What makes a wallpaper truly the best?

Best Wallpaper Overall

This Serena & Lily Priano Wallpaper impresses with its high quality, ease of installation, and stunning design. The pattern, a replica of an in-house watercolor painting, blends delicate vines with soothing colors like navy, grove (green), sky (light blue), pink sand (light pink), lavender, and mink (light clay) to create a harmonious and tranquil atmosphere.

During installation, we were impressed by the thick and smooth texture of the wallpaper. After applying it with wallpaper paste (we tested the unpasted version), we found no glue bleed or lingering bubbles—even months later. Additionally, the wallpaper passed our cleaning test with no residual color or stains. Despite its higher price, we would highly recommend this wallpaper for its durability, design, and overall quality.

Although we tested the traditional unpasted version, Serena & Lily has now introduced a removable wallpaper option. While we haven't yet tested the removable version, we're excited to see this new choice available.

Type: Unpasted | Size: 2.25 by 27 feet (60.75 square feet) | Material: Paper

Top Choice for Washability

For those ready to embrace bold style, we highly recommend this wallpaper for its stunning design, deep colors, and simple application process. Its easy installation is a bonus, and we’re captivated by the depiction of an authentic Chinese dynasty garden, with scenic rolling hills, beautiful pavilions, and elegant, flowering trees.

The wallpaper is crafted from a satin matte material, providing a substantial feel and a smooth finish. It has been certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC), ensuring it is made from responsibly sourced materials. During our cleaning test, the wallpaper's texture and durability stood out: stains were easily removed with a damp sponge, and there was no fading or color smearing. Additionally, the Yuyuan Wallpaper comes in labeled strips (A, B, and C), making installation a breeze.

However, after three months, we noticed some corners required a touch-up with adhesive. Otherwise, the wallpaper still looked as good as new.

Type: Unpasted, washable | Size: 1.7 by 9.8 feet (50.4 square feet) | Material: Non-woven paper

Top Peel and Stick Option

We can’t recommend this peel & stick wallpaper from Rifle Paper Co. enough. It’s not only affordable and easy to apply, but it also brings a beautiful, intricate design. The floral and animal motifs with rich, vibrant colors are a trademark of Rifle Paper Co. We tested the black version, though navy and white (with pink accents) are also available for a lighter option.

The best part about this wallpaper is how simple it is to apply. Even first-time DIYers will find it easy to use, with no tools required for bubble removal—just your hands. It’s also easy to reposition and align correctly. The high-quality, thicker feel lasts for months, maintaining its look. The only drawback is that after six months, removal required more effort, and some paint was peeled off in the process.

Type: Peel and stick | Size: 2.25 by 20 feet (45 square feet) | Material: Non-woven paper

Top Spray and Stick Option

One of the most tedious aspects of wallpapering is the installation process. Thankfully, with York Wallcoverings' wallpaper, it was far from a hassle. This smooth application process is thanks to both the type of wallpaper and its unique design. Despite needing glue, this spray-and-stick wallpaper proved much easier to apply and much tidier than the other options we tried. Moreover, the lack of a pattern made lining it up a breeze.

The Nautical Living wallpaper comes in three elegant hues: beige, taupe, and a faded denim blue. These versatile colors work beautifully in a coastal-themed home, or for anyone seeking neutral tones on their walls. The thick, water-resistant material is suitable for high-humidity areas like kitchens and bathrooms. Its water resistance also made cleaning up glue residue from the backing a simple task. After cleaning, no stains or bleeding appeared on the paper, and after three months of use, the wallpaper showed no bubbling, though one corner did start to peel slightly.

Type: Spray and stick, washable | Size: 1.7 by 33 feet (56 square feet) | Material: 3D embossed paper

Best Botanical

This iconic wallpaper design has been captivating people since the 1930s, and it's easy to see why. The abundance of palm fronds brings a piece of nature's serenity into your home. It's a great choice for anyone who loves tropical-inspired decor or anyone who wants some greenery without the upkeep of houseplants.

