Want to make your room look on-trend and impress your friends and family when they come over for your next dinner party?
Want to try some of those cute, modern wallpapers but don’t want the commitment if the design goes out of style in a few years?
Well there is a simple answer for you:
Peel and Stick Wallpaper.
This week I’m going to give you all the pros and cons of peel and stick wallpaper from a regular person (i.e., me) who has actually used it numerous times. Plus you’ll get tips, sources, and a FAQ to answer all your questions.
You will get all the details you need right now, so you don’t have to go hunting and pecking around the internet, and you can spruce up your space and feel proud of your DIY abilities.
By the end of this post, you will know:
- All the good, and the bad about peel and stick wallpaper when it comes to purchasing, prepping, application, durability, and removal.
- All my pro tips for doing it yourself plus the BEST Youtube Tutorial I have found to date.
- A BUNCH of sources and curated picks to easily buy the perfect wallpaper for your project.
- FAQ to clear up any burning questions you may have
After reading this, I know you will be able to get started making your home even more beautiful and reflective of your awesome personality.
Let’s get started peeling back the layers here…
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases, at NO extra cost to you.
Purchasing Peel and Stick Wallpaper
Pros
A small area or accent wall can be very inexpensive. For my closet (above) I bought the above Chevron Stripe peel and stick wallpaper from RoomMates for $30 on Amazon.
Check out my post, DIY: Entryway Closet to Mudroom for all the details.
For my bathroom accent wall (below), I purchased another roll for under $40 from Home Depot: Transform’s herringbone wood dark grey peel and stick wallpaper. I love how it mimics the effect of a tile backsplash at a fraction of the cost!
For all the details on this awesome bathroom transformation check out, DIY Bathroom Remodel: Beginner’s Guide.
Huge selection of designs – some really trendy, but also super traditional patterns out there, especially online. You should have no problem finding something to go with your modern decor, no matter what color scheme you have.
Online Sources that can deliver straight to your door include Amazon, Home Depot, Lowes, Wayfair, Wal Mart, RoomMates, and Etsy. Here are a few of my favorite modern designs from Amazon and Home Depot:
Transform Trellis Silver/White Vinyl Peelable Roll (from Home Depot, around $40). I’m a huge fan of all things trellis and think this will give your room a more stately feel. I personally have used this brand so can attest it’s great quality.
RoomMates Gold and White Striped Hexagon (from Amazon). This one is just so sophisticated in glam gold. I could see it in a foyer or as an accent wall for an entryway. Again, I’ve personally used the RoomMates brand and can tell you it’s super easy to apply and very good quality.
RoomMates Beige & Grey Grasscloth Peel and Stick Wallpaper (around $35 from Amazon). I love how grasscloth can bring the look of a different texture to a room to add more depth to your design.
Cons
Unique patterns can be pricey, especially if you are doing a large area or an entire room. I have seen really, really cute patterns on Etsy for over $100 for 1 roll. It would be expensive for a whole room, but not terrible just for a small accent wall.
Hard to find cute patterns in stores. Brick-and-mortar stores don’t carry that big of a selection yet so your best bet is to shop online.
Pro Tip: Read the fine print & make sure whatever you buy online is returnable, if you don’t like it once it arrives. It can look different than the pic.
I bought a roll of a really cool hexagon pattern from Home Depot. It looked great online, but when I received it, there was a shininess to it that I didn’t expect. Thanks to Home Depot’s awesome return policy, I returned it to my local store.
Prepping for Application
Pros
Really isn’t much prep needed if your wall is already painted. Maybe just wipe off any dust or hair from the walls.
Cons
Most manufacturers recommend to paint the wall at least 2 weeks before applying peel and stick wallpaper to it. This is to avoid damaging your walls when you remove it. I applied mine in our entryway closet (below), just 1 day after painting, so will update this post if that was a terrible idea – so far so good.
Applying Peel and Stick Wallpaper
Pros
Super easy to apply. You simply peel off the backing, stick it on the wall, then smooth out the air bubbles. See my pro tip above for corners and top edges.
The best peel and stick wallpaper tutorial I found online, which I actually used myself, was from Young House Love, they made a great Youtube video tutorial too:
No wet mess or paste like traditional wallpaper where you have to mix up paste and let it dry, etc.
