So you've finally decided to take the plunge and wallpaper that sad, beige rental wall. You've picked out the perfect pattern, watched a few installation videos, and you're ready to transform your space. But before you start peeling and sticking, let's talk about the mistakes that trip up even the most confident DIYers. The good news? These mistakes are totally avoidable when you know what to look out for.

Mistake #1: Skipping the Wall Prep (Or Doing It Wrong)

Here's the thing nobody tells you: removable wallpaper is only as good as the surface you're putting it on. I've seen so many gorgeous patterns fail to stick properly because someone thought "clean enough" was actually clean enough.

What goes wrong: Dust, grease, texture, and moisture are removable wallpaper's sworn enemies. If your walls aren't properly prepped, you'll end up with bubbles, peeling edges, or wallpaper that won't stick at all. And if your walls are textured? That's a whole other issue.

How to avoid it:

• Clean your walls thoroughly with a mixture of warm water and mild dish soap. Wipe down the entire surface and let it dry completely (we're talking 24 hours, not "feels dry to the touch").
• Check for texture. Run your hand across the wall. If it feels bumpy or rough, removable wallpaper isn't going to adhere properly. Lightly textured walls might work, but heavily textured or orange peel walls will cause problems.
• Avoid freshly painted walls. I know, you just painted and now you want to wallpaper. But paint needs time to cure and off-gas. Wait at least 4-6 weeks after painting before applying removable wallpaper. Not sure if it's ready? You can press a piece of painter's tape to the wall and pull it off. If paint comes with it, you'll need to wait a bit longer for the paint to cure before applying wallpaper.

Pro tip: Humidity matters. Don't install wallpaper on a super humid day or in a steamy bathroom right after someone's showered. Let the room air out and dry completely first.

Mistake #2: Not Ordering Samples (Or Ignoring What They Tell You)

Look, I get it. You've been stalking this pattern on Instagram for weeks. You know it's The One. But ordering samples isn't just about seeing the color in person (though that's important too).

What goes wrong: Colors can look completely different on screens versus real life. That "coral" might actually be more "salmon." That "navy" could read almost black in your north-facing room. Plus, you need to see the actual texture and quality of the material before committing to an entire wall.

How to avoid it:

• Always order samples. Yes, always. Even if you're 100% sure.
• Look at samples in your actual space. Tape them to the wall you're planning to wallpaper and observe them at different times of day. Morning light hits different than evening light.
• Check the scale. Patterns can look much larger or smaller in person than they do online. A sample helps you visualize the actual repeat.
• Test the adhesive. Stick your sample to the wall and try removing it after a few days. This tells you how it'll perform on your specific wall surface.
• Live with samples for at least a week. Your initial reaction might change as you see the pattern in different lighting and moods.

Pro tip: Take photos of your samples on the wall and look at them on your phone. Sometimes you need that digital distance to really see how it'll look.

Mistake #3: Measuring Wrong (Or Not Measuring at All)

Math isn't everyone's strong suit – I get it (it's certainly not mine!). But this is one area where you really can't wing it. Ordering too little wallpaper means your project comes to a screeching halt. Ordering way too much means money wasted.

What goes wrong: You measure once, order confidently, and then realize mid-installation that you're three panels short. Or you forget to account for pattern repeat and suddenly nothing lines up. Or you measured in feet but ordered in meters.

How to avoid it:

• Measure your wall height and width in inches. Measure in multiple spots because walls aren't always perfectly even.
• Understand pattern repeat. This is the distance before the pattern repeats itself vertically. You'll need to account for this in your calculations because you'll be matching the pattern across panels. We make this easy – our wallpaper panels are all a standard 24" wide.
• Use a wallpaper calculator. Most wallpaper companies (including us) have calculators on their websites. Use them. They account for pattern repeat and add a buffer for mistakes.
• Add 10-15% extra. Seriously. You'll thank yourself later when you have enough for that tricky corner or if you need to replace a panel down the road.
• Double-check your units. Are you ordering in square feet, linear feet, or rolls? Make absolutely sure before you hit "purchase."

