One of the biggest hesitations we hear from customers before they commit to wallpaper is durability. Will it last? Will it peel? Will it look worn in two years?
These are fair questions and they deserve straight answers.
How Long Does Wallpaper Last?
Quality wallpaper, professionally installed on properly prepared walls, lasts between 10 and 15 years. Some installations last longer with basic maintenance.
Compare that to paint, which typically needs repainting every 3 to 5 years in Nigerian conditions due to humidity, dust, and general wear. Wallpaper is the longer lasting investment by a significant margin.
Which Type of Wallpaper Lasts the Longest?
In Nigerian conditions, the most durable options are:
- Vinyl wallpaper - the most practical and longest lasting choice for most homes. Moisture resistant, scrubbable, and handles the Lagos and Abuja climate well
- Non-woven wallpaper - premium durability with the added benefit of clean removal when you eventually want to change it. Does not tear during removal the way paper-backed wallpaper does
- Type 3 commercial grade - built for hotel corridors and office spaces, which means it handles residential use with ease. This is the most durable option we stock
What Are the Disadvantages of Wallpaper?
We believe in honest advice so here are the real disadvantages:
- Higher upfront cost than paint - quality wallpaper plus professional installation costs more initially
- Moisture can cause peeling - but only if the wall has underlying moisture issues that were not fixed before installation, or if a low quality paste was used
- Not ideal for very damp rooms - bathrooms and kitchens need specific moisture-resistant wallpaper and proper preparation
- Pattern matching can increase waste - large repeating patterns mean you need to buy extra to account for matching at joins
Every one of these disadvantages is manageable with the right product choice and professional installation. They become problems only when corners are cut.
Does Wallpaper Damage the Paint Underneath?
Only if it is removed incorrectly. Modern non-woven wallpaper is designed to peel away cleanly in full strips without damaging the surface underneath.
Older paper-backed wallpaper can be more difficult to remove and if done aggressively, it can take paint or plaster with it. This is why the type of wallpaper you choose matters even when you are thinking about the future.
How to Make Wallpaper Last Longer
The things that extend wallpaper life significantly are:
- Proper wall preparation before installation - walls must be clean, dry, and sealed. Any existing moisture or mould issues must be resolved first
- Professional installation - correct paste type, proper alignment, and tight seams prevent early peeling and bubbling
- Avoid direct water contact - wipe spills quickly, do not scrub with abrasive materials
- Good ventilation in the room - reduces humidity buildup which is the main enemy of wallpaper in Nigerian homes
Does Wallpaper Come Off Walls Easily?
Non-woven wallpaper comes off in full dry strips, usually without any soaking or steaming needed. It is one of the reasons we recommend it to customers who want flexibility to change their look in the future.
Paper-backed wallpaper is more involved to remove and usually requires soaking or a steamer. Our installation team handles both.
Can You Wallpaper a Room in One Day?
Yes, a standard bedroom or living room can be completed in one day by a professional team. Larger spaces, rooms with complex features like arched doorways or multiple windows, or full apartment installations will take longer.
We give accurate timelines during our consultation before any work begins so you can plan around it.
Is Wallpaper Expensive Compared to Paint?
Upfront, yes. But calculate cost per year of use and the picture changes completely. A quality wallpaper installation that lasts 12 years costs less per year than repainting every 4 years, especially when you factor in the labour cost of repainting.
Wallpaper is the more economical long term choice. Paint is cheaper to start.
Talk to Us Before You Decide
If you are still weighing up whether wallpaper is right for your space and budget, come in and talk to our team. We will give you an honest answer based on your specific situation, not just tell you what you want to hear.
Lagos Store: 22 Dupe Oguntade Street, Off New Road, Ilasan (before Jakande), Lekki.
Calls: +234 907 775 7147 | WhatsApp: +234 805 823 3394
Abuja Store: EFAB Mall, Garki Area 11, Shop D34.
Calls: +234 703 302 7566 | WhatsApp: +234 805 823 3394
Browse online at everythingwallpaperinterior.com or WhatsApp us directly.