We independently evaluate all of our recommendations. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Shopping Home Products Home Decor The 9 Best Removable Wallpapers of 2024, Tested and Reviewed Plus, advice from an interior designer on how to use removable wallpaper like a pro. By Melanie Fincher Melanie Fincher Melanie Fincher is a commerce editor with four years of experience writing product reviews and lifestyle content. She was the former SEO writer for Allrecipes, covering product reviews, cooking tutorials, and food news. Real Simple's Editorial Guidelines Updated on February 12, 2024 In This Article View All In This Article Our Top Picks Reviews Final Verdict Our Testing Process How to Shop More to Consider FAQs Take Our Word for It What Is Real Simple Selects? Photo: Real Simple / Dera Burreson Peel-and-stick removable wallpaper works just like it sounds—simply peel off the backing and stick it onto the wall. Ideally, you should be able to remove and reapply removable wallpaper as needed, making it ideal for renters or commitment-phobes looking for alternatives to painting or to hanging traditional wallpaper. However, as many people with experience using "removable" wallpaper can tell you, it does not always work as described. To keep you from experiencing removable wallpaper disasters, we tested 28 different removable wallpapers in our Lab and evaluated them on ease of application, design, ease of removal, and overall value. For expert insight into buying and using removable wallpaper, we spoke to Alessandra Wood, Ph.D, design historian and former vice president of style at the online interior design service Modsy. "Removable wallpaper is an easy, low commitment way to totally transform your space," says Wood. "You can add daring colors and patterns, lean into fun trends, and create a unique backdrop that's fairly easy to change when you tire of it. It's also a great option for renters to make a space feel more personalized without sacrificing your deposit." Keep reading for more of our top removable wallpaper picks. You'll also find expert tips for buying and using removable wallpaper to add interest to your space. Our Top Picks Best Overall Removable Wallpaper: RoomMates Awning Stripe Wallpaper at Amazon $30 Jump to Review Best Budget Removable Wallpeper: MelunMer Geometric Wallpaper at Amazon $30 Jump to Review Best Splurge Removable Wallpaper: Wallshøppe Arance Dolci Wallpaper at Wallshoppe.com Jump to Review Best Removable Wallpaper for Large Spaces: Anewall Grey & White Marble Wallpaper at Anewall.com $419 Jump to Review Best Modern Removable Wallpaper: NuWallpaper Charcoal Meraki Wallpaper at Walmart $28 Jump to Review Best Floral Removable Wallpaper: Rifle Paper Co. Luxembourg Peel & Stick Wallpaper at Wayfair $60 Jump to Review Best Animal Print Removable Wallpaper: SALE Tempaper x Genevieve Gorder Feather Flock Peel And Stick Wallpaper at Amazon $35 $29 Jump to Review Best Botanical Removable Wallpaper: Chasing Paper Botany Peel and Stick Wallpaper at Chasingpaper.com $6 Jump to Review Best Farmhouse Removable Wallpaper: Magnolia Home by Joanna Gaines Olive Branch Peel-and-Stick Wallpaper at Wayfair $47 Jump to Review Best Overall Removable Wallpaper RoomMates Awning Stripe Wallpaper PHOTO: Amazon $30 at Amazon $22 at Home Depot $34 at Michaels What Stands Out It's very easy to remove, even after several months of use. What Could Be Improved Bumps and textures on the wall were visible on the white portions of the wallpaper. Removable wallpaper is ideal for renters or DIY-inclined homeowners because it's a low commitment way to add color and texture to your space without damaging your walls (and without losing your security deposit when it comes time to move out!). This wallpaper is particularly well suited for renters or DIYers because it can be saved and reused in different rooms, giving your space a fresh feel whenever you want it. We found this wallpaper to be easy to cut, peel, and apply. It sticks to the wall while still allowing for adjustments, and it's easy to smooth out any bubbles or wrinkles. The thick vinyl feels durable and does not pull or tear as you adjust. We had no issue peeling it away from the wall to remove it, too, even after several months of use. In fact, we found that it stayed fully intact with no tearing, and could even be saved for future use. The simple striped design is easy to line up, and is available in both black and beige stripes. The finish is smooth; however, we found it did