Wallpaper for Walls: The Complete Buyer's Guide

Wallpaper for walls is a decorative covering applied to interior surfaces to add colour, pattern, and texture to a room. Modern wallpaper has moved well beyond the paste-soaked paper sheets of previous decades. Today, wallpaper is printed on engineered substrates — non-woven fleece, woven polyester, textured linen — that resist tearing, do not shrink when wet, and install in a fraction of the time. This guide covers how to choose between wallpaper types, how to measure and order, and what to expect during installation.

Olive et Oriel prints over 1,000 wallpaper designs in Australia across three substrate types. Every order is custom-sized to your wall dimensions and produced in approximately four business days. Samples start from $4.99.

Three Types of Wallpaper for Walls

There are three main types of wallpaper suited to modern homes. Each has different adhesion methods, removal processes, and ideal use cases. The right choice depends on whether you rent or own, which room you are wallpapering, and how long you want the wallpaper to stay up.

Peel and stick wallpaper (self-adhesive)

A self-adhesive wallpaper with a pre-applied vinyl backing. You peel off the protective liner and press each panel directly onto the wall. No paste, no water, no soaking. It is repositionable during installation and peels off cleanly when you are ready to change.

Best for: Renters, DIY projects, feature walls, nurseries, and anyone who wants to change their decor without permanent commitment. Requires a smooth, sealed wall surface — a coat of Viponds or similar quality acrylic paint provides the ideal base.

Browse peel and stick wallpaper | Read the full peel and stick guide

Paste the wall wallpaper — smooth matte

A non-woven wallpaper where adhesive is applied directly to the wall surface — not to the paper. This is an important distinction: paste goes on the wall with a roller, then the dry panel is placed directly onto the pasted surface. There is no soaking, no paste table, and no waiting. The non-woven backing is dimensionally stable, meaning it does not stretch, shrink, or bubble during application.

Best for: Homeowners, bathrooms, kitchens, hallways, and any installation where stronger adhesion and humidity resistance matter. Works on lightly textured surfaces where peel and stick would not adhere properly.

Browse paste the wall wallpaper

Paste the wall wallpaper — linen texture

The same paste-the-wall application method as the smooth matte, but printed on a textured linen-weave non-woven substrate. The woven texture adds a tactile, fabric-like quality to the finished wall that photographs cannot fully convey — this is why ordering a sample matters. The linen texture softens bold patterns and adds depth to subtle designs.

Best for: Living rooms, bedrooms, and dining rooms where you want a premium, considered finish. The texture catches light differently at various angles, creating visual interest that a flat-printed surface does not.

Wallpaper Materials and Finishes

The material your wallpaper is printed on determines how it looks on the wall, how it feels to the touch, how it handles moisture, and how long it lasts.

Non-woven (fleece)

A blend of natural and synthetic fibres that creates a breathable, tear-resistant base. Non-woven wallpaper does not expand or contract when wet, which makes it the most forgiving material to work with during installation. Used for both paste the wall smooth and paste the wall linen substrates.

Woven polyester (self-adhesive vinyl)

The substrate used for peel and stick wallpaper. It has a soft matte vinyl surface that is wipe-clean and scratch-resistant. The vinyl face produces rich, saturated colour reproduction and a subtle sheen that differs from the flat finish of non-woven substrates.

Linen-texture non-woven

A non-woven base with a woven linen texture pressed into the surface during manufacturing. It adds a tactile dimension that flat substrates lack — particularly effective for organic patterns like botanicals, watercolour washes, and hand-painted murals where the texture complements the artwork.

Choosing Wallpaper by Room

Bedroom

Bedrooms are the most popular room for wallpaper. A feature wall behind the bed creates a focal point without overwhelming the space. Bedrooms have stable temperatures and low humidity, so all three wallpaper types work well. For a restful atmosphere, consider soft botanicals, muted abstracts, or tone-on-tone textures. For a design-forward look, a large-scale floral or hand-painted mural makes the bed wall the centrepiece of the room.

Living room

The room where guests spend the most time — and where wallpaper makes the strongest first impression. Common approaches include the wall behind the sofa, a fireplace feature wall, or a TV accent wall. The paste the wall linen texture is particularly effective in living rooms, where the woven surface catches natural light and adds depth. Consider your existing furniture and colour palette when choosing a design. Tropical prints, large-scale murals, and textured abstracts are popular choices.