Beyond its charming appearance, this A-Street Prints wallpaper was a breeze to apply to drywall and easy to clean. We successfully removed barbecue and coffee stains, though the crayon marks proved trickier to wipe away, especially along the seams of the wallpaper.

If you're working with a particular color scheme, you'll be pleased to know the Alfresco Palm Leaf Wallpaper comes in seven stunning color combinations, such as green palm fronds with blue or pink backgrounds, and blue, pink, gray, and taupe palm fronds with white backdrops.

Type: Unpasted and washable | Size: 1.7 feet by 33 feet (totaling 56.4 square feet) | Material: Non-woven paper

Best Animal

For those who appreciate bold colors and striking patterns (especially with a love for animals!), Printfresh’s wallpaper is a top choice. We tested the Antelope’s Forest design, but there are other motifs available: Bagheera, Flamenco, Unicorn's Garden, Camel's Courtyard, and a clementine version. Antelope’s Forest also comes in two shades: jade (our test version) and ivory.

We found the wallpaper easy to unroll and apply, but caution was needed when cutting to avoid tearing. Once we began the application, the process went smoothly with no bubbling. The wallpaper's thick construction and vibrant colors created a luxurious look and feel. It proved to be exceptionally durable, resistant to stains, and showed no signs of fading even after several months of use in our tests.

Type: Unpasted, washable | Size: 2.25 x 27 feet (60.75 square feet) | Material: Non-woven paper

Most Vibrant Colors

Rifle Paper Co. is renowned for its vibrant floral designs, which appear on everything from art prints to office chairs, as well as wallpaper. The Peacock Wallpaper, created in collaboration with York Wallcoverings, stays true to the brand's signature bright botanicals while introducing peacock elements. This stunning combination achieves a rare feat: an animal print wallpaper that fits both children's rooms and beyond. You could use this wallpaper to add a bold accent wall in your bedroom, or, due to its heat-, mold-, and mildew-resistant properties, even decorate your bathroom walls.

We were impressed with the durability of the paper and the ease of installation, so much so that we expected this wallpaper to cost more. During the installation, the pattern aligned perfectly, and there were no wrinkles or bubbles. One downside was that the white seam was visible through the pattern, despite proper alignment. Also, while the brand claims you can clean it with a damp cloth, we found that it caused stains and fading. After three months, we noticed slight lifting in one corner, but it was easily remedied with more adhesive.

Type: Unpasted, washable | Dimensions: 2.25 by 27 feet (60.75 square feet) | Material: Non-woven paper

Top Floral Design

Drawing inspiration from the Arts and Crafts movement, this wallpaper is ideal for lovers of vintage and floral aesthetics. The pattern presents a stunning collection of flowers, leaves, and vines in a harmonious blend of navy blue, various shades of green, and earthy terra cotta tones. The material feels substantial, and the design maintains its clarity whether you view it up close or from afar. Despite the complexity of the pattern, we had no trouble aligning the repeats.

The Juliet Floral Wallpaper boasts such remarkable quality that we were amazed by its affordability. However, the wallpaper didn't fare as well in our cleaning test. While all the stains were successfully removed, the cleaning process led to fading and staining of the wallpaper. As a result, it is best suited for areas of the home that are less prone to getting dirty. After three months, a corner started to peel, but it was easily remedied with additional adhesive.

Type: Unpasted, washable | Size: 1.7 by 33 feet (56 square feet) | Material: Non-woven paper

Final Verdict

We recommend the Serena & Lily Priano Wallpaper for its stunning design, durable quality, ease of installation, and its remarkable ability to withstand stains. It offers a smooth cleaning experience, making it perfect for anyone looking for an easy-to-maintain wallpaper. Alternatively, the Mind The Gap Yuyuan Wallpaper is also a great option, as it is washable and simple to apply.

Our Testing Process

Our team evaluated 30 wallpapers, considering factors like ease of application, design, durability, and overall value. The first step in our testing process was to assess the quality of the paper. We evaluated the texture to determine if it was thick and sturdy or flimsy, and closely examined the pattern to ensure it was crisp and clear from both close-up and a distance.