highlight any bumps or texture in the wall, particularly on the white portions of the wallpaper, but this is only noticeable from up close. Form: Roll | Material: Vinyl | Size: 198 x 20.5 inches | Coverage: 28.2 square feet | Samples Available: No Real Simple / Dera Burreson Real Simple / Dera Burreson Real Simple / Dera Burreson Best Budget Removable Wallpeper MelunMer Geometric Wallpaper PHOTO: Amazon $27 at Amazon What Stands Out It's very forgiving, and easy to fix and reposition as you work. What Could Be Improved You can't order samples. This peel-and-stick wallpaper was made for the beginner DIYer. Its ability to be repositioned during application is a huge help when you're trying to line up the pattern or if you make any mistakes. Plus, the back of the paper has gridlines to help you cut and align the wallpaper, which is especially helpful considering the intricate pattern of the design. We found this wallpaper to be easy to cut with a utility knife, and what minimal bubbling there was came out with the use of a squeegee. During removal, the wallpaper peeled back from the wall very easily, without removing any paint or drywall or leaving behind tacky residue. And it remained just as easy to apply and reposition as it was during the initial application. The vinyl is scratch-resistant and easy to clean, and comes in three different roll sizes. You can't order samples though, which is a con for those who want to test it out in their space before committing to an entire roll. Overall though, its affordability, various size options, and easy application and removal make it a great choice for the renter or home project newbie who wants to add a bold accent wall to their space. Form: Roll | Material: Vinyl | Size: 118 x 17.7 inches, 197 x 17.7 inches, or 393 x 17.7 inches | Coverage: 14.5 square feet, 24.3 square feet, or 48.2 square feet | Samples Available: No Real Simple / Dera Burreson Real Simple / Dera Burreson Real Simple / Dera Burreson Best Splurge Removable Wallpaper Wallshøppe Arance Dolci Wallpaper PHOTO: Wallshoppe View on Wallshoppe.com What Stands Out The colors are vivid and really pop on the wall. What Could Be Improved It's thick, so it's a bit hard to cut. This citrus-themed wallpaper is a modern take on the iconic fruit-themed wallpaper in your grandma's kitchen. It's available in six different color schemes and is perfect for a kitchen, laundry room, or anywhere you want to add a bold pop of color. The backing pulled away very easily during our initial application, and the paper was easy to reposition along the way. Made from 100% eco-friendly paper, this is the only wallpaper on our list made from paper-based materials. It has a sophisticated matte finish and the bright colors show up beautifully—a major advantage of paper. Plus, it's very thick, which makes it easy to apply and helps to cover imperfections on the wall. However, we did have some difficulties cutting around the outlet cover due to the thickness of the paper. Finally, removal and reapplication was just as easy as the initial application, and there was no stretching or tearing. On the downside, this paper is very pricey given the amount of coverage you get, and you'll likely need to purchase multiple panels to cover a substantial amount of wall space. We recommend purchasing a sample first, given the price and the fact that the panels are made-to-order, and therefore nonrefundable. Form: Panel | Material: Paper | Size: 26 x 54 inches, 26 x 108 inches, or 26 x 144 inches | Coverage: 9.4 square feet | Samples Available: Yes Real Simple / Dera Burreson Best Removable Wallpaper for Large Spaces Anewall Grey & White Marble Wallpaper PHOTO: Anewall $419 at Anewall.com What Stands Out It comes pre-cut into six panels, making it easy to wallpaper a large space. What Could Be Improved It wants to stick to itself, so reapplying is a bit challenging. The Anewall Modern Marble Peel & Stick Wallpaper comes pre-cut into six large panels, totaling more than 100 square feet of wall coverage. We found the application process to be seamless: The PVC-free vinyl glided down the wall with ease and accumulated very few air bubbles. Plus, the marble pattern is not repeating, so lining it up isn't an issue. We found it simple to readjust this wallpaper during application without any tearing or stretching, and the pre-cut panels cut down on the length of the application process. When it came time to remove this wallpaper, it peeled away from the wall without leaving behind any damage