Wallpaper Wonders: 6 Elevate Your Space with the Best Design Options

Look no further than peel-and-stick removable wallpaper. Whether you’re a DIY enthusiast or simply seeking an easy way to refresh your space, these removable wallpapers offer the perfect solution. We’ve scoured the market to bring you the best of the best in peel-and-stick wallpaper options. Let’s dive into our top recommendations and explore what makes them stand out:

Our Top Recommendations

After dedicating 10 weeks to researching, sampling, and testing wallpapers from nine different brands, we’ve identified three peel-and-stick wallpapers options that stand out for their quality and ease of application, regardless of your style preferences.

We believe that exploring various patterns is part of the fun, which is why our top recommendations offer a choice between smooth paper and fabric textures, along with a wide selection of patterns.

Additionally, our alternative pick, although slightly more expensive, offers an extensive range of finely detailed patterns to choose from (though you may require assistance during installation).

Explore our top picks for peel-and-stick wallpaper options to enhance your living space effortlessly.

Smooth-finish paper, easiest to install.

Among the peel-and-stick wallpapers we evaluated, Wallshoppe’s Removable Wallpaper stood out as the most user-friendly option, allowing for easy application, readjustment, and handling by a single person without the risk of sticking to itself.

Made from non-vinyl material, its smooth finish and thickness offer forgiveness for any mistakes during installation, resulting in a polished appearance.

Our top pick, Wallshoppe’s Removable Wallpaper, combines style and convenience seamlessly. Crafted from non-vinyl material, it offers a smooth finish that’s forgiving during installation. With over 2,000 patterns to choose from, including bold and vibrant designs, Wallshoppe has something for everyone. Plus, its easy application and removal make it a hassle-free choice for any space. Chasing Paper Wallpaper: Textured Sophistication with Crisp Printing

Tested patterns include Orange Crush by Nathan Turner in Onyx, El Quijote by Chris Benz in Mustard, Françoise Floral by Clare V. in Green, Blowfish in Sky, and Merci Beaucoup by Clare V. in Pink. Explore these versatile options to elevate your living space effortlessly.

Tactile, woven finish, crisp printing

Our top pick for those seeking a matte, tactile finish is Chasing Paper Wallpaper. Crafted from fabric rather than traditional paper, it boasts crisp, fine-line printing and a carefully curated selection of designs.

For those who crave a tactile finish, Chasing Paper Wallpaper delivers in spades. Made from a fabric-based material, it boasts crisp, fine-line printing and a curated selection of designs. Despite its textured surface, installation is a breeze, with easy alignment and repositioning capabilities. Whether you prefer small-scale prints or bold patterns, Chasing Paper has you covered.

The lightweight textile material is effortless to apply and reposition, ensuring a smooth application without creases or wrinkles.

Tested patterns include Cane and Palm in Orange, Grid in Fern and White, Jaipur in Dusty Blue, Stripes in Neutral, and Jacobean in Grey. Discover these stylish options to elevate your living space effortlessly.

Excellent print quality, but harder to remove and install

If you’re willing to splurge for superior quality, look no further than Livette’s Wallpaper. With an extensive range of over 300 patterns and impeccable print quality, Livette’s offers a luxurious feel that’s second to none. While installation may be slightly more challenging due to its strong adhesive, the result is well worth it. Plus, with Oeko-Tex certification for safety and peace of mind, you can rest assured that you’re investing in a top-notch product.

This textile-based peel-and-stick wallpaper options is the only one we tested that holds an Oeko-Tex certification, providing peace of mind for some consumers.

The adhesive offers a stronghold, ensuring long-lasting application. However, correcting mistakes during installation may be more challenging due to the strong adhesive.

Additionally, intense climatic conditions or older paint in rooms may pose risks of peeling. While installation can be tricky, especially given the paper’s thinness and strong adhesive, the quality justifies the higher price tag.

Tested patterns include Baby Blue Lemons, Sunny Delicate Scallop Print in Yolk & Off White, and Greek Terrazzo in Multicolor. Explore these premium options to elevate your living space effortlessly.

Key Factors to Consider When Choosing the Best Peel-and-Stick Wallpaper

Peel-and-stick wallpaper is incredibly user-friendly, making it ideal for DIY enthusiasts. Unlike traditional options, it requires no water or adhesive, offering instant gratification with easy removal. However, it’s essential to consider a few factors before diving in.

Firstly, ensure your walls are non-textured, as peel-and-stick wallpaper options won’t adhere to textured surfaces like popcorn or orange peel textures.

Additionally, check the paint finish; it’s best suited for satin, eggshell, semi-gloss, or gloss paints. Proper ventilation is crucial, especially in moisture-prone areas like bathrooms, to prevent trapping moisture.

