The 6 best removable wallpapers, according to an expert

Jun 03, 2023

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Whether we’re talking about temporary patterns and prints to cover your bland dorm room walls or glimmering new roll that’ll serve as your living room's accent wall, tapping into reusable wallpaper is a must.

It looks, feels and sounds simple (peel and stick, right? Just adhering it to the wall — easy-peasy!) However, you want to ensure that the finish, quality and type of reusable wallpaper won't leave you with that same, bland wall when it's time to remove (or, rather, when your next DIY project takes effect).

So, we turned to a home expert — to outline an easy-to-follow how-to guide if this is your first miniature home reno) and rounded up the seven best reusable wallpaper brands you can order right online. No stress purchasing, and (trust us) no stress applying.

Click to jump to the best reusable wallpapers:

Reusable wallpaper would mean that the wallpaper can be removed completely intact and rehung again. But, not all temporary wallpaper is the same.

"Look for brands that guarantee that they will come off the wall," DeAnna Hain, executive VP of marketing at York Wallcoverings, told the New York Post. "Then, order a small sample and test it on your (clean) wall to ensure that the ‘tack’ on the backing is right for your space."

Be sure to note that people have many different finishes on their walls and some work better for temporary products to adhere to than others. "Read the instructions ahead of time to be sure your wall is prepared correctly," Hain advises. "It's often recommended to install on a smooth finish that has at least one coat of cured paint (fresh paint isn't fully cured and takes about four weeks to fully cure once painted.)."

Let's talk about what everyone wants to know upon ordering removable wallpaper online: how can I tell if it's actually good? Hain details her top tips.

"Reusable wallpaper is available with a variety of substrates (what the design is printed on) that come at a variety of price points. too," she explains. "Most people start with designs that they love; depending on the final look someone is going for, they may look towards more premium products that offer a matte finish on a non-woven or a gloss finish on a vinyl substrate."

What's more, when it comes to good quality, it all lies within the performance of the product in your space. As Hain mentioned, testing samples on your wall is the safe way to tell which reusable product will work best for you.

Before getting to the fun stuff (applying your rockin’ new print or texture, that is), you’ll need a tape measure, a level, a steel ruler or straight edge, a razor knife, a pencil and a plastic smoother (or, you can simply use your credit card).

Surface Preparation: For best results, clean, dry and smooth all surfaces. Product will not adhere to unclean or textured surfaces. Allow newly painted surfaces to fully cure for a minimum of four weeks before applying this peel and stick wallpaper.

Hanging (pro tip: it helps to have two people): There are seven easy-to-follow steps Hain lists to properly apply your new wallpaper:

As they say ‘all good things come to an end’ (or, in short, you may just fancy a different style after a few months or years). To pair with your step-by-step guide on applying reusable wallpaper, Hain explains how to properly remove it — so there's no damage to your wall.

Repositioning or Removal: Start at the top corners gently pulling firmly, evenly and slowly downward, working parallel to the surface. Be careful not to over stretch the material. Don't allow the adhesive surfaces to make contact with each other as they are very difficult to separate without damaging. If reusing, reapply the original backing to the adhesive side to avoid the paper from getting dirty or sticking to itself or other surfaces.

This year is all about reflecting your personal style within your space. Whether you’re into bright emerald green textures or muted florals, choosing a wall covering that's representative of your design aesthetic is the most important characteristic.

"Temporary wallpaper allows consumers to be bolder in their decision making, knowing that they can change the look out with ease as life (and tastes) change," Hain notes. "It's the perfect accessory to give spaces a big dose of personality."

About the wallpaper: This wallpaper is screen-printed and comes in 27″ rolls with a 25.25″ repeat.

Unsurprisingly, Rifle Paper Co. has a buffet of beautiful wallpaper prints (much like its collection of home items). Its Hydrangea Wallpaper is giving us all the Cape Cod and Nantucket vibes we can muster and is a foolproof way to elevate and enhance your space.

This wallpaper, impressively, is certified as extra-washable, meaning it can remove water-soluble stains and dirt with a damp cloth or sponge (note: it's perfect if young children are present in your household!)

About the wallpaper: This eco-friendly wallpaper roll is 17.7″ x 78.7″ (though more sizes are available on Amazon) and it covers a total of 9.7 square ft. per roll.

If you’re upgrading a smaller space in your home (think: kitchen backsplashes or one wall of your powder bath), then Amazon is your best bet. Specifically, the Timeet 3D Brick Wallpaper is perfect for your bathroom, kitchenette or city apartment. Plus, for the price, you can't go wrong.

Shop all Amazon removable wallpaper here.

About the wallpaper: This best-selling wallpaper roll is 2 x 4 ft. with a 48″ repeat. It's also available in 2 x 8 ft. or 2 x 12 ft., along with a sample 8 x 9.6″ for just $6 to see how you like it.

Chasing Paper has some of the most traditional yet eclectic prints we’ve seen, with one of the most impressive size varieties you can choose from online. Its Speckle Wallpaper is too cute to handle and you’ll adore its quality, self-adhesive poly-woven fabric that's printed with GreenGuard Gold-Certified Ink. Its wallpaper options are also adorned with a matte finish and are stain-resistant.

Shop all Amazon removable wallpaper here.

About the wallpaper: This self-adhesive wallpaper roll is 24″ wide and available in lengths of 1 ft., 3, 6, 9 or 12 feet. It has a 24″ vertical repeat of the design as well.

Looking for out-of-the-box, well-varied prints? Shop Spoonflower's array of on-site options, including its stunning Aara Palm Flower Wallpaper. It comes in four different size options — including a 2 x 1 ft. sample you can order for $7 — and is made with eco-friendly inks while being formaldehyde-, phthalate- and PVC-free.

Its optic-white, matte finish is one you’ll be riveting over (trust us), and all of its fantastic prints, patterns and textures are made in the USA.

About the wallpaper: This on-trend peel-and-stick paneled wallpaper has a printed area of 25″ and will need to be trimmed. Each panel measures approximately 25″ wide by 10″ high.

West Elm doesn't just have the sectional sofas and delightful home accents (though we love them dearly). It has a catalog of removable wallpaper to choose from, like its bold and highly accented Drop It MODERN Femme Wallpaper.

Dubbed "perfect for renters and serial redecorators," this fade-resistant, American-made material is one you’ll want to snag for your next home project.

About the wallpaper: This wallpaper is $43 per roll, and Tempaper & Co. offers an on-site wallpaper calculator to determine how much you’ll need. You can also order a sample for $7.

We’re so glad we stumbled upon Tempaper & Co. — its slew of styles is aptly curated for that room in your space you so desperately want to upgrade. Its modern charm is flagged all over Instagram (see: #tempaperyourspace) and is fairly priced for the glossy, striking quality.

Check out the New York Post Shopping section for more content.