Hey friends! I’m back with another home decor adventure to share. Lately, I’ve noticed removable wallpaper all over home design magazines and websites. It seems like the new trendy thing – peel it on, peel it off. No commitment, no mess. Too good to be true? That’s exactly what I wanted to find out!
Contents
What Exactly is Removable Wallpaper?
For those unfamiliar with the concept, removable wallpaper is pretty much what it sounds like – wallpaper designed to peel off easily when you’re ready for a change. It attaches to the wall with a unique adhesive but supposedly comes off without leaving any gunk or residue behind.
There are a few key differences compared to traditional wallpaper:
- Made for removability: The materials used are meant to come off clean, not permanently stuck.
- Temporary design: Removable wallpaper lets you switch looks whenever the mood strikes.
- Renter-friendly: No need to worry about damages or deposits. Removable wallpaper is tenant-approved!
- Reusable: Some removable wallpaper styles can be reapplied multiple times.
- Variety of materials: From washable fabrics to vinyl-coated papers, there’s an array of textures and looks.
So, in theory, you can customize your space with bold patterns or colors while still keeping your security deposit intact when it’s time to move out. Sounds perfect, right? But does it live up to the claims? Let’s dig in a little deeper…
Why People Love Removable Wallpaper
Over the past few years, removable wallpaper has exploded in popularity. Here are a few reasons why:
Perfect for Renters and Temporary Spaces
Renters rejoice! Removable wallpaper allows you to customize a space that doesn’t belong to you. There is no need to stick to bland white walls just because you’re not the property owner.
Many landlords even encourage using removable wallpaper since it’s an easy, non-permanent upgrade. Now, you can infuse your unique style into an apartment without stressing about losing a security deposit. It’s a win-win!
Fun Way to Change Up Your Décor
Removable wallpaper makes it easy to give a room a quick makeover. Changing your environment now and then is refreshing and stimulating.
With just a few peeled-off panels, you can transform the look from modern to traditional, bright colors to neutrals, bold shapes to subtle prints. The possibilities are endless.
It’s an affordable way to try out different styles before committing to a permanent look. Plus, it makes decorating for seasons or holidays a breeze.
Myriad of Patterns and Textures
Another perk of removable wallpaper is the vast range of options available. From floral prints to abstract watercolors, quilted faux leather to grasscloth – you name it, it exists.
Many companies are also now offering fully customizable prints. Upload your photos or designs for a unique feature wall.
The variety in texture is fantastic, too. Just one accent wall can add a whole new element of visual interest through touch.
Potential Pitfalls to Watch For
Of course, as with any decor product, removable wallpaper comes with its own set of caveats. Before you get to peelin’, be aware of a few potential issues:
Tricky Alignment and Wraparound Corners
Proper alignment is vital for any wallpaper application, including removable options. Mismatched seams or peeling corners can quickly make your feature wall look like a failed craft project.
Be sure to smooth out each panel carefully during application. Don’t be afraid to peel off and reposition if something looks off. Take time with the corners and edges to get a professionally wrapped finish.
Air Bubbles and Wrinkling
Trapped air bubbles are another common wallpaper nightmare. They look unsightly and will only get worse over time. Be vigilant about removing any bubbles with a smoothing tool during application.
Wrinkles can also form if the adhesive gets creased or folded during installation. Again, slow and steady is the key to smooth results.
Clean Removal Takes Patience
While removable wallpaper is designed to…you know…be removable, it still takes patience and care to get a clean peel. Ripping it down quickly will likely leave shredded paper and adhesive residue behind.
Plan to dedicate sufficient time for a careful removal process. Be prepared with the proper tools and tricks for your wallpaper (more details below!).
Peel-Off Process and Top Tips
What does the removable wallpaper application and removal process look like? Here’s the step-by-step:
Choosing Your Spot
Think about where you want your removable wallpaper accent. Is it for a small powder room? An entire living room accent wall? Make sure to measure the dimensions and purchase adequate yardage.
Carefully inspect the wall surface for any bumps, cracks, or unevenness. Smooth or prep the area if needed so the wallpaper will adhere evenly.