Pro tip: Keep your leftover wallpaper. Store it flat in a cool, dry place. Future-you will appreciate having it for repairs or touch-ups.

Mistake #4: Rushing the Installation Process

I know you're excited. I know you want to see the finished result. I know you cleared your entire Saturday for this project. But removable wallpaper rewards patience and punishes rushing.

What goes wrong: You slap that first panel up crooked because you were too eager to start. You don't smooth out bubbles properly. You stretch the material while positioning it (removable wallpaper does NOT like being stretched). You try to reposition it five times and now the adhesive is compromised.

How to avoid it:

• Start with a plumb line. Use a level and draw a light pencil line (or use painter's tape) to mark where your first panel should go. Your first panel sets the tone for everything else.
• Peel gradually. Don't remove all the backing paper at once. Peel about 12 inches at a time as you work your way down the wall.
• Smooth as you go. Use a smoothing tool or a clean, dry cloth to push out air bubbles as you apply each section. Work from the center outward.
• Take breaks. Your arms will get tired. Your eyes will lose focus. Step away, grab some water, come back fresh.
• Have a helper for large panels. Two sets of hands make everything easier, especially with ceiling-height panels.
• Reposition carefully. Removable wallpaper can be repositioned, but every time you lift and restick, you compromise the adhesive a little. Try to get it right the first or second time.

Pro tip: If you're anxious about the installation, using this Roman's EZ Hang spray that makes it easier to reposition your peel and stick wallpaper without it feeling so life-or-death the first time around.

Mistake #5: Ignoring Edges and Seams

Your wallpaper is up, it looks amazing, and you're ready to celebrate. But wait – are those edges already starting to lift? Are the seams between panels super obvious?

What goes wrong: Edges that aren't properly secured will eventually peel, especially in high-traffic areas or rooms with temperature fluctuations. Visible seams can ruin an otherwise perfect installation.

How to avoid it:

• Press edges firmly. After you've installed each panel, go back over all the edges with your smoothing tool or fingers. Really press them into the wall.
• Use a seam roller. For the seams where two panels meet, a seam roller (or even a clean wine bottle) helps create an invisible join.
• Don't overlap panels. Removable wallpaper should be butted edge-to-edge, not overlapped. Overlapping creates visible ridges and will eventually peel.
• Trim carefully. Use a sharp blade to trim excess wallpaper at ceilings, baseboards, and corners. A dull blade will tear the paper rather than cut it cleanly.
• Check within 24 hours. After installation, check your edges and seams. If anything's lifting, press it down while the adhesive is still fresh.

Pro tip: In high-humidity areas like bathrooms, check your edges monthly and press them down if needed. A little preventive maintenance goes a long way. And you can always use that EZ Hang spray to touch up any spots that aren't sticking quite right.

The Bottom Line on Removable Wallpaper Success

Here's what I want you to remember: removable wallpaper is genuinely transformative when installed correctly. It's not some cheap, temporary substitute for "real" wallpaper – it's a legitimate design choice that gives you flexibility and freedom.

Most installation issues come down to preparation and patience. Clean your walls properly. Order those samples. Measure twice, order once. Take your time during installation. Pay attention to edges and seams.

Do these things, and you'll end up with a wall that makes you smile every single time you walk into the room. And isn't that the whole point?

Ready to start your wallpaper project? Browse our collection of hand-illustrated removable wallpaper patterns designed for real homes, real renters, and real people who want their walls to tell stories of happiness, not perfection.

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Still have questions about removable wallpaper installation? Drop us an email at hello@asteriastudio.com—we're always happy to help troubleshoot before you start your project.

Want more wallpaper tips and design inspiration? Follow along on Instagram for seasonal decorating ideas, new pattern launches, and behind-the-scenes stories from our Chicago studio.