or residue. However, it was a little staticky and wanted to stick to itself, which made reapplying it a bit of a challenge. After six months of use, we found the removal process to be fairly easy—a small portion of paint did lift off, but there was zero residue left behind on the wall. The marble pattern adds a touch of elegance to any space, and samples are available so you can get a feel for what it will look like in your space before committing. And if your wall is larger than the standard size, you can contact Anewall to place a custom order. Form: Panel | Material: PVC-free vinyl | Size: 141 x 108 inches (six 23.50- by 108-inch panels) | Coverage: 106 square feet | Samples Available: Yes Real Simple / Dera Burreson Best Modern Removable Wallpaper NuWallpaper Charcoal Meraki Wallpaper PHOTO: Walmart $28 at Walmart View on Wallpops.com $28 at Home Depot What Stands Out It's very easy to smooth out wrinkles and bubbles. What Could Be Improved It's a busy design, so it does require some precision to line up. The modern, abstract design of this painterly-style wallpaper will add depth to your walls, while complementing most decor styles (but samples are available if you want to test it out first). We found that working in smaller sections is key to applying this wallpaper, because it's on the thinner side of those we tested. However, it was easy to smooth out any wrinkles or bubbles. The flipside of the busy design is that it can be a little difficult to line up, because there are so many areas to match up, so having a helper will make the process much easier. During removal, the wallpaper peeled away from the wall without tearing or leaving behind any residue. Unfortunately, it seemed to be less adhesive on the second application and more prone to wrinkling, so keep this in mind if you plan to reuse your wallpaper in the future. On the whole, though, this wallpaper has a beautiful, highly saturated design and covers a large wall space, but it wasn't the most resilient of those we tested. Form: Roll | Material: Vinyl | Size: 216 x 20.5 inches | Coverage: 30.8 square feet | Samples Available: Yes Real Simple / Dera Burreson Real Simple / Dera Burreson Real Simple / Dera Burreson Real Simple / Dera Burreson Best Floral Removable Wallpaper Rifle Paper Co. Luxembourg Peel & Stick Wallpaper $60 at Wayfair View on Riflepaperco.com $60 at Home Depot What Stands Out It's very high-quality with a seamless application. What Could Be Improved You have to be precise when lining it up. We were blown away with the flawless application of this wallpaper, and think that even someone without experience could use this product and have it look like a professional application. The semi-matte, non-woven material is very thick (which is great for covering any imperfections on the wall) and easy to apply—what few bubbles there were could be smoothed out by hand, no tools necessary. Plus, it can be cleaned with a damp cloth or sponge. The intricate pattern does require you to line it up precisely, so it's a good thing this wallpaper is exceptionally easy to reposition without sticking to itself or the wall until you're ready to smooth it down. When it came time to remove the wallpaper, we found that it pulled off flawlessly without leaving behind any residue. But this wallpaper really stands out for its timeless, highly-saturated floral design that's inspired by French palace gardens. It's available in three different color schemes, including black, navy, and white. Form: Roll | Material: Non-woven | Size: 240 x 27 inches | Coverage: 45 square feet | Samples Available: Yes Real Simple / Dera Burreson Real Simple / Dera Burreson Real Simple / Dera Burreson Real Simple / Dera Burreson Best Animal Print Removable Wallpaper Tempaper x Genevieve Gorder Feather Flock Peel And Stick Wallpaper $29 at Amazon $39 at Target $40 at Walmart What Stands Out It's a high-quality material that comes in five color schemes. What Could Be Improved It's not a good option if you want to reuse it. A chic, playful design, like that of this bird-themed wallpaper, can completely transform a room, and the neutral color scheme will coordinate with any existing color palette. This wallpaper applied easily, with very few bubbles, all of which were easy to smooth out. Plus, it repositioned beautifully without tearing or pulling, laying back down over and over again without losing its stickiness. However, we wouldn't recommend attempting to reuse it in another room, because we found it to be