Ask an Editor: How Much Does Wallpaper Cost?

Dear Editor,

I’ve recently fallen down an interior design rabbit hole, and now I can’t stop thinking about wallpaper. I live in a one-bedroom apartment that could definitely use some personality. I want something semi-committal and renter-friendly, but I also really want to make the space feel more like my own. I’ve seen a lot of dreamy wallpaper patterns on social media, and I’m tempted to cover at least one whole wall to make a statement.

The thing is, I have no idea how much wallpaper actually costs. Does the price widely vary depending on material? Are there hidden costs I should be aware of? I’m unsure of how much the total would change if I decide to cover more than just one wall. Some places list pricing per roll, others per square foot, and I can’t tell if I’m budgeting for an affordable refresh or a bigger splurge. I’m also a little confused about installation. Is DIY doable, or should I be budgeting for professional help, and how much does that typically cost?

The wall I want to cover has some quirks. There are funky corners, and a radiator sits right along its base. Will this make the process more difficult or expensive? I want to know what I’m getting into before I commit, and whether this is a renter-friendly project or a more involved process better saved for when I’m a homeowner. Please help!

Sincerely,

Accent Wall Admirer

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Dear Accent Wall Admirer,

I totally get your hesitation here! Coming up with a budget for a wallpapering project can definitely feel daunting – there’s a lot of moving parts. Since the cost of wallpaper varies pretty widely depending on which wallpaper you choose, the best place to start is by measuring how much wallpaper you would need for one wall versus all four. Luckily we have a handy guide to help you with that: How to Measure for Wallpaper.

Once you know how much wallpaper you will need for both sized projects you can calculate how much your favorite wallpaper will cost you. If you’re purchasing wallpaper by the square foot, you will simply multiply the amount of square feet you need by the price listed per square foot. There is a handy little calculator on the Wayfair site under wallpaper products sold by these units, which makes it even easier to calculate the cost. If you choose a wallpaper that is sold by the roll, you’ll need to look under the product specifications which will tell you how many square feet of wallpaper comes in each roll. You can then order the number of rolls you need for your project.

To answer your question about costs of hiring someone to apply your wallpaper, that can add a big chunk of change to your project. It does vary depending on the size of the project and the professional you hire, but you should expect to pay anywhere from $3 – $7 per square foot just for labor costs if you decide to go that route. The good news is that applying wallpaper on your own is totally doable, and I believe in you! Since you’re a renter, I recommend going with peel-and-stick wallpaper that is easily removable and also requires less tools and materials to install. Here is our helpful guide on How to Install Peel-and-Stick Wallpaper.

I hope this answer will help you move forward with your wallpapering project, there are some fabulous patterns out there! To give you a rough estimate on what this total project might cost if you go the DIY route, a single accent wall would likely cost anywhere from $75 – $350 depending on the wallpaper you choose, while a full room can cost anywhere from $350 – $1,000. Keep in mind this all varies depending on your choice of wallpaper and the amount of square feet you need to cover, so it’s best to do some calculations to get a more accurate estimate.

Best of luck with your project!

Sincerely,
Wayfair Editor