The average cost to install wallpaper is $566
Homeowners spend an average of $566 on wallpaper removal, with most paying between $314 and $819.
Total costs vary depending on location, room size, and type of wallpaper.
Hiring a professional wallpaper installer ensures precise and long-lasting results.
This article was updated using automation technology and thoroughly reviewed for accuracy by HomeAdvisor Editor Ryan Noonan.
Wallpaper installation is a quick way to refresh any room. Costs vary by location, room size, and the material you pick, but most projects run between $314 and $819, so build those numbers into your budget before you start. A professional wallpaper installer can complete the job quickly and leave you with a clean, polished finish.
The cost of installing wallpaper in your home depends on several factors. Here’s a closer look at the key cost drivers that influence your total wallpapering price.
If you're planning to wallpaper a room, installation costs can range from $1 to $7 per square foot, excluding the cost of the wallpaper itself. Opting for custom or high-end wallpaper can increase the overall price. Here are the average installation costs for various rooms in your home.
Room | Wall Area (Sq. Ft.) | Average Labor Cost | Cost of Wallpaper |
---|---|---|---|
Kitchen | 285 | $285–$2,000 | $228–$2,280 |
Living room | 215 | $215–$1,500 | $170–$1,720 |
Bedroom | 210 | $210–$1,470 | $170–$1,680 |
Bathroom | 30 | $60–$420 | $50–$480 |
Half bathroom | 30 | $30–$210 | $25–$240 |
Office | 100 | $100–$700 | $80–$800 |
The cost to install wallpaper can vary widely depending on the type of material you choose. The table below outlines common materials and their average costs.
Material | Cost per Sq. Ft. | Cost per 200 Sq. Ft. |
---|---|---|
Foil or mylar | $2.15–$2.70 | $430–$550 |
Grasscloth | 2.50–$3.90 | $500–$800 |
Flocked | $2.30–$5.90 | $470–$1,170 |
Embossed | $2.30–$3.70 | $460–$730 |
The specific type of wallpaper can also affect the cost. Some common types of wallpaper include peel-and-stick, wallpaper borders, and water-resistant wallpaper.
Wallpaper Type | Cost per Sq. Ft. | Cost per 200 Sq. Ft. |
---|---|---|
Peel and stick | $0.70–$1.50 | $130–$300 |
Water-resistant | $1.50–$2.50 | $300–$500 |
Borders | $2.30 | $450 |
Custom-designed wallpaper starts at $5 per square foot and can increase to $100 or more if you desire an extremely elaborate design. You can design your own paper online for $5 per square foot, and help from a local interior designer will cost more. If you choose a custom, hand-painted chinoiserie panel for your space, expect to pay several hundred dollars.
On average, you can expect to pay between $25 and $35 per roll for professional wallpaper installation. Most pros charge by the roll or by the square foot. If your walls have imperfections, such as holes or cracks, you may incur additional costs for repairs before the wallpaper is installed.
Choosing a more challenging wallpaper type, like grasscloth or hemp, can also increase labor costs. If your walls need repair, the cost of drywall repair costs from $50 to $75 per square foot, or $60 to $90 per hour.
Hanging a single roll of wallpaper costs an average of $25 to $35 in labor. The material cost per roll ranges from an average of $25 to $35, with the peel-and-stick option being the least expensive.
Hourly rates vary among professionals, but you can expect to pay an average of $25 to $80 per hour. Pros may charge more if they travel a long way to reach your home, have difficulty adhering your chosen paper to the walls, or if the installation area is tricky to access.
You’ll pay anywhere from $1 to $7 per square foot to install your wallpaper, in addition to the cost of the paper itself. Keep in mind that wallpaper is sold by the roll, not by the square foot; however, a roll covers approximately 30 square feet of wall space.
Quality wallpaper installation can positively impact your home's value when done professionally and with current design trends in mind. Modern, tasteful wallpaper can increase buyer interest and perceived value, particularly in key areas like entryways, dining rooms, or accent walls. However, outdated or poorly installed wallpaper may have the opposite effect, potentially decreasing your home's marketability.
For maximum value enhancement, choose timeless patterns or neutral designs that appeal to a broad audience. When installed by professionals, wallpaper can showcase your home's personality while providing a durable, attractive finish that prospective buyers will appreciate during resale.
Wallpapering is a classic weekend DIY project—no specialty equipment required. If you’re comfortable measuring, cutting, and matching seams, you can handle the job yourself. If you prefer to relax or avoid issues like bubbles and crooked patterns, hiring a professional wallpaper installer saves time and delivers a crisp, professional look.
If you change your style later, a pro can also remove existing wallpaper and guide you toward materials that fit your budget and design goals.
No place is more important than your home, which is why HomeAdvisor connects homeowners with local pros to transform their houses into homes they love. To help homeowners prepare for their next project, HomeAdvisor provides readers with accurate cost data and follows strict editorial guidelines. We surveyed thousands of real customers about their project costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We pair this data with research from reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects.
Most wallpaper jobs take one to two days. Larger rooms or spaces with numerous corners require extra time for pattern matching. First, you or the pro will remove any old paper and repair holes or dents. After the walls are clean and smooth, the new wallpaper is applied and carefully smoothed to prevent bubbles. Thorough prep and careful installation help the paper adhere evenly and last for years.
You can paint over wallpaper if the existing paper is smooth, fully adhered, and undamaged. Wash the surface to remove dust and oils, then apply a quality primer to help the paint bond effectively. Glossy or heavily textured papers may need light sanding or an extra coat of primer. If you’re unsure, a professional painter can recommend the proper preparation steps and products to ensure the finish won’t peel or show seams later.
When choosing wallpaper, consider current interior design trends that combine contemporary style with practical luxury. Modern trends favor bold geometric patterns, nature‐inspired motifs, textured finishes, and eco‐friendly materials that align with sustainable living. Neutral tones paired with vibrant accent patterns offer versatility in any room. These design choices not only enhance your home’s visual appeal but also positively influence market value. Consulting a professional interior designer can provide personalized insights and ensure your wallpaper complements the latest trends in décor.