a bit difficult to work with and more prone to bubbling after removing the entire panel and reapplying it. Plus, we found it a bit difficult to remove after six months—it stretched out once we pulled it off, and it did remove some paint. Still, we love the pattern and color options (there are five total), and think this is a high-quality option that has luxe vibes. Form: Roll | Material: Vinyl | Size: 198 x 20.5 inches | Coverage: 28 square feet | Samples Available: Yes Real Simple / Dera Burreson Real Simple / Dera Burreson Real Simple / Dera Burreson Real Simple / Dera Burreson Best Botanical Removable Wallpaper Chasing Paper Botany Peel and Stick Wallpaper PHOTO: Crate and Barrel $6 at Chasingpaper.com $15 at Havenly.com $15 at West Elm What Stands Out It has a unique textured feel. What Could Be Improved The weave makes it difficult to cut without leaving behind strings. This high-quality wallpaper is made from woven polyester, which gives it a slightly textured, rough finish. It comes in three different highly saturated pastels, each with a modern floral design, as well as three different size options. We found the paper to be easy to work with, particularly because the backing is slightly larger than the actual wallpaper, making it easy to peel off as you go. However, because of the weave of the fabric, it can be a little difficult to cut around outlets or windows without leaving behind visible strings, although a sharper tool can help achieve a smoother cut (we only used utility knives). The ultra-strong adhesive had a tendency to stick to itself when we attempted to remove and reapply this wallpaper, so having a second person might be useful to avoid this issue. But the paper removed cleanly from the wall without any damage or lingering residue, and was just as easy to apply the second time once we were able to keep it from sticking to itself. Form: Roll | Material: PVC-free poly-woven fabric | Size: 48 x 24 inches, 96 x 24 inches, and 144 x 24 inches | Coverage: 8, 16, and 24 square feet | Samples Available: Yes Real Simple / Dera Burreson Real Simple / Dera Burreson Real Simple / Dera Burreson Best Farmhouse Removable Wallpaper Magnolia Home by Joanna Gaines Olive Branch Peel-and-Stick Wallpaper PHOTO: Target $47 at Wayfair $32 at Target $47 at Home Depot What Stands Out It looks more expensive than it is. What Could Be Improved It doesn't have gridlines, making it difficult to cut. If you're a fan of Joanna Gaines' farmhouse aesthetic and modern interpretation of wood paneling or shiplap, then you'll love this wallpaper. We were very impressed with the quality of this wallpaper given the price and coverage it provides. The olive branch pattern comes in three different shades—charcoal, olive, and teal—all of which are highly saturated and printed on smooth, non-woven wallpaper. We found the wallpaper to apply smoothly, although it did have the occasional wrinkle, most of which could be smoothed out. We did struggle to apply it around the outlet cover without tearing, and recommend removing the outlet cover prior to applying the wallpaper. In terms of removal, the paper pulled away from the wall very easily without damaging it or leaving behind any residue. Plus, it didn't stick to itself when we reapplied it. We do wish it featured gridlines, but we still managed to fare well without them. Form: Roll | Material: Non-woven | Size: 240 x 20.5 inches | Coverage: 34 square feet | Samples Available: Yes Real Simple / Dera Burreson Real Simple / Dera Burreson Real Simple / Dera Burreson Real Simple / Dera Burreson Final Verdict Our top pick is the RoomMates Awning Stripe Peel and Stick Wallpaper because it's very easy to apply and remove, even for the wallpaper novice. Plus, it's easy to reuse, giving you more bang for your buck. For a more budget-friendly pick, we like the MelunMer Geometric Wallpaper because it's easy to reposition during application in case you make a mistake. Our Testing Process We put 28 removable wallpapers to the test in our Lab. Each wallpaper was applied by one tester, working alone, with only a step ladder, squeegee, utility knife, and tape measure available for use. For the initial application, we applied two vertical panels or sections on a piece of drywall—all drywall sections measured 8 x 4 feet with an outlet cover placed somewhere on the wall. The sections were also smooth and painted a few weeks in advance of the test with a white satin or semi-gloss paint. We evaluated the ease of application based on