“The pros of removable wallpaper are just as it states…it’s removable!” says Caron Woolsey, founder and principal designer at CW Interiors. “It’s not a major commitment if you get bored easily. Removable paper should not damage your walls in the event you decide to try another pattern or simply paint the wall. It’s also a great option for renters whose leases state that they cannot paint or make permanent changes to their properties.” Whether your personal style follows the latest design trends or you prefer a more classic aesthetic in your home, there’s a peel and stick wallpaper to match it. We tested 29 different types of wallpaper in our lab in Des Moines, Iowa, to find the best peel and stick wallpapers for homeowners and renters alike. To do this, our team of expert testers applied strips of removable wallpaper to drywall according to the instructions, then evaluated the quality and consistency of the design after application. We also removed the wallpaper from the drywall to see if it was easy to peel off without causing damage. Finally, we had our experts evaluate the peel and stick wallpaper three months after it had been applied to the wall to see how well it held up over time. After testing, our top choice for the best peel and stick wallpaper was the Rifle Paper Co. Luxembourg wallpaper, because of its stunning pattern and high-quality, crease-free finish. Keep in Mind: There could be a slight variation in color between different print runs, so you’ll need to buy all the wallpaper you need for a project at one time. Our testers fell in love with the whimsical floral design and flawless finish of this removable wallpaper. When sticking the wallpaper onto the drywall during testing, they found that it was incredibly forgiving, so it was easy to apply a strip of wallpaper to the wall and smooth out imperfections. Our tester didn’t even need to use a tool to apply it; she was able to adjust the wallpaper and smooth out wrinkles with her hand for a bubble-free finish. Unlike some peel and stick wallpaper with a shiny appearance that makes it look more like a sticker than something actually adhered to your wall, the Luxembourg wallpaper has a matte finish that elevates the look and adds a modern touch. Our testers raved over the thick, high-quality appearance and saturated colors, stating that they could envision the print working with a wide variety of decor styles. When it came time to remove the Luxembourg peel and stick wallpaper, testers found that it separated from the drywall effortlessly with no residue left behind. This makes it perfect for rented spaces and for easy cleanup the next time you want to redecorate. After three months of testing this wallpaper, it shows no signs of wear and tear or bubbling, making it one of the most durable variations we tested. Because there could be a slight difference in color between different print runs, the manufacturer recommends purchasing all of the wallpaper needed for a project at once. This helps ensure that when you apply the wallpaper to the wall, it has a seamless appearance from one panel to the next. Price at time of publish: $64 Dimensions: 20 x 2.25 feet | Pattern Match: Straight | Color Options: Three Keep in Mind: The wallpaper doesn’t have gridlines on the back, so you’ll have to draw your own to cut it evenly. Whether you’re renting a home, sprucing up your office space, or you simply want a damage-free way to brighten your walls, our Better Homes & Gardens Organic Stripe removable wallpaper is a great option. During testing, this wallpaper earned perfect scores for its ease of re-application and removal by tacking onto the wall without bubbles and peeling away without residue. Our testers applied the BHG Organic Stripe peel and stick wallpaper using a squeegee to help smooth out any imperfections, and they found that this method made it super easy to apply. While testers expected it to be difficult to line up such a complex pattern evenly on the wall, it was actually very easy to lay out and create a long, continuous design. The only thing testers would change about this renter-friendly wallpaper is the back side. They wished it had grid lines to help users cut even lines in the wallpaper instead of having to measure and cut for themselves. Because of the thickness of the paper, it took testers a few passes to slice through the material, so plan to use a sharpened blade when applying it to the wall. Our long-term tester said that, even after several months, the BHG Organic Stripe wallpaper looks “good as new,” without tears, wrinkles, or shifting down the wall. The wallpaper itself is quite thick with a satin-y finish on the front side, which our testers found to be quite high-quality for the price. Pair the black and white pattern with natural tones in your home for a modern take on traditional decor, or try adding in vibrant pops of color for a funky, eclectic style. Price at time of publish: $35 Dimensions: 1.5 x 18.83 feet | Pattern Match: Straight | Color Options: One Keep in Mind: the large pattern on this wallpaper can be difficult to match up, so plan to order extra in case you mess up. Even though wallpaper has been a staple of interior design trends throughout the last century, that doesn’t mean you can’t incorporate it into your modern home. The Kelly Ventura Botany peel and stick wallpaper is a modern take on vintage botanical designs, and it comes in three different colors to choose from. Testers loved the quality