The Best Removable Wallpaper for Every Style & Budget

Oct 30, 2024

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Plus, advice from an interior designer on how to use removable wallpaper like a pro.

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Removable wallpaper works just like it sounds: Simply peel off the backing and stick it onto the wall, and remove it as needed. Removable wallpaper is especially ideal for renters and commitment-phobes looking for alternatives to painting or hanging traditional wallpaper. However, as many people with experience using "removable" wallpaper can tell you, it does not always work as described.

To keep you from experiencing a DIY disaster, we tested 28 different removable wallpapers in our Des Moines lab and evaluated them on ease of application, design, ease of removal, and overall value. For expert insight into buying and using removable wallpaper, we spoke to Alessandra Wood, PhD, design historian and former vice president of style at the online interior design service Modsy.

It's very easy to remove, even after several months of use.

Bumps and textures on the wall were visible on the white portions of the wallpaper.

Removable wallpaper is ideal for renters or DIY-inclined homeowners because it's a low commitment way to add color and texture to your space without damaging your walls (and without losing your security deposit when it comes time to move out!). This striped option can be saved and reused in different rooms, giving each space a fresh feel whenever you want.

We found this wallpaper easy to cut, peel, and apply. It sticks to the wall while still allowing for adjustments, and bubbles or wrinkles are easy to smooth out. The thick vinyl feels durable and does not pull or tear as you adjust. We had no issue peeling it away from the wall to remove it, either, even after several months of use. In fact, we found that it stayed fully intact with no tearing, and we were able to successfully save it for future use.

The simple striped design is easy to line up and is available in both black and beige stripes. The finish is smooth; however, we found that it did highlight any bumps or texture in the wall, particularly on the white portions of the wallpaper, but this is only noticeable from up close.

Form: Roll | Material: Vinyl | Size: 198 by 20.5 inches | Coverage: 28.2 square feet | Samples Available: No

It's very forgiving, and it's easy to fix and reposition as you work.

You can't order samples.

If you've never applied removable wallpaper before, this is the beginner-friendly option you want. Its ability to be repositioned during application is a huge help when you're trying to line up the pattern or if you make any mistakes. Plus, the back of the paper has gridlines to help you cut and align the wallpaper, which is especially helpful considering the intricate pattern of the design.

We found this wallpaper easy to cut with a utility knife, and we experienced minimal bubbling, but it came right out with a squeegee. During removal, the wallpaper peeled back from the wall very easily, without removing any paint or drywall or leaving tacky residue behind. Plus, it remained just as easy to apply and reposition as it was during the initial application.

The vinyl is scratch resistant and easy to clean, and it comes in three different roll sizes. You can't order samples, though, which is a bummer for anyone who wants to test it out in their space before committing to the entire roll. Overall, its reasonable price, various size options, and easy application and removal make it a great choice for the renter or home project newbie who wants to add a bold accent wall to their space.

Form: Roll | Material: Vinyl | Size: 118 by 17.7 inches, 197 by 17.7 inches, or 393 by 17.7 inches | Coverage: 14.5 square feet, 24.3 square feet, or 48.2 square feet | Samples Available: No

The colors are vivid and really pop on the wall.

It's thick, so it's a bit hard to cut.

This citrus-themed wallpaper is a modern take on the iconic fruit-themed wallpaper in your grandma's kitchen. It's available in six different color schemes perfect for a kitchen, laundry room, or anywhere you want to add a bold pop of color. The backing pulled away very easily during our initial application, and the paper was easy to reposition along the way.

This is the only wallpaper on our list made from eco-friendly, paper-based materials. It has a sophisticated matte finish, and the bright colors show up beautifully. It's very thick, which makes it easy to apply and helps cover imperfections on the wall. We did have some difficulties cutting around the outlet cover due to the thickness of the paper, but removal and reapplication was just as easy as the initial application. There was no stretching or tearing.

This paper is very pricey given the amount of coverage you get, and you'll likely need to purchase multiple panels to cover a substantial amount of wall space. We recommend getting a sample first, because the panels are made to order and non-refundable.