how easy it was to handle the wallpaper, remove the backing, reposition the panel, smooth out any bubbles, line up the pattern, and cut the paper. After applying the wallpaper, we assessed the quality and consistency of the wallpaper design, taking note of any imperfections in the printing, the vibrancy of the colors, the texture, the feel, and the overall appearance. After 15 minutes, we removed the wallpaper, starting from a corner and slowly pulling the paper away from drywall. We evaluated the ease of removal based on how easily the wallpaper came off, whether it was stretched or misshapen after removal, whether it damaged the paint or drywall, and whether it left behind any tackiness. We then reapplied the wallpaper using the same process as they did for the initial application, noting whether there was any difference in the wallpaper during the second application. Finally, we received the price of each wallpaper, and were asked to evaluate its overall value, taking into account its performance and materials. We then kept the wallpapered drywall sections in storage and evaluated the panels for any signs of imperfection or adhesive failure after three months and again after six months. How to Shop for Removable Wallpaper Like a Pro Rolls vs. Panels Removable wallpaper comes in two different forms: Rolls and panels. Rolls of wallpaper are longer and will need to be trimmed to length for installation. Panels of wallpaper are vertical sections that are meant to be hung side by side. Although, it can be easy to confuse the two because panels often come packaged rolled up in tubes. One or two panels can be great for a small accent wall, while rolls are printed in large quantities. Material Vinyl: Most removable wallpaper is made from vinyl, which has many advantages: It's affordable, scrubbable, moisture-resistant, and easy to apply and remove. However, it's made with a type of plastic called polyvinyl chloride (PVC), and is therefore not the most environmentally-friendly option (although you can find PVC-free vinyl). In terms of aesthetics, some vinyl wallpaper can have a less sophisticated feel than fabric or paper-based wallpaper: "Some vinyl-based removable wallpaper can look thin and cheap making a space feel more youthful and less grown-up," says Wood. Whether or not you choose vinyl will really come down to your personal preferences and environmental concerns. It makes a great option for renters because it's easy to remove and budget-friendly, and it's ideal for high-moisture environments like the bathroom. Plus, its easy-to-clean surface makes it a lifesaver for parents or pet owners. Non-woven wallpaper: You may find some wallpapers labeled "non-woven." This refers to a type of fibrous material made from synthetic and natural fibers. It provides more durability than paper-based materials, yet can also bring peace of mind to those with concerns about the potential environmental impacts of vinyl. Woven polyester: Made from a 100 percent polyester fabric with a woven texture, woven polyester (aka poly-woven fabric) is another common material used to make removable wallpaper. Like vinyl, it's made from plastic. Some people may prefer the matte finish and feel of woven wallpaper. Plus, it's easy to care for—simply wipe it down with a damp cloth or dust to clean. Avoid strong cleaners, as these can lift the color from the fabric. Paper or paper-based: It's hard to beat the classic look of paper wallpaper, although it has largely been surpassed by vinyl when it comes to removable wallpaper, as it's far less durable. Colors and patterns show up beautifully on paper, and it can have a more grown-up look to it than vinyl. A thicker paper can be easier to apply and can help to conceal small imperfections. Size This may go without saying, but be sure to measure your walls to determine how much wallpaper you need (learn how to measure for wallpaper below). If your wall is larger than the standard size, some companies offer custom-sized panels or rolls. Design Removable wallpaper is a low-commitment way to add a pop of color to your space: "I love bold patterns that really pop because if you're going to put in the time and effort, you might as well make a statement!" says Wood. "Take risks and go bold because you can always change your mind! If you choose an accent wall, you might have fun painting the other walls in the space to match a color in the paper, or if you wallpaper the entire room, you could match the trim to a fun color in the