Wallpaper, like paint, can add charisma and personality to a home. But if you are sprucing up a home on a budget, hiring a wallpaper contractor might not be at the top of your list or budget, and DIY-ing parts of the process might be a better choice. 

“[Peel-and-stick wallpaper] also makes an idyllic design upgrade for anyone who likes to refresh their spaces often and can't imagine living with the same wallpaper design for years at a time, aka you like to redesign and get bored quickly,” Shivani Vyas says.

The process of applying peel-and-stick wallpaper is more straightforward than it may seem. There are many wallpaper types and a range of prices and types, but shopping for peel-and-stick wallpaper is an economical option to improve your space.

Shivani Vyas is the operations lead and senior interior designer, while Meredith McKenzie is the owner and principal designer at The Selective Design in Macon, Georgia.

Andrea Meade is the owner and principal designer of Ellie Cate Home in Birmingham. 

There are many options for peel-and-stick wallpaper, and determining which is better than others can be a challenge: “Because although most options are designed to be removable, not all of them will be damage-free removal,” Meredith McKenzie adds. “And some low-quality papers may have weak adhesives which can cause corners or edges to peel faster.”

If you are looking to improve your space with wallpaper, then fortunately for you, we’ve rounded up and tested them for you. Here are the best peel-and-stick wallpapers according to our testing, plus professional tips for how to choose and what to know about the wallpaper process.

　　Our Top Picks

Best Overall: Chasing Paper Peel & Stick Wallpaper at Chasingpaper.com Jump to Review Best Budget: Better Homes & Gardens Peel & Stick Wallpaper at Walmart $30 Jump to Review Best for Accent Walls: Walls Need Love Peel-and-Stick Wallpaper at Wallsneedlove.com Jump to Review Best Florals: Rifle Paper Co. Peel & Stick Wallpaper at Riflepaperco.com Jump to Review Most Durable: Wallshoppe Removable Peel and Stick Wallpaper at Wallshoppe.com Jump to Review

　　Best Overall: Chasing Paper Peel & Stick Wallpaper

Chasing Paper Botany Peel and Stick Wallpaper

View on Chasingpaper.com Chasing Paper Cosmo Block Print Peel and Stick Wallpaper

View on Chasingpaper.com Chasing Paper Big Gingham Wallpaper

View on Chasingpaper.com Chasing Paper Poppy Wallpaper

View on Chasingpaper.com What’s Great About It Easy application with minimal bubbles

Durable and high-quality material

Maintains adhesion upon reapplication

Fair price for quality

What Could Be Better Strong adhesion is harder to remove

Narrow panel width requires more to cover the wall

We found this wallpaper the easiest to apply and use, thanks to its flexible yet durable, thick, cloth-like paper. One person could easily handle this wallpaper; the backing came off smoothly, and there were no bubbles even after reapplying.

Cutting around the outlet was easy with an X-Acto knife or scissors. Unfortunately, the wallpaper has no gridlines, but it was easy to line up the paper without lines since the pattern overlap was minimal. This wallpaper has a matte finish and flat texture, and it has a a clear and consistent print both before and after application. 

One downside we found to this wallpaper was the strength of the adhesion. When removing the wallpaper, it did damage some of the drywall, ripping it in two separate places. The width of the panels was also shorter than other wallpapers we tested, and this required more panels to be applied to cover the needed space, which in turn took more time and effort. One positive perk we found was that this paper came pre-cut, which added to the ease of application.

Ultimately, this wallpaper was strong and durable without being inflexible. It would be best for DIY enthusiasts seeking durable and high-quality wallpaper.

Dimensions: 2 x 4 feet, 2 x 8 feet, 2 x 12 feet | Samples Available: Yes ($6)

　　Best Budget: Better Homes & Gardens Peel & Stick Wallpaper

Better Homes & Gardens Neutral Boho Filigree Peel and Stick Wallpaper

$30 at Walmart Better Homes & Gardens Navy Isolda Jacobean Peel and Stick Wallpaper

$30 at Walmart Better Homes & Gardens Arcos Geometric Peel and Stick Wallpaper

$15 at Walmart Better Homes & Gardens Coral Gwen Stripe Peel and Stick Wallpaper

$27 at Walmart What’s Great About It Easy removal and reapplication

No damage to drywall

Cost-effective

What Could Be Better Feels less durable

Seams are visible

Better Homes & Gardens’ peel-and-stick wallpaper makes for a go-to decor solution for renters looking for a temporary and cost-effective wall covering. 

