Whether you're a renter, a DIY decorator, or just not ready to commit to a bold design, removable wallpaper is one of the best ways to temporarily change up your space. Most rentals come with the same stark white walls and property managements threaten fees for permanent changes or damages. Removable wallpaper, also known as peel-and-stick wallpaper, comes in a wide array of patterns, colors, and textures, making it the perfect way to add some personality to your home. But not all options are created equal — trust me, I've used peel-and-stick wallpaper for everything from creating statement walls to covering up old tile while renting in New York City for the last decade.
A good-quality removable wallpaper should apply onto your wall smoothly and peel off easily once you're ready to remove it. When shopping online, there's more to consider beyond pretty prints, you'll want to think about texture, staying power, and risk of damage. From thicker options for textured walls to papers for budget-friendly projects, we tested popular brands to make your decision easier. So yes, I put my security deposit at risk so you don't have to.
My go-to removable wallpaper, and the brand that came out on top is Spoonflower, a print-on-demand service with thousands of prints designed by independent artists on high-quality and thick paper that's easy to apply and has yet to damage my walls once removed. For something a little more affordable, Tempaper offers incredible value plus exciting collaborations with splashy names in design, but we found it a little more difficult to apply and have mixed opinions on quality between its thinner vinyl and thicker, textured options.
Our picks of the best peel-and-stick wallpaper
Best overall:Spoonflower
Best variety: Chasing Paper
Best budget:Tempaper
Best for textured walls:Wallshoppe
Best for customization: Love vs Design
Best for modern prints: Livette's Wallpaper
Best overall
I first discovered Spoonflower on social media while DIYing a statement wall in my New York City apartment. I knew I wanted a floral pattern, and the brand offered so many beautiful options that I spent hours sifting through them, imagining the possibilities. I went with a pink rose print with hummingbirds, and the paper has been going strong on my wall for about three years now. There are thousands of artist-driven patterns available to mesh with any design aesthetic, which can feel overwhelming at first, so I recommend filtering by color or style.
From application, I immediately noticed that the Spoonflower paper had weight and texture to it, a sign of high-quality paper. During testing, this brand clearly stood out above the rest. The woven linen paper was easy to apply and rearrange as needed and went on my wall flat without getting caught on anything. Once I was ready to remove the test swatch, it peeled off seamlessly and didn't leave any residue behind or chip my paint.
Spoonflower offers high value with a middle-tier price range at higher quality than others we tested. Plus, Spoonflower wallpapers are PVC-free and Forest Stewardship Council® Certified, meaning they have a lower environmental impact. The brand also uses a print-on-demand system that minimizes waste and prioritizes sustainability. I sampled papers from two different artists in addition to the one I already have up in my apartment, and all were printed with the same standard of pigment and quality. You can choose from four different two-foot wide panel sizes from 3-feet to 12- feet long to best fit your space and use the brand's calculator to determine exactly how much paper to purchase. Some may even match up to your ceiling height to minimize cutting. If you're unsure of which print to commit to, the availability of a 24 x 12-inch swatch feels substantial and gives a good indication of how the print will look in your space.
Best variety
It's easy to see potential in even the blandest rental home with Chasing Paper, which stocks peel-and-stick wallpaper in hundreds of patterns and colors, including murals and kid-friendly designs. As if that wasn't enough already, the brand regularly launches new collaborations with interior designers. Currently, there are 14 different collaborations available, including the newest launch with Fariha Basir, which features a modern take on traditional South Asian motifs, from neutral flower garland to green stripes. Many of the patterns available feel more high-end and sophisticated, making this a great option to elevate your home.
Quick to apply, with good staying power, and seamless removal, Chasing Paper is a close runner-up to our top pick. The printed-to-order removable paper uses non-toxic water-based ink, which is Greenguard Gold Certified, and high-quality matte fabric. While the paper has a textured feel to it, I found it to be thinner than others I tested. My walls are mostly smooth with a few knicks, and you could see their texture through the paper. This removable wallpaper has a smooth matte finish that would look best on flat walls.
