How to Hang Removable Wallpaper

I have installed removable wallpaper many times in our home, and today I’m going to share how to hang removable wallpaper.

Removable (also known as peel-and-stick) wallpaper is a fantastic solution for renters, those with commitment issues, or for people like me who live with someone who thinks wallpaper is a nightmare.

Steve spent one summer while in law school removing wallpaper from an apartment complex. Luckily removable wallpaper is THE EASIEST thing to remove, so even he’s on board with peel-and-stick wallpaper.

I recently removed removable wallpaper from our kitchen nook, and it was all down in under 10 minutes with NO damage to the walls. Now, hanging it is a different story, but with some time and patience, you too can have beautifully papered walls (without the commitment)!

Hygge & West gifted me with this gorgeous wallpaper. All opinions are 100% mine.

I added Hygge & West’s Piedmont in Mist to our entryway. Entryways (or foyers), hallways, and bathrooms are my favorite spots to add wallpaper.

Here’s a before of our entryway:

And the beautiful after:

How to Hang Removable Wallpaper

Supplies:

• Tape Measure
• Level
• Razor Knife
• Scissors
• Pencil
• Smoother (I would recommend a plastic smoother)
• Removeable/Peel-and-Stick Wallpaper

Hanging the Wallpaper

Recruit a Friend

You may want to recruit a friend to help because removable wallpaper can be tricky. It doesn’t give like traditional, pasted wallpaper. Think of it as a giant sticker – it doesn’t shift. You will find that you will have to apply and remove it over and over until you get it in the correct spot.

Strategize Where to Begin

You want to be strategic about where you begin installing the wallpaper. I began on the wall at the front door and then worked on the opposite wall. I left the sidewalls for last so I could hide where the wallpaper didn’t match above the doorway.

Pre-Cut the Wallpaper

You will have to do this one at a time – don’t try to pre-cut the wallpaper at once. I allow several inches at the top and bottom and check measurements twice.

Begin at the Top

Start from the and move down and take your time. It is important to get that first-panel level because otherwise, you’ll see a slow slope as you move around the room.

I like to work in 2 – 3 foot sections. I remove the first 2-3 feet of backing, and once I’m confident where it is and have it smooth, I move on to the next section.

Use the smoothing tool to remove bubbles. You can push bubbles down or out to the sides.

Trim Excess Paper

Trim excess paper at the ceiling and baseboard with a straight edge (I used my smoother)and sharp X-ACTO (I switched out my blade fairly often).

Repeat

Repeat the process. Pay attention to the repeat and line up as closely as possible – you shouldn’t need to overlap.

Tips & Tricks

• Don’t get discouraged. Like with everything, practice will make you better. Allow yourself plenty of time so you don’t feel rushed.

• Cut the paper in the corners. I know this is added work and more room for mistakes, but I found the paper bubbles in the corners if you don’t cut the paper.

• If you’re hanging paper on an edge without trim, fold the paper around the wall so you can have and easy line to cut using scissors. Be sure to not allow even a small amount to hang over or you will risk the wallpaper getting snagged/pulled.

• Get creative when you are hanging the last pieces and the pattern doesn’t meet. I ended up with a rabbit/quail hybrid, but luckily I had planned ahead and it’s hidden in a spot most people won’t see. I cut out some leaves and berries to hide the seam.

• Small projects always lead to bigger projects. After I hung the paper, I didn’t love the color of the trim or ceiling, so I ended up repainting both!

Do you have any additional tips for how to hang removable wallpaper? Share them in the comment section!

See the reel I share over on Instagram HERE.

Love wallpaper? Check out some of my favorites HERE.

Go create something!

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