Peel-and-Stick Wallpaper

Peel-and-stick wallpaper is your ticket for a statement-making aesthetic without the commitment that traditional wallpaper requires.

Like its name implies, you simply peel off the adhesive back and apply the wallpaper to the wall. No soaking, no paste and no mess! The only prep required is that you remove outlets, nails, picture hangers and the like, lightly sand the wall surface and then go over it with a damp sponge. Once the surface is dry, you’re good to go.

Plus, removing peel-and-stick wallpaper is just as easy. When you’re ready for a change, run a hair dryer over it to loosen things up, then peel it off. (Keep in mind that when it comes to longevity, peel-and-stick wallpaper won’t last as long as traditional wallpaper, since the adhesive isn’t as strong as paste.)

Peel-and-stick wallpaper is ideal for an accent wall; it’s also great for dressing up the insides of bookshelves. It’s available in vinyl, paper or fabric, in all kinds of prints and colors. You’ll even find styles that look textured, like grass cloth or shiplap.

Ready to start shopping? When considering your options, keep the following in mind:

• Rolls vs. panels. You’ll find options that are sold in single or double rolls as well as options that are sold as panels (to be hung side by side). If you choose a roll, make sure you measure carefully, determining exactly how much wallpaper you’ll need, so you don’t run out or end up with too much. Panels are a good choice if you’re covering a small area.
• Moisture resistance. If you’re set on using peel-and-stick wallpaper in a high-moisture space, such as a bathroom, you’ll want to stick with a style that’s 100 percent vinyl. Paper, moisture and humidity do not play well together, and may result in mold/premature wallpaper peeling.
• Indoor air quality. Many vinyl wallpapers are made with polyvinyl chloride (PVC). And PVC may emit volatile organic compounds, which are toxic when you breathe them in. If you’re concerned about indoor air quality, look for peel-and-stick wallpaper that has a GreenGuard certification.