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how to decorate with peel and stick wallpaper

10 Unique Ways to Decorate Using Peel-and-Stick Wallpaper

Peel-and-stick wallpaper is a game-changer in home decor, offering endless possibilities for creativity and style without the hassle of traditional wallpaper. Here are 10 unique ways to use it beyond just covering walls:


1. Transform Furniture

Skip the expense of buying new furniture by refreshing old pieces with peel-and-stick wallpaper. It’s a creative way to add personality and charm to dressers, desks, tables, or cabinets.

A vintage wooden dresser is given a bold makeover with its drawer fronts covered in a geometric peel-and-stick wallpaper featuring vibrant colors. The dresser sits against a white wall, styled with a small potted plant, a stack of books, and a modern table lamp on top.

Picture This:
A vintage wooden dresser is given a bold makeover with its drawer fronts covered in a geometric peel-and-stick wallpaper featuring vibrant colors. The dresser sits against a white wall, styled with a small potted plant, a stack of books, and a modern table lamp on top.

Styling Tips:

  • Choose wallpaper patterns that match your room’s decor, such as bold prints for a playful vibe or neutral designs for a classic look.
  • Mix and match wallpaper patterns for each drawer to create an eclectic style.
  • Pair the furniture with minimalist decor to let the wallpaper design stand out.

DIY This Look:

  1. Measure each section of the furniture where you’ll apply the wallpaper (e.g., drawer fronts, table surfaces, cabinet doors).
  2. Cut the peel-and-stick wallpaper to size using a ruler and craft knife for clean edges.
  3. Carefully apply the wallpaper, smoothing it with a scraper to remove any bubbles.
  4. Add new knobs or handles to the furniture to complement the refreshed look.
  5. Style the furniture with simple accessories to complete the design.

2. Create a Feature Ceiling

Make a bold statement by applying peel-and-stick wallpaper to the ceiling for a unique and unexpected focal point.

A cozy living room features a ceiling adorned with bold floral wallpaper, contrasting beautifully with the white walls and neutral-toned furniture. Natural light streams through large windows, highlighting the ceiling’s design.

Picture This:
A cozy living room features a ceiling adorned with bold floral wallpaper, contrasting beautifully with the white walls and neutral-toned furniture. Natural light streams through large windows, highlighting the ceiling’s design.

Styling Tips:

  • Use bright or patterned wallpaper for a high-contrast ceiling in rooms with neutral decor.
  • Balance the look with minimalist wall art and understated furniture.
  • Add hanging light fixtures to draw attention to the ceiling.

DIY This Look:

  1. Choose a peel-and-stick wallpaper with a lightweight design to make application easier.
  2. Clean the ceiling surface and ensure it’s smooth and dust-free.
  3. Measure and cut wallpaper panels, leaving extra length for adjustments.
  4. Start at one edge of the ceiling, aligning the wallpaper carefully as you apply it.
  5. Smooth the wallpaper with a scraper, trimming any excess with a craft knife.

3. Update Stair Risers

Give your staircase a vibrant makeover by adding peel-and-stick wallpaper to the risers for a pop of color or pattern.

A staircase with wooden steps is transformed with risers covered in a mix of peel-and-stick wallpaper designs, including stripes, florals, and geometric patterns. A gallery wall of family photos frames the staircase, completing the cheerful and welcoming look.

Picture This:
A staircase with wooden steps is transformed with risers covered in a mix of peel-and-stick wallpaper designs, including stripes, florals, and geometric patterns. A gallery wall of family photos frames the staircase, completing the cheerful and welcoming look.

Styling Tips:

  • Use patterns with complementary colors for a cohesive look.
  • Highlight the stairs with soft lighting along the edges.
  • Pair with neutral railings and steps to let the wallpaper stand out.

DIY This Look:

  1. Measure each stair riser and cut the peel-and-stick wallpaper to size.
  2. Clean the risers to ensure proper adhesion.
  3. Apply the wallpaper from the bottom step up, smoothing out any bubbles.
  4. Secure the edges with a small amount of clear adhesive for durability.

4. Decorate a Kitchen Backsplash

Elevate your kitchen with a peel-and-stick wallpaper backsplash that mimics tile or introduces bold patterns.

A modern kitchen features a faux backsplash in a sleek white subway tile pattern made with peel-and-stick wallpaper. The neutral countertops are styled with small herb pots, a fruit bowl, and minimalist decor for a fresh, stylish vibe.