Like Spoonflower, the Chasing Paper is sold in two-foot-wide panels but is available in slightly different lengths of 4, 8, and 12 feet. The sample swatch is also much smaller—just 8 by 9.6 inches—but costs $6. The brand's footage calculator makes it easy to estimate the exact amount of wallpaper to order. There's even an option to add 15% overage to your calculation to ensure all patterns match up.
At first, I worried that the thinner paper would peel during testing, but it stayed in place firmly until I was ready to remove it. I was able to peel the paper off easily and it didn't chip my paint or leave any residue behind. While Chasing Paper has one of the higher price tags on our list, I found it to be worth it for good quality paper and pattern variation. I'm willing to bet this will be the brand I turn to for my next renter-friendly project.
Read our Chasing Paper review for more insight into our experience.
Best value
Peel-and-stick wallpaper is a temporary design fix — it's generally sized to a particular space and not designed for reuse. Tempaper prioritizes accessibility through budget-friendly options, making it a great option to transform a space without breaking the bank. This brand has a wide range of peel-and-stick wallpaper options, including faux grasscloth, which has a more dimensional look to it, and metallic patterns. Similar to more expensive brands we tested, they feature designer collaborations, including peel-and-stick wallpaper by Queer Eye's new design guru Jeremiah Brent. While shopping, you can filter by style, pattern, or color, and the brand also has a helpful trend report to inspire your next room makeover.
I put both the brand's self-adhesive faux grasscloth and peel-and-stick wallpaper to the test and was surprised by how different the products were. While both types of paper are made from vinyl and marked at the same price, the grasscloth felt noticeably thicker and more textured than the regular paper. The brand uses a gravure printing method that allows for intricate designs and layered textures. The grasscloth was easy to apply to my wall and reposition without any bumps. This paper stayed in place for the duration of testing and peeled off effortlessly with no damage or residue left behind.
The brand's other offerings felt more thin, crinkly, and sticky in comparison. I struggled to lay the removable wallpaper down flat, and it chipped my paint while I was trying to get it in the right spot. It's worth noting that the brand only recommends this wallpaper for use on painted surfaces with eggshell, satin or semi-gloss finishes, and my walls have a slight texture to them. Since I'm a renter with a security deposit at stake, I wasn't comfortable putting it back on my wall after that. In a previous project, a Business Insider writer noted similar problems with application, adding that the paper was prone to air bubbles and stretched, making it hard to line up patterns. Once installed, she was happy with the look of the wallpaper, and it didn't peel after a month. Tempaper's wallpaper is a little narrower at just 20.5 inches wide, and the rolls are available in 16.5 and 33-feet increments, so it is likely you will have to measure the wallpaper to size.
Best for textured walls
The best way to cover up a textured wall is with a thicker paper, and Wallshoppe has noticeably more weight to it than any other brand we tested. When I first peeled the removable wallpaper off its backing, I was instantly impressed with its thickness and heavy-duty texture. Because of this, it was especially easy to position on my wall without any air bubbles. However, I did have to push down on it more firmly to stay flush against the wall. Once installed, you couldn't see any of the wall's original texture through the pattern. This removable wallpaper stayed in place for the duration of testing with no corners curling up. It's also notable that while most experts don't recommend installing removable wallpaper in areas with high humidity, Wallshoppe says its products can be used on bathroom walls that don't come into direct contact with water.
I feared the thickness would make this paper more complicated to remove, but it was just as easy to peel off as any other option I tried. This high quality does come with a steeper price tag than other options, but it is well worth it if you have textured or pebbled walls. Wallshoppe uses 100% non-toxic materials with no PVCs and offers hundreds of styles. The brand has recently collaborated with notable names such as Sarah Jessica Parker and Clare V, but personally, I'm eyeing the new Barbie collection to create my own dreamhouse. There are hundreds of removable wallpaper patterns available from electic animals to more classic dots, with many styles offered in multiple colorways. Wallshoppe's website is straightforward to shop with filters by style or color. Once you've selected your pattern of choice, samples are available for $6, and you can use the footage calculator to order the correct amount of wallpaper for your project.