Form: Panel | Material: Paper | Size: 26 by 54 inches, 26 by 108 inches, or 26 by 144 inches | Coverage: 9.4 square feet | Samples Available: Yes

It comes pre-cut into six panels, making it easy to wallpaper a large space.

It wants to stick to itself, so reapplying is a bit challenging.

This wallpaper comes pre-cut into six large panels for more than 100 square feet of wall coverage. We found the application process to be seamless: The PVC-free vinyl glided down the wall with ease and accumulated very few air bubbles. Plus, the marble pattern is not repeating, so lining it up isn't an issue. We found it simple to readjust during application without any tearing or stretching, and the pre-cut panels cut down on the length of the application process.

When it came time to remove this wallpaper, it peeled away from the wall without leaving behind any damage or residue. However, it was a little staticky and wanted to stick to itself, which made reapplying it a bit of a challenge. After six months of use, we found the removal process to be fairly easy—a small portion of paint did lift off, but there was zero residue left behind on the wall.

The marble pattern adds a touch of elegance to any space, and samples are available so you can get a feel for what it will look like in your space before committing. If your wall is larger than the standard size, you can contact Anewall to place a custom order.

Form: Panel | Material: PVC-free vinyl | Size: 141 by 108 inches (six 23.50- by 108-inch panels) | Coverage: 106 square feet | Samples Available: Yes

It's very easy to smooth out wrinkles and bubbles.

It has a busy design, so it does require some precision to line up.

This wallpaper's modern, abstract design will add depth to your walls and complement most decor styles (but samples are available if you want to test it out first). We found that working in smaller sections is key to applying this wallpaper, because it's on the thinner side of those we tested. It was easy to smooth out any wrinkles or bubbles. The flipside of the busy design is that it can be a little difficult to line up because there are so many areas to match up, so having a helper will make the process much easier.

During removal, the wallpaper peeled away from the wall without tearing or leaving behind any residue. Unfortunately, it seemed to be less adhesive on the second application and more prone to wrinkling, so keep this in mind if you plan to reuse your wallpaper in the future. While this wasn't the most resilient wallpaper we tested, we appreciate that it has a beautiful, highly saturated design and covers a large wall space.

Form: Roll | Material: Vinyl | Size: 216 by 20.5 inches | Coverage: 30.8 square feet | Samples Available: Yes

It's very high quality with a seamless application.

You have to be precise when lining it up.

We were blown away with the flawless application of this wallpaper and think that even someone without experience could use this product and have it look like a professional application. The semi-matte, non-woven material is very thick (which is great for covering any imperfections on the wall) and easy to apply—what few bubbles there were could be smoothed out by hand, no tools necessary. Plus, it can be cleaned with a damp cloth or sponge.

The intricate pattern does require you to line it up precisely, so it's a good thing this wallpaper is exceptionally easy to reposition without sticking to itself or the wall until you're ready to smooth it down. When it came time to remove the wallpaper, we found that it pulled off flawlessly without leaving behind any residue. This wallpaper really stands out for its timeless, highly saturated floral design inspired by French palace gardens. It's available in three different color schemes, including black, navy, and white.

Form: Roll | Material: Non-woven | Size: 240 by 27 inches | Coverage: 45 square feet | Samples Available: Yes

It's a high-quality material that comes in five color schemes.

It's not a good option if you want to reuse it.

A chic, playful design, like that of this bird-themed wallpaper, can completely transform a room, and the neutral color scheme will coordinate with any existing color palette. This wallpaper applied easily, with very few bubbles, all of which were easy to smooth out. It repositioned beautifully without tearing or pulling, laying down over and over again without losing its stickiness.

That said, we wouldn't recommend attempting to reuse it in another room, because we found it to be a bit hard to work with and more prone to bubbling after removing the entire panel and reapplying it. Plus, we found it a bit difficult to remove after six months—it stretched out once we pulled it off, and it did remove some paint. Still, we love the pattern and color options (there are five total), and think this is a high-quality option that has a luxe vibe.

Form: Roll | Material: Vinyl | Size: 198 by 20.5 inches | Coverage: 28 square feet | Samples Available: Yes

Our top pick is the RoomMates Awning Stripe Peel and Stick Wallpaper thanks to its easy application and removal, even for the wallpaper novice. Plus, it's easy to reuse, giving you more bang for your buck. For a more budget-friendly pick, we like the MelunMer Geometric Wallpaper which is easy to reposition during application in case you make a mistake.