Next, we measured how well the wallpaper performed when cut. We checked for any curling of the paper after cutting and noted if it was challenging to flatten the strips when applying them. During the application process, we focused on how simple it was to align the pattern, as well as how easy it was to smooth out any wrinkles or air bubbles.

After the wallpaper dried, we intentionally applied various stains, including coffee, crayon marks, and barbecue sauce, to test its cleaning ability. We monitored how the stains reacted—whether they soaked in or were repelled—and followed the manufacturer's cleaning instructions. We utilized tools like magic erasers, damp cloths, and mild detergents, assessing their effectiveness without damaging the wallpaper. After three months, we checked for any signs of peeling, bubbling, or staining.

How to Shop for Wallpaper Like a Pro

Material

All wallpapers are made of paper, but the type of paper is key. Sandall suggests considering the room's purpose before choosing a wallpaper material. 'Think about the kind of wear and tear that will happen in the space,' she advises. 'For instance, if the wallpaper is going in a kitchen or bathroom where moisture is common, vinyl wallpaper is a more suitable option. The same applies to a children's room or any wall that will be frequently touched.'

Lee concurs that vinyl wallpaper stands out as the most practical option thanks to its robust durability. This sturdiness is a result of its plastic-like composition, making it both thick and resistant to water, which also simplifies the cleaning process. However, one drawback—discovered during our tests—is that the thickness of vinyl makes it more challenging to cut.

If you're fond of a wallpaper that's not vinyl, that's completely fine—Sandall simply suggests placing it in a less trafficked room (such as one where it's unlikely to be touched by hands). Even if you're not using the wallpaper in high-traffic or humid areas, it's always a good idea to opt for wallpaper that has a substantial thickness, and ideally, has been treated to prevent mold and mildew.

Application Type

There are three types of wallpaper application methods you should be familiar with: peel and stick, spray and stick, and unpasted. Spray and stick is one of the simpler methods, requiring only water to activate the adhesive. Peel and stick comes with the adhesive pre-applied, so all you need to do is peel off the backing and stick it to the wall, much like a sticker.

Unpasted means no adhesive is pre-applied to the wallpaper, so you'll need to purchase wallpaper paste separately. Before deciding on an application method, Sandall highly recommends doing some research to fully understand what the specific wallpaper requires. "For instance, many high-end papers need a wallpaper liner!" she explains. "Skipping this step could result in your expensive paper failing to adhere properly."

Design

The most important factor when choosing wallpaper is that it should be something you truly adore. As Gray advises, “Wallpaper is quite a permanent addition,” so it’s crucial to make a thoughtful and deliberate choice. She also suggests considering whether the wallpaper will complement any future changes to your home’s decor.

If you're uncertain about where to begin with your design choices, Gray recommends creating an inspiration board to narrow down your preferences for styles and patterns. "I suggest browsing sites like Pinterest to pin images that catch your eye," she explains. "Then, examine those pins for recurring themes—whether it’s black and white, florals, stripes, etc. Afterward, collect a few wallpaper samples that match that theme and attach them to your walls for a few days before making your final decision." Even if you already have a clearer sense of your style or know exactly what you want, Gray still advises getting samples and living with them for a few days in your home before committing.

Your wallpaper should complement the overall style of your home's decor. When people choose to add a bold wallpaper pattern, they often decide to decorate just one wall, known as an accent wall. This approach lets you incorporate a striking design without overwhelming the room—it's also a great way to experiment with bold dark paint colors.

Lee recommends opting for an accent wall rather than covering an entire room with one wallpaper, as it creates a more contemporary look. She also points out that the color of your wallpaper can impact how spacious a room feels. For smaller spaces, lighter hues are ideal to create the illusion of more space. Bold, vibrant wallpaper works best in larger rooms where the design can make a statement.

More Wallpaper to Consider

Graham & Brown Crocodile Black Wallpaper: This budget-friendly wallpaper initially earned our Best Budget recommendation for its durability and unique design. However, after several months, we noticed significant peeling along the corners and edges.