Best for customization
Have you ever found the perfect patterned wallpaper only to realize it's the wrong color for your room? Love vs Design solves this problem with peel-and-stick wallpaper that's fully customizable down to the smallest details. As a self-proclaimed peel-and-stick wallpaper aficionado, I was delighted to discover Love vs Design because it truly feels different than any other brand.
The customization process is fast and user-friendly on the brand's website. First pick out a wallpaper pattern, then you can choose to keep it as is or follow the prompts to change its colors. I experimented with a ditsy floral pattern and was given 10 different parts of the paper that I could customize with over 200 color options. If you're trying to match with a certain shade, Love vs Design is not presently set up to match from Pantone or paint colors, so ordering a sample is very important if you need an exact hue. I also didn't love that during the the customization process is that prices aren't shown until you've already chosen your colors. (Adjusting colors doesn't seem to change the cost, though.) I received a sample of a pre-made pattern and one that I customized, and am happy to report that the colors printed are just as vibrant on each one. The removable wallpaper offerings also include realistic photo murals, which are not customizable.
Ultimately, I was impressed with this peel-and-stick wallpaper for more than just its customizable design. You can choose between vinyl, which has a smoother matte finish that is easy to clean and safe to use in kitchens or bathrooms, or fabric, which has a luxe woven feel. I went with the fabric option, and the wallpaper was easy to apply and readjust as needed. It stayed put without peeling until testing was over, and I removed it with ease without damage or residue. The only downside to this paper was that it was one of the thinner options I tried. I could see my wall texture through the lighter-colored sample, both close-up and at a distance. I think this would be less noticeable if I customized the same design with a darker background, though, and overall it still felt high quality.
Best for modern prints
If you're still on the hunt for a peel-and-stick wallpaper that resonates with your design plans, consider Livette's Wallpaper. It proved itself to be durable and reliable during testing. There are hundreds of designs available, including collections designed specifically for kid's bedrooms and murals. If you're a fan of minimal designs and abstract lines with a modern, contemporary flair, this is the brand for you. Like Love vs Design, Livette's also can work with you to customize colors and match with Pantone, but does not show you a mock-up of your personalizations right away.
All Livette's Wallpaper removable styles come in either a textile or eco-matte option, so of course I tested both. The main difference is in the material — the eco-matte is a non-woven material with a paper finish, while the traditional peel-and-stick is a fabric material— but upon further inspection, both are PVC-free and printed with GreenGuard Gold-certified ink. While I appreciate the thought behind an eco-friendly swap, the eco-matte paper was slightly thinner in weight and went onto my wall with more air bubbles. My other sample, the traditional peel-and-stick paper felt more textured and applied smoothly to my wall.
Once they were in place, I didn't think I'd be able to tell the difference in material, but unfortunately, the eco-matte paper started peeling at the corners after just one week. Since the textile paper stayed in place longer, you could argue that it's actually the more sustainable choice. Overall, this removable wallpaper looked great on my wall, was easy to adjust as needed, and was simple to remove. The website is also easy to navigate and offers helpful ordering aids to ensure you receive the correct amount of wallpaper. The brand has ultra-specific collections, such as "Modern farmhouse collection" and "Beach house" to help you find what you're looking for. While there's no wallpaper calculator, Livette's Wallpaper has a helpful guide to help you measure your walls and calculate the right amount of panels to order, including what to do if there's an obstacle such as a door or window in the space.
What to look for in the best removable wallpaper
When deciding what to look for in the best peel-and-stick wallpaper, two main factors come to mind: quality and design. You'll want to find a style that brings your decor vision to life and staying power to ensure it lasts. The best removable wallpaper brands also offer ordering aids like wallpaper calculators to help make your decision easier.
Material and texture
The peel-and-stick wallpaper brands we tested were mainly printed on vinyl, paper, or fabric. While all yielded great options, I found the biggest differences to be in texture and thickness, both of which are indicators of a high-quality paper. Fabric wallpapers, such as Chasing Paper and Love vs Design, tend to be thinner but still textured enough to transform a space. Spoonflower and Wallshoppe had the thickest overall weight, made from paper and non-woven material, respectively, making them the better options to cover wall imperfections.
