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When comparing peel-and-stick and traditional wallpaper, the better choice depends on your specific needs and space. Peel-and-stick wallpaper is more budget-friendly and easier to DIY install. On the other hand, traditional wallpaper lasts much longer and holds up better in a wider variety of spaces, including areas with moisture like kitchens and bathrooms.

It’s possible to hang your own wallpaper, but the process is tedious and potentially frustrating, and it can be challenging to get seams to line up and look clean and professional. Plus, depending on the type of wallpaper you’re installing, using too much or too little adhesive could cause damage to your drywall or plaster, peeling, and bubbling in the final product. It’s usually a better idea to hire a professional wallpaper installer to do the work for you, as the relatively low cost is justifiable, if only to avoid damage to your walls.

To layer wallpaper over wallpaper, inspect your existing wallpaper for problem areas. Damaged wallpaper should not be covered. If it’s okay to proceed, prep by turning off the electricity and removing any outlet and switch covers. Dust your walls and lightly rinse them to prevent the existing paper from peeling. Apply primer, then apply your new wallpaper.

Wallpaper lasts an average of around 15 years, but there is some variance. The type of wallpaper matters, as vinyl wallpaper tends to last the longest—sometimes 20 years or more—while a peel-and-stick wallpaper, which is the easiest to install for DIYers, will usually only last for around five years. Exposure to high humidity, smoke, and UV rays from sunlight can also limit the lifespan of your wallpaper, as can heavy traffic in the installation area.