If you rent, you have probably accepted plain white walls as part of the deal. You do not have to. Removable wallpaper and wall decals let you change the look of a room dramatically and take it down when you move. Here is how to do it well.

Peel and stick wallpaper

Peel and stick murals have a self-adhesive backing: you peel off the liner and smooth the panel onto the wall, with no paste, water or tools. Our Peel and Stick material is matte, printed to the exact size of your wall and designed to be easy to remove. Read our comparison peel-and-stick vs traditional wall murals for the full picture.

Best walls for removable wallpaper

• Smooth, clean, painted walls in good condition
• Walls that were painted at least a few weeks ago, so the paint is fully cured
• Avoid very textured, fresh, flaking or damp walls

Ideas for renters

Feature wall behind the bed

A calm landscape or botanical design behind the bed transforms a rental bedroom instantly. See bedroom murals.

Living room accent wall

An abstract or marble design behind the sofa gives a rental living room a designer look. See living room murals.

Kids' rooms

Children's tastes change quickly, which makes removable murals and decals perfect for kids' rooms. Browse kids' wall murals and kids' wall decals.

• Blue and Cream Abstract Waves Wallpaper
• Lilac Wisteria Wallpaper
• Terracotta Vases Pattern Wallpaper

Wall decals: the quickest option

Decals are individual stickers you arrange yourself: animals, vehicles, unicorns, alphabet sets and growth charts. They are ideal for decorating part of a wall or creating a scene around furniture. Browse wall decals and growth charts.

How to apply

1. Clean the wall and let it dry.
2. Start at the top of the first panel and peel off only part of the backing.
3. Smooth the panel down from the center outward to push out air bubbles.
4. Align each next panel with the previous one.

Full instructions: peel and stick installation guide.

How to remove it

Start at a top corner and peel the panel back slowly at a low angle, close to the wall. Take your time; pulling too fast increases the risk of lifting paint. Always check your rental agreement and test a small area first if you are unsure about the paint quality.

Other renter-friendly upgrades

• Lighting: plug-in wall lights and lamps change the mood without wiring.
• Textiles: curtains, rugs and cushions in colors taken from your mural tie the room together.
• Leaning art and mirrors: no drilling needed.
• Plants: greenery makes any rental feel more like home.

Choosing a design you will not tire of

Since you may take the mural down when you move, choose a design you love now. Calm landscapes, botanicals and soft textures are versatile and work in most rooms if you move to a new place. Measure carefully with our wall measuring guide.

FAQ

Is peel and stick wallpaper good for renters?

Yes. It sticks without paste and is designed to be removed when you move. Use it on smooth, painted walls in good condition.

Will peel and stick wallpaper damage my walls?

On a smooth, well-cured painted wall it is designed to come off cleanly. Peel slowly at a low angle and test a small area first if you are unsure about the paint.

What can renters use besides wallpaper?

Wall decals and growth charts are a quick, removable way to decorate part of a wall.