Let’s get this out of the way first: wallpaper installation almost always takes less time than people expect—especially when you’re prepared.
The real answer depends on three things: room size, wallpaper type, and your experience level. Here are realistic, real-life estimates to help you plan.
Average Wallpaper Install Times (Realistic Estimates)
Quick planning guide
- Small Accent Wall: 1–2 hours (great for first-timers)
- Powder Room: 2–4 hours (tight corners + fixtures add time)
- Bedroom or Office: 4–6 hours (full walls + pattern alignment)
- Large Room or Open Space: 6–8+ hours (best over a day or weekend)
First-time tip: pad your timeline a little. Measuring twice, pausing to re-check seams, and taking breaks is normal—and smart.
Prep Time: The Part Everyone Forgets
Prep is where most of the time goes—and skipping it is the #1 reason installs feel “hard.”
Plan for:
- Cleaning walls
- Filling nail holes
- Light sanding
- Letting primer dry (if needed)
Prep time: 30 minutes to 2 hours (depending on wall condition).
Good prep = faster install + smoother seams.
Does Wallpaper Type Change the Timeline?
Yes—mostly in how quickly you can get started and how much adjusting you’ll do along the way.
Peel & Stick
- Faster to start
- Easy repositioning
- Great for beginners
Time saver: often shaves 30–60 minutes off an install.
Traditional (Paste) Wallpaper
- Slightly longer setup
- Stronger hold + long-term finish
- Worth the extra few steps
Timing note: adds a little time, but not as much as you’d think.
First-Time vs. Experienced Installers
First-Time Installer
Expect pauses, measuring twice, and small adjustments. Totally normal. Still very achievable in a day.
Experienced Installer
Faster cutting, confident pattern matching, and fewer breaks.
Most people say wall #2 takes about half the time of wall #1.
The Honest Truth
Wallpaper installation isn’t about speed—it’s about patience and prep.
You don’t need special skills or professional tools. You do need:
- A plan
- The right tools
- Enough time to enjoy the process
And yes, most people finish their first wallpaper project and immediately start planning the next one.
Thinking about starting?
Start small. Order a sample. Try one wall. Wallpaper gets easy when you stop rushing and start trusting the process.
Shop SamplesTip: You can swap the button link to your “How to Install” page or your tools/paste recommendation page.