According to Lisa Chun, CEO of Our Home Becoming, you should also consider adhesive and finish. "Look for a strong but removable adhesive," she says, adding that "A matte or textured finish can provide a more high-end look, and repositionable options make application easier.
Another consideration here is whether you want to prioritize eco-friendliness or not. The only 100% vinyl option we tried, Tempaper, was also the most budget-friendly.
Understanding how much you need/ Room Calculators
Calculating how much peel-and-stick wallpaper you need for a room is one of the trickier steps. It's a decision you'll want to get right since printing colors may vary slightly if you have to place a second order for more panels. Most of the brands on our list include wallpaper calculators to ensure you get the right amount.
To start, measure your walls, accounting for any openings such as doorways, and skipping baseboards or molding. Round up to the nearest foot if needed. Then plug the numbers into the calculator to get the exact amount. Some brands recommend adding 15% extra to your calculations to ensure patterns line up.
Sample availability
The best removable wallpaper brands offer samples so you can test a swatch before committing to a project. This allows you to confirm that it will stick to your wall, monitor if it causes any damage, get a sense of the print's scale, and of course, helps you see if the colors and patterns look good in your space. For example, I was surprised to find that the scale of some patterns was smaller than expected. Plus, you can feel the texture in person and ensure it lays flat on your wall.
Pattern and color variety
There are hundreds of patterns available for your next peel-and-stick wallpaper project. Many of our favorite brands offer grasscloth, metallics, and murals in addition to patterned removable wallpaper. To help you find what you're looking for, they break down their patterns by color, style, and even what type of room papers would be best for. Prints are subjective, but whether you're after a romantic floral to a classic stripe, there are hundreds, if not thousands to choose from. And if a pattern doesn't immediately catch your eye don't fret — brands like Wallshoppe and Chasing Paper regularly launch new collaborations and collections.
How we tested removable wallpaper
I tested removable wallpaper by applying sample swatches to my walls and seeing how easy they were to install and remove. I also monitored each swatch to see if any edges curled or fell off the wall.
Rebecca Shinners/Business Insider
To find the best peel-and-stick wallpaper, I started by researching popular and highly rated products. As someone who has installed and removed peel-and-stick wallpaper in the past, my experience guided how to best simulate real-world use. We looked at factors such as quality, value, sustainability, and pattern variety to determine the best brands. We also took note of helpful shopping aids such as the brand's wallpaper calculator and swatch availability
I requested about three samples of each brand to ensure the printing quality stayed the same across styles. Then, I hung each sample up in my apartment for two weeks. I considered ease of application, including how seamlessly I was able to position the paper on the wall with no air bumps. Since I was working with smaller samples, I used my hands to smooth the paper instead of any tools.
Then, I monitored how well the removable wallpapers stayed on the wall, taking note of any samples that curled up on the edges (or worse, fell off my wall entirely, which did happen, believe it or not). After the testing period was up, I determined the ease of removing the wallpaper, making sure to check for any damage or residue left behind. Additionally, we considered each brand's overall offerings, such as pattern variety and panel sizes. After testing each sample, I calculated the cost to paper a 10 x 8-foot wall and scored its value based on price and quality.
How to apply removable peel-and-stick wallpaper
When applying removable peel-and-stick wallpaper, you'll want to be precise with placement and ensure all patterns match up. I spoke with experts Nasozi Kakembo, Designer and Artisan Advocate of xN Studio, and Lisa Chun, CEO of Our Home Becoming to break down their best tips for application and pattern matching below.
Clean the wall: "Always start with a clean, smooth surface," says Chun. She suggests wiping down your wall with a damp cloth and waiting for it to dry fully before applying peel-and-stick wallpaper.
Line-up patterns: Pattern placement can be one of the more daunting parts of wallpaper installation. Chen suggests lining up your pattern before placing wallpaper panels on the wall to ensure it's a match. To do so, measure and lay them on the floor ahead of time.