Can remove and reposition it when applying. This is a huge benefit if you mess up the pattern, you can just peel it off and try again.
You can apply peel and stick wallpaper to lots of things – walls, on furniture, or closets. It’s just like contact paper so you can even use it inside drawers.
Doesn’t require many tools to install removable wallpaper. You probably already have most of the tools…
Tools needed for applying peel and stick wallpaper:
- Boxcutter or utility knife
- Plastic putty knife for smoothing
- Level or yardstick
- Tape measure
- Scissors
It’s super easy to cut wallpaper around lights or other wall features. Remove your vanity light or sconce first and just cut a hole with a boxcutter.
Cons
Most manufacturers don’t recommend applying to really bumpy walls with a lot of texture (like that orange peel texture). I went ahead and applied it in our bathroom (below) that has orange peel texture, and it seems to be just fine. I’ll update this post later if it falls off the wall.
Durability of Peel and Stick Wallpaper
Hexagon White Peel and Stick Wallpaper (From Amazon). Modern, subtle, and uber chic.
Pros:
Will maintain it’s color and texture, since it’s made of high quality PVC, for many years.
Easy to maintain – you basically can just wipe it clean with a damp cloth or maybe a Magic Eraser.
Won’t ruin walls – this is a great feature, even if you leave it stuck for a long time. It’s just like contact paper, and if you peel it off slowly, won’t damage the drywall underneath.
Manufacturers claim you can re-use it again and again. Peel it off the wall, and find somewhere else to apply it (bookshelf, drawer, or another wall even).
Cons:
Most peel and stick wallpaper is made of high quality vinyl. This is PVC, or plastic, and since it’s a man made materials, some people believe PVC may be environmentally unfriendly. I would argue some people believe paints and stains are environmentally unfriendly as well since they are also made from chemicals.
Probably best to keep away from heat since it is made of plastic. So don’t put near or on your fireplace or behind the stove (check the specifications).
RoomMates Tick Mark Peel and Stick Wallpaper, Grey and White (from Amazon for $35)
Removal of Peel and Stick Wallpaper
NuWallpaper Aya Peel & Stick Wallpaper, White (from Amazon, $35)
Pros
Just peels right off – This is one of the biggest pros. If you get sick of it, or you are renting and need to move, you’re all set. If you have ever removed traditional wallpaper you know how tedious this is, and will want to avoid having to do that at all costs.
Cons
It’s recommended to remove it slowly, and avoid ripping it off so you don’t damage the paint or walls.
Probably will rip some of the panels during removal, so might be difficult to re-use.
FAQ on Peel and Stick Wallpaper
Does peel and stick wallpaper ruin walls?
I have removed some of the panels and can tell you that this wallpaper will not damage your walls. I do recommend peeling it off slowly.
Does peel and stick wallpaper work?
Peel and stick wallpaper is definitely sticky, and works well on walls. It’s made of PVC so will maintain it’s color over time, and is extremely durable. Mine has not fallen off and it’s been over 6 months.
Can you use peel and stick wallpaper in an apartment?
Yes, it’s perfect for any type of rental or apartment since it’s super easy to remove when you move out!
Can you use peel and stick wallpaper in a bathroom?
Yes, since peel and stick wallpaper is made of plastic or synthetic materials, it’s not going to get moldy, but check the manufacturer’s specifications. Just make sure it is adhered properly to the walls.
Is peel and stick wallpaper waterproof?
It is not waterproof, but is somewhat water resistant. It should not be applied inside a shower or bathtub. But it could be applied on bathroom walls that might get steamy.
Conclusion
Overall, my view is the pros definitely outweigh the cons. The fact it’s easily removable is the biggest pro, and that it’s so easy to apply. The biggest con is that some of the super trendy patterns can be expensive if you have to apply to a whole room (just applying to an accent wall would fix that).
Why not give peel and stick wallpaper a try to create a focal wall for your room? It will help elevate your design and add sophistication, texture, or visual interest to your room, for not a lot of money.
For more ideas on how to use peel and stick wallpaper in your home, check out my posts where I show how I used it around our home:
DIY Entryway Closet to Mudroom
5 Laundry Room Makeover Ideas to Try This Weekend
Where do you see a good spot in your home to apply peel and stick wallpaper? Let me know in the comments below…
