It's no secret that wallpaper is back in style. With the right pattern, you can create a statement wall, bring pizzazz and personality into your home, and instantly freshen up your space. And removable wallpaper lets you try out all the trends — no hassle or commitment required.
Unlike traditional wallpaper, removable wallpaper does not require paste or professional installation. In fact, it's so easy to install that even the most amateur DIY-ers can take on the task and achieve amazing results. (Just think of it as a giant sticker.) Best of all? It's as temporary as you want it to be – you can remove it in a flash when you're ready to switch it up again.
Ready to Roll:
How to Hang Removable Wallpaper
Materials
Removable or peel-and-stick wallpaper
Level (Don't have one? There's an app for that!)
Metal ruler or straight edge
Utility knife, for trimming the panels to size
Squeegee, for removing air bubbles when pressing the wallpaper down
Screwdriver, for removing any electrical plates on your wall
Ladder, for reaching the highest point of your wall
1. Prep Your Wall
Make sure your application wall is smooth, clean, and dry. Wipe down with a damp cloth to remove dust and dirt so that the wallpaper adheres easily. If needed, spackle any nail holes and use a screwdriver to remove light-switch plates and fixtures.
2. Measure Twice, Cut Once
First, measure the width of your wallpaper. Starting from the upper left corner of your wall, use a ruler to measure out that same width and mark the wall lightly with a pencil.
Place your level on the mark and draw a long, straight vertical line as the starting point and guide for your first wallpaper strip.
Then, measure the height of your wall. Cut wallpaper strips to the height of your wall plus a couple extra inches for trimming the top and bottom later.
TIP: Ensuring that your first strip is straight is the most important part of the installation. Natural wall lines and molding can often be curved and crooked, so put your level to use.
3. Unroll and Stick
Peel the wallpaper's backing a few inches (2"-3"), line up at your vertical line guide, and stick the paper to the wall.
Working from top to bottom, continue to slowly peel off the backing as you install. As you get the hang of it, you can peel the backing off in increments of 12" or so.
TRICK: If you make a mistake, just peel back and re-stick!
Make sure your application wall is smooth, clean, and dry. Wipe down with a damp cloth to remove dust and dirt so that the wallpaper adheres easily. If needed, spackle any nail holes and use a screwdriver to remove light-switch plates and fixtures.
2. Measure Twice, Cut Once
First, measure the width of your wallpaper. Starting from the upper left corner of your wall, use a ruler to measure out that same width and mark the wall lightly with a pencil.
Place your level on the mark and draw a long, straight vertical line as the starting point and guide for your first wallpaper strip.
Then, measure the height of your wall. Cut wallpaper strips to the height of your wall plus a couple extra inches for trimming the top and bottom later.
TIP: Ensuring that your first strip is straight is the most important part of the installation. Natural wall lines and molding can often be curved and crooked, so put your level to use.
3. Unroll and Stick
Peel the wallpaper's backing a few inches (2"-3"), line up at your vertical line guide, and stick the paper to the wall.
Working from top to bottom, continue to slowly peel off the backing as you install. As you get the hang of it, you can peel the backing off in increments of 12" or so.
TRICK: If you make a mistake, just peel back and re-stick!
4. Smooth
While installing, smooth out air bubbles by pressing lightly from the center of the paper out toward the edges with your hands. Then, use a squeegee or plastic edge to smooth out more precisely. TIP: Worried about your application abilities? A busy pattern is more forgiving than a solid color, and makes concealing any installation mishaps easier.
5. Repeat
Repeat installation process for the next strips until your wall is complete. Be sure to match up the pattern with each new panel applied to the wall.
TRICK: When you encounter a light socket, lay the paper over it and cut a hole to match the plate's size. Re-screw in the light plate once you're done installing.
6. Trim Excess
Use a utility knife and straight edge to trim the excess paper at the top and bottom of the wall.
TIP: Removable wallpaper can be applied to any smooth, flat surface, so you can use any leftover to decorate mirrors, cabinets, furniture, and more!
While installing, smooth out air bubbles by pressing lightly from the center of the paper out toward the edges with your hands. Then, use a squeegee or plastic edge to smooth out more precisely. TIP: Worried about your application abilities? A busy pattern is more forgiving than a solid color, and makes concealing any installation mishaps easier.
5. Repeat
Repeat installation process for the next strips until your wall is complete. Be sure to match up the pattern with each new panel applied to the wall.
TRICK: When you encounter a light socket, lay the paper over it and cut a hole to match the plate's size. Re-screw in the light plate once you're done installing.
6. Trim Excess
Use a utility knife and straight edge to trim the excess paper at the top and bottom of the wall.
TIP: Removable wallpaper can be applied to any smooth, flat surface, so you can use any leftover to decorate mirrors, cabinets, furniture, and more!
Want a visual? Follow along with Anthropologie's Studio Art Director Annie McMann as she creates an accent wall with removable wallpaper for her kids' room, and offers more tips and tricks along the way!