Peel & stick wallpaper has revolutionized the way we decorate — no mess, no glue, and no stress. Whether you’re giving your living room a bold makeover or creating a cozy accent wall in your bedroom, installing it yourself is easier than you might think. Here’s your step-by-step guide to achieving a flawless finish every time.
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Step 1: Get Ready
Once your wallpaper arrives, unroll it and let it “breathe” for at least 48 hours before installation. This helps the material adjust to your room’s temperature and humidity — ensuring a smoother application.
🪶 Pro tip: Avoid applying wallpaper in overly humid rooms, as moisture can shorten its lifespan.
If you ever decide to remove it, don’t worry — it’s simple. Start peeling slowly from one corner. For freshly painted walls, you can gently warm the adhesive with a hairdryer to help it release without pulling up paint.
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Step 2: Prep Your Walls
Preparation is everything. For the best results, your wall should be smooth, clean, and dry.
Here’s how to prep like a pro:
- Wait 2–7 days after painting before applying wallpaper.
- Make sure the wall is free of dust, dirt, and bumps — fill holes and sand any uneven areas.
- Avoid glossy finishes; semi-matte walls work best.
- Wipe the wall with a damp cloth 24 hours before installation (no harsh chemicals).
- Remove outlet covers, nails, and baseboards if possible.
And remember — peel & stick wallpaper isn’t designed for textured surfaces like orange peel, popcorn, or knockdown walls. A smooth wall equals a beautiful finish.
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Step 3: Installation
This is where the magic happens ✨
It’s best to work with a partner — one person holding, the other aligning.
- 1. Use a level to draw a straight vertical line on your wall. This will guide your first panel.
- 2. Peel back about 12 inches (30 cm) of the backing paper and stick the top portion to the wall.
- 3. Smooth as you go with a squeegee or soft cloth, working from top to bottom and center to edges to remove air bubbles.
- 4. Continue peeling the backing downward, pressing the wallpaper gently into place.
- 5. Align each new panel edge-to-edge (no overlap) and make sure the pattern matches perfectly.
- 6. If you misalign a small section, you can gently peel and reposition.
- 7. After 24 hours, go over the surface again with your squeegee to ensure perfect adhesion.
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Step 4: Trim & Finish
Once everything is in place, use a sharp utility knife or scissors to trim any excess at the top and bottom for clean, crisp edges.
Step back, admire your work, and enjoy your freshly transformed space 🌿
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Final Thoughts
Installing peel & stick wallpaper is one of the easiest and most rewarding DIY upgrades you can do. With a little patience and attention to detail, you can create a professional-looking finish that completely changes your space — and the best part? You can do it all without any mess or permanent commitment.
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Ready to try it yourself?
🛠️ Shop our Peel & Stick Collection
