I am excited to share easy steps on how to install peel and stick wallpaper. These no-fail instructions will help you hang your peelable wallpaper quickly.

I love the look of wallpaper but I vowed to never hang it again until I learned how to install peel and stick wallpaper while working on a microwave pantry project in my kitchen.

So after I came across this wonderful invention I knew I had to share with all of you along with step by step instructions.

This post contains affiliate links, meaning I receive a commission if you purchase using the links below at no extra cost to you. All opinions are all my own.

How to Install Peel and Stick Wallpaper

Regular wallpaper is a nightmare to take down. Trust me the last time I helped a friend remove wallpaper, in a tiny hall and the wallpaper was on the top half of a chair rail, it took us two days.

I wrote a post about it called how to remove wallpaper with a steamer because without my trick it might have taken a week. This project reminded me why I stopped hanging wallpaper in my home until now.

Peelable Wallpaper

Let me introduce you to the best invention in home decor since paint you didn't have to mix. Welcome peelable wallpaper! Are you getting excited?

Some people call it wallpaper sticker, repositionable wallpaper, self-stick wallpaper, easy wallpaper and peel off wallpaper to name a few.

What is Peel and Stick Wallpaper?

Well, I am glad you asked. Basically, it is wallpaper just like the old wallpaper we know but peelable wallpaper comes with self-adhesive backing. It is just like a sticker where you peel off the paper on the back but sticky wallpaper is a backing that is forgiving.

This wallpaper can be removed to reposition, moved to another wall, or even moved to another home. It is great for anyone who is living in a rental, college dorm, or anywhere.

You can use peelable wallpaper on walls in any room, furniture, and sometimes floors like bathrooms, and laundry rooms. It all depends on the durability of the sticky paper.

So now that you know what peel and stick wallpaper is let's talk about how to figure out the amount of wallpaper you will need.

How Much Wallpaper to Purchase?

I have an easy trick to figuring out how much wallpaper you will need to do your job. I simply go to Home Depots wallpaper calculator and input my information.

See how simple it is to figure out how much wallpaper you will need? LOL!

So now that you have your wallpaper quantity figured let's see how to hang peelable wallpaper.

How to Hang Peelable Wallpaper

Like with all projects I recommend gathering your supplies first. Here is a list of what I used to add sticky wallpaper to a five-foot by ten-foot wall above a chair rail.

• Two rolls of wallpaper (shiplap pattern)
• Tape measure
• Ruler (too cute straight lines)
• Squeegee (too smooth the wallpaper)
• Level
• Utility knife or xacto knife (I also used scissors at one point)
• Ladder
• Flat surface to spread out paper to cut to size.
• Paint and primer (this is only necessary if you want to touch up some paint before you begin or if your wall has never been primed and painted.)

Shop Removable Wallpaper:

Prepare the Wall for Wallpaper

If your wall has never been painted and it is raw sheetrock make sure to paint it with primer and then paint. Do not use flat paint. Eggshell or satin is better for the sticky adhesive to be removed in the future.

If you have any holes from picture hanging nails or any small holes you will not have to fill them but if the hole is larger than a nail then I would recommend you spackle it, then sand it smooth and paint if painting is on your list to do.

Let your paint dry 24 hours before hanging the wallpaper.

If your wall is already painted but it has a sheetrock texture to it then I recommend using a sander to remove any bumps on the wall. Once you have finished sanding go over the wall with a lightly damp paper towel to remove the sheetrock dust.

Measure the Wall

Next measure the height of the wall where you want the wallpaper to hang. My wall was 63 inches but I added an extra inch for grace. This allows me a little extra on the top and bottom just in case.

How to Cut Wallpaper

Now lay your wallpaper on a flat surface like a table or the floor. Pull your tape measure out and lay it beside the wallpaper making sure to line up the end of the tape measure with the top of the wallpaper.

Next, make a mark on the wallpaper at your designated measurement. Then move the tape measure to the other side and repeat the step by making another mark. Then connect the marks with a pencil and ruler.

Follow this last step by using scissors or a ruler and utility knife to cut the wallpaper even. I used scissors because I found it easier to cut the paper than to have to find something to go underneath the paper to use the utility knife.

How to Hang Peel and Stick Wallpaper by Yourself

Now things are starting to get fun. There are two ways to hang peel and stick wallpaper. One is by yourself and another is with a friend. I will share more details about that below but for now, let's talk about how to hang wallpaper by yourself.

First, let's make sure your wall is level. Place your level along with the ceiling and see if it is level and then along the corner or edge of the wall to see if it is level. If it is not level measure the width of your wallpaper on the wall and then draw a level line down the wall.

Next start removing the backing about 10 to 12″ down from the wallpaper.

You will need to start in one corner. Place your wallpaper in the corner and then the other side along with the ceiling. I recommend gently sticking it along the ceiling for now. Next, begin bringing the backing down away from the wallpaper and line up the edge of the wallpaper with the wall or level line on the side.