We put 28 removable wallpapers to the test in our lab. Each was applied by one tester, working alone, with only a step ladder, squeegee, utility knife, and tape measure available for use.

For the initial application, we applied two vertical panels or sections on a piece of drywall—all drywall sections measured 8 by 4 feet with an outlet cover placed somewhere on the wall. The sections were smooth and painted a few weeks before the test with a white satin or semi-gloss paint. We evaluated the ease of application based on how easy it was to handle the wallpaper, remove the backing, reposition the panel, smooth out any bubbles, line up the pattern, and cut the paper.

After applying the wallpaper, we assessed the quality and consistency of the wallpaper design, taking note of any imperfections in the printing, the vibrancy of the colors, the texture, the feel, and the overall appearance.

After 15 minutes, we removed the wallpaper, starting from a corner and slowly pulling the paper away from drywall. We evaluated the ease of removal based on how easily the wallpaper came off and whether it was stretched or misshapen after removal, damaged the paint or drywall, or left behind any tackiness. We then reapplied the wallpaper using the same process as they did for the initial application, noting whether there was any difference in the wallpaper during the second application.

Finally, we received the price of each wallpaper and assessed its overall value, taking into account its performance and materials. We then kept the wallpapered drywall sections in storage and evaluated the panels for any signs of imperfection or adhesive failure after three months and again after six months.

Real Simple / Dera Burreson

Removable wallpaper comes in two different forms: rolls and panels. Rolls of wallpaper are longer and will need to be trimmed to length for installation. Panels of wallpaper are vertical sections that are meant to be hung side by side. Although, it can be easy to confuse the two because panels often come packaged rolled up in tubes. One or two panels can be great for a small accent wall, while rolls are printed in larger quantities.

Vinyl: Most removable wallpaper is made from vinyl, which has many advantages: It's reasonably priced, scrubbable, moisture resistant, and easy to apply and remove. However, it's made with a type of plastic called polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and is therefore not the most environmentally friendly option (although you can find PVC-free vinyl).

In terms of aesthetics, some vinyl wallpaper can have a less-sophisticated feel than fabric or paper-based wallpaper. Wood says some vinyl-based removable wallpaper can look thin and cheap, making a space feel more youthful.

Whether or not you choose vinyl will really come down to your personal preferences and environmental concerns. It makes a great option for renters because it's easy to remove, budget friendly, and ideal for high-moisture environments like the bathroom. Plus, its easy-to-clean surface makes it a lifesaver for parents or pet owners.

Non-woven wallpaper: You may find some wallpapers labeled "non-woven." This refers to a type of fibrous material made from synthetic and natural fibers. It provides more durability than paper-based materials and can bring peace of mind to those with concerns about the potential environmental impacts of vinyl.

Woven polyester: Made from a 100% polyester fabric with a woven texture, woven polyester (aka poly-woven fabric) is another common material used to make removable wallpaper. Like vinyl, it's made from plastic. Some people may prefer the matte finish and feel of woven wallpaper. Plus, it's easy to care for—simply wipe it down with a damp cloth or dust to clean. Avoid strong cleaners, as these can lift the color from the fabric.

Paper or paper-based: It's hard to beat the classic look of paper wallpaper, although it has largely been surpassed by vinyl when it comes to removable wallpaper, as it's far less durable. Colors and patterns show up beautifully on paper, and it can have a more grown-up look to it than vinyl. A thicker paper can be easier to apply and can help to conceal small imperfections.

This may go without saying, but be sure to measure your walls to determine how much wallpaper you need (learn how to measure for wallpaper below). If your wall is larger than the standard size, some companies offer custom-sized panels or rolls.

Removable wallpaper is a low-commitment way to add a pop of color to your space. "If you're going to put in the time and effort, you might as well make a statement," Wood says. "Take risks and go bold because you can always change your mind." If you choose an accent wall, she says you might have fun painting the other walls in the space to match a color in the paper, or if you wallpaper the entire room, you could match the trim to a fun color in the paper.