The backing peeled off very easily, and when the challenge of an air bubble arose, a smoothing tool easily corrected and smoothed the bubble. The pattern was easy to match up between panels, but one drawback we found was that the seams of the panels were visible. It doesn’t have the strongest adhesive, but this also means it’s less likely to damage your walls.  

We removed and reapplied this wallpaper multiple times, and it never caused any paint peeling or left any unwanted residue. The wallpaper is a consistently flat and matte texture. On a whole wall, the wallpaper might not look like the highest quality, although it does not look poor in quality either. As an accent around a desk nook or backing for a shelving unit, this wallpaper could easily elevate a smaller space. 

We did appreciate how easy this wallpaper was to reapply when the lines didn’t line up nicely. It was easy to pull it off and try again, but it’s possible that gridlines would have been helpful during the application process. 

It’s also the lowest priced wallpaper we tested. For a temporary wallpaper to freshen a small space, we give this wallpaper props for its value and ease of application. Better Homes & Gardens is owned by Southern Living's parent company, Dotdash Meredith.

Dimensions: 20.5 in. x 18 ft. | Samples Available: No

　　Best for Accent Walls: Walls Need Love Peel-and-Stick Wallpaper

Walls Need Love Tropical Floral Pattern

View on Wallsneedlove.com Walls Need Love Lemon Blossom Wallpaper

View on Wallsneedlove.com Walls Need Love Hamptons Haute Wallpaper

View on Wallsneedlove.com Walls Need Love Uplifting Oranges In Blue Sky Wallpaper

View on Wallsneedlove.com What’s Great About It High-quality feel

Pattern aligns well at corners

Easy to remove and reapply

What Could Be Better Pricey

This particular wallpaper would be best for accent walls or spaces that needed large, vibrant patterns. We did not experience any problems with wrinkles and bubbles when applying, and the corners didn’t present any significant challenge as the pattern easily lined up with the previous panel.

It was not difficult to cut out the wallpaper around the outlet cover, and although it didn’t have any gridlines to aid in application, it was not challenging to apply without them. 

Water helped in reapplication after the wallpaper was removed to adjust it to the wall. The finish of the wallpaper is matte with a consistent texture throughout, and the wallpaper looked the same before and after it was applied. 

The wallpaper was easy to remove with no residue, and after resticking it to the drywall, it retained its adhesion well and didn't develop any air bubbles. It was a medium thickness compared to the others but was sturdy enough. This was the most expensive wallpaper per square foot, but we found it to be worth the cost for its durability. 

Dimensions: Custom sizing | Samples Available: Yes (From $5)

　　Best Florals: Rifle Paper Co. Peel & Stick Wallpaper

Rifle Paper Co. Garden Party Peel & Stick Wallpaper

View on Riflepaperco.com Rifle Paper Co. Hydrangea Peel & Stick Wallpaper

View on Riflepaperco.com Rifle Paper Co. Citrus Grove Peel & Stick Wallpaper

View on Riflepaperco.com Rifle Paper Co. Pomegranate Peel & Stick Wallpaper

View on Riflepaperco.com What’s Great About It Easy solo application

Durable and high-quality material

Good value for the price

What Could Be Better Removal requires caution

This wallpaper is an ideal choice for budget-conscious buyers who desire florals, intricate patterns, and quality material, which is why it earned our spot for the best floral wallpaper. 

Applying this wallpaper was fairly easy, and even though the instructions stated that it was easier to apply with two people, we had no issues with a one-person application process. The backing peeled off easily from the corners, and air bubbles were easily avoidable by applying pressure slowly and using the putty knife to smooth out the front of the wallpaper. 

The wallpaper didn’t have any gridlines to aid in application, but based on the floral pattern of the wallpaper, we didn’t feel that a grid would aid in the application. It was easily detached and reapplied while also retaining its adhesion. To line up the pattern, we had to repeatedly peel and restick the paper, but we did not notice a difference in the altered and unaltered side of the paper. 

The wallpaper quality seems to be durable mainly due to the thickness of the paper. It took, at times, multiple passes with an X-Acto knife to cut the wallpaper, so it seemed to have strength and durability. 