Although peel-and-stick wallpaper options is DIY-friendly, it’s still a significant project that requires preparation and tools. Consider enlisting help, particularly for larger areas.

Lastly, factor in your budget, as costs can escalate depending on the area you’re covering. The range varies from about 75¢ to $5 per square foot, making it essential to plan accordingly.

Explore the best peel-and-stick wallpaper options to enhance your living space effortlessly.

Our Methodology for Selecting and Testing Best Peel-and-Stick Wallpaper

Finding the perfect wallpaper depends on your style and budget. What’s ideal for one person might not be right for another. However, there are key factors that distinguish top peel-and-stick choices.

Durability: Quality peel-and-stick wallpaper options should stay firmly on your wall, with no lifting or wrinkling. When it’s time for removal, it should come off easily without damaging the surface beneath or requiring a repaint.

However, some paint stripping may occur in hot or humid rooms, especially if you don’t follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

Quality: Peel-and-stick wallpaper should boast top-notch printing, appearing sharp both close up and from afar. They must also prioritize your health and be structurally sound for hassle-free installation.

We avoided wallpapers that lacked transparency about phthalates and VOC emissions, the primary health worries for peel-and-stick options. Given their popularity in children’s bedrooms due to convenience, we prioritized safety.

Design: There’s a vast selection of companies selling self-adhesive wallpapers, each offering a wide variety of designs. Sometimes, you discover what you truly love only when you see it.

We examined manufacturers that provide diverse aesthetics and offer a minimum of 100 pattern and color choices.

Samples: We specifically tested brands that offer sample orders for a nominal fee (usually between $5 and $12 per sample, typically the size of a letter-sized sheet of paper or larger).

Since many wallpaper companies print on demand and allow exchanges but not returns, getting samples is essential.

Using our specified criteria, we initially shortlisted 23 peel-and-stick wallpaper brands, eventually narrowing it down to nine for testing.

After subjecting each of the nine brands to a 48-hour stick-and-peel test, we eliminated one due to quality concerns, leaving us with eight contenders. We then expanded our sample selection to evaluate print quality and consistency across additional patterns.

Our primary tester applied these samples to smooth gloss paint in various climatically challenging areas such as bathrooms, kitchens, and laundry rooms.

After two weeks, we removed samples from the bathroom and kitchen but left them in the laundry room for ongoing evaluation.

To replicate a solo installation experience, we obtained full-size panels or rolls for each brand and applied them in vertical sections in different rooms, leaving them up for a minimum of two weeks before assessment.

Smooth-finish paper, easiest to install: Wallshoppe’s Removable Wallpaper

Wallshoppe’s Removable Wallpaper boasts a luxurious, heavy-grade paper texture that feels smooth to the touch. Its weightiness made it notably easier to apply compared to other options we tested, and its thick paper material effectively camouflaged minor wall imperfections that would have been more noticeable with other brands.

Moreover, it exhibited minimal bubbling and remained pliable when manipulated in different directions, resisting creases and wrinkles. Maneuvering this wallpaper, even during the removal of the backing, was effortless, as it didn’t stick to itself excessively.

The low-tack adhesive provided secure attachment throughout our tests without being overly aggressive, allowing for easy repositioning and adjustment. The print quality of the artistic illustrations we sampled was excellent, with no unpleasant plastic odor, as the material is vinyl-free.

With over 2,000 pattern and color options by various artists and illustrators, normally offers a diverse selection ranging from vibrant modern shapes to moody dark florals, characterized by a painted or collage-like style.

Material: Free of PVC, made from paper-based material.
Ink Type: Water-based, non-toxic latex.

Tactile, woven finish, crisp printing: Chasing Paper Wallpaper

Chasing Paper Wallpaper features a thin yet flexible woven fabric that ensures smooth installation without easily creasing. While not as effortless to install as Wallshoppe’s wallpaper, Chasing Paper offers easy alignment and allows for parts to be removed and restruck to smooth out bubbles—a common occurrence during installation.

Unlike Wallshoppe’s flat paper-like wallpapers, Chasing Paper’s fabric-based options have a textured, matte finish. Both options are excellent, but your preference may depend on the visual finish you prefer.

We found that after removing a 2-by-8-foot panel and transferring it to a different wall after three weeks, it didn’t crease or wrinkle easily and could be reapplied without hassle.

The print quality of the samples we received was impressive, with crisp lines and vibrant colors, although there were slight differences from how they appeared onscreen.

Chasing Paper offers a variety of styles and color palettes, including small-scale prints, which are rare among peel-and-stick wallpapers options that typically feature bolder designs.

