As the new coronavirus spreads, I’m even more grateful than usual for my home, where I’m now spending basically all of my time. But studio life isn’t without challenges—doing everything in one room is hard. My peel-and-stick wallpaper habit is really a godsend right now.
I spent months deliberating over and applying (then reapplying) wallpaper until I found something that stuck in more ways than one. And now, in light of the newfound quality time I’m spending at home, those design choices have helped keep me sane. The moody floral mural behind my canopy bed makes it feel like I actually have a bedroom, even though I don’t have any walls designating one. The black-and-gold bee pattern near my TV complements my couch and sends a message to my brain that maybe, just maybe, I have an open living room and kitchen space. My point? Peel-and-stick wallpaper helps control the vibe—and happens to be pretty easy to use.
While traditional wallpaper is meant to be permanent and painting requires a lot of fuss, peel-and-stick wallpaper is the millennial decor dream: commitment-free and Instagram-worthy. As the name implies, you can apply it and then remove it without damaging your wall. In some cases, the wallpaper can even withstand another use after you remove it (like if you decide to move and take your wallpaper with you). It’s also worth noting that you don’t have to limit removable wallpaper to just walls. You can use it to revamp your kitchen cabinets or perk up a side table. I’ve even used it to decorate a corkboard.
I suggest giving peel-and-stick wallpaper a try if being homebound is making you scrutinize your walls, you have the misfortune of moving during a global pandemic and need to settle into a new space, large projects keep your anxious feelings in check, or seeing your colleagues’ homes during video conference calls has you inspired. No matter the reason, I am here to extol the virtues of removable wallpaper. And whichever project you decide on, here are a few tips for making the most of peel-and-stick wallpaper.
A few tips to know before you get started:
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Measure your walls: This might seem like a no-brainer, but if you’re ordering wallpaper and waiting weeks for it to arrive, it sucks to discover that you’ve mixed up your length and your width (I might be speaking from experience).
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Order a sample if possible: Even if you have an eye for decor, peel-and-stick wallpaper might not look the same on the website as it does when it shows up at your doorstep. Many vendors allow you to grab a few swatches for under 10 bucks. As a bonus, you can use leftover swatches on another design project.
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Make sure you have other necessary supplies: Just because the paper is peel-and-stick doesn’t mean you don’t need extra items, including (but not limited to) a level, an Exacto knife to cut excess paper, and a squeegee to smooth any air bubbles. To know exactly what you’ll need, you should…
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Read the directions: This might seem self-explanatory, but hanging wallpaper can seem so intuitive that you decide to go rogue. Don’t do that. Read the directions. For starters, the directions will clue you in to any wall prep you need to do before hanging wallpaper (make sure the wall is smooth, dry, and dust-free). Additionally, if you’re hanging several panels, the directions will let you know how much overlap each panel features. This will allow you to line up patterns more seamlessly. Trust me. This is valuable information.
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Grab a partner (if you can): I’ve hung wallpaper by myself, and I’ve hung wallpaper with a partner. If you live with someone, see if they’re willing to help. If you don’t, see if someone’s willing to help digitally. Even if you just have a spectator watching on FaceTime to let you know that you’re hanging the wallpaper straight, a paper-partner makes the whole task easier. If this isn’t possible, then be sure to go slowly, take breaks to assess your work, and be patient with yourself. The good news is that you should be able to unstick and readjust crooked peel-and-stick wallpaper.
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Change your mind if you want: The main appeal of removable wallpaper is that you can, well, remove it. Feel free to switch your wallpaper when you get bored with the pattern (as much as your decor budget will allow, anyway). This easy removal is extra helpful if you’re in a rental unit that needs to have blank walls once your lease is up.
Now that we’ve covered those tips, let’s get to the best part.
Here are six fun peel-and-stick wallpaper options:
1. Vintage Rose Wallpaper #85, from $18
Roll size: Various
Buy it: From $18 (originally from $19), Etsy
2. Intersections Wallpaper, $138
Roll size: 20.5 inches (width) x 396 inches (height)
Buy it: $138, Anthropologie
3. Celestial Peel-and-Stick Wallpaper Navy/Gold, $35
Roll size: 20 inches (width) x 198 inches (height)
Buy it: $35, Target
4. Tempaper Hojas Cubanas Removable Wallpaper, $125
Roll size: 20.5 inches (width) x 396 inches (height)
Buy it: $125, Crate and Barrel
5. Black and White Stripe Peel-and-Stick Wallpaper, $35
Roll size: 20.5 inches (width) x 198 inches (height)
Buy it: $35, Home Depot
6. Chalkboard Black Peel-and-Stick Wallpaper, $35
Roll size: 20.5 inches (width) x 198 inches (height)
Buy it: $35, Home Depot
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