You guys! I am beyond excited about this. As I recently showed you, I added this fawn wallpaper to our master bedroom closet (you can see the makeover reveal here) and I am in love with it. It’s glam and feminine and basically everything my husband hates, but it’s the closet, ya know? I think it’s a decent compromise since I didn’t force our house to ooze femininity at every turn. The closet (or at least my half of it) was fair game as far as I’m concerned. Anyway, I loved the wallpaper but I sort of hate the whole wallpaper removal process, and I change my mind a lot. (I have what is commonly referred to as decorating ADHD.) So I set out to find out how to make wallpaper removable, so that I could hang the exact wallpaper I wanted without using glue or making it permanent. And I found a way!

I had heard about this idea suggested in an old Lonny Magazine article a long time ago and always had it in the back of my mind, wondering if it would actually work. Yes, removable wallpaper exists, but the pattern choices are limited, and this method allowed me to use any wallpaper I wanted. I have to say, this was a total experiment, but I’m so happy that it worked.

I’ve used thumbtacks to attach wallpaper to the backs of bookcases, and I’ve used just plain old double stick tape too, both of which can work depending on the situation. However, the method I’m sharing with you today requires no glue, no tacks, no holes, no wall damage, period. Here’s what you’ll need.

PROJECT SUPPLY LIST:

Wallpaper of your choice (I used this Tan Fawn Wallpaper from Walls Republic.)
Painter’s Tape (Amount will vary based on how much wall space you have to cover.)
Double Sided Tape (Amount will also vary, but you will need A LOT.) I suggest shopping Amazon to find it in bulk, or check out the dollar store. I used a couple of different types based on whatever I could find at the store.
X-Acto Knife
Scissors
Ruler or Yard Stick (for a straight edge)
Pencil
Smoothing Tool

HOW TO MAKE WALLPAPER REMOVABLE

Step 1

First, create a grid on the wall with painter’s tape. This doesn’t have to be perfect by any means. Just slap the tape up there in a general grid formation—no measuring or straight lines necessary.

Step 2

Next, measure your wall and then cut a strip of wallpaper to the correct length, leaving a few excess inches. Set aside.

Step 3

Apply double-sided tape on top of the painter’s tape. This provides a barrier between the double sided tape and the wall, so that removing it will not damage the wall later on. If you stick the double sided tape directly onto the wall, it will damage it when you pull it off. Work in sections, applying the tape just to the area where the first strip of wallpaper will adhere.

Step 4

Carefully position your first strip of wallpaper onto the wall, smoothing it out as you go. You may need to go in and add additional pieces of painter’s tape with more double sided tape on top as you go, especially under edges to make them less noticeable.

Step 5

When you get your wallpaper positioned on the wall, use your X-Acto knife to cut the excess paper off the top and bottom.

Step 6

Repeat the process, carefully matching up the pattern repeat on your paper (if there is one), all the way around the room. If any edges are not laying flat, stick some more tape under them until everything looks smooth and uniform. Then step back and enjoy your hard work!

Notes:

This is time consuming and a little bit tedious, but not difficult and definitely worth it if you don’t want to worry about having difficulty removing it later. This will peel right off whenever you want to change up your decor.

The most difficult part was applying the wallpaper around the window, but I just tried my best to smooth it and slowly cut it with the X-Acto. I’m sure this is the case regardless of application process.

If you’re covering a lot of wall space, I would make your grid quite large (to save both time and tape) and pay special attention mostly just to the edges. I found that that’s where I ended up needing the most tape anyway.

I used the same method for behind the shelves too.