This isn’t your mama’s wallpaper! I’m sharing my best tips on how to apply peel and stick wallpaper to up-level your next room makeover!
If you want to see real-life behind-the-scenes on how I applied this wallpaper, check out this video below. However, I do have some bonus tips for you below that weren’t in this video!
Video: How To Apply Peel & Stick Wallpaper + Girl’s Farmhouse Bedroom Reveal
Why should I apply peel & stick wallpaper?
Peel and stick wallpaper can transform a room for little cost, minimal time and mess, and no damage to your walls. Unlike painting, this project can be done in short spurts of time with no mess to clean up! I don’t know about you but I love a mess-free DIY!
With so many print and color options out there, you’re sure to find the perfect wallpaper to refresh your space. Applying peel and stick wallpaper can really impact a room – becoming the statement piece or the focal point of the space.
Is it hard to apply peel and stick wallpaper?
There is a bit of a learning curve when it comes to peel and stick wallpaper. The complexity of your project may depend on your wall and your wallpaper design choice. Overall, peel and stick wallpaper is a manageable DIY project even if this is your first time applying wallpaper.
I’m confident with this helpful how-to below you’ll be admiring your new wallpapered space in no time!
What You’ll Need:
- Peel and Stick Wallpaper (Measure your walls to ensure you purchase the right number of rolls for your area. Keep in mind you’ll need excess because you’ll have to line up the print as you go – There will be some waste so order extra!)
- Scissors
- Tape
- X-Acto knife or razor blade (box cutter works too)
- Old credit card (for smoothing)
- Pin or Needle (in case of stubborn bubbles)
- A smooth and clean wall! (peel and stick wallpaper is not generally recommended for textured walls)
How to Apply Peel and Stick Wallpaper:
- Measure your wall and cut the wallpaper off the roll in the correct length.
- Start at the top: Peel back the first few inches of the roll and affix to your wall as close as possible to the ceiling. Rub this area to ensure it’s secured well.
- Work downward: Next, peel off the backing in larger sections (about 12”-15” at a time) and use your hands to swiftly and smoothly adhere it to the wall working in a downward motion. If you feel a crease or bubble begin to form, simply peel it back off of the wall and try again.
- Repeat until you reach the bottom of your wall with the first panel.
- Cut off the excess: Use your razor blade to trim the bottom edge of the wallpaper. Keep your scraps! You may need to use them later.
- Begin the next panel by unrolling the wallpaper and finding where the pattern matches up to the print on the first panel on the wall. You will most likely have some waste here depending on your print (but remember, keep those scraps and use them where you can!)
- Complete: Once you have matched up your print you can measure again and repeat steps 1-5 for the next panel and each panel after that until you complete your wall.
My Tips & Takeaways For Peel And Stick Wallpaper:
Tip #1: Keep your scraps!
You’ll want to utilize these where you can to cut down on waste. Scraps also come in handy for those stubborn areas. For example, I had to wallpaper around a window with crown molding which was quite tedious and I did end up patching in some small pieces to cover the corners. No one will ever notice and I was so thankful I had those small scraps to complete that area.
Tip # 2: Use tape as an extra set of hands
Unless you have a buddy to help you with this project I would recommend using some tape to temporarily hold your wallpaper in place at the top as you line up the print of each panel. It can be helpful in the measuring and cutting phase of this project.
Tip #3: Removing bubbles
You will most likely experience some bubbles here and there during application. The best way to rid your wallpaper of bubbles is to peel back and reapply. However, you may have some stubborn areas and for these I would recommend using an old credit card to smooth the bubbles out. You can also use the pin or needle to pop the bubbles if necessary to let the air out.
Alright friend, you are fully equipped now to tackle your next room makeover with wallpaper! I can’t wait to hear how it goes! Have fun, you can do it!
Thanks for stopping by today!
-Lauren
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[…] If you’re considering doing peel-and-stick wallpaper anytime soon, check out my tips and tricks in this post here! […]