Kitchen

Wallpaper works well in kitchens when applied away from direct splashback areas. A feature wall in a dining nook, behind open shelving, or on a wall opposite the cooking area adds personality without exposure risk. For areas near sinks and stoves, pair wallpaper with a glass or tile splashback for protection. Paste the wall smooth is the recommended type for kitchens because the non-woven base handles humidity and occasional steam.

Bathroom

Bathrooms require more consideration. Paste the wall smooth wallpaper with its non-woven backing handles sustained humidity better than peel and stick or linen. Apply it to a feature wall away from the shower, and ensure the room has an exhaust fan. Powder rooms and half-bathrooms — which have lower moisture levels — are the easiest bathroom spaces to wallpaper and often benefit from a bold, all-over pattern.

Nursery and children's rooms

Peel and stick wallpaper is the practical choice for children's rooms because tastes change quickly. A nursery theme can be swapped for a design suited to a toddler, then updated again for an older child — all without repainting. Kids wallpaper designs range from soft pastels and animals to playful patterns and adventure themes.

Home office

A wallpapered wall behind your desk creates a considered backdrop for video calls. Choose patterns that read well on camera — mid-scale designs with moderate contrast work better than very subtle textures, which can appear flat on screen. Geometric patterns and soft botanicals are consistently effective on camera.

Hallways and entryways

First impressions matter. A wallpapered hallway sets the tone for your entire home. Vertical patterns can make narrow hallways feel taller, while lighter colours keep the space feeling open. Paste the wall wallpaper is recommended for hallways — these high-traffic areas benefit from stronger adhesion and wipeable surfaces.

Wallpaper Pattern Types and Scale

Choosing the right pattern is as important as choosing the right substrate. Here is a guide to popular pattern categories and how they work in real rooms.

Floral

The most enduringly popular wallpaper category. Ranges from delicate vintage-inspired sprigs to bold, oversized blooms. Small-scale florals create a soft background; large-scale florals become the room's focal point. Browse floral wallpaper.

Tropical

Palm leaves, banana leaf, monstera, and lush greenery. Tropical wallpaper creates an immediate sense of life and energy — particularly popular in Australian interiors that embrace indoor-outdoor living. Browse tropical wallpaper.

Abstract

Painterly strokes, colour washes, organic shapes, and textural designs. Abstract wallpaper adds visual interest without a literal motif, making it versatile across room styles and colour palettes. Browse abstract wallpaper.

Geometric

Clean lines, repeating shapes, and structured patterns. Geometric wallpaper suits modern and contemporary interiors. The range extends from subtle tone-on-tone designs to bold high-contrast patterns. Browse geometric wallpaper.

Botanical

Realistic plant illustrations, eucalyptus, native flora, and herb-garden motifs. Botanical wallpaper has a naturalistic, collected quality that differs from stylised florals. It pairs well with timber, linen textiles, and earthy colour palettes. Browse botanical wallpaper.

Mural

Large-scale images that span an entire wall — landscapes, watercolour washes, hand-painted scenes, or photographic compositions. Murals make a single wall the room's centrepiece. Because Olive et Oriel prints custom-sized panels, murals are scaled precisely to your wall dimensions so proportions remain correct regardless of wall size. Browse wall murals.

Textured and plain

Subtle patterns that mimic the look of linen, grasscloth, concrete, or plaster. These add warmth and depth without a visible pattern repeat. They work well as full-room wallpaper or as a backdrop for gallery walls and shelving.

A note on pattern scale

Large-scale patterns are dramatic on wide walls but can feel overwhelming in small rooms. Small-scale patterns create a softer background but may lose impact on large feature walls. Order a $4.99 sample and hold it against your wall at reading distance to gauge how the scale feels in your space. If you are unsure, mid-scale patterns are the most versatile — they work in nearly every room size.