This wallpaper has a textile-like feel, resembling linen once installed. It is non-vinyl, and its Greenguard-certified ink provides third-party reassurance of low volatile organic compound levels, ensuring a healthier environment for your household.

Material: Textile that’s PVC-free, VOC and phthalate-free, and certified lead-free.
Ink Type: Water-based, non-toxic latex, Greenguard-certified.

Excellent print quality, but harder to remove and install: Livette’s Wallpaper

Livette’s Wallpaper offers a lightweight, non-vinyl option with a subtle woven texture, giving it a luxurious feel akin to silk once installed.

Despite being pricier per square foot, its excellent quality in hold, print, and selection justifies the cost for long-term projects. It comes with Oeko-Tex certification, ensuring safety.

The samples we received displayed crisp detailing, vibrant colors, and a wide range of patterns, including a kids’ section.

Although installation can be challenging due to its strong adhesive, Livette’s provides thorough instructions.

However, it may not be as easy to reposition during installation compared to other brands. Long-term tests revealed it could peel paint, particularly on older or glossy surfaces. Livette’s Greenguard-certified ink adds further assurance of safety.

Material: PVC-free, Oeko-Tex-certified polyester-based textile with a solvent-based adhesive.
Inks Type: Green guard-certified.

More Options to Consider

If you love bold, contemporary patterns, Walls Need Love is a great choice. While their style leans towards big, bold designs, they offer a good variety to choose from within that aesthetic.

The “linen texture” may not be very linen-like, especially in darker colors, but it has a noticeable fabric-like texture.

Despite some glossiness in darker shades, it’s easy to reposition and rehang due to its thickness.

While website navigation may be slightly challenging, they offer convenient options to purchase by wall size or by roll. Walls Need Love provides free shipping and a lifetime warranty.

Material: VOC-free, PVC-free blend of wood, polyester, and post-consumer recycled content.
Inks Type: Greenguard-certified.

If you prefer to see wallpaper in-store before buying, consider Tempaper, a vinyl peel-and-stick option widely available at physical stores and online.

Despite its vinyl material, it doesn’t have the cheap, plasticky appearance of some alternatives.

However, we found the application to be slightly challenging, and one panel lifted in a hot kitchen environment (although this may be due to its proximity to a stove).

Still, Tempaper offers a wide selection of 265 patterns, including collaborations with designers, and comes in various finishes, from matte-smooth to metallic. Print quality is consistent, and it removes cleanly.

While vinyl can crease if handled too much, we found it manageable to reposition during installation. Tempaper also allows returns with a restocking fee.

Material: Vinyl.
Inks Type: Water-based.

They offer unique styles in two materials: a vinyl option (Anywhere) suitable for matte paint removal, and a vinyl-free choice (Eco) suitable for all paint finishes except matte.

Both types passed our performance tests in high-humidity areas. When we applied the full roll in a hot environment without special tools, it went on smoothly.

After six months, we removed it without leaving residue or damaging the paint, even on old surfaces prone to stripping. Although initial pattern samples seemed blurry up close, the full roll revealed this was intentional to create a realistic tile effect from a distance.

Material: Vinyl (Anywhere paper), PVC-free vinyl and recycled fiber (Eco paper).
Inks Type: VOC-free.

Understanding Wallpaper Terms

Peel-and-stick or self-adhesive wallpaper, discussed here, may also be called pressure-sensitive backing. These wallpapers act like big stickers — you peel off the backing and stick them to the wall, where they adhere when pressed.

Removable wallpaper is meant to come off easily without damaging the wall. Some traditional wallpaper is also removable, but not all. Apart from the peel-and-stick type, you might find pre-pasted removable paper, activated with water.

Traditional or unpasted wallpaper doesn’t have adhesive. It’s made from various materials like paper, fabric, or vinyl. You apply glue to it using a roller or brush before hanging it on the wall.

When installing peel-and-stick wallpaper options, you’ll come across these terms:

Wallpaper is hung in long, vertical pieces (usually around 2 feet wide), known as panels. These are cut to fit the wall height.

Pattern drop or drop match refers to how the pattern is staggered horizontally when repeated. Some patterns repeat straight across (like stripes), while large-scale patterns might have big drops.

Pattern repeat is the vertical distance between the repeated parts of a pattern.

The seam is the vertical edge between sheets of wallpaper once applied.

Essential Tips for Choosing, Purchasing, and Installing Your Peel-and-Stick Wallpaper

Selecting Your Wallpaper Design

Designer Shavonda Gardner suggests choosing wallpaper patterns that you genuinely love rather than following trends blindly.