Start in the corner: The placement of the first panel is especially important and should generally be at the edge of your wall. Chun suggests using a laser level to ensure it's vertical. "When installing, peel back a small section of the backing at the top and align the wallpaper carefully before slowly pressing it down, working your way downward while peeling away more backing as you go," she says, adding that a smoothing tool or squeegee can help remove air bubbles.
Leave excess: Chen also suggests leaving extra wallpaper on the side, top, and bottom of each panel. "Walls are never 100% straight, and corners are never exactly 90 degrees," she says."Install with a little bit of excess and then use a sharp utility knife to trim everything at the end." (Note: This works best for a solid paper and should be done ahead of time for a patterned style.)
Be precise with placement: While one of the benefits of removable wallpaper is that it's easily adjustable, Kakembo adds that you should avoid needing to reposition the paper because the adhesive will become less sticky each time you make an adjustment. "One way to avoid multiple adjustments is to measure out and stage the seams on the floor before tackling the wall," she says.
How to remove peel-and-stick wallpaper
When removing peel-and-stick wallpaper, the most important thing to keep in mind is to go slowly to minimize the risk of damage. "You never know until you remove it whether there are 'weak' spots along the plaster or drywall, and if you rip it off too fast, you might find that out the hard way when it damages the wall," says Kakembo, adding that this is especially true for painted walls that could chip.
"Start by peeling from a corner at the top and gently pulling it down at a low angle, rather than straight out, to prevent paint from coming off," explains Chun. Below, she breaks down her best tips for removal:
Use Heat: "If the wallpaper is stubborn, a hairdryer on low to medium heat can help soften the adhesive," Chun says, adding that you should "hold it a few inches away and move it in slow, circular motions while peeling."
Go Slowly: Don't rush the process—or you may risk chipping paint or, worse, drywall damage.
Remove Residue: "Most high-quality wallpapers won't leave residue, but if they do, use a damp cloth with warm, soapy water or a mild adhesive remover," says Chun. An adhesive remover such as Goo Gone may also be helpful.
Removable wallpaper FAQs
How long does peel and stick wallpaper last?
Removable wallpaper is temporary in nature, but high-quality paper should have staying power for as long as you want it to stick around. For example, Kakembo once had paper hung up for four years and only took it down because she was moving.
"Peel-and-stick wallpaper can last anywhere from a few months to several years, depending on the quality of the wallpaper, the surface it's applied to, and environmental factors like humidity," says Chen, adding that she currently has peel-and-stick wallpaper in her home that has been hung up for seven years.
What surfaces can you install removable wallpaper on?
Not all walls are created equal when it comes to peel-and-stick wallpaper. "Peel-and-stick wallpaper works best on smooth, clean walls—painted drywall, glass, tile, and furniture surfaces are all good options," says Chen. Removable wallpaper likely won't stick to brick or unfinished wood, she adds, and if you have textured walls, you'll want to look for thicker paper.
Wondering if you can put peel-and-stick wallpaper in an area with humidity such as in a bathroom or above a stove? Experts agree that it's not the best idea.
Bathrooms: In general, Kakembo avoids putting peel-and-stick wallpaper in a bathroom unless it has excellent ventilation. "Many peel-and-stick wallpapers are moisture-resistant and can handle some humidity, but in bathrooms with high steam exposure or kids who splash water, edges may start to peel over time," explains Chen. If you do want to put peel-and-stick wallpaper in a humid area, Chen suggests using a light coat of clear wallpaper-safe sealant to extend its lifespan.
Kitchens: "Some [peel-and-stick wallpapers] claim they can work near a stove, but I would not recommend it if you cook frequently due to the direct heat exposure," says Chen.
Other areas to avoid: In addition to humidity, Chen also suggests avoiding areas with high friction, such as heavily used stair risers. Removable wallpaper also isn't the best option for extreme temperatures, hot or cold, unless you're using a product specifically made for those conditions, adds Chen.
Does peel-and-stick wallpaper damage walls?
"Generally, high-quality peel-and-stick wallpaper is designed to be removable without damaging walls," says Chen. However, to minimize risk, it's always a good idea to test a small swatch before applying the full wallpaper panel to your wall.
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