Peel and Stick Wallpaper for Renters: Decorate Your Apartment Without the Risk

Living in a rental and dreaming of turning your dull walls into an inspiring space? Good news: peel and stick wallpaper is the perfect solution for renters. Not only does it go up in a few hours, it also comes off without leaving marks or damaging the paint — which means your security deposit stays intact.

Why Peel and Stick Wallpaper Is Perfect for Renters

Unlike traditional wallpaper, which requires glue and real work, Décor Imprimé's peel and stick wallpaper uses repositionable adhesive technology. It sticks perfectly to painted walls, smooth surfaces, and even lightly textured walls, without leaving residue when removed.

The practical benefits for renters:

• No damage to the paint — the adhesive is designed to protect existing surfaces
• Repositionable — adjust the panels during installation, stress-free
• Clean removal in minutes — ideal when it's time to move out
• No special tools required — a smoothing tool and a level are all you need
• Professional-looking results — no one will guess it's a temporary solution

Which Walls Can You Cover in a Rental Apartment?

Almost any wall in an apartment can take peel and stick wallpaper. The best-suited surfaces are walls painted with latex paint (the standard in nearly all rental units), smooth plaster surfaces, and standard drywall.

One golden rule: make sure the existing paint is well adhered. If it's peeling or bubbling, the wallpaper could pull it off when removed. In that case, talk to your landlord before installing anything.

The Rooms Where Peel and Stick Wallpaper Makes the Biggest Impact

The Bedroom

A wall behind the headboard transformed into a floral wall mural or an abstract scene radically changes the mood of a bedroom. It's one of the most popular applications among renters, since the visual impact is immediate and the surface to cover is limited to a single wall.

The Living Room

An accent wall in the living room — behind the sofa or around the TV — gives a generic space personality and character. Check out our article on creating an accent wall in your living room for inspiration.

The Kitchen

Several of our geometric or botanical patterns work beautifully as a decorative backsplash. Just make sure to use a surface away from direct heat and steam.

The Entryway and Hallway

These often-overlooked spaces in rental apartments take on a whole new dimension with a wall mural. Even a narrow hallway gains depth and character with the right pattern.

How to Install Peel and Stick Wallpaper in an Apartment

Installation is easy enough for anyone to handle. For a flawless result, follow these steps:

1. Clean the wall — dust and lightly degrease with a slightly damp cloth. Let it dry completely.
2. Measure and cut — take precise measurements and add 5 cm at the top and bottom for adjustments.
3. Mark your level — use a level to draw a vertical reference line.
4. Peel and apply gradually — peel back 20-30 cm of backing paper at a time, smoothing from top to bottom.
5. Smooth out bubbles — use a soft smoothing tool, working from the centre outward.

For a complete walkthrough, check out our guide how to install peel and stick wallpaper in 5 steps.

How to Remove Peel and Stick Wallpaper Without Damage

Removal is just as easy as installation. Start at a corner or edge, then pull gently at a 45-degree angle, slowly and steadily. Avoid yanking. If you feel resistance, warm the surface slightly with a hair dryer on low heat to soften the adhesive.

For more details on removal, read our complete guide on how to remove a wall decal without damaging the paint.

Practical Tips for Renters

• Photograph your walls before installing — keep a record of the original condition in case of a dispute
• Save your leftover material — handy for repairs or touch-ups
• Let your landlord know — not legally required, but transparency avoids misunderstandings
• Test on a small area first — before covering an entire wall, apply a test strip to check adhesion on your specific paint

Ready to Transform Your Apartment?

Décor Imprimé offers a full range of peel and stick wall murals designed for every living space, whether it's a bedroom, a living room or an entryway. Each mural is cut to your exact measurements and shipped in easy-to-install panels.

Explore our full collection and find the wall mural that matches your style — no compromise on quality, even in a rental.