be a nice choice for an office space or formal living room that leans elegant. The A-Street Prints Cheng Light Brown Woven Grasscloth Wallpaper, our best earthy pick, is made from this material.

The thickness of the wallpaper is also important to consider, especially if you’re covering a wall with texture or a dark paint color. A thicker wallpaper like grasscloth is better at disguising imperfections while they may show through thinner non-woven wallpaper. Thinner wallpaper may also require wallpaper liner. All of the picks on our list are thick.

Application Type

When choosing wallpaper, the application method can make a big difference in how simple or complex the process is. There are three main types of wallpaper applications: peel and stick, spray and stick, and unpasted. 

Peel and stick is probably the easiest to work with since it already has the adhesive applied, so all you have to do is peel the backing off and adhere it to the wall. There’s no paste and no mess, though you do run the risk of the paper sticking to itself. 

Spray and stick wallpaper involves a little more prep but is still a fairly easy option. With this method, you’ll need to spray water on the wall and the back of the wallpaper to activate the adhesive. 

Unpasted wallpaper requires a bit more work and additional cost since you’ll have to buy the wallpaper paste separately. You’ll need to apply the paste using a roller to the wall and the paper, and for some unpasted wallpapers, you may need to book the paper (fold it in half) to allow the adhesive to fully activate.

Pattern Repeat

The key to properly installing your wallpaper is making sure the pattern aligns correctly. Wallpaper designs often have a repeat pattern, meaning the design repeats at regular intervals across the wallpaper roll or panels. 

There are a few different types of repeats to consider: straight, drop, and half-drop, each of which require different methods of alignment. For example, a straight repeat means that the design lines up perfectly from top to bottom, so aligning each panel edge is straightforward. However, a drop repeat means that the pattern drops down a bit with each new row, which can make installation a little trickier. A half-drop repeat, which shifts halfway between each row, is a bit more complex but still manageable once you get into the rhythm. 

 If you’re working with a design that requires precise pattern matching, like florals or geometric prints, you’ll want to make sure to account for the repeat when cutting and hanging the paper to avoid wasting wallpaper or misaligning seams. Once you’ve got the technique down, though, the process should feel pretty, well…seamless. 

Questions You Might Ask 

How do you figure out how much wallpaper you need? 

You don’t want to run out of wallpaper in the middle of a project, so before you start, make sure you have enough to cover your entire space. Start by measuring the length and height of the wall you plan to cover, and then multiply these two numbers to get the total square footage of the area. 

Next, check the product description to see how much square footage one roll covers and divide your wall’s total square footage by the square footage listed for each roll. That number will tell you how many rolls you need for your project. 

Keep in mind that most rolls won’t cover an entire wall from floor to ceiling, especially if the wallpaper has a large pattern repeat. To be on the safe side, it’s a good idea to round up and order an extra roll, just in case you need some for mistakes or to match patterns seamlessly.

What else do I need to apply wallpaper? 

Start with a measuring tape to measure your wall and make sure you’re cutting the wallpaper to the correct size. You’ll also need a pencil and a straight edge to mark the paper and cut straight lines. A utility knife is essential for clean, precise cuts along edges like corners, windows, and the ceiling. Once you’ve applied the paper to the wall, a smoothing tool will help prevent any bubbles or wrinkles.

What’s better: regular wallpaper or removable wallpaper? 

When it comes to selecting the type of wallpaper to use, there’s no right or wrong answer. There’s a time and place for both regular and removable wallpaper. 

It may be best to use a removable or peel-and-stick wallpaper if you’re selecting a trendy pattern that you’ll want to switch out after time (or if you’re a renter). If you opt for a more simple, timeless design like grasscloth or stripes, regular wallpaper is the way to go. Walder also recommends considering the size of the space.

“I like peel and stick for small spaces like a book nook or coffee corner and traditional wallpaper for larger walls and rooms,” she says. 

Take Our Word for It

This article was written by Christine Winder, a contributing writer for Real Simple and lover of peel-and-stick wallpaper. She’s completed multiple wallpaper projects, her favorite being the bumble bee wallpaper she installed in her dining room. 

To compile this list, we tested eight wallpaper brands in our lab to bring you the six that performed the best. Walder also spent hours researching different prints from the same brands and spoke with Leah Walder from Leah Walder Interiors about the important details and considerations when selecting the right wallpaper for your space.