of this peel and stick wallpaper, which has a matte finish and durable poly-woven fabric for a luxe overall appearance. When applying to the wall, our testers appreciated that the removable backing was slightly larger than the paper itself, making it easy to peel away without having to fumble around with the edges. The adhesive on the back was extremely sticky, but testers were surprised to find that it was still pretty easy to readjust the Botany wallpaper and smooth out any wrinkles or bubbles that appeared. However, it was a little tricky to get the pattern to match up from one strip to the next. Our testers chose to go extra slow in applying strips next to one another to avoid making a mistake. After three months of testing, we found that the Kelly Ventura Botany wallpaper remained completely intact without tears or shifting down the wall. However, our testers did notice a few tiny bubbles that popped up over time, so keep this in mind as you shop. If you plan to peel off and reapply an entire strip, we’d recommend getting another person to help you. Because it’s so sticky, testers found that it was easiest to keep the wallpaper from clinging to itself when another person held the opposite end of the strip. The Kelly Ventura Botany peel and stick wallpaper is printed to order, so there could be a slight variance in hues if you order in separate batches. For this reason, we recommend ordering a little extra in case you end up needing more paper to complete the project. Price at time of publish: $45 for 2 x 4 feet Dimensions: From 2 x 4 feet | Pattern Match: Straight | Color Options: Three Keep in Mind: It’s difficult to reposition this wallpaper after removing it from the wall, as the sticky sides tend to cling together. When some people think of wallpaper, they may think of bright, dizzying patterns and bold colors. And while we’re all for incorporating bright hues into the home, we also love the subtle, calming effect that neutral tones offer to a space. When shopping for the best peel and stick wallpapers, we found tons of stunning peel and stick wallpaper by Anthropologie, including the Feather Flock Chalk pattern we ultimately tested in our lab. This gray and white wallpaper went up on the wall quite easily during our lab tests, adding a modern yet surprisingly cozy backdrop that we could easily envision in living rooms, bedrooms, and bathrooms alike. Given its more expensive price tag, we had high expectations for the Feather Flock Chalk paper—and we certainly weren’t disappointed. Everything about this paper was high-quality, including the texture it possessed in our testers’ hands, its durability in application and removal, and its appearance when the job was complete. Our tester even noted at the end of the day that she was already planning out places in her own home where she could install this removable wallpaper. We recommend trying to apply the Feather Flock Chalk paper as accurately as possible on the first try, as it can be more difficult than other wallpapers we tested to reposition. Our experts found that the sticky sides of this paper tended to stick to one another as they peeled it away from the wall, so it’s best to only un-peel one corner at a time if you do need to adjust. Once it’s been applied to the wall, we found that it’s quite long-lasting; when we examined this wallpaper after three months, it only had one tiny wrinkle and no peeling or bubbling anywhere in sight. Price at time of publish: $148 Dimensions: 1.7 x 33 feet | Pattern Match: Straight | Color Options: One Keep in Mind: Because of how thick the wallpaper is, it was difficult to cut out holes for an outlet or a light switch. Whether your home’s interior is filled with cottage-style decor or you’ve incorporated bold colors and rich textures, there’s a floral wallpaper pattern to match. We love the wide selection of whimsical removable wallpapers that Wallshoppe has to offer, including bright, modern hues and more muted, classic designs. We tested the Arance Dolci pattern in the lab, where it earned near-perfect scores in every category and perfect scores for its application and removal. The wallpaper is quite thick and durable, so our testers weren’t worried about the paper stretching or tearing when we stuck it down or readjusted it on the wall. It has a high-end matte finish, and despite the intricate design, we found it was pretty easy to line up the individual panels for one continuous pattern. When smoothing out wrinkles and bubbles along the wallpaper, our testers found that it was best to use a squeegee, as this helped to guide the air pockets out from underneath the paper for a seamless finish. After peeling the wallpaper off and reapplying, we found that it still had the same stickiness as the first application, so it’s incredibly forgiving if you install it wrong. When we evaluated this wallpaper three months after applying it, the wallpaper remained intact, without wrinkles, bubbles, or peeling. Our tester had some trouble cutting out a hole in this wallpaper for the wall outlet cover, due to how thick the paper was. She recommended removing the outlet cover from the wall to help ease this process, then re-install the cover after the paper has been successfully applied. Price at time of publish: $58 Dimensions: 2.3 x 27 feet | Pattern Match: Straight | Color Options: Six Keep in Mind: It’s best suited for walls that don’t need special cutouts for light switches or outlets. Adding natural elements