A Helpful Guide for Homeowners in Media, Wayne, Bryn Mawr, Newtown Square, and the Main Line
Wallpaper is back.
And honestly, we’re here for it.
Over the last few years, we’ve seen more and more homeowners throughout Media, Wayne, Bryn Mawr, Newtown Square, Delaware County, and the Main Line embrace wallpaper as a way to add personality, texture, warmth, and character to their homes.
From bold powder rooms and cozy bedrooms to elegant dining rooms, nurseries, offices, accent walls, and statement spaces, wallpaper has made a huge comeback.
And for good reason.
The right wallpaper can completely transform a room.
But along with the comeback comes a lot of questions:
Should we install wallpaper?
Should we remove the wallpaper we already have?
Can wallpaper be painted over?
Can new wallpaper go over old wallpaper?
As with most things in painting and home improvement:
It depends.
At Artisan Painting, we help homeowners with wallpaper installation, wallpaper removal, and repainting after wallpaper removal, and we’re always happy to help evaluate what makes the most sense for your specific space.
Wallpaper Is Back, And We’re Here For It
Wallpaper today is not the wallpaper many people remember from decades ago.
We’re seeing beautiful:
- textured wallpapers
- grasscloth wallpaper
- murals
- subtle patterns
- bold accent walls
- traditional prints
- modern designs
throughout homes in Delaware County and the Main Line.
And one of the things homeowners are often surprised to learn is:
Wallpaper is no longer just for formal spaces.
We’re seeing incredible transformations in:
- powder rooms
- bedrooms
- dining rooms
- nurseries
- mudrooms
- laundry rooms
- home offices
- foyers
- accent walls
Honestly:
Any room you’d like to elevate.
And whether you’re looking for something timeless, modern, dramatic, or subtle:
We install all types of wallpaper.
Need Help Choosing Wallpaper? You Don’t Have To Figure It Out Alone
One thing we hear all the time is:
“We have no idea where to start.”
Totally fair.
Choosing wallpaper can feel overwhelming.
Should you go bold?
Neutral?
Traditional?
Modern?
Textured?
Subtle?
Patterned?
A mural?
Grasscloth?
Accent wall or full room?
The good news:
You do not have to figure it out alone.
Over the years, we’ve built relationships with some incredibly talented local interior designers throughout Delaware County and the Main Line who can help homeowners confidently select wallpaper, colors, and finishes that fit both the home and the homeowner.
Whether you're updating a powder room in Media, refreshing a dining room in Wayne, creating a statement wall in Bryn Mawr, or modernizing a space in Newtown Square, the right design guidance can make the process feel exciting instead of stressful.
If you’d like inspiration or guidance, take a look at our Family of Professionals page where you’ll find talented designers and other local businesses we know, love, and trust.
Because wallpaper should feel exciting, not overwhelming.
Should You Remove Wallpaper or Paint Over It?
This is probably one of the biggest questions homeowners ask.
And the honest answer is:
Most of the time, removal is the best long-term option.
Especially if the wallpaper is:
- bubbling
- peeling
- separating at seams
- damaged
- heavily textured
- installed in multiple layers
Removing wallpaper allows us to properly evaluate the wall underneath, repair imperfections, prime correctly, and create the best possible finished result.
That said:
Sometimes painting over wallpaper does make sense.
If the wallpaper is:
- tight to the wall
- free of bubbles
- smooth
- not separating at seams
- in generally good condition
There are situations where we can apply a special bonding primer, make necessary repairs, and paint over it successfully.
Every home is different.
That’s why we’re always happy to evaluate the situation and help homeowners determine the best path forward.
One important note:
Wallpaper that has already been painted can be much more difficult and messy to remove.
That does not mean it cannot be done.
It just means the process can become more labor intensive and unpredictable.
Why Proper Wallpaper Removal Matters
Wallpaper removal is one of those projects that often looks much easier than it actually is.
In reality, removal can uncover:
- glue residue
- drywall damage
- hidden repairs
- multiple wallpaper layers
- damaged skim coat
- wall imperfections
And if wallpaper removal is not done properly, it can affect how the final paint coating performs.
Residual adhesive, improper prep, or damaged surfaces can lead to issues with adhesion, texture, and overall finish quality.
That’s why proper prep matters so much.
At Artisan, our goal is not simply to remove wallpaper.
It is to leave homeowners with walls that are ready for what comes next, whether that is paint or fresh wallpaper installation.
Can You Install Wallpaper Over Existing Wallpaper?
Generally speaking, we do not recommend it.
For the best long-term results, wallpaper should typically be installed over a properly prepared surface.
Installing wallpaper over existing wallpaper can lead to:
- visible seams
- texture telegraphing through
- adhesion problems
- bubbling
- premature failure
If new wallpaper is going in, proper removal and preparation almost always creates a cleaner, longer-lasting result.
Wallpaper Installation Is About More Than Hanging Paper
A great wallpaper installation is about preparation, layout, precision, and attention to detail.
Pattern alignment matters.
Wall condition matters.
Corners matter.
Seams matter.
And the difference between a good wallpaper installation and a frustrating one often comes down to experience.
Whether we’re installing wallpaper in a historic home in Bryn Mawr, a bedroom in Media, a powder room in Wayne, or a feature wall in Newtown Square, we take pride in helping homeowners create spaces that feel elevated, personal, and uniquely theirs.
Frequently Asked Questions About Wallpaper
Is wallpaper coming back in style?
Absolutely.
Wallpaper has made a major comeback, especially in powder rooms, bedrooms, dining rooms, nurseries, offices, and statement walls.
We’re seeing everything from subtle textures to bold murals throughout Delaware County and the Main Line.
Can wallpaper be painted over?
Sometimes.
If wallpaper is tight to the wall and in good condition, we may be able to prime with a bonding primer, make repairs, and paint successfully.
In many cases, though, removal is still the better long-term option.
Is wallpaper removal messy?
It can be.
Especially if wallpaper has already been painted, has multiple layers, or the walls underneath need repair.
Every situation is different, which is why evaluation matters.
Do you install wallpaper too?
Yes.
We install all types of wallpaper and can help homeowners transform bedrooms, powder rooms, dining rooms, offices, accent walls, and more.
Can wallpaper damage drywall?
Sometimes.
Older wallpaper, aggressive removal, moisture, or poor installation can occasionally damage drywall and require repairs before painting or reinstallation.
Final Thoughts
Whether you're considering wallpaper installation, wallpaper removal, or wondering if painting over wallpaper makes sense, we’re always happy to help homeowners evaluate the best option for their space.
Every home is different.
Every wall is different.
And the goal is always the same:
Helping homeowners create a space they love.
If you're in Media, Newtown Square, Wayne, Bryn Mawr, Delaware County, or the surrounding Main Line, and you have questions about wallpaper, we’re always happy to start a conversation and point you in the right direction.
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