Hanging peel and stick wallpaper is one of the most satisfying DIY home projects you can do — and one of the most accessible. Unlike traditional wallpaper, which requires paste, a professional installer, and days of drying time, peel and stick wallpaper installs in hours with no tools beyond a level, a smoothing tool, and a sharp craft knife. This step-by-step guide covers everything you need to know to hang peel and stick wallpaper confidently and get a beautiful, professional-looking result.
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What You'll Need
- Peel and stick wallpaper (measure your wall and order 10-15% extra for pattern matching and trimming)
- A level or plumb line
- A smoothing tool or squeegee
- A sharp craft knife or scissors
- A tape measure
- A pencil
- A damp cloth
Step 1: Prepare Your Wall
Clean preparation is the most important step for a successful peel and stick wallpaper installation. Wipe the wall with a damp cloth to remove dust, grease, and any residue. Allow the wall to dry completely — at least 24 hours after cleaning, or longer in humid conditions. Peel and stick wallpaper adheres best to smooth, clean, dry surfaces. If your wall has been recently painted, wait at least 30 days before installing wallpaper to allow the paint to fully cure.
Step 2: Measure and Cut Your First Strip
Measure the height of your wall from ceiling to floor (or from where you want the wallpaper to start to where you want it to end). Add 5cm (2 inches) to the top and bottom for trimming. Cut your first strip to this length. If your wallpaper has a pattern repeat, note the repeat length — you'll need to account for this when cutting subsequent strips to ensure the pattern aligns.
Step 3: Mark a Vertical Guide Line
This is the most important step for a professional result. Use a level and pencil to draw a faint vertical line on the wall where the edge of your first strip will sit. Walls and ceilings are rarely perfectly straight — if you align your first strip to the corner or ceiling, any imperfection will be amplified as you add more strips. A plumb vertical guide line ensures your wallpaper hangs straight regardless of the wall's imperfections.
Step 4: Hang Your First Strip
Peel back the top 30cm (12 inches) of the backing paper from your first strip. Align the edge of the strip with your vertical guide line and the top of the strip with the ceiling (or your desired starting point), leaving a small overlap at the top for trimming. Press the top section firmly against the wall, smoothing out any bubbles with your smoothing tool as you go. Continue peeling the backing paper and smoothing the strip down the wall, working from top to bottom and from the center of the strip outward to push bubbles to the edges.
Step 5: Trim the Edges
Once the strip is fully applied, use a sharp craft knife to trim the excess at the top and bottom. Hold a straight edge or ruler against the wall-ceiling junction and trim carefully for a clean, precise edge. Repeat at the bottom.
Step 6: Hang Subsequent Strips
For the second and subsequent strips, align the edge of the new strip with the edge of the previous strip. If your wallpaper has a pattern repeat, align the pattern before pressing the strip against the wall. Most peel and stick wallpaper uses a butt join — edges meet without overlapping. Smooth each strip from top to bottom, trimming at the top and bottom as you go.
Step 7: Work Around Obstacles
For light switches, outlets, and other obstacles, hang the strip over the obstacle and use a craft knife to carefully cut around it. Turn off the power before working around electrical outlets.
Tips for a Professional Result
- Work slowly: Peel and stick wallpaper is repositionable — if a strip isn't aligned correctly, peel it back and reposition before pressing firmly.
- Smooth thoroughly: Use your smoothing tool to press the wallpaper firmly against the wall, paying particular attention to edges and seams.
- Keep strips straight: Check your vertical alignment every few strips using your level.
- Work in a comfortable temperature: Peel and stick wallpaper adheres best at room temperature. Avoid installing in very cold or very hot conditions.
How to Remove Peel and Stick Wallpaper
When it's time to remove your peel and stick wallpaper, start at a corner and peel slowly at a low angle. Warm the wallpaper slightly with a hairdryer if needed to ease removal. Our wallpaper is designed to remove cleanly without leaving residue or damaging walls when removed carefully.
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Browse our full collection by room — Bedroom, Living Room, Bathroom — or by pattern — Floral, Botanical, Geometric, Neutral — to find your perfect peel and stick wallpaper.