Peel-and-stick wallpaper is 2023's next big thing – this is why you've been under-estimating it

It's fair to say that peel-and-stick wallpaper has had something of a reputation for being only for renters or for small projects that home owners want to update and rethink regularly. 

However, it's really starting to gain interest amongst interior designers and homeowners looking for wallpaper ideas that aren't just fantastically flexible but beautifully designed, too.

At this fall's High Point Market, I met Jennifer Matthews, co-founder and Chief Creative Officer of Tempaper & Co. She showed me the latest range of beautiful designs, including a collaboration with alice + olivia and, it's fair to say, she educated me about peel-and-stick wallpaper. 

'Our peel-and-stick wallpaper was invented to solve a problem,' she told me. 'We sought to create an easy-to-install, removable wallpaper product after we discovered it was costing too much time and money to apply and remove traditional wallpaper on production sets for television, movies, and photoshoots. 

'Since then, peel-and-stick wallpaper has revolutionized traditional wallpaper, breathing new life into a classic category of home decor. But those who are unfamiliar might wonder, “How does self-adhesive wallpaper differ from, or even compare to, traditional wallpaper?”'

Here are five things Jennifer told me that I didn’t know about peel-and-stick wallpaper. In the meantime you can go straight to Tempaper or see Tempaper designs on Amazon.

1. Peel-and-stick and traditional wallpapers are more similar than you think

Many of the processes used to create a good quality peel-and-stick wallpaper match those of traditional wallpapers.

'It has always been a core value of ours to remain true to the roots of traditional wallpaper making,' says Jennifer. 'We use an artisan printing method known as intaglio or copperplate engraving, which can produce luxe metallic finishes and high-quality printed textures. Through this method, our customers can enjoy the artisanal flair of traditional wallpaper with all the conveniences of peel-and-stick, removable wallpaper.'

2. Are peel-and-stick wallpapers easy to remove? Yes

Look at wallpaper reviews before you buy, but know that it's easy to remove wallpaper that's of good quality.

'When you crave a change in décor, peel-and-stick wallpaper removes cleanly without damaging paint or walls or leaving any sticky residue behind,' says Jennifer. 'Just peel from any corner to remove. The ease of application and removal makes peel and stick wallpaper a top choice for rentals, travel trailers, and more.

'While peel-and-stick wallpaper is easy to remove, it can also be a permanent fixture in your home. It is a popular misconception that peel-and-stick wallpaper will fall off the wall after a certain amount of time. Words like “temporary” are used to describe peel-and-stick wallpaper because of how the product peels off, not when. Homeowners and renters rejoice! Tempaper can stay up for a week, a month, or indefinitely.'

3. Is peel-and-stick wallpaper easy to install?

New to wallpapering a room? For DIYers, peel-and-stick wallpaper is so easy to apply.

'Our proprietary, removable adhesive can be applied to most surfaces, including slightly textured walls and bathrooms, in three simple steps. Simply remove the back liner, press the adhesive side onto your surface, and smooth with a squeegee,' advises Jennifer.

'Peel-and-stick wallpaper is easy to reposition, which makes it a popular DIY project for designers of all skill levels. Customers are relieved to hear that they do not need to hire an installer, and most have successfully applied the product by themselves.

'And what about those pesky seams? If you have ever installed traditional wallpaper, you know you can slide wet-pasted wallpaper to match seams. Often, the seams will match, but if you stretch the wallpaper in the process, it can pull back when it dries, leaving the pattern mismatched or parted. With peel-and-stick, you reposition the wallpaper to align the seams – never stretch. To ensure they won’t part as the wall expands and contracts with fluctuating temperatures, slightly overlap the seams to prevent the seams from opening up.'

4. You can use peel-and-stick wallpapers in bathrooms and kitchens

Bathroom wallpaper ideas in particular need to be carefully researched to ensure they won't degrade. 'Our wallpaper is steam and moisture-resistant,' says Jennifer. 'This makes it a brilliant choice for bathrooms and powder rooms. The product will not bubble, and there are a variety of realistic tile and marble designs available.'

5. Peel-and-stick wallpaper can go on textured surfaces

Peel-and-stick wallpaper such as Tempaper can go on slightly textured walls and surfaces.

'Our wallpaper’s versatility and durability allow customers to be wildly creative. Apply the product to walls, bookcases, stair risers, ceilings, furniture, and more,' says Jennifer. 

6. Peel-and-stick wallpaper can be customized

'Along with prints sold-by-the-roll, we offer a special-order program featuring designs that are tailored to fit the exact dimensions of your space. Our Chinoiserie and peel-and-stick wall mural collections are custom printed on a self-adhesive fabric wallpaper using the finest materials available,' says Jennifer.

'We've also pioneered some great print techniques such as textured inks, metallics, gel and opaque, pearl, and mica inks to create so many beautiful effects to enhance designs.

'Customers can also recolor any existing print or bring their own vision to life through our Print-Your-Own option. From business logos, to family photos, and more, the possibilities are endless.'

7. Not all temporary wallpapers are equal

'We have always been focused on providing our customers with high-quality products that use a water-based adhesive and inks, and have been confirmed through product testing, to be safe for use in residential spaces including nurseries, schools, and private offices.

'With that said, not all peel-and-stick wallpapers are created equally and we urge customers to do their research before purchasing. Since our inception, the peel-and-stick wallpaper market has become very saturated and there are products in the market that can look inexpensive, fall off the wall, not stand up to humidity, and can damage walls and paint surfaces when removing them. 

'We take pride in the quality of our product- whether you want our wallpaper up for a month, a year, or a decade – we stand behind the durability and design that makes our brand distinctive.'

How long will peel-and-stick wallpaper last?

Peel-and-stick wallpaper that's of good quality will last as long as you want it to as long it is properly applied to a clean, dry surface.

Is peel-and-stick wallpaper easy to apply?

Peel-and-stick wallpaper is incredibly easy to apply since you simple peel, stick and reposition until you have it in exactly the right spot. This makes pattern and seam matching incredibly easy.