Fineapple Pair Boho Tropical 3 Wallpaper: We love the vibrant and maximalist design of this wallpaper, but after a few months, we began to notice peeling and bubbling.

Questions You Might Ask

How can you determine the amount of wallpaper you need?

To calculate how much wallpaper you'll need, first measure your wall and compare those dimensions with the size of the wallpaper roll to ensure it will cover the area. Alternatively, you can use square footage: multiply the length and width of the wall you intend to cover, then check the manufacturer's specifications for how much square footage each roll covers. Divide your wall's square footage by the coverage per roll, and this will give you the number of rolls required for your project.

Both Gray and Sandall suggest buying more wallpaper than you initially think you need to account for any mistakes in the process. Gray recommends adding 10% extra to your order, while Sandall advises consulting with a wallpaper installer to get an accurate estimate of the amount required. This step not only helps save money but also ensures a less stressful installation. “They may charge a small fee for this service, but it’s worth it to receive professional advice on quantities and installation details,” she explains.

If professional advice is out of your budget, both designers recommend using a wallpaper calculator, a free tool often available on wallpaper retailers’ websites.

What are the steps to hanging wallpaper?

Before we guide you on hanging wallpaper, it's important to highlight the advice of our interior designers who strongly suggest hiring a wallpaper professional for the job. Considering the high cost and difficulty of wallpaper installation, Gray emphasizes that a professional ensures the job is done correctly the first time. Sandall shares this sentiment: "I would be doing a huge disservice if I didn’t recommend bringing in an expert for the job," she explains. "A skilled wallpaper installer is worth every penny for their proficiency." Still, if you're on a budget, Sandall, who has attempted wallpaper installation herself, believes it’s a "challenging, but doable DIY task."

The process of installation mainly depends on the type of wallpaper. Whether you're using peel-and-stick, unpasted, or spray-and-stick wallpaper, there are necessary preparations to ensure the best result on your walls. First, make sure your walls are clean and completely smooth. Any imperfections or pores will become visible once the wallpaper is up. After washing and drying the walls, patch up any holes and apply a wallpaper primer or liner, or both, beforehand.

Next, cut the wallpaper to match the length of your ceiling, leaving an extra four inches to extend beyond the wall. Apply the paste to the back of the wallpaper, and then press it onto the wall. Sandall advises promptly wiping away any excess paste that may seep through the edges, as the glue dries quickly. Work from left to right or right to left to ensure patterns align properly. Use a paint roller to smooth out any air bubbles or wrinkles, and trim any excess with a utility knife. A useful tip for installing peel-and-stick wallpaper is to peel back the paper to eliminate air bubbles that might appear.

While unpasted wallpaper may not seem like the most appealing method, Sandall actually prefers it over the soaking technique, as long as you use a high-quality wallpaper paste. "It’s a bit sticky, but it allows you to reposition the paper on the wall to achieve a perfect match," she says.

What is the process for removing wallpaper?

If your wallpaper isn't labeled as "removable," it won’t come off your walls easily. Traditional wallpaper adheres to the walls so well that when it’s time to remove it, it’s often too damaged to reuse. To remove wallpaper, create a solution of equal parts vinegar and water, pour it into a spray bottle, and generously apply it to your walls. Wait a few minutes, then begin scraping off the wallpaper using a scraper. It’s really that straightforward.

Trust Us on This

This article was created by Rachel Center, a product review home writer for Mytour, and Nicole Lund, a former editorial director for Mytour. It was later updated by Jamie Fischer, a writer for Mytour. We researched the top wallpaper options and tested 30 of the most popular varieties in our Des Moines lab, assessing them for durability, design, ease of application, and value. Additionally, we consulted with three interior designers to gain their expert advice on selecting the best wallpaper: Pamela Sandall, founder of Pamela Sandall Design; Victoria Lee, owner and principal designer of Victoria Lee Interiors; and Rasheeda Gray, founder and lead designer of Gray Space Interiors.