How to Measure Your Wall

Accurate measurements are the foundation of a successful wallpaper order. Here is how to measure:

1. Measure the height of your wall from floor to ceiling (or floor to cornice) in centimetres. Measure in at least two places — walls are rarely perfectly even. Use the taller measurement.
2. Measure the width of the wall you want to cover, edge to edge, in centimetres.
3. Note any obstacles — windows, doors, fireplaces, built-in shelving. You can wallpaper around these, but knowing their position helps plan panel placement.
4. For multiple walls, measure each wall separately and note them as distinct measurements.

With Olive et Oriel, you enter your wall height and width on the product page. The system calculates how many 48 cm panels you need and prices the order accordingly. Your wallpaper arrives custom-printed and pre-trimmed — no measuring or cutting on your end, and no leftover waste.

For a detailed walkthrough, see our guide to measuring a room for wallpaper.

How to Order Wallpaper from Olive et Oriel

1. Choose a design. Browse by type — peel and stick, paste the wall — or by style: floral, tropical, abstract, geometric, kids.
2. Order a sample ($4.99). See the actual colour, texture, and print quality in your own space and lighting before committing. This is the single most important step — screens do not accurately represent printed colour.
3. Enter your wall dimensions. On the product page, input your wall height and width in centimetres. The system calculates the number of 48 cm panels and the price for your specific wall.
4. Select your wallpaper type. Most designs are available in all three substrates — peel and stick, paste the wall smooth, and paste the wall linen.
5. Place your order. Your wallpaper is custom-printed in Australia in approximately four business days, then shipped. All orders are final because every set of panels is produced to your exact dimensions — double-check your measurements before ordering.

Important: If you need to reorder panels later (to extend the wallpaper to another wall, for example), be aware that colour may vary slightly between production runs. Print calibration is precise, but minor batch variation is inherent to custom printing. Order everything you need in a single order wherever possible.

Wall Preparation — By Wallpaper Type

Wall preparation is the most overlooked step in wallpapering, and it is the single biggest factor in how well your wallpaper adheres and how long it lasts. Different wallpaper types require different preparation.

For peel and stick wallpaper

Peel and stick adhesive bonds to smooth, sealed surfaces. The wall must be:

• Clean, dry, and free of dust, grease, or residue
• Smooth — no orange peel, knockdown, or heavy texture
• Painted with a quality acrylic paint such as Viponds. Budget or chalky paints can lift when the wallpaper is removed. If you are unsure about your existing paint, apply a fresh coat of Viponds or equivalent and allow it to cure for at least two weeks before applying the wallpaper
• At room temperature — avoid installing on cold walls or in rooms below 15 degrees Celsius

For paste the wall wallpaper (smooth and linen)

Paste the wall wallpaper is more forgiving than peel and stick, but proper preparation still matters:

• Remove any existing wallpaper completely — do not layer over old wallpaper
• Fill and sand any holes, cracks, or imperfections
• Apply a coat of wallpaper primer or sizing to seal the surface and improve adhesion
• Allow the wall to dry completely before hanging
• Light texture is acceptable — paste the wall adheres to surfaces that peel and stick cannot grip

Installation Overview

All Olive et Oriel wallpaper arrives as pre-trimmed 48 cm wide panels, numbered in sequence. The panels are designed to butt join edge to edge — never overlap. This pre-trimmed system means you do not need to trim edges, match patterns manually, or deal with overlapping seams.

The 43 cm first-panel rule

When you are ready to install, measure 43 cm from the left corner of your wall and draw a vertical guideline using a spirit level. This is where the right edge of your first panel aligns. The 5 cm gap between the corner and the panel edge accounts for walls that are not perfectly plumb — corner irregularities are hidden rather than amplified.

Peel and stick installation

Align your first panel to the 43 cm guideline. Peel the backing away 20 to 30 cm at a time, smoothing each section onto the wall before exposing more adhesive. Work from top to bottom. If the panel is not straight, peel it back and reposition — peel and stick is forgiving during initial application. Trim excess at the ceiling and floor with a sharp utility knife. Butt the next panel directly against the first, edge to edge, and continue across the wall.

Paste the wall installation

Apply wallpaper paste to the wall using a roller — cover an area slightly wider than one 48 cm panel. Hang the dry panel directly onto the pasted wall, aligning it to your 43 cm guideline. Smooth the panel from the centre outward using a wallpaper smoother, pressing out any air. Trim excess with a sharp knife. Butt the next panel directly against the first — no overlap. Wipe away any paste that squeezes out at the seam with a damp cloth before it dries.