Picture This:
A modern kitchen features a faux backsplash in a sleek white subway tile pattern made with peel-and-stick wallpaper. The neutral countertops are styled with small herb pots, a fruit bowl, and minimalist decor for a fresh, stylish vibe.

Styling Tips:

  • Select waterproof or vinyl-coated wallpaper for easy cleaning.
  • Pair with neutral or light countertops to emphasize the backsplash design.
  • Add under-cabinet lighting to highlight the wallpaper and create depth.

DIY This Look:

Style the area with small decorative touches like herbs or dishware.

Measure the wall space between your countertops and cabinets.

Clean the area thoroughly to ensure proper adhesion.

Cut the peel-and-stick wallpaper to size and apply carefully, smoothing as you go.

Seal the edges with a clear adhesive strip or trim for durability.

5. Line Shelves and Bookcases

Add a decorative touch to your shelving by lining the back panels with peel-and-stick wallpaper. This is an easy way to introduce color or texture without overwhelming the space.

A simple white bookshelf is transformed with its back panels lined in tropical leaf peel-and-stick wallpaper. The shelves are styled with colorful books, decorative objects, and small potted plants, creating a fresh and vibrant look.

Picture This:
A simple white bookshelf is transformed with its back panels lined in tropical leaf peel-and-stick wallpaper. The shelves are styled with colorful books, decorative objects, and small potted plants, creating a fresh and vibrant look.

Styling Tips:

  • Use wallpaper patterns that match the theme of the room, like florals for a cozy vibe or abstract designs for a modern look.
  • Pair with decor items in similar colors to create harmony.
  • Avoid overcrowding the shelves to keep the design clean and impactful.

DIY This Look:

  1. Remove the shelves (if possible) and clean the back panel of the bookcase.
  2. Measure and cut the peel-and-stick wallpaper to fit the back panel.
  3. Apply the wallpaper from the top down, smoothing as you go.
  4. Reinstall the shelves and style them with books, plants, and decorative objects.

6. Make Temporary Artwork

Create custom artwork by framing sections of peel-and-stick wallpaper. It’s a budget-friendly way to add unique designs to your walls.

A gallery-style wall displays three large frames with pieces of intricate damask wallpaper in black frames. The framed designs are hung against a clean white wall and surrounded by minimalist decor, offering a stylish and temporary art solution.

Picture This:
A gallery-style wall displays three large frames with pieces of intricate damask wallpaper in black frames. The framed designs are hung against a clean white wall and surrounded by minimalist decor, offering a stylish and temporary art solution.

Styling Tips:

  • Choose bold or intricate patterns to make the artwork stand out.
  • Use frames in colors or finishes that complement the wallpaper design.
  • Hang the artwork in groups of three or five for a balanced arrangement.

DIY This Look:

  1. Choose a section of peel-and-stick wallpaper with an appealing design.
  2. Cut the wallpaper to fit the size of your frame.
  3. Mount the wallpaper onto a sturdy backing, such as cardboard or foam board.
  4. Insert the mounted wallpaper into the frame and hang it on the wall.

7. Decorate Closet Interiors

Transform the inside of your closets with peel-and-stick wallpaper for a surprising and delightful pop of design.

An open closet features its interior walls lined with a bold striped peel-and-stick wallpaper in black and white. Clothing, shoes, and storage bins are neatly arranged, creating a functional yet stylish storage area.

Picture This:
An open closet features its interior walls lined with a bold striped peel-and-stick wallpaper in black and white. Clothing, shoes, and storage bins are neatly arranged, creating a functional yet stylish storage area.

Styling Tips:

  • Use high-contrast patterns for a dramatic effect or soft tones for a calming vibe.
  • Add matching storage bins or organizers to enhance the cohesive look.
  • Pair with good lighting to make the wallpaper design pop.

DIY This Look:

  1. Empty the closet and clean the interior walls.
  2. Measure the walls and cut the wallpaper to fit each section.
  3. Apply the wallpaper carefully, smoothing out bubbles as you go.
  4. Organize the closet with styled storage bins and neatly arranged clothing.

8. Upgrade Cabinet Interiors

Bring a touch of elegance to your home by lining the inside of cabinets with peel-and-stick wallpaper.