Application Time
Start in one corner and smooth the wallpaper onto the wall with a brush or plastic smoother. Working slowly outward from the center, remove any bubbles or wrinkles.
Use a sharp utility knife to trim around outlets, corners, and edges for a clean look. Take your time and double-check the alignment as you move across the surface.
Time to Peel
When you’re ready to remove it, gently lift one corner. Slowly pull back at a 45-degree angle, coaxing the wallpaper away bit by bit. Be patient!
Use a heat gun or hair dryer to soften the adhesive, allowing you to peel it back more quickly. Moisten any stubborn areas with soapy water.
Cleanup and Touch-ups
Once it’s off, wipe down the wall with a damp cloth or sponge to remove any adhesive residue left behind. Allow the wall to fully dry before assessing if any touch-ups are needed.
After removing the wallpaper, you may notice some cracked paint or nail holes. To patch and smooth, use spackling paste or drywall compound as needed.
Real Life Testimonials
Are you curious how removable wallpaper has worked out for real people? Here are a few first-hand experiences:
Sarah H. from Dallas, TX:
“I used temporary wallpaper in my rental apartment for an accent wall in my living room. It definitely made the plain white space feel more homey and personalized. The pattern I chose was pretty basic, just some subtle gray lines. I had no major issues applying or removing it when I moved out. A few spots of residue needed extra scrubbing, but it came off cleanly overall. My landlord was happy I didn’t paint or do anything permanent. I would use removable wallpaper in a rental again!”
James R. from Denver, CO:
“My wife and I used NuWallpaper to create a mountain mural for our son’s bedroom. He loves nature and hiking, so it felt like a fun, outdoorsy theme. Applying it was pretty easy – we watched their video tutorials, which helped. What we didn’t expect was how difficult it would be to remove! We needed to use a steamer and scraper to get the paper off bit by bit slowly. Some adhesive stains still left on the wall will need repainting. So, while it was technically ‘removable,’ it didn’t come off nearly as easily as we had hoped. Next time, we’ll stick to something simpler.”
Maria S. from Los Angeles, CA:
“I recently moved into a beautiful Spanish-style home, but the interior design was very dated. We used removable wallpaper on an accent wall in my dining room as a short-term fix. I chose a pattern with teal and navy tiles and metallic accents. It transformed the space instantly, giving it a modern Moroccan feel. I didn’t run into any issues during application or removal. Although it’s only been a few months, I’m also impressed with the durability. The wallpaper still looks smooth, with no peeling edges or discoloration yet. I recommend this removable paper brand to anyone looking to spruce up a space temporarily.”
Creative Uses for Removable Wallpaper
Beyond just feature or accent walls, people are finding fun new ways to incorporate removable wallpaper throughout their homes:
- Create a custom mural in a child’s room with forest animals, superheroes, ballerinas, or anything they love! The mural is easy to change as the child grows.
- Add a pop of pattern inside closets or cabinets. The bold prints will peek through when doors are open.
- Use it to camouflage an eyesore, like covering an old backsplash until you can upgrade it.
- Because of its thickness and texture, removable wallpaper can even be applied to some furniture pieces. For a hidden surprise, try adding it inside bookcases or dresser drawers.
The possibilities are endless – it’s all about getting creative! Share your own unique removable wallpaper ideas below.
Parting Thoughts
So what’s the final verdict? Does removable wallpaper live up to its easy-peel claims? In my experience, the answer is…kind of!
If chosen and installed carefully, removable wallpaper can be a game-changing decor upgrade, allowing you to customize and quickly refresh your space. So, yes, it does deliver on its promises.
However, temper your expectations on just how easily it will be removed. Be prepared for a slow, methodical peeling process, especially if the wallpaper has been up for an extended time. Factoring in clean-up and repairs, the removal process can take hours or even days.
My advice? Only use removable wallpaper if you’re willing to devote time to its deliberate removal later. Consider hiring a professional installer and removal service to guarantee immaculate results.
Removable wallpaper is a worthwhile investment for most renters or homeowners decorating on a budget. Just do your homework, read reviews, and properly set your expectations.
With the proper prep and patience, you can have it all – customized, stylish walls and your security deposit back!
Do you have any other questions? I’m happy to chat more about my experiences with removable wallpaper.