As you move down you may need to reposition the other corner. The most important part is to get the edge of the wallpaper to line up with the corner or your level line.

Keep moving down until you reach the bottom. Then if your wallpaper is straight along the corner then you are ready for the second row.

Hang Second Row of Wallpaper

Next, let's repeat the first step in the second row of wallpaper. On this row, you will need to look at your pattern and give yourself some extra wallpaper before you cut it to match up the pattern.

In my case, the first shiplap line was two inches down from the ceiling. So, when I went back to cut another row of wallpaper I looked for the first line and marked two inches above it then cut the top.

Again give yourself a little grace and add 1/4″ just in case. Next measure to the bottom and cut just like before.

Now position the wallpaper where the pattern lines up at the top of the wall and smooth it down.

Keep moving down the wall lining up the edge of this piece of wallpaper with the other piece that is on the wall. You will need to pull the backing away from the wallpaper as you go down the wall.

And smooth from the center down at an angle to the edges as you go.

Once you get down far enough you can step off your ladder and remove it then continue lining up the edge and pulling the backing down.

When you get to the bottom remove the rest of the backing, smooth down the paper and if there is a chair rail or baseboard smooth it into the crease.

How to Hang Wallpaper with a Partner

Just like before remove all the backing from the sticker wallpaper. You take one end and your partner takes the other. Then position the top against the first row of wallpaper and position the other side along with the ceiling while your partner is keeping the wallpaper away from the wall at the bottom.

Next, move your way down along the first wallpaper edge and line up the pattern. Keep smoothing as you go along with your hand. You will come back after you're all finished to adhere the paper to the wall with the squeegee later.

Smooth Down the Wallpaper

Now that all the wallpaper is hung go back over it all with the squeegee and smooth it down. This helps the wallpaper suction to the wall for a better finish.

Trim Excess Wallpaper

Your last step in the peel and stick wallpaper hanging project is to trim away any excess wallpaper that is left along the edges. Simply place your ruler where you want to trim the wallpaper and then cut along the edge of the ruler with your utility knife.

Peel away the excess wallpaper carefully in case there are spots that didn't cut all the way through. If you have an area that is still attached simply use your utility knife to cut it away.

After all the overhanging wallpaper is removed then you are finished and can enjoy your freshly wallpapered room.

Conclusion

Here are a few tips on peel and stick wallpapering. The first couple of rows seem tricky and it takes a little to get into your stride but once you do the first ones it will get easier.

Having a friend or family member help will make it go by quicker and easier but if you are a work alone kind of person this is a great project for you too.

Save the backing that you peeled off of the wallpaper if you live in a dorm, rental, or if you think you might want to move your wallpaper someday. Here are directions on how to remove the peel and stick wallpaper.

How to Remove Peel and Stick Wallpaper

Simply peel away on the upper corner of a row of wallpaper and then grab the other upper corner. Gently pull it away from the wall as it goes down the wall.

Once you are at the bottom ask another person to take the bottom and lay it flat on the backing paper that is laying on the floor or a table. Smooth the wallpaper on the backing paper and roll it up to be transported to the next place.

Once you are in the next space follow the direction above to hang the reusable peel and stick wallpaper again.

Now you may be wondering where to purchase peel and stick wallpaper. Here are a few favorite suggestions.

Where to Buy Peel and Stick Wallpaper

My shiplap sticky wallpaper came from Target. They have about 10 selections in the store and many more online. Don't forget to get the same lot number when you buy it.

So where is the best place to buy peel and stick wallpaper? Here are some of my favorites.

Etsy has many peelable wallpaper sites and the designs are amazing. You can find some very good prices on Etsy too.

Another great place to shop for peel and stick wallpaper is Urban Outfitters. They have many beautiful and trending designs with lots of modern colors.

Now let's talk about Lulu and Georgia who also have removable wallpaper. I recently came across their designs and fell in love. Lulu and Georgia have modern, traditional designs as well as murals.

Hygge and West peel and stick wallpaper tiles. I love their wallpaper designs! They have a great feel for a modern farmhouse vibe. You might also like to know about Hygge and West bedding and Hygge and West shower curtains.

You might be surprised to hear that West Elm has some wonderful self-adhesive wallpapers. They have many classic designs to choose from on their site.

And last is Amazon which has just about everything you need. They also carry lovely sticky wallpaper in just about any design you desire and if you are a prime member you get it within two days if it is prime.

Shop Removable Wallpaper:

I hope this post has been helpful and encouraging to give wallpaper a try once more if you vowed to never deal with messy wallpaper again. If you want the wood wall look but are still not convinced to try this kind of wallpaper, consider a DIY faux beadboard or this plywood shiplap.

Here is another picture to see the final project.

Happy Decorating!

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