While it was easy to remove the panel of wallpaper and there was no sticky residue on the wall after removing the it, there was some damage to the corner of the wall where the top layer of the drywall has stuck to the adhesive backing and came up when applying minor force to remove the wallpaper. 

The quality and the pattern were consistent throughout the paper, and the finish was matte with no texture or embossing. This wallpaper was one of the least expensive tested. We felt the price was spot on for quality, consistency of the intricate floral design, and ease in aligning the pattern at the seams, and we quite possibly would pay more for it. 

Dimensions: 27 x 240 inches with a 24-inch repeat | Samples Available: Yes ($6)

　　Most Durable: Wallshoppe Removable Peel and Stick Wallpaper

Wallshoppe Lafayette Patchwork Removable Peel and Stick Wallpaper

View on Wallshoppe.com Wallshoppe Arance Dolci Wallpaper

View on Wallshoppe.com Wallshoppe The Queen's Lace Removable Peel and Stick Wallpaper

View on Wallshoppe.com Wallshoppe Pacifico Palm Removable Peel and Stick Wallpaper

View on Wallshoppe.com What’s Great About It Thick and durable material

Easy to remove and reapply

Easy alignment pattern

What Could Be Better Hard to cut due to thickness

Pricey

We felt this wallpaper was the most durable option considering how thick the paper felt—but it was still pliable enough to remove and reapply for pattern alignment. 

We appreciated that the manufacturer left about 1/16th of an inch of backing overhang to make it easier to pull the wallpaper from the backing. This wallpaper was easily applied by one person, and it lended itself to easier alignment due to the pattern. 

Because the paper is so thick, it was a bit more cumbersome to apply, but only marginally so. We had to apply more pressure to be sure to cut all the way through the paper. Although gridlines might have helped with lining up the paper, it was easy enough to line up once reference points were located on the pattern. 

When removing and reapplying this wallpaper for alignment, there was no change in how it adhered. It was easily removed and reapplied, and it left no damage to walls or residue, a definite positive in our books for keeping walls in good shape. 

The print of this wallpaper was consistent and lined up well. It is a matte and flat texture, with no physical texture. We felt the wallpaper was high quality, although not the most economical option. 

Dimensions: 26 inches x 4.5 feet, 26 inches x 9 feet, 26 inches x 12 feet | Samples Available: Yes ($6)

　　 The Bottom Line

Chasing Paper earned our top spot for the best peel-and-stick wallpaper because of its easy application, minimal bubbles when applying, durable material, and fair price for the quality.

For a more budget-friendly option, Better Homes & Gardens’ peel-and-stick wallpaper had a more lightweight feel than the other options we tested, which made it easier to work with. We felt it was a cost-effective solution for wallpaper that excels in both application and design.

　　 Our Testing Process

We rounded up eight different brands of peel-and-stick wallpaper and put them through a series of tests in our lab. We wallpapered 128 square feet of wall space, evaluating each wallpaper on its ease of application, design, removal, value, and durability. 

We plan to check on the wallpapered drywall in three months, noting whether they’ve begun to peel or wrinkle over time. We’ll also assess the walls after removing the wallpaper completely and update this review based on our findings.

We covered 128 square feet of wall space, assessing each wallpaper based on its application ease, design, removal, value, and durability.

　　 Tips For Choosing the Right Peel-And-Stick Wallpaper

Size Understanding the dimensions of the space you want to cover is essential for purchasing the right amount of paper. There are many options with wallpapers, and the dimensions offered can vary among wallpaper suppliers.

”Wallpaper comes in various sizes of length and width,” Andrea Meade says. Purchasing the right amount of paper depends on calculating the correct dimensions of the wall. “It can depend on whether it is a double or single roll, the size of the pattern, and the company that makes the product." Measure your wall space to be sure you purchase an adequate for the wall or walls you plan to cover.

Patterns and Colors “Wall coverings are a great way to introduce color, visual interest, and texture to any room,” Meade says. The options are endless, from small minimal patterns to large full murals applied to a wall. “Wall coverings can provide a lot of charm and subtle elegance in spaces like a dining room or laundry room and don’t limit the application to just the walls." 

For a small accent wall, a bold pattern can be fun. For larger areas that need to be covered, a more neutral, lighter color of wallpaper may work best. "You can never go wrong with blues and greens in a bedroom space," Vyas says. "They have calming and grounding properties."

