Peel and Stick Wallpaper for Renters: Is It Really the Best Option?
Wallpaper in a rental? Yes, you can
You've found the perfect design, but there's one problem: you rent. Your lease says no painting, no permanent changes, and you'd like your deposit back when you move.
Most shops will tell you the answer is peel and stick wallpaper. It's easy to install, and it's marketed as "removable". But after removing both types myself, I've learned the truth is a little more nuanced. In this honest guide, I'll compare peel and stick with non-woven wallpaper, so you can choose the one that's truly best for your rental.
Will peel and stick wallpaper damage your walls?
It can. Peel and stick wallpaper uses a pressure-sensitive adhesive, and that adhesive tends to grip harder over time. After a few months or years on the wall, it may pull paint off or leave marks when you remove it. When I removed a peel and stick wallpaper myself, it left marks on the wall.
The risk is higher in these situations:
Freshly painted walls
Paint needs about 3 to 4 weeks to fully cure. Wallpaper applied too soon can pull paint off when removed.
Cheap or chalky paint
Some low-quality paints bond poorly to the wall, so they can lift with any adhesive.
Damp or humid walls
Moisture weakens the bond and can trap humidity behind the paper.
Heavily textured walls
The adhesive needs a smooth surface to grip evenly.
The easiest way to know for sure: stick a sample on a hidden corner, leave it for a week, then peel it off. If the paint stays put, you're good to go.
Which type of wallpaper is best for renters?
It depends on what matters most to you: an easy installation, or the cleanest possible removal. Here's how our materials compare:
| Peel & Stick (Fabric or Canvas Vinyl) | Non-Woven | |
|---|---|---|
| Installation | Easiest: peel the backing and stick, no paste | Easy: paste the wall, hang the dry panels |
| Removal | Peels off, but may leave marks or lift paint over time | Strips off dry in full panels, no residue |
| Repositioning | Possible while installing | Easy while the paste is wet |
| Best for | Short stays and quick makeovers | Longer rentals and the safest removal |
From my own experience: when I removed a non-woven wallpaper, it came off in full strips and the wall was spotless. The peel and stick one left marks. That's why, if you're planning to stay a while, non-woven is often the safer choice for your deposit. The paste is water-soluble, so any leftover simply wipes off with a damp cloth.
Prefer peel and stick for its easy installation? Go for it, just test a sample first (see below). Our Peel & Stick Fabric has a soft, matte finish for bedrooms and living rooms, and our Canvas Vinyl handles moisture better in bathrooms and kitchens.
Not sure which one feels right? Read our full guide on which wallpaper material to choose.
How to apply it the renter-safe way
- Order a sample first. Test it on a hidden spot for a week to check the paint underneath, and see the real colour in your own light. Order a sample.
- Measure your wall. Use the calculator on each product page to know exactly how many panels you need. Add 10 cm (4") to the wall width for trimming.
- Clean the wall. Wipe it with a dry or slightly damp cloth to remove dust and grease, then let it dry completely.
- Start from a straight line. Draw a light vertical guide with a pencil and a level, so the first panel goes on perfectly straight.
- Peel slowly as you go. Remove the backing a little at a time and smooth the panel from the centre outwards with a soft spatula to push out air bubbles.
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Trim the edges. Use a sharp blade along the ceiling and skirting board for a clean finish.
Choosing non-woven? Steps 1 to 4 are the same. Then apply the paste to the wall (not the paper), hang each dry panel edge to edge, and smooth it out. The paste stays workable for a few minutes, so you can still adjust each panel.
Starting small? One accent wall is the perfect first project. Not sure how much to cover? Read one wall, two walls or a mural.
How to remove it when you move out
Removing non-woven wallpaper
- Lift a top corner. Loosen the edge with your fingernail or a plastic spatula.
- Pull it down in one strip. Non-woven comes off dry, in full panels, without tearing.
- Wipe the wall. A damp cloth removes any paste residue in seconds.
Removing peel and stick wallpaper
- Start at a top corner. Lift the edge gently with your fingernail or a plastic card.
- Peel low and slow. Pull the panel down at a low angle, close to the wall, rather than straight out towards you. This puts less stress on the paint.
- Use gentle heat if it resists. A hairdryer on a warm setting softens the adhesive and reduces the risk of lifting paint.
- Clean any marks. A cloth with warm soapy water usually removes adhesive residue.
Take your time: removing a whole wall usually takes less than an hour.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need my landlord's permission? Every lease is different, so a quick message to your landlord never hurts. Explaining that non-woven strips off dry, and that peel and stick needs no paste, usually makes the conversation easy.
Can I reposition a panel while I'm applying it? Yes. If a panel goes on crooked, peel it off carefully and place it again.
Can I use it in a bathroom or kitchen? Yes. Choose our Canvas Vinyl, which handles moisture better, and make sure the room is well ventilated.
Can I take it with me when I move? It's best to think of it as a one-time application. Once removed, the adhesive won't hold as well a second time.
Make your rental feel like home
Renting doesn't mean living with blank walls. With the right material and a little preparation, you can transform a room in an afternoon and leave it exactly as you found it when you move.
Every Olively Home design is original and printed to order in Europe, just for you. Start with a sample, test it on your wall and fall in love with it in your own light. Browse our sample packs.