However, based on our testing, here are some additional pointers: Consider the pattern’s density and the amount of white space it contains, as sparser patterns may not hide imperfections as well.

If you’re bothered by misalignments or seams, avoid high-contrast, geometric designs like stripes or grids. Instead, opt for organic or randomized patterns, especially those with denser compositions, which can better camouflage imperfections.

Ordering

All our recommended wallpapers come with helpful online tools or guides to help you measure your walls and estimate how many rolls or panels you’ll need.

Even if a calculator accounts for extra material, it’s wise to order a bit more, especially for patterns that need to be matched. I learned this firsthand when I wallpapered my kitchen and ran short, resulting in a mismatched seam.

It’s also important to note that slight color variations may occur between orders, so ordering extra ensures consistency. If you’re on a budget, consider covering smaller areas like hallways or mudrooms.

Designer Shavonda Gardner believes every space, regardless of size, deserves a special touch.

Installing

Preparation: The way your wallpaper looks on your wall greatly depends on this step. Start by removing nails and outlet covers. Lightly sand any paint drips that could cause issues like punctures or bubbling. Then, wipe the wall with a damp cloth and let it dry.

For extra precaution, use a mixture of water and rubbing alcohol to clean sticky spots. Some brands, like Livette’s, recommend applying primer to prevent paint from peeling when removing wallpaper.

Tools: You’ll need a sturdy step stool or ladder, a craft knife for trimming excess wallpaper, a screwdriver for removing outlet covers, a ruler for measuring and tracing guides, and a level or combination square for accuracy.

Consider using a ruler with a built-in level for tracing guidelines, especially if you’re working alone. A smoothing tool, like a squeegee or rubber scraper, can also be helpful. Alternatively, you can use a clean, dry palm for smoothing.

Take it slow: Use a pencil to draw guidelines on the wall, as suggested by Finley. Peel off the backing in small sections and smooth out the wallpaper as you go.

Focus on getting the first panel right, as it sets the tone for the rest of the installation. Avoid peeling off the backing completely before hanging it to prevent the paper from sticking to itself. Some brands, such as Tempaper, Wallshoppe, and Livette, offer helpful installation guides on their websites. If possible, enlist someone to assist you during the process.

Which Wallpaper Is Most Environmentally Friendly?

Determining the most eco-friendly wallpaper isn’t straightforward. The best option is the one you’ll keep on your walls for the longest time.

However, if you aim to change your wall’s appearance with minimal environmental impact, consider painting them, suggests Teresa McGrath, a toxicologist from Healthy Building Network. Compared to wallpaper, paint takes up less space and produces less waste over its lifecycle.

Even though paint eventually ends up in landfills, it generates less waste than wallpaper. Peel-and-stick wallpaper, made of vinyl or polyester fabrics, often contributes to plastic pollution when disposed of. Paper wallpaper is also challenging to recycle due to the difficulty in separating natural fibers from other materials.

Determining if vinyl (PVC) wallpaper is the least sustainable is complex. While there are concerns about the environmental impact of PVC production, it’s challenging to compare it directly with other materials. Without full transparency in manufacturing processes, it’s hard to assess the environmental impact of non-woven vinyl versus polyester woven textiles. Whether you’re a seasoned DIY enthusiast or a newbie looking to spruce up your space, our comprehensive guide provides everything you need to know.

Elevate your living space with premium quality, stylish designs, and eco-friendly choices. Explore our top picks and unleash your creativity today

FAQ About Wallpaper

What makes Wallshoppe’s Removable Wallpaper stand out among other peel-and-stick options?
Wallshoppe’s Removable Wallpaper stands out for its user-friendly installation process and smooth finish. Made from non-vinyl material, it offers a smooth texture that helps hide minor wall imperfections. It is also easy to reposition during application and comes in over 2,000 patterns, making it a versatile option for various interior styles.

How does Chasing Paper Wallpaper differ from other peel-and-stick options in terms of texture and installation?
Chasing Paper Wallpaper offers a tactile, woven fabric texture, providing a more textured, matte finish compared to smoother peel-and-stick wallpapers. Despite the fabric’s texture, it is easy to install, align, and reposition without creating creases or wrinkles. The print quality is crisp, and the fabric material ensures that it can be easily reapplied without damage.

What should be considered before installing peel-and-stick wallpaper on walls?
Before installing peel-and-stick wallpaper, ensure that your walls are smooth and free of textures like popcorn or orange peel, as the wallpaper won’t adhere to them. It’s best to use satin, eggshell, semi-gloss, or gloss paints for optimal adhesion. Proper ventilation is also crucial, especially in moisture-prone areas, to prevent moisture buildup under the wallpaper.