News Beat
The best peel and stick wallpaper, tested for application and removal
Wallpaper can bring more interest and texture to a room than a lick of paint, but it also requires commitment. Whether you’re worried about disliking it within a month of the glue drying or you rent and can’t damage the walls, removable peel and stick wallpaper is meant to be a savvy DIY solution.
It comes in countless affordable designs. Generally, it’s made from wipe-clean PVC, vinyl or paper. Whether you apply it to walls or furniture, you simply need a steady hand and the patience to smooth out bubbles and realign the edges until it’s just right.
You’ll find removable wallpaper at B&Q and Dunelm, as well as specialist brands like Peel & Paper. Prices for a roll range from £10 to £80. But the question remains, does it live up to its promise?
As an interiors editor and DIY enthusiast, I wanted to find out. Below are my full reviews of the five designs I tested, plus answers to some frequently asked questions about peel and stick wallpaper. Here’s a quick look:
The best peel and stick wallpapers: At a glance
How to choose the best peel and stick wallpaper
A smart place to start is by considering the room’s existing design, scale, furniture and function. A bold print will enliven a clean, minimalist space and large motifs in a small room can add drama, while moodier hues make a space feel cocooning and intimate.
The room’s use should guide your material choice too. Steamy kitchens and bathrooms benefit from scrubbable, stain-resistant vinyl wallpapers. A nursery, however, may look better dressed in a soft, woven wallpaper with calming designs.
Katerina Tchevytchalova, director at K’Arte Design, says: “I often use peel and stick wallpapers and wall decals in children’s rooms, as they offer a fun and flexible way to update a space as kids grow. They’re suited to playrooms or bedrooms where interests and tastes can change quickly; you can refresh the look without the need for a full redecoration.
“One of the biggest advantages is that they’re completely removable and cause no damage to the walls, making them a fuss-free option for both homeowners and renters. If a section gets damaged, it’s easy to replace it yourself without needing a professional, which makes them wonderfully user-friendly and versatile.”