The interiors of glass-front kitchen cabinets are lined with a subtle botanical wallpaper in soft greens and whites. Plates, bowls, and glassware are neatly displayed, allowing the wallpaper to act as a decorative backdrop.

Picture This:
The interiors of glass-front kitchen cabinets are lined with a subtle botanical wallpaper in soft greens and whites. Plates, bowls, and glassware are neatly displayed, allowing the wallpaper to act as a decorative backdrop.

Styling Tips:

  • Opt for subtle patterns to keep the focus on your dishes and glassware.
  • Match the wallpaper’s colors to your kitchen’s overall palette.
  • Add small LED lights inside the cabinets for a professional look.

DIY This Look:

  1. Remove all items from the cabinet and clean the surfaces.
  2. Measure and cut the wallpaper to fit the back panels of the cabinets.
  3. Apply the wallpaper, starting from the top and working downward.
  4. Replace your dishes and glassware, arranging them neatly for display.

9. Style a Statement Wall

Create a striking focal point in any room by applying peel-and-stick wallpaper to a single wall for a bold and stylish statement.

A living room with a dark, moody floral peel-and-stick wallpaper on one accent wall. The remaining walls are painted a soft cream color, while the furniture is a mix of neutral tones and plush textures. A large gold-framed mirror and a cozy armchair complete the sophisticated look.

Picture This:
A living room with a dark, moody floral peel-and-stick wallpaper on one accent wall. The remaining walls are painted a soft cream color, while the furniture is a mix of neutral tones and plush textures. A large gold-framed mirror and a cozy armchair complete the sophisticated look.

Styling Tips:

  • Choose wallpaper with bold patterns or colors to make the statement wall stand out.
  • Keep the decor on the accent wall minimal, such as a single mirror or wall art.
  • Use complementary tones in furniture and textiles to tie the room together.

DIY This Look:

  1. Select the wall you want to highlight and clean the surface thoroughly.
  2. Measure the wall and cut the peel-and-stick wallpaper into panels for easier application.
  3. Apply the wallpaper starting at one corner, smoothing it as you go to remove air bubbles.
  4. Trim excess wallpaper at the edges using a craft knife.
  5. Style the room with furniture and decor that complement the accent wall.

10. Personalize a Workspace

Give your home office a unique look by applying peel-and-stick wallpaper to your desk or the wall behind it.

A small home office features a faux-marble peel-and-stick wallpaper covering the desktop surface and a matching wallpaper design applied to the wall behind the desk. The workspace is styled with a sleek desk lamp, a few potted succulents, and neatly arranged office supplies for a chic and productive vibe.

Picture This:
A small home office features a faux-marble peel-and-stick wallpaper covering the desktop surface and a matching wallpaper design applied to the wall behind the desk. The workspace is styled with a sleek desk lamp, a few potted succulents, and neatly arranged office supplies for a chic and productive vibe.

Styling Tips:

  • Use patterns like marble, wood grain, or abstract designs for a modern touch.
  • Coordinate your wallpaper with your office accessories for a cohesive look.
  • Add greenery, like succulents or a small plant, to bring life to the space.

DIY This Look:

  1. Clean the desk surface and wall area behind your workspace to ensure adhesion.
  2. Measure and cut the peel-and-stick wallpaper to fit the desk and wall.
  3. Apply the wallpaper to the desk surface, smoothing it to remove air bubbles.
  4. Add the same or a complementary wallpaper design to the wall behind the desk.
  5. Style the workspace with functional and decorative items like lamps, organizers, and plants.

Why Peel-and-Stick Wallpaper?

  • It’s easy to apply and remove, making it renter-friendly.
  • Versatile for various surfaces.
  • Affordable for DIY projects of all sizes.

Let your imagination run wild with peel-and-stick wallpaper, and turn everyday items into personalized decor statements! Which idea are you excited to try first? Let us know in the comments!

Peel-and-stick wallpaper is a game-changer in home decor, offering endless possibilities for creativity and style without the hassle of traditional wallpaper. Here are 10 unique ways to use it beyond just covering walls
Sandra
Sandra

About the Author:
As a graphic designer specializing in pattern creation, I design timeless, sophisticated patterns for wallpaper, fabric, and home decor, available through licensing and select third-party retailers. On this blog, I share insights on elevating home interiors, with tips and trends for transforming spaces with style, creativity, and a designer’s touch.

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