like plants and reclaimed wood to your home has been a popular decor technique in recent years, and this leafy removable wallpaper is a cost-effective and beautiful way to take part in the trend. Our testers liked the sprawling botanical pattern and rich colors this wallpaper possessed, which makes for a great statement piece in any room. During lab testing, we found that the initial application was a breeze—there was no bubbling or wrinkling to be found after pressing it onto the wall. The wallpaper can be purchased in a variety of sizes to accommodate different projects, but we tested it in 2 x9 foot strips, which made it quite easy to apply without the need to cut anything to size. You’ll want to make sure your first application of this wallpaper is successful, as our testers discovered that it became a bit more prone to bubbling when re-applied to the drywall. However, in the event that you do need to peel it off and try again, we suggest using a squeegee to help smooth out imperfections. If at all possible, avoid putting this wallpaper in an area where a lot of cutouts are needed for outlets or light switches, as it’s more prone to tearing than other wallpapers we tested. We also found that after three months, this wallpaper had peeled slightly at the corners, so it’s not the most durable out of all the peel-and-stick wallpapers we tested. Price at time of publish: $19 for sample 20 W by 17 H inches Dimensions: From 8 x 4 feet | Pattern Match: Straight | Color Options: Two Keep in Mind: the smooth texture of the paper makes it easy to see bumps in your wall from up close. Decorating your wall with stripes can create a visual effect that makes a room appear larger or taller, depending on the direction you apply them. However, if you don’t want to do all the work of measuring, drawing, and painting individual lines on your wall, this high-contrast peel and stick wallpaper is an easy alternative. The Roommates Beige Awning wallpaper earned the title of best striped wallpaper in our lab for its durable quality that was easy to peel off and reapply. Our tester gave it perfect scores for both its ease of application and removal, saying that the overall finish looked professionally applied, even though she’d never installed peel and stick wallpaper before. Even after smoothing out wrinkles, our testers found that the wallpaper seamlessly peeled back from the wall without leaving residue behind or becoming less sticky itself. This made it super easy to readjust to achieve perfect alignment from one panel to the next. It was also quite easy to make cutouts in this paper for light switches or outlets. When we examined the wallpaper three months after applying it to the drywall, it showed no signs of bubbling, though we did observe some slight peeling at the corners of two panels. We’d recommend applying this wallpaper to a wall with minimal texture to it, as the smoothness of the paper allowed any imperfections in the drywall to be visible. Additionally, the white stripes tended to show marks from the squeegee when we used it to smooth out the wallpaper, so plan to wipe away bubbles with clean hands instead. Price at time of publish: $37 Dimensions: 16.5 x 1.7 feet | Pattern Match: Straight | Color Options: Two Keep in Mind: It doesn’t have grid lines on the backside to make measuring and trimming easier. If you’re looking for a truly luxe, high-quality wallpaper and you’re willing to spend a little more for it, we highly recommend shopping for options at Mitchell Black. In the lab, the Riviere wallpaper from Mitchell Black received perfect scores across the board, making it effortless for even a beginner to apply successfully. Though our tester had never installed wallpaper of any kind before testing the Riviere option, she highly praised the ease of application and incredible quality. Unlike some of the less-expensive wallpapers we tested, this one is quite thick, making it easy to peel off the backing without the adhesive sides sticking together or anything being torn. During application, we were able to reposition the wallpaper easily without losing its stickiness, too. This allowed us to perfectly align the wallpaper on the drywall for a seamless, wrinkle-free finish. Removing and reapplying the Riviere wallpaper was just as easy, and there was no residue left on the wall or any damage to the paper itself when we peeled it off. We found only one small wrinkle and one peeling corner three months after applying it. The only thing we think could have further elevated this splurge-worthy wallpaper would be grid lines on the back to make it easier to measure and trim in a straight line. However, this wasn’t a dealbreaker to our testers, who still found the wallpaper well worth the money. Mitchell Black offers a variety of other removable and permanent wallpaper patterns as well, but be sure to double-check the product description to determine which options are peel and stick. Price at time of publish: $168 for 2 ft by 18 ft removable peel & stick Dimensions: From 2 x 10 feet | Pattern Match: Straight | Color Options: One Keep in Mind: After smoothing this paper out with a squeegee, we still found a few small wrinkles that couldn’t be removed. If you’re wallpapering a large space and you don’t want to spend a ton of money on peel and stick wallpaper, we found that the Magnolia Home paper by Joanna Gaines was a great budget option without sacrificing quality. This matte vinyl wallpaper comes in three