Why Peel-and-Stick Wallpaper is Perfect for Renters

It’s hard to make a rented space look like home when you’re stuck with plain white walls. But if your landlord won’t let you paint, how can you add color and style to your space?

Posters and framed art are a great start, and you can always opt for colorful furniture and accessories. But if you want to make a big impact on a reasonable budget, consider decorating with wallpaper.

1. Wallpaper for Renters?

Wallpapers is back in a big way. The new and elegant designs available today have drawn fantastic reviews from interior designers.

Traditional wallpaper is applied with permanent adhesive. Not only is it difficult to remove, but it can also damage the paint underneath and leave residue behind.

Luckily for renters, there is another option: peel-and-stick wallpaper.

Today’s peel-and-stick options can be removed easily and quickly, leaving the wall underneath undamaged. That means most landlords should be willing to allow them.

2. Reasons to Try Peel-and-Stick Wallpaper 

Peel-and-stick wallpaper can be attractive, relatively inexpensive, and easy to use. Here are some reasons you may want to try it in your home.

1. It’s easy to apply. One of the best things about peel-and-stick wallpaper is that it’s easy to hang without professional help. You don’t even need any special tools — just a stepladder and maybe a sponge to wipe down the walls first. (It will stick better on a clean, dry surface.) Then you just peel the paper from the backing and press it onto the wall, like a giant sticker. It’s easy and quick enough to complete in a weekend.
2. It doesn’t require adhesive. Traditional wallpapers require you to apply an extra adhesive to the walls before applying the wallpaper. Peel-and-stick wallpapers, on the other hand, are made with a sticky backing. That means you get to skip the messy glue.  
3. It’s easy to remove. When you’re ready to move out — or just ready to change your room’s look — you can easily remove the wallpaper from your walls without damaging them. If you’re careful, you can even reuse it.  
4. It has multiple uses. Peel-and-stick wallpaper is not just for covering walls. You can also use them to add color to furniture, such as headboards and side tables, or to line the inside of your closet or drawers. You can use it at the head of the bed in place of a headboard or apply it selectively to create unique nooks or corners. You can find plenty of creative ideas online. 
5. It comes in a wide variety of patterns. From solid colors, geometric shapes and monochromatic prints to loud florals and whimsical images, wallpaper is available in hundreds of designs. You can even mix and match for a unique look. 
6. It is long-lasting. If you choose a high-quality wallpaper and apply it correctly, it should keep looking good year after year. If it begins to look dingy or dirty, you can typically wipe it clean with a damp cloth. (Be sure to read the instructions on the product you use.) 
7. It looks luxurious. Peel-and-stick wallpaper can give a room a high-end, elegant appearance. It can make an ordinary apartment stand out as something special. 
8. It hides flaws. If your wall has a crack or a stain (and your landlord won’t repair or paint it), peel-and-stick wallpaper can conceal the problem. It can also draw attention away from eyesores like thermostats and radiators, or draw the eye to the more attractive features of the room. Just make sure you aren’t covering up water or pest damage that needs to be addressed first. 

3. Tips for Using Peel-and-Stick Wallpaper

If you’re ready to try using peel-and-stick wallpaper in your own rental space, here are a few tips to keep in mind.

1. Consider using wallpaper in an unexpected room. Wallpaper doesn’t have to be limited to the living room and the bedroom. You can use it to create a vibrant bathroom or add a bold accent to a bland kitchen. Wherever you apply it, you’ll add color and vibrance.
2. Don’t go overboard. An accent wall may be all you need to get the most from your wallpaper, especially if it’s bold or dark. Using the same paper on every surface can look old-fashioned, busy or even cave-like. You can always add more if the effect isn’t big enough.When you’re evaluating the cost of the wallpaper, remember that you often get what you pay for. Low-quality wallpaper may save you money at first, but it won’t last as long. It may peel, fade, bubble or tear. At the other end of the cost spectrum, you’ll find high-end designer wallpaper that could easily blow your budget. Research your options to find a good-quality product that won’t break the bank.
3. Don’t be limited by outdated expectations for wallpaper. Today’s products are different from those in the past. For example, some are highly moisture resistant, thanks to materials like vinyl. These products can be used in high-moisture areas like bathrooms and kitchens where older products might have failed.
4. Remember that it’s not permanent. Part of the appeal of peel-and-stick wallpaper is that it comes off even more easily than it goes on. If you make a mistake, you can fix it. If you get tired of it, you can change it. And if you are ready to move out, you can take it off — and even take it with you.

Renters have always found ways to make a generic space feel like home, but today there are more options than ever. With peel-and-stick wallpaper, you can transform your space quickly, easily and temporarily. It comes in so many colors and patterns that you are sure to find a product that suits your style. Cost-effective and easy to use, it is the perfect product to experiment with to give your home a beautiful new look.

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