For full step-by-step instructions, see our wallpaper installation guide or the peel and stick wallpaper guide.

Wallpaper vs Paint

This is not an either/or decision. Most well-designed rooms combine both. Here is an honest comparison:

Wallpaper Care and Maintenance

• Dusting: Use a soft, dry cloth or feather duster every few months to remove surface dust.
• Spot cleaning: For marks or fingerprints, use a slightly damp cloth with mild soapy water. Dab gently — do not scrub. Test in an inconspicuous area first. Peel and stick vinyl is the most wipe-friendly of the three substrates.
• Avoid harsh chemicals: Do not use abrasive cleaners, bleach, or solvent-based products on any wallpaper type.
• Sun protection: Use sheer curtains or blinds on windows that cast direct sunlight onto wallpapered walls. All Olive et Oriel wallpaper uses UV-resistant inks, but prolonged direct sun will fade any printed material over time.
• Seam maintenance: If a seam lifts slightly over time, press it back with a clean finger or a seam roller. For persistent lifting, a small amount of wallpaper adhesive applied with a fine brush can re-secure the edge.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about choosing, ordering, and installing wallpaper for walls.

What is the best type of wallpaper for walls?

It depends on your situation. Peel and stick suits renters and DIY projects — no paste, easy removal. Paste the wall smooth is the most versatile option for homeowners, handling humidity and lightly textured surfaces. Paste the wall linen adds a tactile premium finish for bedrooms and living rooms. All three arrive as pre-trimmed 48 cm panels that butt join with no overlap.

How much wallpaper do I need for one wall?

Measure your wall height and width in centimetres. Divide the width by 48 to calculate the number of panels. With Olive et Oriel, enter your exact dimensions at checkout — the system calculates panels and price automatically. No manual waste allowance needed because the wallpaper is custom-printed to your wall. Use our measuring guide for detailed instructions.

Can you wallpaper over existing wallpaper?

Not recommended. Old wallpaper creates an uneven surface that causes bubbling and poor adhesion. Remove existing wallpaper completely, repair any damage, let the wall dry, and apply fresh paint before installing new wallpaper.

What wallpaper is best for bathrooms?

Paste the wall smooth wallpaper handles sustained humidity best. Apply it to a feature wall away from direct water splash and ensure the room has an exhaust fan. Powder rooms and half-bathrooms with lower moisture levels are the easiest bathroom spaces to wallpaper.

Is wallpaper better than paint for feature walls?

Wallpaper adds pattern, texture, and visual depth that paint cannot replicate. Most interiors benefit from combining both — a wallpapered feature wall with complementary painted walls. Wallpaper also masks minor surface imperfections that flat paint highlights.

How long does wallpaper last on walls?

Peel and stick: 5 to 10 years. Paste the wall: 10 to 15 years. Longevity depends on wall preparation, humidity, sunlight exposure, and material quality. All Olive et Oriel wallpaper uses UV-resistant inks for extended colour life.

Can I install wallpaper myself?

Yes. Peel and stick requires no experience — most feature walls take 30 to 60 minutes. Paste the wall is also DIY-friendly with a roller, paste, and smoother. Pre-trimmed 48 cm panels with a butt join make alignment straightforward, even for first-time installers. See our installation guide.

What does custom-sized wallpaper mean?

Custom-sized means the wallpaper is printed and cut to your exact wall dimensions. You enter your height and width at checkout, and the panels are produced specifically for that wall. There is no cutting waste, and the pattern is scaled correctly for your space. Because every order is produced to measure, all orders are final — measure carefully.

How long does wallpaper take to arrive after ordering?

Olive et Oriel wallpaper is custom-printed in approximately four business days, then shipped. Australian delivery typically takes one to two weeks from order date. International orders ship with duties paid — no surprise customs charges at your door.

Should I order a wallpaper sample first?

Always. Screens display colour differently to printed material, and room lighting affects how a pattern reads on the wall. Samples cost $4.99 and show the actual print quality, texture, and colour on the substrate you plan to order. Hold the sample against your wall at different times of day before committing.