Some have taken a creative approach, using wallpaper in a unique space. “We love to see people get really creative and add eye-catching wallpaper to the ceiling, and the lights from a beautiful chandelier can really make it stand out,” Meade says.

Material There are a range of options when it comes to what the material of the wallpaper is made of. Most peel-and-stick wallpapers are made of vinyl, fabric, or paper with an adhesive backing making it easy to apply to a wall. The appeal of this type of wallpaper is in fact its peel-and-stick feature. Without the need for water or glue, peel-and-stick wallpaper is typically user friendly for those wishing to DIY their space and apply the wallpaper themselves.

　　 More Peel-and-Stick Wallpaper to Consider

Livette’s Removable Wallpaper: This wallpaper comes in a wide variety of patterns and are categorized by room, color, design, prints, and more. The print of this wallpaper looks great with the matte finish and slightly threaded texture, and the seams easily blended. Although the material was high-quality, issues arose with this wallpaper during the reapplication process during alignment of the pattern. There was damage—peeling and bubbling paint—to the walls when we peeled it away for alignment. The adhesion is very strong, which might be a benefit for a wall where strong, long-term adhesion is desired, but for renters looking for a temporary fix, this might not be the best due to its difficulty in removing and damage of the paint on the wall.

Pioneer Woman Blue Geometric Peel and Stick Wallpaper: This wallpaper was flexible and easy to maneuver solo. This wallpaper was easy to remove and didn’t damage the paint or walls, but we noted it was a little lighter in weight than others we tested. During the application of the wallpaper, bubbles were more difficult to smooth and remedy than other wallpapers we tested. The pattern was another challenge as it was difficult to align throughout the application process. We felt this wallpaper was an economical, renter-friendly option, though it did present some challenges during application.

The Pioneer Woman Peel-and-Stick Wallpaper, while budget-friendly, posed some challenges during application. The bubbles were harder to smooth out and fix, and the pattern was tricky to align consistently.

　　 Questions and Answers

How do you know how much wallpaper you need?

You will need to measure your wall space to be sure you purchase an adequate for the wall or walls you plan to cover. A measurement of the length of the wall multiplied by the width will give you the square footage needed to cover the wall. However, if the wallpaper has an intricate pattern that requires lining up the details of the pattern, more material might be necessary.

Some wallpaper retailers have a handy wallpaper calculator tool on their site, which is a nice feature if the rolls are customizable to the dimensions you need. If you’re unsure, consult a professional.

How long does peel-and-stick wallpaper last? Generally, peel-and-stick wallpapers can last and look decent for five or more years. Several factors contribute to its longevity and durability, including a clean surface wall, an initial secure application, and limited moisture in the air in a room over time.

Can peel-and-stick wallpaper get wet? “Yes, most are water resistant and can withstand water, steam, or moisture,” Meade says. This is especially important if you are using wallpaper in a high-moisture room, like a bathroom.  “That doesn’t mean that they are waterproof,” she adds. 

Other attributes play a role in ensuring the wallpaper lasts and stays adhered to the wall in a high-moisture room. “It’s important to ensure the wallpaper is installed correctly and there is good ventilation in the room of choice,” Meade explains.

Do you need a smooth wall for peel-and-stick wallpaper? As with most small construction jobs, a clean slate and smooth surface is easier when beginning a project. This is the same for starting a wallpaper job as well. In short, clean and smooth walls are always better. 

“Smooth and clean walls are best for wallpaper applications,” Meade says. She says it helps with the adhesion of the paper to the wall and can ensure a sleeker finish. Prepping the wall by removing any old paper is also a good idea. “If you can, always remove any texture or old paper off of the surface,” she suggests. By prepping ahead of time and ensuring a smooth surface, your wallpaper will likely last longer and resist any peeling.

　　 Why Trust Southern Living?

This article was written by Rebecca Jones, a writer for Southern Living who specializes in home, lifestyle, and gardening content. To compile the best peel-and-stick wallpapers, we tested a variety of peel-and-stick wallpapers in our lab and evaluated them based on ease of application, design, ease of removal, value, comparison to others, and durability. We also gleaned insight from Southern designers: Andrea Meade is the principal designer and owner of Ellie Cate Home in Birmingham. Shivani Vyas is the operations lead and senior interior designer, while Meredith McKenzie is the owner and principal designer at The Selective Design in Macon, Georgia.

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