Plain white walls are part of almost every rental agreement – but they don't have to be part of your life. Removable peel and stick wallpaper lets you add color, pattern and personality to a rented home, then take it down when you move out. Here's how to do it the right way.
Can you put wallpaper up in a rental?
Traditional pasted wallpaper is usually a no-go for renters: it's messy to apply and can be hard to remove. Peel and stick wallpaper is different. It works like a large, repositionable sticker – there's no paste, no water and no scraping. That's why it has become the go-to choice for apartments and rented homes.
Always check your tenancy agreement first. Some landlords are happy for tenants to decorate as long as walls are returned in the same condition. If in doubt, ask – and mention that the product is removable.
Is peel and stick wallpaper really damage-free?
On a clean, smooth, well-cured painted wall, good quality peel and stick wallpaper comes off cleanly. A few things make the difference:
- Paint quality and age: freshly painted walls need at least 3–4 weeks to cure before you apply anything. Very cheap or chalky paint can lift with any adhesive.
- Wall surface: smooth walls work best. Heavily textured, damp or dusty walls reduce adhesion and can cause problems on removal.
- Removal technique: peel slowly, at a low angle, pulling the panel back on itself rather than straight out from the wall.
Not sure about your walls? Our guide Does wallpaper damage paint? covers this in detail.
Do a patch test first
Before covering a whole wall, order a sample and stick it somewhere discreet – behind a door or wardrobe. Leave it for a week, then peel it off. If it comes away cleanly, you're good to go.
Best places to use wallpaper in a rental
- One accent wall: the wall behind your bed or sofa gives maximum impact with minimum material.
- Alcoves and niches: small areas that look great with a bold pattern.
- Kids' rooms: easy to update as children grow. Browse our kids wallpaper collection.
- Home office backdrop: a stylish wall behind your desk looks great on video calls. See home office wallpaper.
Choosing a design that suits a rental
Murals are a great match for renters because one design can cover a whole wall without visible pattern repeats. Concrete-look and marble designs give a high-end finish without any building work – take a look at our marble & concrete wallpaper. If you prefer something softer, botanical and landscape murals make small rooms feel larger.
Measure carefully
Every 2Way Wallpaper design is printed to your exact wall size, so accurate measurements matter. Follow our step-by-step guide on how to measure your wall for a mural.
Applying and removing
Clean the wall, start from the top, and smooth each panel from the center outwards with a soft squeegee. For full instructions, read how to install a wall mural. When it's time to move out, peel slowly and wipe any residue with a soft, damp cloth.
Ready to make your rental feel like home?
Explore our full range of peel and stick wallpaper – every design is made to measure, with free shipping to the UK, Europe, USA and Canada.