Wondering if removable wallpaper is for you? We recently had the opportunity to try out a sample of one the amazing removable wall papers by Tempaper (Tropical Fete in Really Rouge) thanks to our colleagues at Adorn in Seattle. Since I am known in the Seriously Happy Homes team as having a minor wallpaper addiction, I was the lucky one to get my hands on this awesome double roll!  

I was thrilled – not only did the whimsical, dramatic pattern electrify my imagination, I was also eager to try out removable wallpaper. I have installed a LOT of wallpaper in my lifetime, but I had never used removable or self-adhesive wallpaper before. 

Before I could install it, I had to figure out where to use this modest amount of wall paper. One double-roll would cover about 56 square feet or a 9 foot high by 6 foot wide area. Most of my walls are wider than this. Now, I could have ordered a second roll of the same pattern, but I’d be risking that the new roll wouldn’t perfectly match (due to normal variations in dye lots – for more on dye lots, see my blog post Wondering about Wallpaper). 

Instead, I embraced the challenge of making the most of this one double roll, and decided that the perfect spot for this unique and colorful wallpaper would be as an incredible backdrop in my hallway closet. My family uses this closet daily, so although it might seem like a hidden space, I knew it would transform the closet into a gem that would surprise and delight us every day!

Once I decided how I’d use the paper, it was time to gather my tools. Since Tempaper is self-adhesive I got to skip the messy stuff like paste, trays, drop cloths and water (yea!) – all I needed was a plumb line (to get a straight vertical line on the wall), a clean squeegee (to smooth down the paper), a reliable tape measure, and sharp cutting tools (to ensure I cut a clean edge). My favorite tool for cutting wallpaper is a heavy-duty utility knife (my favorite from design school is Olfa), plus replacement blades (never cut with a dull blade!), along with a steel ruler and a self-healing fabric cutting mat (easy to find at fabric and craft stores).

Tools ready, I just needed to prep my walls. Tempaper and other removable wallpaper brands require that your wall surface be clean, smooth and painted with a satin or semi-gloss paint. The paint should be dried and cured before you cover your walls. Make sure you listen to this guidance or either all your hard work can peel off your walls because it couldn’t stick properly, or you might find it impossible to peel the paper off later without damaging your walls because it stuck too well.

I painted my walls in a mid-tone gray (Sherwin-Williams SW 7081 Sensuous Gray) to coordinate with the pattern, and it was finally time to hang the wallpaper! 

Below I have listed the “5 Simple Application Steps” from the experts at Tempaper and included a link to their video that shows how to install removable wallpaper: Tempaper Installation Demo Video 

1. 1. Measure the height and width of your wall, this will determine how much Tempaper you will need. One double roll will cover approximately 56 square feet or a 7’ x 8s surface.
   2. Pre-cut panels to the height and width of your surface aligning the design from panel to panel. Leave 2-3 inches of extra material to trim around baseboard.
   3. Peel back 3-4 feet of the backing. Begin application from the top edge of the ceiling and butting wall if applicable. It is recommended that you slightly overlap from panel to panel to avoid splitting seams in environments that can be subjected to temperature variances.
   4. Use a squeegee to smooth out any air pockets. Start from the middle of the piece you are smoothing and guide the air out to the sides. Please do not pull too hard on the product. 
   5. Trim with razor (or utility knife) around molding and such if need be.

So, as an experienced wallpaper installer, what did I think of installing self-adhesive wallpaper? I’m a fan! What surprised me most was how easily it stuck to itself, so be aware of that if you take on this project (maybe have a helper to assist). Other than that, it is great to have a product I can remove in the future without the torture of stripping traditionally pasted paper!

I love my newly decorated and organized closet! Unexpectedly, now that I’ve made such a dramatic change to this tiny little space I find myself much more motivated to keep the closet looking good and free of clutter! Bonus!

Top Takeaways 

• BE STRATEGIC. Wall paper can be expensive, but you don’t need a lot to make a splash!
• Good installation is key. If you install wall paper in a lazy or rushed manner you can make an expensive product look cheap. So gather your tools, make sure your blades are sharp, and take your time.
• HIDDEN GEMS ARE AWESOME. Even small, hidden spaces can bring a smile to a household, and giving such care to a little area like a closet can motivate you to keep it clean and organized, helping you feel lighter and happier in your home.

The result of my wallpaper adventure is fantastic! My favorite thing is that it is unexpected – my little jewel! I hope this inspires you to create a little area of happiness in your home too, and of course if you need a hand coming up with a plan for your personal pocket of joy, just let us know!

May your home always be happy (and full of surprises)!