different colors and features a playful olive branch design that works with a variety of decor styles. Our testers found that the peel and stick wallpaper was very easy to cut to size, and the backing was easy to remove without the sticky sides of the paper clinging to each other. When applying it to the wall, we had to be careful to smooth it out frequently to avoid wrinkles, lifting and repositioning the paper a few times to help ensure a perfect application. Throughout all this, the back of the paper remained sticky, and every time we smoothed it onto the wall, it still looked brand-new. The saturated colors and calming pattern were a huge hit with our testers, who said it looked incredibly high-quality despite the lower price tag. Upon removal, the Magnolia Home wallpaper came away from the drywall without stretching or tearing, and there was no damage to either. While we did find a few wrinkles in the wallpaper that were impossible to smooth out at the end of application, they were very small and unnoticeable unless you were specifically looking for them. Given the price and the durability of this removable wallpaper, our experts still gave it excellent scores. After examining the Magnolia Home wallpaper three months after installation, we found that it had bubbled a bit more, so you may need to smooth this paper out every once and a while to keep it looking seamless. If a botanical pattern isn’t your style, you can shop other removable wallpaper patterns from Magnolia Home at Home Depot, including geometric, floral, and watercolor designs. Price at time of publish: $47 Dimensions: 2.4 x 20 feet | Pattern Match: Drop | Color Options: Three
Our Testing Process
We put 29 of the best peel and stick wallpapers to the test in our labs in Des Moines, Iowa, to see how easy they were to apply, adjust, and remove. Our team of experts spent two days inspecting rolls of removable wallpaper for their quality, thickness, and design before applying them to drywall. During application, we noted which wallpapers were easy to readjust and smooth out any bubbles or wrinkles, measured and cut out holes for outlets and light switches, and shimmied the paper around on the wall to see if the paper tore easily. After three months, we returned to check on how well the wallpaper remained fixed to the drywall, examining it for wrinkles, bubbles, or peeling. Finally, we took the wallpaper down and examined both the paper and the wall for damage.
What to Know About Peel and Stick Wallpaper Before Shopping
Dimensions
Before hitting “add to cart” on your removable wallpaper purchase, it’s important to double-check that you’re ordering more than enough wallpaper to finish the job. Many removable (and permanent) wallpapers are printed to order, meaning there could be a slight difference in color from one purchase to the next. To ensure all of your wallpaper looks exactly the same, Woolsey recommends measuring your room multiple times so you know exactly how much you need. Once you’ve measured, order about 20% more than you think you need. “Measure square footage and match that to the square footage of the rolls,” Woolsey says. “Patterns with large repeats have more waste upon installation due to having to match the patterns with each cut. [Additionally], angles and corners consume wallpaper quickly!”
Pattern Repeat/Match
When applying peel and stick wallpaper, make sure you know whether the pattern repeat is random, straight, or drop match. This refers to how the individual panels are designed to line up, so you can create one continuous pattern on your wall rather than individual strips. Random repeat wallpaper is the easiest to work with, since there’s no specific way to line up each panel’s seams. You can cut the paper and apply it side by side in no particular order. Straight repeating wallpaper matches up at the ceiling line, so every new strip of paper will match up if you start it from the top of your wall. Drop matches are more complicated than straight match wallpaper, as the pattern has to be aligned both horizontally and vertically. These wallpapers typically line up at the halfway point of the adjacent wallpaper strip.
Color Options
One of the best parts about picking out the best peel and stick wallpaper for your home is getting to browse through a wide variety of stunning designs and picking out your favorite. However, if you’re not a professional interior designer, you might have trouble figuring out which pattern works best in your space. While your home should represent your own unique taste and personal style, Woolsey offers a few general suggestions to help you get started. “Florals work best in a traditional, softer space—think Southern or feminine,” Woolsey says. “More modern, clean-lined and structured spaces [are great for adding a geometric wallpaper]. Neutral patterns seem to be best for larger spaces that you use a lot, as they tend to have more staying power in the sense that you won’t get tired of seeing it and it won’t go out of style.” When it comes to bold patterns and colors, don’t be afraid to think outside the box and lean into the bright, eye-catching hues. You can play it safe by adding colorful wallpaper as a statement wall in a room or you can embrace a more maximalist, eclectic style by applying it in unexpected places. “Bold wallpaper is great for a powder room or extra bathroom. Even a ceiling!” Woolsey says. “While it may seem counterintuitive, bold patterns in small spaces work.”
