Spoonflower Wallpaper Types Explained: Pros, Cons, and How to Choose
Some of you may already know that I have my own shop on Spoonflower where I sell patterns I’ve designed. Spoonflower is such a unique platform because it allows independent designers like me to share our work on everything from fabrics to wallpapers.
Over time, a number of my virtual design clients and followers have asked me about the different types of wallpaper available on Spoonflower. With so many choices—peel and stick, pre-pasted, non-pasted, vinyl, grasscloth, and even metallic options like gold and silver—it can feel overwhelming to figure out which one is best for your space.
That’s why I decided to put this guide together: to explain the differences among these wallpaper types, share the pros and cons of each, and break down what they can (and can’t) do. By the end, you’ll have a clear picture of which option will work best for your home and lifestyle.
Butterfly wallpaper in rose and teal, shown here as a peel and stick option. View this design on Spoonflower
Peel and Stick Wallpaper
Peel and stick wallpaper is one of the most popular options on Spoonflower, especially among renters or anyone who wants a quick and easy update without a long-term commitment. This wallpaper comes with an adhesive backing, so you simply peel off the liner and stick it directly onto the wall—no extra paste, water, or special tools required.
Pros
Easy to install – A true DIY-friendly option; you don’t need professional help.
Removable and repositionable – Great for renters or temporary spaces since it comes off cleanly without damaging most walls.
Instant results – No waiting for paste to activate or dry.
Perfect for small projects – Accent walls, furniture, backsplashes, or even stair risers.
Cons
Professional installers won’t touch it – Many wallpaper installers refuse to work with peel and stick wallpaper, so you’ll need to take a DIY approach.
Best on smooth surfaces only – It won’t adhere well to textured or uneven walls.
Less durable than traditional wallpaper – Over time, edges may lift in humid spaces like bathrooms.
Paint curing time – If your walls have been freshly painted, you need to wait at least four months before applying peel and stick wallpaper. Installing too soon can cause the paint to peel off when the wallpaper is removed.
Best Uses
Peel and stick wallpaper is ideal for apartments, rental homes, nurseries, or spaces where you want to experiment with bold patterns without a permanent commitment. It’s also a fantastic choice for DIY craft projects.
Water Surface wallpaper in cream and charcoal, shown here as a pre-pasted option. View this design on Spoonflower
Pre-Pasted Wallpaper
Pre-pasted wallpaper is another convenient option available on Spoonflower. Instead of adhesive backing, this type comes with a paste that’s already applied to the back of the wallpaper. To activate the adhesive, you simply use water—most commonly with a damp sponge, spray bottle, or water tray—before applying the paper to the wall.
Pros
Easier than traditional wallpaper – No need to buy or apply additional paste; just add water.
More durable than peel and stick – Once applied, it holds up better over time.
Cleaner removal – Designed to strip off the wall in full sheets, making it less messy than traditional unpasted wallpaper.
Professional installers are more open – Many installers will work with pre-pasted wallpaper since it’s closer to industry standards.
Cons
Still requires prep work – Walls need to be smooth, clean, and properly primed for the best results.
Can be tricky for beginners – Managing wet wallpaper can be messy and requires some patience.
Not repositionable once applied – Unlike peel and stick, you don’t get second chances if you misalign a panel.
Best Uses
Pre-pasted wallpaper is a great middle ground between peel and stick and traditional wallpaper. It’s a solid choice for homeowners who want something more durable than peel and stick, but still easier to handle than paste-the-wall wallpaper. It works well for accent walls, bedrooms, dining rooms, and other low-to-moderate traffic areas.
Winding Roads wallpaper in white and black, shown here as a non-pasted option. View this design on Spoonflower
Non-Pasted Wallpaper
Non-pasted wallpaper—sometimes called traditional wallpaper—is the most classic option you’ll find on Spoonflower. Unlike peel and stick or pre-pasted wallpaper, this version comes without any adhesive on the back. To install it, you (or your installer) will need to apply wallpaper paste directly to either the wall or the back of the wallpaper before hanging.
Pros
Professional-grade option – The most widely accepted type among wallpaper installers.
Durable and long-lasting – Holds up extremely well over time when properly installed.
Works on a variety of surfaces – More forgiving on slightly textured or imperfect walls than peel and stick.
Customizable installation – You can choose different pastes (standard, heavy-duty, etc.) depending on the surface and room conditions.
Cons
Not beginner-friendly – Installation is more complex and usually requires a professional for best results.
Time-consuming – Applying paste and aligning panels takes longer than other types.
Difficult to remove – Unless a strippable paste is used, removal often involves scraping and steaming.
Best Uses
Non-pasted wallpaper is best for permanent or long-term installations, such as full rooms, feature walls in living spaces, or high-traffic areas where durability is important. It’s also the type most professionals recommend if you’re investing in wallpaper for the long haul.
Wave Paint Brush Stroke wallpaper in charcoal and blush, shown here as a vinyl option. View this design on Spoonflower
Vinyl Wallpaper
Vinyl wallpaper is a practical option on Spoonflower designed for durability and easy maintenance. Unlike paper-based wallpapers, vinyl is made with a plastic coating that makes it resistant to moisture, stains, and everyday wear. This makes it one of the most functional choices for both homes and commercial settings.
Pros
Water-resistant – Handles moisture well, making it ideal for kitchens, bathrooms, and laundry rooms.
Easy to clean – Wipeable surface allows you to remove dirt, grease, or stains with a damp cloth.
