Everything you need to know about Peel and Stick Wallpaper

What is Peel and Stick Wallpaper?

Simply put, peel and stick wallpaper is a self-adhesive wall covering that requires no additional paste or glue. The backing peels away to reveal a pre-applied adhesive surface that sticks directly to your wall. This makes it an ideal option for DIY enthusiasts who want to update their décor without hiring professionals.

"You've got everything you need already, and you're literally peeling and sticking. It's designed with ease and convenience in mind" explains Wallpapered’s Creative Director, Katherine Truong.

Peel and Stick vs. Traditional Wallpaper

Is peel and stick wallpaper better than traditional wallpaper?

The answer depends on your specific needs and circumstances. Peel and stick offers distinct advantages in certain situations:

• Rental properties: Perfect for tenants who want to personalise their space without losing their deposit.
• Quick makeovers: Ideal when you want a swift change without the mess and time of traditional wallpapering.
• DIY projects: It’s much more accessible for beginners with no prior wallpapering experience.
• Changing spaces: Excellent for rooms that might need frequent updates, like children's bedrooms or home offices.

What is the difference between peel and stick wallpaper and regular wallpaper?

The primary difference lies in the application method. Traditional wallpaper requires separate paste application, while peel and stick comes with adhesive already applied to the backing.

"With traditional wallpaper, you have several steps to work through - buying and preparing your paste, pasting the wall, then applying it to your wall. Without experience, this can be a tricky and messy experience." notes Katherine.

Installation Process:

• Traditional wallpaper: Requires paste, specific tools and often professional installation.
• Peel and stick: Simply peel off the backing and apply directly to the wall.

Does peel and stick wallpaper last as long as traditional wallpaper?

"Our peel and stick paper lasts as long as traditional wallpaper, unless you choose to take it off early. It's designed to be permanent," Katherine explains. "Having said that, one of the big advantages is that it is removable if you need to, so that you're not ripping pasted wallpaper off a wall."

Cost Comparison: "The peel and stick is slightly more expensive than the non-woven paste-the-wall wallpaper, because the glue has already been applied to the wallpaper," says Katherine. “But when you factor in the time saved and the lack of additional materials you need to buy, many of our customers find the small premium something they’re happy to pay.”

The Benefits of Peel and Stick Wallpaper

Easy Installation

The primary appeal of peel and stick wallpaper is its simplicity. "It's designed to be straightforward and simple," Katherine points out. This makes it accessible even to those with no previous decorating experience.

Mess-Free and Hassle-Free

Unlike traditional wallpapering, which can involve sticky paste getting everywhere, peel and stick options keep your decorating project clean. No mixing paste, no drips, no mess - just a smooth application process.

Removable Without Wall Damage

One of the most significant advantages is that peel and stick wallpaper removes cleanly without damaging your walls. This makes it perfect for renters who want to personalise their space without risking their deposit.

Perfect for Temporary Spaces

The non-permanent nature of peel and stick makes it ideal for spaces that might need frequent updates, such as nurseries, children's bedrooms or student accommodations.

Wide Variety of Styles and Patterns

Modern manufacturing techniques have enabled a vast range of designs, from textured wallpaper to marble effects, geometric patterns, and nursery-specific designs. Whatever your interior style, there's likely a peel and stick option to complement it.

Creative Ways to Use Peel and Stick Wallpaper

Accent Walls

Creating a feature wall is perhaps the most popular use for peel and stick wallpaper. "Accent walls, feature walls and smaller spaces are where peel and stick really shines," suggests Katherine.

Ceilings (The Fifth Wall)

Looking for something unexpected? Consider your ceiling.

"The ceiling is considered the fifth wall, and it can make quite an impact," Katherine notes. "It would be a lot easier to use peel and stick on the ceiling, because you don't have to try to apply paste upside down. With gravity and the paste, it can get messy!”

Peel and stick wallpaper is a lot easier to apply, because the glue is already applied.

Furniture Makeovers

Give tired furniture a new lease of life with peel and stick wallpaper.

"You can use it with furniture that has a straight, smooth surface and because it's peel and stick, you can easily smooth it on," explains Katherine. "It's a quick way to change up the look of wardrobes or straight cupboards.”

Stair Risers

Add personality to your staircase by applying peel and stick wallpaper to the vertical faces of your steps. "Just like with ceilings, it's a lot easier to do with peel and stick because you're not having to apply wet paste. Peel and stick paper can be easily cut to fit your stairs,” says Katherine.

Common Questions About Peel and Stick Wallpaper

Does peel and stick wallpaper damage walls?

No, it doesn't. One of its main selling points is that it removes cleanly, making it perfect for renters or those who like to change their décor regularly.

How long does peel and stick wallpaper last?

While there's no specific timeframe, Katherine confirms: "it's designed to be permanent, until you choose to remove it”. 

Can peel and stick wallpaper be used in bathrooms or kitchens?

Peel and stick wallpaper can be used in any room where you would typically use wallpaper. However, for high-moisture areas like bathrooms or behind kitchen sinks, you might want to consider Wallpapered’s premium wallpaper for better durability.

Can you reuse peel and stick wallpaper?

Reusing peel and stick wallpaper is not guaranteed and depends heavily on how and where it was initially installed. While some customers have successfully reused their wallpaper, Wallpapered doesn’t recommend this.

What you can do though, is reposition panels during the initial installation process if you need to adjust their placement. 

What are the best peel and stick wallpaper styles for a modern home?

"For a modern home, I love seeing feature walls with big abstract shapes or geometric shapes - designs that are very striking," recommends Katherine. These bold designs can create stunning focal points in contemporary interiors.

Can peel and stick wallpaper be used on textured walls?

Peel and stick wallpaper requires smooth surfaces for proper application. When applied to textured walls, the adhesive cannot make full contact with the surface, resulting in poor adhesion and an uneven finish. For best results, only apply peel and stick wallpaper to smooth, properly prepared wall surfaces.

Tips for Applying Peel and Stick Wallpaper Like a Pro

Prepare Your Walls

Ensure your walls are clean, smooth and completely dry before application. Any dust, dirt or moisture can affect how well the adhesive bonds to the surface.

Measure Twice, Cut Once

Measure your wall carefully and cut your wallpaper strips with precision. It's always better to have a bit extra that you can trim than to come up short.

Work Slowly and Methodically

Take your time with the application. Start from the top and work your way down, smoothing out air bubbles as you go. Use a plastic smoother tool for the best results.

Why Choose Peel and Stick Wallpaper?

Peel and stick wallpaper has become increasingly popular for good reason.

"The reason that we offer peel and stick is because of demand," Katherine explains. "Throughout all of the years I've worked at Wallpapered, it's always something people ask for, because they find it so much easier to use."

Its combination of ease, convenience and damage-free removal makes it an excellent choice for homeowners and renters alike who want to express their personality through interior design without committing to permanent changes.

Transform Your Space Today

From bold geometric accent walls to refreshed furniture pieces, peel and stick wallpaper makes home transformation accessible to everyone.

Ready to see the difference for yourself? Browse our curated collection of feature wall designs and take the first step towards your home's stunning new look.