Want to change up your walls without opening a can of paint? I'm a renter myself, so I know how much of a pain restrictions can be. Luckily, there's a magic decor item that's perfect for apartment decorating — say hello to peel-and-stick wallpapers.
In the last five years, removable wallpaper ideas have gone from a fringe trend to being mainstream AF, and I can't say that I'm that surprised. They're just perfect for anyone in search of a fuss-free experience (which I always am, TBH).
Quick Menu:
1. Peel-and-stick wallpapers
2. FAQs
3. What to consider
4. How we chose
Whether you want to make a statement with a bold print or want to go for a more neutral statement, I've rounded up some of the best peel-and-stick paper options. With these, you won't find any difficult or complicated directions, nor do they require soaking paper (or most importantly, the hassle of scraping wallpaper off the wall — major pain).
Ready for mess-free, beautiful walls? Head on down for some seriously gorgeous prints. Also have a look at this Emily Henderson wallpaper hack if you're up for a fun, non-permanent DIY.
The best peel-and-stick wallpapers
The prices below were correct at the time of publishing this article.
Tropical and trendy
Colors: Green/White or Blue/White
Size (in.): W3.12 x L20.88
Material: Vinyl
Price: $30.28
Dreaming of a vacay at the Beverly Hills Hotel? This green palm-printed wallpaper is so tropical and requires no travel. I love how the vibrant leaves pop against the beige linen background, making the whole thing look really fresh and vibrant. Amazon shoppers rate the fact that it leaves no sticky residue behind, as well as having a smooth finish.
Simply stylish
Colors: 13 different color varieties
Size (in.): W15.7 x L118
Material: Polyvinyl chloride
Price: $6.28
Over 6,000 Amazon shoppers seriously love this chic wallpaper, saying it’s easy to apply, even onto textured walls. The wallpaper itself has a subtle texture, giving it more interest than a plain ol’ block of color. One shopper even said that it was brilliant to use in small areas — perfect for those living in rentals or apartments and that don’t have much room to play with.
Farmhouse chic
Color: Beige
Size (in.): H21 x W3.12 x L3.12
Material: Vinyl
Price: $31.99
Dreaming of bringing boho vibes into the home? This shabby-chic wallpaper is beautifully simple, with a neutral color palette that you can draw parts of into other decor pieces, such as with accent chairs and couches. You could also put a few pieces onto cabinets and nightstands, to really tie the room together.
Mediterranean vibes
Color(s): Blue/White
Size (ft.): W20.5 x L1.375
Material: Vinyl
Price: $0.82 per sq. ft.
Look, I get it. Tiling a backsplash can take so much time. Not only that, but some landlords aren't fans of it either. But if you still want the look of an Italian-inspired kitchen, you can make it happen with this damask print. Wayfair shoppers love how versatile this is, saying it's forgiving to install, handy for numerous projects, and even waterproof.
Bold AF
Colors: Blue and white
Size (in.): W20.5 x L18
Material: Vinyl
Price: $1.11 per sq./ft.
Make like RiRi and have diamonds in the sky (...diamonds on the wall are pretty close, right?). The print is so stylish and bold enough to make a real impact on your interior without taking away from existing pieces. Hang it as either an accent wall for a more subtle pop, or across all the walls for a really striking effect.
Jungle realness
Colors: Blue, yellow, pink, and white
Size (in.): W20 x L198
Material: Vinyl
Price: $34
Whenever I see that Jungalow is involved in anything, I instantly hit add to cart. It’s so amazing at creating colorful prints with heaps of personality, and this wallpaper is a gorgeous example. So many different animals are cleverly woven into the design — I’ve spent ages looking to see how many I can spot, which I’m sure you’ll be doing too when it’s hung up.
Brilliantly bright
Colors: Yellow and white
Size (in.): W20 x L198
Material: Vinyl
Price: $34
Yellow is such a happy color. Whether it’s on kitchen appliances or home decor, the sunshine shade always adds a bright glow to any room. This wallpaper is also steam-resistant, making it ideal to stick in the kitchen or bathroom. I can see this working so well in either, complemented by plenty of greenery, plus navy blue finishing touches.
Bridgerton beauty
Colors: Green and pink
Size (in.): W17 x L98
Material: Vinyl
Price: $11.58
Unlike The Devil Wears Prada says, I think florals can be groundbreaking — when styled in the right way. This wallpaper is elegant AF, and will completely change the vibe in your room with minimal effort. It could also look lovely on a dressing table top, with gorgeous gold decor to make it look fit for royalty. I just know that Queen Charlotte would approve.
Going for gold
Colors: Gold and ivory
Size (in.): W20 x L198
Material: Vinyl
Price: $34
Did somebody call for an art-deco moment? The metallic lines add a touch of glamor, especially with their dramatic striped pattern. Target shoppers do say to take your time when using it, as it can be a li’l tricky to get it right when sticking on. They also say that results are seriously luxurious though, so it’s def worth the extra effort.
FAQs
How long will peel-and-stick wallpaper last?
There's no need to worry about it acting temporary, even if it is only temporary. "Peel-and-stick wallpaper will stay adhered to your surface for as long as you would like," says Jennifer Matthews, co-founder at Tempaper. "Leave it up for a day, month, or indefinitely."
Is peel-and-stick wallpaper worth it?
Worried about spending your dollar on peel-and-stick wallpaper? There's no need to stress, bestie. "Removable wallpaper is quite possibly one of the most amazing inventions in the design world," says Wallshoppe e-commerce manager Patricia Madarang. "It allows you to instantly add color, texture, or movement to any wall in your home without the long-term commitment that comes with permanent wallpaper or paint." She also adds that it can look high-end and gorgeous, allowing you to enjoy its aesthetic brilliance without any loss of quality. Gorgeous.
What to consider when buying peel-and-stick wallpaper
With dozens of wallpaper options on the market, it's important to consider everything, which means reading the fine print. Some wallpapers claim to be "self-adhesive," however, upon arrival they require additional steps. If you are a renter (like me), this could jeopardize the return of your security deposit when you move out, or flat-out ruin the look of your very own walls if you're a homeowner. Identifying whether or not the wallpaper is peel-and-stick ahead of time is the most crucial aspect above all.
How we chose these peel-and-stick wallpapers
I've spent hours looking through retailer websites, looking for peel-and-stick wallpapers that are highly-rated by shoppers. These have been hung up in real homes, and have had reviews praising their style and longevity.
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Hi, I'm the former acting head ecommerce editor at Real Homes. Prior to working for the Future plc family, I've worked on a number of consumer events including the Ideal Home Show, Grand Designs Live, and Good Homes Magazine. With a first class degree from Keele University, and a plethora of experience in digital marketing, editorial, and social media, I have an eye for what should be in your shopping basket and have gone through the internal customer advisor accreditation process.