Rental walls are usually white, plain and off limits for paint. Peel and stick wallpaper is the easiest way around that: it gives you a full feature wall in an afternoon and is designed to come off again when you move. This guide covers what to check before you buy, how to measure, how to hang it, and how to remove it.
Pictured: Rustic Copper Patina Peel and Stick Wallpaper, one of our customers' favourites.
Why peel and stick works for renters
- No paste, no water, no mess. The adhesive is already on the back. You peel off the liner and press the panel onto the wall.
- Designed to be removable. When the lease ends you peel it away instead of scraping or steaming.
- Repositionable while you work. If a panel goes on crooked, lift it gently and try again.
- One wall is enough. A single accent wall behind a sofa or bed changes the whole room for a fraction of the cost of a full makeover.
Before you buy: three checks
1. Ask your landlord
Most landlords are fine with removable wallpaper, but check your lease and get a quick yes in writing. A photo of the wall before you start is also useful for move-out day.
2. Check the wall surface
Peel and stick sticks best to smooth, clean, painted walls. Avoid fresh paint (wait at least 3–4 weeks), heavily textured walls, damp walls and flaking paint. If you are unsure, stick a small offcut in a hidden corner for a few days and then peel it off.
3. Pick the right material
Every WallpaperMarkt design is printed to order in four materials:
- Peel & Stick — the go-to choice for renters. Self-adhesive and removable.
- Canvas Peel & Stick — a thicker, fabric-like self-adhesive with a premium textured feel.
- Non-Woven — a traditional paste-the-wall paper. Strippable, but it needs paste, so it is better for homeowners.
- Textured — a paste-applied paper with a tactile surface.
If you rent, choose Peel & Stick or Canvas Peel & Stick.
How to measure your wall
- Measure the width of the wall at the top, middle and bottom. Use the largest number.
- Measure the height at the left, centre and right. Use the largest number.
- Add about 5 cm (2 in) to both width and height so you have a little extra to trim.
- Enter those measurements on the product page. Our murals are printed to your exact wall size, so you only pay for the wall you have.
Tip: use Preview & Buy on any product page to enter your wall size and see how the design will fit before you order. For more detail, read how to measure your wall for a mural.
How to hang peel and stick wallpaper
You will need: a smoothing tool or soft card, a sharp craft knife, a pencil, a spirit level or laser line, and a step ladder.
- Clean the wall. Wipe it with a slightly damp cloth and let it dry completely. Remove outlet covers.
- Draw a vertical guide line. Use a level to mark a straight line for the first panel. Walls and ceilings are rarely perfectly straight, so do not rely on the corner.
- Start at the top. Peel back about 30 cm (12 in) of the liner, line the panel up with your guide and press it on, leaving a little overlap at the ceiling.
- Work downwards. Pull the liner away a little at a time while smoothing from the centre outwards to push out air bubbles.
- Match the next panel. Line up the pattern edge to edge. Mural panels are numbered so they go up in order.
- Trim the excess. Run a sharp blade along the ceiling, skirting board and around sockets. Change the blade often for clean cuts.
Six renter favourites
Sage green botanical leaves
Soft, neutral and calming, and it works in almost any room. Shop Sage Green Botanical Leaf Wallpaper
Black and gold marble
A luxe marble look with no stone and no drilling. Shop Black and Gold Marble Wallpaper
Light grey concrete
Minimalist and modern, an easy upgrade from plain white. Shop Light Gray Concrete Wallpaper
Emerald green concrete
A bold jewel-tone texture for a rental that needs some colour. Shop Emerald Green Concrete Wallpaper
Beige cherry blossom chinoiserie
Delicate blossom branches, elegant behind a bed. Shop Cherry Blossom Chinoiserie Mural
Dark rusty concrete
Industrial loft character for kitchens, hallways and studios. Shop Dark Concrete Texture Wallpaper
How to remove it when you move out
- Start at a top corner and lift the edge with a fingernail or a plastic scraper.
- Peel slowly, pulling the panel back on itself at a low angle rather than straight out from the wall.
- If a panel resists, warm it briefly with a hair dryer on a low setting to soften the adhesive.
- Wipe away any light residue with warm soapy water.
Removal results depend on the paint and wall underneath, which is why the small test patch before you start is worth doing.
Frequently asked questions
Will peel and stick wallpaper damage my walls?
On a smooth, well-cured painted wall it is designed to come off cleanly. Poor-quality or fresh paint can lift, so always test first.
Can I use it in a bathroom or kitchen?
Yes, in well-ventilated areas away from direct water spray. Avoid the inside of showers.
Can I reuse it?
It is best treated as a single-use product. Once removed, the adhesive will not grip as well a second time.
Ready to transform your rental?
Browse our full Peel and Stick Wallpaper collection, or get ideas from 15 living room accent wall ideas. Every mural is printed to order for your exact wall.