Walk into any new home built since 2020 and you’ll notice something missing: wallpaper. It’s not just rare-it’s practically invisible. Ten years ago, floral patterns and textured murals were everywhere. Today, you’re more likely to see painted walls, wood paneling, or even concrete finishes. So what happened? Why did wallpaper fall out of favor so hard and so fast?
It’s not about taste-it’s about convenience
Wallpaper used to be the go-to for making a statement. But today’s homeowners don’t want to spend a weekend wrestling with paste, bubbles, and seams. Installing wallpaper properly takes time, skill, and patience. Even peel-and-stick versions can peel at the edges after a few months, especially in humid climates like Wellington. Paint, on the other hand? One roller, two coats, and you’re done. No tools, no mess, no waiting for adhesive to dry. It’s no surprise that 78% of homeowners in a 2024 Houzz survey chose paint over wallpaper for their last renovation.
And then there’s removal. Old wallpaper? It’s a nightmare. You need a steamer, a scraper, and a whole lot of grit. Some papers from the 90s were glued directly to drywall with industrial-strength adhesive. Removing them often tears the paper underneath, leaving you with a damaged wall that needs patching, sanding, and repainting. That’s not a weekend project-it’s a full week of stress. Paint? Sand it, prime it, repaint it. Done.
Minimalism didn’t kill wallpaper-real life did
People talk about minimalism as the reason wallpaper faded. But that’s only half the story. Minimalism is about clean lines and calm spaces. Wallpaper can fit that-if it’s subtle. The real issue? Wallpaper doesn’t age well. Fading sun exposure, moisture damage from bathrooms, kids smudging it with sticky fingers, pets scratching at it-these aren’t design flaws, they’re realities of living. Paint holds up. It can be touched up. It can be repainted. Wallpaper? Once it’s damaged, you’re stuck with it.
Think about it: how many times have you seen a beautiful vintage wallpaper in a magazine, only to find it peeling at the baseboard or stained near the ceiling? That’s not charming. That’s a maintenance headache. Today’s homeowners want finishes that last without constant care. They want walls that can handle life, not just look good in photos.
Technology changed the game
Wallpaper used to be the only way to get bold patterns or realistic textures on walls. Now? You can get the same effect without the hassle. High-quality wall panels made from recycled wood or textured vinyl mimic the look of grasscloth, stone, or damask-but they snap together like LEGO. No paste. No measuring. No trimming. Just stick, press, and done.
And then there’s paint technology. Today’s paints aren’t just colors-they’re finishes. Matte, eggshell, satin, metallic, even chalky textures that look like hand-troweled plaster. Brands like Farrow & Ball and Benjamin Moore now offer paints with built-in subtle patterns and depth that used to require wallpaper. You can get the illusion of texture without the risk of bubbling or peeling.
Smart walls are another factor. LED panels that change color or display art? They’re still niche, but they’re getting cheaper. A 4x6 foot digital wall display now costs less than $300. Why commit to a fixed pattern when you can change your wall’s look with a tap on your phone?
Designers moved on-and so did consumers
Interior designers stopped recommending wallpaper around 2018. Why? Because clients kept complaining. One designer in Auckland told me she had five clients in a row who bought expensive wallpaper, only to regret it within six months. One had a toddler who scribbled all over it. Another had a steamy bathroom that turned the pattern into a soggy mess. After that, she stopped offering it as a default option.
And when designers stop pushing it, consumers follow. Social media doesn’t help either. Instagram and Pinterest are full of “wallpaper inspiration,” but the comments are full of “I wish I hadn’t done this.” People don’t share photos of peeling wallpaper. They share photos of flawless paint jobs. That shapes perception. If you only see the perfect versions, you assume it’s easy. Then you try it-and it’s not.
Cost doesn’t add up
Yes, wallpaper can be cheap. But the good stuff? The durable, washable, non-woven types? Those cost $50 to $100 per roll. A typical room needs six to eight rolls. That’s $300 to $800 just for the material. Then add labor-if you hire someone, that’s another $500 to $1,200. Total? $800 to $2,000 for one room.
Paint? Two gallons of premium paint: $120. Roller, tray, tape: $40. If you do it yourself? Total under $200. Even if you hire a painter, it’s $300 to $600 for the whole job. That’s less than half the price of wallpaper-and it lasts longer.
And here’s the kicker: wallpaper doesn’t add resale value. A 2023 Zillow analysis found homes with painted walls sold 12% faster than those with wallpaper. Buyers see wallpaper as dated, hard to remove, and risky. Paint? It’s neutral. It’s safe. It’s the default for a reason.
It’s not gone-it’s just hiding
Wallpaper isn’t dead. It’s just not on every wall anymore. You’ll still find it in accent walls, powder rooms, or behind headboards. High-end hotels use it to create drama in lobbies. Designers still use it for feature panels. But it’s no longer the default. It’s the exception.
And that’s okay. Trends come and go. What matters is what works. Wallpaper had its moment. It offered beauty, texture, and personality. But it asked too much of modern life. It demanded perfection. It couldn’t handle mess. It couldn’t adapt.
Today’s walls don’t need to be perfect. They just need to hold up. And paint? It does that better than anything else.
