Peel-And-Stick Wallpaper Installation

modern industrial living room apartment feature wall

Peel and stick wallpaper offers a renter-friendly and relatively simple way to transform your space. Its versatility and affordability make it a great way to add personality to a room without breaking the bank. Furthermore, many peel-and-stick wallpapers are wipeable and stain-resistant, making them an excellent choice for high-traffic areas or rooms prone to messes.

This peel-and-stick wallpaper installation took place in my daughter's new apartment. As mentioned in a previous post, she rents and lives with her boyfriend and two kitty cats outside Baltimore. We chose a brick motif paper as we are going for a modern-industrial vibe in this apartment's overall decor.

Let's take a look at the before!

A FEW FACTS:

The previous owner allowed my daughter to tour the apartment while she was still living there. It's a blurry collage, but we can see how the living room was decorated.

There is a fireplace, but oh well, too bad that it doesn't work. :/
The TV was mounted on the wall right above the fireplace. A bit too high, IMHO.
There were hanging rods/curtains on the windows. However, they were removed (curtains and rods) before move-in day. The truth is, I wasn't too disappointed about it, as those rods were mounted too low.

*This post contains affiliate links for your convenience. Click here to read my full disclosure policy.

After about a month in their new apartment, I came to help with privacy and decor.

Looking at the picture below, it seemed as if I was destroying their space. Ha, that's how it usually goes. One big mess before it all gets fixed.

There, I had just installed the curtain rod and was adding the rings to the curtains before bringing them to the windows.

The big pile marked X contained items going to the trash and/or donation center. Some furnishings also made this small room crowded.

Once the curtains were in place, it was time to install the peel-and-stick wallpaper. Well, that's after removing the TV mount!

The scariest part: Moving that huge TV out of the way, as I was working solo. 😰

Here's a detailed guide to help you achieve a smooth and successful peel-and-stick wallpaper installation:

BEFORE YOU BEGIN:

Gather your tools: You'll need a level (I like to use a laser level), tape measure, sharp utility knife, straightedge, squeegee (or credit card), a ladder, and a clean soft cloth. I used four rolls of paper to cover this wall, approx. 10 x 8-feet.

Prepare the surface: Ensure your wall is clean, dry, smooth, and free of dust, grease, or peeling paint. If the wall is filthy, you might need to wash it with a mild soap solution and allow it to dry completely (ideally for 24 hours). I only wiped it off with a soft cloth to get rid of dust.

Plan your layout: Decide on a starting point, typically a corner or prominent wall feature. Use the level to draw a light vertical line on the wall to serve as your guide for the first strip. I started the layout in the outside left corner, which is highly visible when entering the apartment.

| Laser Level |

INSTALLATION PROCESS:

Cut the wallpaper: Peel-and-stick wallpaper comes in rolls. Measure the wall height and cut the first strip a few inches longer than needed to account for trimming at the top and bottom.

Start hanging the first strip: Peel off about 12 inches of the adhesive backing on the top of the wallpaper. Align the top of the exposed wallpaper with your guiding line and the ceiling ( in my case, the crown molding), ensuring the pattern faces you.

Sticking and smoothing: Slowly peel the backing down as you press the wallpaper firmly against the wall, working your way down from top to bottom. Use the squeegee (or credit card) to gently smooth out any air bubbles as you go. Work from the center outwards to push any trapped air towards the edges.

| Brick Wallpaper |

Working your way down: Continue peeling the backing and smoothing the wallpaper onto the wall, one section at a time. Overlap adjoining strip slightly to ensure a seamless pattern.

Corners and outsides: For corners, carefully fold any excess wallpaper around the corner and smooth it down. Then, you can trim the excess with a utility knife and straightedge. For outlets and switches, cut an X-shape in the wallpaper to fit around the fixture. Press the wallpaper down around the outlet box and then cut a small hole for the outlet itself. I also went around the fireplace, covering the white tiles in an attempt to disguise the entire structure.

Trimming the excess: Once your entire wall is complete, use the straightedge and utility knife to carefully trim the top and bottom edges of the wallpaper where it meets the ceiling or crown molding and the baseboard.

Once the wallpaper installation was completed, that wall looked terrific!

| Brick Peel and Stick Wallpaper |

PRO TIPS:

Work in sections – Don't peel the entire backing off at once. This allows for better handling and easier repositioning if needed.

Overlap at seams – When hanging subsequent strips, slightly overlap the edges to create a seamless look. After pressing both strips down, you can trim the excess.

Patience is key – Take your time and ensure each strip is straight and free of bubbles before moving on to the next one.

Repositioning is possible – A great advantage of peel-and-stick wallpaper is its repositionability. If you make a mistake, gently peel the wallpaper back up and reapply it.

ADDITIONAL CONSIDERATIONS:

Light sources: Natural light can highlight imperfections. If possible, start wallpapering on a wall with indirect light.

Material: Peel-and-stick wallpaper comes in various materials. Ensure yours suits your intended wall surface (e.g., vinyl for kitchens and bathrooms).