Peel and stick wallpaper: Everything you need to know

Published on 16.07.2025

Reading time : 10 min 

Easy to install, glue-free, and requiring no complicated tools, peel and stick wallpaper is becoming increasingly popular in the world of interior design. Whether you're a DIY enthusiast, a decorating newbie, or simply looking for a quick and easy way to transform a room, this next-gen wall covering ticks all the boxes.

But what do you really need to know before diving in? How do you choose it, apply it, remove it without damaging your walls too much? And most importantly, why are some wallpapers safer and more durable than others? This complete guide will help you make sense of it all. We’ll also introduce our Made of Sundays approach: local, made-to-order production, without vinyl or toxic solvents.

What is peel and stick wallpaper?

Peel and stick wallpaper vs traditional wallpaper: is it different ?

Yes and no. No, because our wallpaper has the same feel and visual quality as traditional wallpaper. But yes too, because unlike traditional wallpaper, peel and stick wallpaper (also called "removable wallpaper" or "self-adhesive wallpaper") requires no glue, no brush, and no pasting table. It’s ready to use. Just peel off the backing paper and stick it directly onto a clean, smooth surface.

We offer it in 280 x 56 cm rolls or 112 x 56 cm panels. It's especially appreciated for its easy installation and ability to completely transform a space in just minutes. No mess, no stress. It’s the perfect choice for fast and fun decorating projects.

What's the difference between vinyl wallpaper and PVC-free wallpaper?

The risks of vinyl peel and stick wallpaper

Most self-adhesive wallpapers and wall stickers on the market are printed on vinyl (PVC). Vinyl, or polyvinyl chloride, is a flexible or rigid plastic, depending on how it's made. It often comes from distant factories with little concern for environmental or labor standards. Like all PVC products, vinyl wallpaper can pose health and environmental risks. Not to mention the shiny plastic look, which might not be the cozy or elegant vibe you're going for.

Made of Sundays: PVC-free peel and stick wallpaper made in Europe

That’s why we chose to do things differently. Our wallpapers are:

• 🖨️ Printed in Helsinki, Finland, on high-quality paper made in Europe, free of PVC and vinyl
• 💧 Made with water-based, non-toxic, odorless inks
• 🪨 Finished with a clay-based coating for a matte, durable look
• 🛎️ Printed only on demand to avoid waste and overproduction
• 📍 Designed, printed, and packed in-house in our Helsinki studio by our small team from start to finish
  
  🦄 BONUS: if you ever run into trouble, we’re right here to help. Message us on Instagram or email support@madeofsundays.com and we’ll walk you through it (and cheer you up if needed).

Why choose peel and stick wallpaper?

A quick, clean and budget-friendly way to decorate

No need to worry about glue quantities, brush techniques, or that moment when air bubbles drive you to tear everything down in frustration. Peel and stick wallpaper is a simple, affordable solution. All you need is a cutter. No complicated tutorials or professional help required. But even if you do bring in a pro, they'll thank you for making their job easier.

Repositionable wallpaper for DIY makeovers and IKEA hacks

Wallpaper for furniture upcycling

Peel and stick wallpaper isn’t just for walls. It’s also perfect for giving old furniture a new life. Just make sure the surface is smooth and clean (we help you with this here) so it sticks properly.

For example, we already designed the perfect bespoke peel and stick wallpaper to fit the Ikea IVAR cabinet.

And even if furniture wasn’t your original plan, you can always reuse leftover scraps to decorate a cabinet, a shelf, or even a mini fridge. It’s a great way to reduce waste and add personality to your home. 

Adhesive wallpaper in the kitchen

If you're renting or on a budget and can’t remodel your kitchen, our wallpaper is perfect for covering dull backsplashes or cabinet doors. Thanks to its clay coating, it’s water-resistant and easy to clean. Grease and stains wipe right off with a damp cloth.

Photo: Beautiful kitchen makeover with striped adhesive wallpaper by @celia.craiecraie 

Can peel and stick wallpaper be used in a bathroom?

Traditional wallpaper and glue don’t love humidity. But our peel and stick wallpaper, with its clay finish, can handle moisture pretty well. It’s not waterproof, since we don’t use plastic, but it’s fine for splashes and damp rooms. Perfect for freshening up a bathroom cabinet or creating a cheerful sink area. Check out Amalia’s tutorial here to see how.

How to choose the right peel and stick wallpaper?

So, you’re ready to transform your space with self-adhesive wallpaper. Here are a few things to think about before placing your order.

1. Can I apply wallpaper to any surface?

Start by checking that your surface is suitable. We’ve created a full illustrated guide on where wallpaper and stickers stick best, but here’s the short version (we know you're lazy):

• Smooth, painted walls: ideal

• Melamine or laminated furniture: great, once it’s clean

• Textured or bumpy walls: trickier, may not adhere evenly, but not impossible (check our guide)

• Tiling: doable with care, though grout lines might show through

2. What size should I choose?

We offer standard wallpaper sizes (112x56 cm or 280x56 cm) for half or full walls, as well as trims, waves, scallops, florals, checkerboards... okay, we’ll stop there. You get the idea.

Need custom sizes? Working on an interior design project? Let us know. We’re always happy to help tailor a solution.

3. How do I pick the right color of wallpaper?

Before unrolling your new wallpaper, think about the atmosphere you want to create, the room’s lighting, and the colors already in the space. Light colors can open up a room. Neutrals add warmth and elegance. Bold stripes or vibrant patterns bring energy to forgotten corners.

🖌 Decor tip: Order samples first. That way, you can see how the colors look in your actual space and lighting.

We offer more than 80 colors inspired by the Pantone palette, plus an online wallpaper customizer so you can preview your design and go as creative (or minimal) as you like. And if you still don't know, we have listed here some ideas of great colour combinations to choose. 

How to apply peel and stick wallpaper?

It’s easier than you think. Here’s how:

1. Clean your surface. It should be smooth, dry, and free of dust or grease (see our textured-wall guide)

2. Grab your tools. A soft cloth, a squeegee (or a ruler wrapped in a towel), and a cutter

3. Peel the backing off gently

4. Apply slowly, smoothing out air bubbles as you go

5. Trim edges neatly around baseboards or outlets (or unscrew them first for a cleaner finish)

💡 Pro tip: Always start from a straight edge. Walls are rarely as straight as they seem.

Can I remove peel and stick wallpaper without damaging the wall?

In most cases, yes. High-quality peel and stick wallpaper is designed to minimise damages during removal. However, we can never promise 0 risk. Things like paint type, wall prep, and humidity all play a role and we unfortunately cannot predict the outcome during removal of the wallpaper. 

That’s why we’re transparent about what to expect and share tips to help you avoid damages when removing peel and stick wallpaper.

How long does self-adhesive wallpaper last?

Great question. We’d love to give you a magic number, but it really depends on how and where it’s used. Like a houseplant, with a bit of care, it can last for years.

Our record? One of our wallpapers stayed up for 8 years in perfect condition and was only taken down for a style refresh of our living room.

Peel and stick wallpaper advantages (recap)

Final thoughts

Peel and stick wallpaper is a modern, fun, and affordable way to transform any space, with less effort and no long-term commitment. But not all wallpapers are equal. Materials, ink, paper quality, and where it’s made really matter.

By choosing a PVC-free wallpaper made in Europe, you’re opting for a more thoughtful way to decorate, without compromising on style. And with Made of Sundays, you’re free to customize your walls (and everything else) to truly make your home your own.