paper." Samples Just as you would sample a paint color before painting your walls, you may also want to sample wallpaper before applying it. A sample can help you see whether the wallpaper appears true to the colors online, the texture of the paper, and the size of the design elements. Not all companies offer samples of removable wallpaper, so take this into consideration when choosing. More Removable Wallpaper to Consider Tempaper Pastel Palm Wallpaper: We love the subtle tropical design of this wallpaper, especially for a coastal home. However, it was on the thinner side and seemed more prone to wrinkling than other wallpapers we tested. NuWallpaper Breezy Peel & Stick Wallpaper: This is a great budget option, especially for the novice wallpaper user. It still looks perfect after six months of use, but we don't like that the wall needs to be totally smooth for it to look good. Questions You Might Ask How do you measure how much wallpaper you need? Design experts agree that properly measuring your walls first is crucial to knowing how much wallpaper to buy and a top tip for successful peel-and stick-wallpaper installation. Start by calculating the square footage of the space you'd like to cover by multiplying the length of the wall by the height of the wall. "If you're doing multiple walls or the ceiling, calculate each one separately and then add each wall together for your total square footage," says Wood. "Then you'll take the total square footage and divide it by the square footage each roll covers. This will tell you how many rolls you need to order." Wood also suggests adding an additional 20% to your total square footage to ensure you have enough to match up patterns or make mistakes. How do you apply removable wallpaper? As the name would suggest, peel-and-stick wallpaper is very easy to apply, and because it's removable, you can easily adjust it as you go. Prior to application, prep the surface by wiping any dust or dirt off with a damp cloth and allow the walls to fully dry. Next, line up the wallpaper panel with the top of the wall, remove the wallpaper from the backing in small sections (to avoid it sticking to itself), stick it to the wall, and smooth it out using a smoothing tool (such as a squeegee). Of course, you should also review the manufacturer's hanging instructions prior to application. "I like to lay out the paper on the wall, line up the patterns, and cut each piece before exposing the glue," says Wood. "Be sure you have a ladder, and work from top to bottom as you stick the paper to the wall. A squeegee and a level are also helpful, allowing you to remove bubbles as you go and ensure the print is level. Also, a partner to help makes a huge difference!" Be sure to take note of the finishes of your walls, too. Wallpaper may have trouble sticking to textured walls. And don't apply wallpaper to freshly painted walls, as this can make them hard to remove and damage the paint—Wood suggests waiting at least two to three weeks after painting to apply removable wallpaper. How do you remove removable wallpaper? When you're ready to remove your wallpaper, simply start at the corner of the panel and peel it off slowly and steadily—take your time to avoid damage. If you have trouble, Wood suggests using heat to help loosen the adhesive, such as that from an electric steamer or hair dryer. Take Our Word for It This article was written by Melanie Fincher, a commerce editor with nearly four years of experience writing product reviews and lifestyle content. To compile this list, we tested 28 removable wallpapers in our Lab and evaluated them based on their ease of application, design, ease of removal, and overall value. For expert tips on buying and using removable wallpaper, we spoke to Alessandra Wood, Ph.D, design historian and former vice president of style at the online interior design service Modsy. What Is Real Simple Selects? Next to each product on this list, you may have noticed a Real Simple Selects seal of approval. Any product appearing alongside that seal has been vetted by our team—put through tests and graded on its performance to earn a spot on our list. Although we buy most of the products we test, sometimes we do get samples from companies if purchasing a product ourselves isn't an option. All products go through the same rigorous process, whether they are purchased or sent by the company. Love our recommendations? Check out more products that have earned the Real Simple Selects, from humidifiers to cordless vacuums.