You’re staring at that wallpaper in your bathroom—maybe it’s starting to curl at the edges or has faded where the sun hits it every afternoon. Or maybe you just moved into an older Omaha home with wallpaper that’s been there for who-knows-how-long, and you’re wondering whether it’s worth keeping, replacing, or removing altogether. The thing is, wallpaper isn’t like paint, where you can always tell when it needs a refresh. That uncertainty can leave you guessing and frustrated.
At Brush & Roll Painting, we’ve been helping Omaha homeowners with all kinds of interior updates since 1996. We’ve seen wallpaper from every era—peel-and-stick that went up last year and traditional wallpaper that’s clung to the wall since the '70s. We’ve helped clients decide when to keep it, when to replace it, and when to paint over it. Our team is here to walk you through what to expect so you can make a confident, informed decision for your home.
By the end of this article, you’ll have a clear understanding of how long different types of wallpaper typically last, what factors affect their lifespan, and how to tell if it’s time to make a change. Whether you're dealing with modern peel-and-stick or traditional wallpaper from decades ago, you'll walk away knowing what to look for, what to avoid, and what next steps to take.
The short answer: It depends on the type, the environment, and how well it was installed.
Most older homes in Omaha—especially those built before the early 2000s—are likely to have traditional wallpaper. This type of wallpaper is applied using paste or adhesive and can last a surprisingly long time when installed correctly.
Expected lifespan:
15 to 25 years, sometimes even longer if the room conditions are ideal.
But keep in mind: just because it’s still sticking doesn’t mean it looks good or is still doing its job. Over time, colors fade, styles change, and seams might start lifting. Humidity, poor prep work, or being exposed to direct sunlight daily will shorten that timeline.
We’ve been in homes where the wallpaper is holding up great after 30 years—and in others, we’ve seen peeling and discoloration after just 2.
Signs it’s time to replace or remove traditional wallpaper:
If you’re seeing any of those issues, it doesn’t necessarily mean something was done wrong—it might just be time.
This is the newer kid on the block. Peel-and-stick wallpaper has become really popular over the last 5-10 years, especially for accent walls, kids’ rooms, and renters who want something stylish but not permanent.
Expected lifespan:
2 to 5 years, maybe a bit longer if conditions are right and it was installed carefully.
Unlike traditional wallpaper, peel-and-stick options are designed to be removable. They don’t use paste, which makes them great for temporary updates—but it also means they’re more sensitive to heat, moisture, and surface prep.
Common issues with peel-and-stick wallpaper:
If you’ve had peel-and-stick wallpaper for a few years and you’re noticing corners starting to pull up or it’s just not looking as crisp as it used to, that’s normal. It wasn’t meant to last forever.
There are a few things that really affect how long your wallpaper will hold up. Understanding these can help you avoid problems, or at least know what to expect.
Even the best wallpaper won’t last if it’s not installed properly. We’ve seen wallpaper that was bubbling just weeks after being put up—not because of the material, but because the wall wasn’t prepped the right way.
Walls need to be clean, dry, and primed. Any leftover dust, grease, or old adhesive can interfere with how well the wallpaper sticks.
Wallpaper in rooms with strong direct sunlight—especially on south or west-facing walls—tends to fade faster. Over time, UV rays break down the dyes in the paper, causing patterns to look washed out. Some newer wallpapers come with UV protection, but even then, sunlight will take a toll.
Bathrooms, laundry rooms, or kitchens can be rough environments for wallpaper. The constant temperature shifts and moisture can break down adhesive over time. For peel-and-stick types especially, this is a common reason they start falling off earlier than expected.
Smooth, well-primed walls hold wallpaper much better than textured ones. If your Omaha home has an orange peel or knockdown texture, it’s harder for the wallpaper to stay stuck, especially with peel-and-stick varieties.
If the wallpaper’s still up, but you don’t love it anymore, what’s the best next move? Here’s what to think about:
You might be fine to leave it alone. Just know that even if it’s still holding up, it may be nearing the end of its life. If it’s more than 15-20 years old, it’s probably time to start planning.
Removing it is usually the best call, especially if you’re planning to paint. Painted-over wallpaper tends to show seams and textures unless it’s smoothed out perfectly first (which takes a lot of time and skill).
Replacing it with a more modern style or a fresh coat of paint can completely change how your home feels. We’ve had Omaha clients who lived with the same wallpaper for years, and once it came down, they couldn’t believe how much bigger or brighter the room felt.
Here’s a quick way to check:
If you said yes to two or more, it’s probably time to make a change.
If you’ve been wondering, “How long does wallpaper last?”—you’re not alone. For Omaha homeowners, the answer depends on the type of wallpaper, how it was installed, and the conditions inside your home.
Traditional wallpaper can last 15-25 years (sometimes more), while peel-and-stick wallpaper usually lasts 2-5 years. But no matter what kind you have, the real question is: is it still doing its job? Is it still making your space feel the way you want it to?
At Brush & Roll Painting, we’ve been working with homeowners across Omaha since 1996, helping them figure out what works best for their home and their style. Whether you’re ready to remove that old wallpaper and paint or you just want an expert opinion, we’re here to help.
Click the button below to get a quote and see how we can help you move forward with confidence.
Still looking for the best painter to remove or install wallpaper or paint your walls? Click the button below to get a guide to hiring a painter. This guide will walk you through how to research painters, the best questions to ask painters, and how to compare quotes.