Highly durable – Resistant to scratches and general wear, great for high-traffic areas.
Installer-approved – Professional wallpaper installers are generally comfortable working with vinyl.
Cons
Heavier material – Can be more challenging to handle and align during installation.
Not breathable – Traps moisture, which may not be ideal for older homes with plaster walls or in areas prone to humidity problems behind the walls.
Less eco-friendly – Vinyl isn’t as sustainable as paper-based wallpapers, and some buyers prefer to avoid plastics in their interiors.
Clearing Up the Confusion: Vinyl vs. Peel & Stick
Vinyl wallpaper is sometimes confused as an alternative to peel and stick, since both are considered “gentler on walls.” But they are not the same thing. Spoonflower’s vinyl wallpaper is non-pasted, which means you’ll still need to apply paste for installation. While vinyl can be easier to remove than some traditional papers—thanks to its tough, water-resistant surface—it doesn’t peel off cleanly like peel and stick. If you’re looking for a truly renter-safe, removable option, peel and stick is still your best choice. Vinyl is better suited for long-term, durable projects.
Best Uses
Vinyl wallpaper is best for high-traffic or high-moisture areas like kitchens, bathrooms, kids’ playrooms, or commercial spaces. If you want a wallpaper that looks stylish but can handle splashes, fingerprints, and daily cleaning, vinyl is a strong choice.
Stacked Layers wallpaper in midnight blue and navy blue, shown here as a grasscloth option. View this design on Spoonflower
Grasscloth Wallpaper
Grasscloth wallpaper is a specialty option on Spoonflower that brings natural texture and a high-end, organic look to your walls. Made from handwoven natural fibers such as jute, hemp, or arrowroot, each roll has slight variations in texture and color, giving it a one-of-a-kind feel.
Pros
Luxurious and unique – Adds instant depth, warmth, and texture that printed wallpapers can’t fully replicate.
Eco-friendly material – Made from natural fibers, it’s a more sustainable choice compared to vinyl.
Sophisticated look – Perfect for creating a statement wall or elevating a formal space.
Cons
Not DIY-friendly – Professional installation is strongly recommended; seams are more visible and matching can be tricky.
Delicate surface – Easily stains, scuffs, and can be difficult to clean (not wipeable like vinyl).
Expensive – Typically costs more than other wallpaper types due to its handcrafted nature.
Not suitable for humid areas – Moisture can damage the fibers and lead to discoloration or warping.
Best Uses
Grasscloth wallpaper is ideal for formal living rooms, dining rooms, home offices, or entryways where you want a sophisticated and natural look. It’s best used in low-traffic, dry areas where it can be appreciated for its texture and beauty without risk of damage.
Modern Art Deco wallpaper in black and white, shown here as a metallic option. Please note: the white areas in this design will appear as gold when the “gold metallic” option is selected. View this design on Spoonflower
Metallic Wallpaper (Gold and Silver)
Metallic wallpaper is one of Spoonflower’s most eye-catching options, available in shimmering gold and silver finishes. Unlike traditional wallpaper, metallic wallpaper reflects light, adding a glamorous and modern touch to any room.
Pros
High-impact design – Instantly makes a statement and brings a touch of luxury to a space.
Light-enhancing – Reflects natural and artificial light, making rooms feel brighter and more dynamic.
Unique finish – Offers something different from standard matte or textured wallpapers.
Cons
Shows imperfections – The reflective surface can highlight wall flaws or uneven applications.
Challenging to install – Seams and alignment are more noticeable, so professional installation is recommended.
Not for every room – The bold, shiny look may overwhelm smaller or more casual spaces.
White color limitation – Spoonflower cannot print true white on metallic wallpaper. Any white areas in a design will instead appear as gold or silver. If the design has no white areas, the metallic finish will look more matte and subtle instead of shiny.
Best Uses
Metallic wallpaper works beautifully as an accent wall in dining rooms, bedrooms, powder rooms, or entryways where you want to add drama and sophistication. It’s especially effective in spaces with good lighting, where the reflective surface can truly shine. If you want the metallic effect to stand out, be sure to choose a design that incorporates white areas, which will transform into reflective gold or silver when printed.
Wood Grain wallpaper in gold and white, shown here as a non-pasted option. View this design on Spoonflower
How to Choose the Right Spoonflower Wallpaper
With six different types of wallpaper available—peel and stick, pre-pasted, non-pasted, vinyl, grasscloth, and metallic—Spoonflower offers something for every style, budget, and lifestyle. The best choice really depends on your needs:
For renters or temporary spaces → Peel and stick is your go-to for easy installation and clean removal.
For a balance of convenience and durability → Pre-pasted is a solid middle ground that works well for most DIY-friendly projects.
For long-term, professional results → Non-pasted wallpaper is the traditional choice and the most widely accepted by installers.
For high-moisture or high-traffic areas → Vinyl holds up best to water, stains, and cleaning.
For luxury and texture → Grasscloth offers unmatched sophistication and an organic, handcrafted feel.
For bold, light-reflecting impact → Metallic wallpaper adds drama and shine, especially if your design includes white areas that will transform into gold or silver.
Choosing the right wallpaper isn’t just about the pattern—it’s about the material, durability, and how you want to live with it day to day. I hope this guide helps you cut through the confusion and feel more confident about which type of Spoonflower wallpaper is the right fit for your home.
Disclosure: Some of the links above are affiliate links. That means I may earn a small commission if you choose to make a purchase—at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting my design work and helping me continue to bring you curated inspiration!