Just as you would sample a paint color before painting your walls, you may also want to sample wallpaper before applying it. A sample can help you see whether the wallpaper appears true to the colors online, the texture of the paper, and the size of the design elements. Not all companies offer samples of removable wallpaper, so take this into consideration when choosing.

Tempaper Pastel Palm Wallpaper: We love the subtle tropical design of this wallpaper, especially for a coastal home. However, it was on the thinner side and seemed more prone to wrinkling than other wallpapers we tested.

NuWallpaper Breezy Peel & Stick Wallpaper: This is a great budget option, especially for the novice wallpaper user. It still looks perfect after six months of use, but we don't like that the wall needs to be totally smooth for it to look good.

Those who are indecisive know the struggle of choosing home decor, especially when each decision has a sense of permanence to it. Luckily, removable wallpaper relieves some of the pressure.

"Removable wallpaper is an easy, low commitment way to totally transform your space," Wood says. "You can add daring colors and patterns, lean into fun trends, and create a unique backdrop that's fairly easy to change when you tire of it." She says it's also a great option for renters to make a space feel more personalized without sacrificing their deposit.

Design experts agree that properly measuring your walls first is crucial to knowing how much wallpaper to buy and a top tip for successful peel-and stick-wallpaper installation. Start by calculating the square footage of the space you'd like to cover by multiplying the length of the wall by the height of the wall.

"If you're doing multiple walls or the ceiling, calculate each one separately, and then add each wall together for your total square footage," Wood says. "Then you'll take the total square footage and divide it by the square footage each roll covers. This will tell you how many rolls you need to order."

Wood also suggests adding an additional 20% to your total square footage to ensure you have enough to match up patterns or make mistakes.

As the name would suggest, peel-and-stick wallpaper is very easy to apply, and because it's removable, you can easily adjust it as you go. Prior to application, prep the surface by wiping any dust or dirt off with a damp cloth and allow the walls to fully dry.

Next, line up the wallpaper panel with the top of the wall, remove the wallpaper from the backing in small sections (to avoid it sticking to itself), stick it to the wall, and smooth it out using a smoothing tool (such as a squeegee). Of course, you should also review the manufacturer's hanging instructions prior to application.

"I like to lay out the paper on the wall, line up the patterns, and cut each piece before exposing the glue," Wood says. "Be sure you have a ladder, and work from top to bottom as you stick the paper to the wall. A squeegee and a level are also helpful, allowing you to remove bubbles as you go and ensure the print is level. Also, a partner to help makes a huge difference."

Be sure to take note of the finishes of your walls, too. Wallpaper may have trouble sticking to textured walls. And don't apply wallpaper to freshly painted walls, as this can make them hard to remove and damage the paint. Wood suggests waiting at least two to three weeks after painting to apply removable wallpaper.

When you're ready to remove your wallpaper, simply start at the corner of the panel and peel it off slowly and steadily. Take your time to avoid damage. If you have trouble, Wood suggests using heat to help loosen the adhesive, such as that from an electric steamer or hair dryer.

Removable wallpaper is best suited for smooth, dry, flat walls. Whether you choose to use it for a full-room makeover or to highlight an accent wall is a matter of personal preference.

In addition to the texture of the wall, location is also worth considering. Well-ventilated areas are ideal, as they can help prolong the lifespan and vibrancy of the wallpaper. If you're considering using the wallpaper in your kitchen or bathroom, be sure to read the product description before purchasing. Bathrooms are typically humid, especially after showering, so you should look to see that the wallpaper is water- or moisture-resistant.

Kitchens face similar challenges, as the wallpaper may be exposed to grease and heat. Generally speaking, vinyl wallpaper is better suited for high-moisture environments than paper. However, we suggest double checking with the manufacturer just in case.

This article was written by Melanie Fincher, a commerce editor with nearly four years of experience writing product reviews and lifestyle content, and updated by Jamie Fischer, a commerce writer for Real Simple. To compile this list, we tested 28 removable wallpapers in our lab and evaluated them based on their ease of application, design, ease of removal, and overall value. For expert tips on buying and using removable wallpaper, we spoke with Alessandra Wood, PhD, design historian and former vice president of style at the online interior design service Modsy.

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