Types of Wallpaper Explained
Peel & Stick, Paste the Wall, Vinyl and More
Choosing the Right Wallpaper Type for Your Space
Not all wallpaper is the same — and choosing the right type makes the difference between an installation you're proud of and one that causes headaches. Peel and stick, paste the wall, vinyl — each has a purpose, a best use, and installation requirements worth understanding before you order.
At Olive et Oriel, every wallpaper type is available in custom sizes and ships to the USA with all import duties paid upfront. You'll see your final price at checkout — nothing added when it arrives at your door.
Peel and Stick Wallpaper — The Flexible Choice
Peel and stick wallpaper — also called removable wallpaper — uses a pressure-sensitive adhesive backing. You peel the liner away from the panel and press it directly to the wall. No paste, no water, no professional tools required.
Best for: Renters, people who redecorate regularly, children's rooms, accent walls, anyone who wants flexibility without sacrifice.
Surfaces: Smooth, clean, painted walls (satin or eggshell finish ideal). For textured walls, apply Roman PRO-977 Ultra Primer first. Avoid fresh paint — wait at least 4 weeks after painting before applying.
Removal: Peels away without damage when removed slowly at a low angle. See our installation guide for removal tips.
Our peel and stick collection includes hundreds of designs — all available in custom sizes manufactured at facilities. Order a $4.99 sample to test adhesion on your specific wall before committing to a full order.
Paste the Wall Wallpaper — The Permanent Option
Paste-the-wall wallpaper is the traditional format — and for good reason. When properly installed, it's more durable than peel and stick, lies flatter against the wall, and tends to produce more precise seam alignment on large installations.
How it works: Wallpaper adhesive paste is applied directly to the wall surface (not the wallpaper backing). The wallpaper panel is then hung into the wet paste, which gives you time to adjust position before pressing firmly into place.
Best for: Homeowners, long-term installations, large rooms, high-traffic areas, spaces where you want the most durable possible result.
Substrate matters. Paste-the-wall wallpaper is available in different substrate types — paper, non-woven, and vinyl-coated. Non-woven is the most popular and easiest to install: it's tear-resistant, doesn't stretch when wet, and strips cleanly when removed.
For assistance choosing between paste-the-wall formats for your specific project, contact help@oliveetoriel.com — our team has been advising on installations since 2015.
Vinyl Wallpaper — The Durable, Moisture-Resistant Option
Vinyl wallpaper uses a PVC or vinyl-coated surface that makes it resistant to moisture, humidity, and surface scuffs. It's the choice for bathrooms, kitchens, and high-traffic hallways where durability is the priority.
Scrubbable: Vinyl wallpaper can be wiped down with a damp cloth or mild cleaning solution — essential in kitchens and family spaces.
Moisture resistant: Unlike paper-based substrates, vinyl doesn't absorb moisture. This prevents mould growth behind the wallpaper in humid rooms, provided installation and ventilation are correct.
Vinyl wallpaper is installed using paste-the-wall method. The weight of vinyl panels requires good paste adhesion, so wall preparation is particularly important. Our custom sizing applies equally to vinyl format — enter your exact dimensions at checkout.
All Olive et Oriel wallpaper types are manufactured using non-toxic inks at our two production facilities north of Sydney. Whether you choose peel and stick, paste-the-wall, or vinyl, you're getting the same quality of manufacture — the format changes, the standard doesn't.
Custom Sized to Exact Dimensions
Duties Paid to USA
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between peel and stick and paste the wall wallpaper?
Peel and stick wallpaper has a self-adhesive backing — you peel the liner and press it to the wall. No paste or water required. It's removable and ideal for renters. Paste the wall wallpaper requires adhesive paste applied to the wall surface before hanging. It's more permanent and typically used in spaces where you plan to keep the wallpaper long-term.
What type of wallpaper is best for renters?
Peel and stick (removable) wallpaper is the best option for renters. It adheres to clean, painted walls without permanent modification and removes without damage. For textured rental walls, use Roman PRO-977 primer before installation for better adhesion and cleaner removal.
Does Olive et Oriel offer vinyl wallpaper?
Yes. Olive et Oriel offers wallpaper in multiple substrate types including vinyl-based options, peel and stick, and paste-the-wall formats. All types are available in custom sizes and ship to the USA with duties paid.
What type of wallpaper is most durable?
Vinyl-based wallpaper is the most durable option — resistant to moisture, scrubbable, and long-lasting. It's a good choice for high-traffic areas or rooms prone to humidity. Paste-the-wall wallpaper using a quality substrate is also highly durable when properly installed.
Can I order samples of different wallpaper types?
Yes. Order $4.99 samples of any design in any available format to compare materials, textures, and finishes before placing your full custom order.
Does duties paid apply to all wallpaper types at Olive et Oriel?
Yes. All Olive et Oriel wallpaper orders shipped to the USA — regardless of type or format — include all import duties paid upfront.
Looking for a classic geometric pattern? Browse our lattice and trellis wallpaper collection — custom sized, printed in Australia, duties included.
Not Sure Which Type Is Right for You?
Order a $4.99 sample in any format — peel and stick, paste-the-wall, or vinyl — and compare them in your own space before committing. All orders ship to the USA with duties paid.