Other Peel and Stick Wallpaper We Tested
Opalhouse Tropical Peel and Stick Wallpaper
Our experts really liked the affordability and modern pattern of the Opalhouse removable wallpaper, but we ultimately found that it wasn’t nearly as durable as other options we tested. When applying it to the wall, the paper was quite stretchy, allowing room for air bubbles that were difficult to remove. We also found that it was impossible to remove and reapply, as the paper stretched out significantly when we tried to take it down. Because of this, we’d only recommend using it in small quantities with the expectation that it’s a single-use wallpaper.
Burke Decor Shift Self-Adhesive Wallpaper
Given the high price for the Burke Decor Black & White by Bobby Burke, we had high expectations going into lab testing. However, we found that the paper was extremely prone to bubbling, and some places even tore when we tried to smooth it out. While it was easy to peel back and reapply to the wall, the same bubbling issue occurred, causing it to receive low ratings in our tests.
Urban Outfitters Peaches Removable Wallpaper
While we loved the thickness, texture, and pattern of the Urban Outfitters Peaches design, we didn’t find that its durability matched up with its price point. It was quite easy to apply to the wall and smooth out any wrinkles, but our tester noted that even the slightest scratch on this wallpaper left a mark. We also found that the adhesive on this wallpaper was quite strong, so we recommend removing it very slowly to avoid peeling off any paint. Since each roll of paper is only 10 feet long, our testers found this wallpaper to be quite pricey for covering an entire room.
Your Questions, Answered
Can you hang removable wallpaper by yourself?
While it is possible to apply peel and stick wallpaper on your own, we found that it was easiest to do so with someone to help you. Since you’ll want to hang the wallpaper up as neatly as possible without wrinkles or bubbles, it’s helpful to have another person there to help you adjust the paper, ensure the lines are straight, and prevent the sticky sides from clinging to each other. If you can’t enlist a friend to help you, we recommend working very slowly and carefully, lining up each panel as straight as possible and smoothing out bubbles as you go. This allows you to avoid having to readjust entire panels at a time, which can cause the wallpaper to tear or stick to itself.
Where can I use removable wallpaper?
Adding peel and stick wallpaper is a great way to add personality and visual interest to a room without risking damage to the walls. However, it’s particularly great in spaces that you plan to update frequently. “In a more playful room where you tend to like a lot of change, removable wallpaper [is the] way to go,” Woolsey says. “Playrooms, kids’ bedrooms, rentals, and backs of bookshelves are all great candidates for removable paper.” Peel and stick wallpaper is best in rooms with low humidity and low traffic, as they tend to be less durable than permanent wallpaper, and high levels of moisture will cause the paper to peel away from your walls. For this reason, we don’t recommend applying peel and stick wallpaper in bathrooms or kitchens.
How do I calculate how much wallpaper I need?
To figure out how much wallpaper you’ll need, measure the square footage of the wall (or walls) you intend to cover, then compare that to the square footage of each individual roll. Some removable wallpaper will list the square footage in the product description. Otherwise, you can multiply the width (in feet) of the roll by the length. Woolsey recommends adding 20% more wallpaper to your order than you’ll actually need. This provides enough wallpaper to cover the corners in your room and helps to accommodate for any mishaps that occur during installation. “Measure twice (or ten times) and cut once,” Woolsey says. “Lay it out to make sure everything lines up the way you want it to, and don’t be ashamed to watch videos for helpful hints.”
Who We Are
Samantha Jones is an associate commerce editor at Better Homes & Gardens, and she’s obsessed with writing about the best products to add style and function to your home. As an apartment renter in New York City, she’s always looking for renter-friendly ways to decorate her home without losing her security deposit. For this story, Samantha spent several hours researching the best peel and stick wallpapers for renters and homeowners alike, then compared this information to tester insights from our lab in Des Moines, Iowa. She also consulted Caron Woolsey, founder and principal designer at CW Interiors, to get the inside scoop on how to apply and style peel and stick wallpaper for the best possible results.
What is BHG Recommends?
Next to all of the products on this list, you may have noticed our BHG Recommends seal of approval. Products that earn the seal have been put through rigorous testing to make sure they’re worth a spot in your home. We buy most of the products we test ourselves, but occasionally we are provided samples by companies if buying isn’t an option. In these cases, we use the same testing criteria we use to test the purchased products and we let you know that we got it for free to remain as transparent as possible about our picks. Looking for more products that have earned our BHG Recommends seal of approval? Check out our picks for everything from picnic blankets to humidifiers.
