I Upgraded My Dining Nook With Peel-and-Stick Wallpaper and Here's How It Went

Welcome to Skimm Tested, where we put products to the test and then give them a report card. (Check out all of our tried-and-tested faves here.)

The assignment…

To test removable wallpaper as an apartment renter. Is it a viable option for those looking to improve their space, without having to commit to a permanent solution? PS: Skimm’rs get 15% off with code SKIMM15.

Straight A’s in…

• Appearance. When I saw the Rising Sun pattern, I immediately loved its design. I was looking for something with neutral colors and a small-scale pattern that wasn’t overwhelming. When it arrived, I was thoroughly impressed with the crispness of the print and accuracy of the color. It looked exactly like it did online. To confirm it was the pattern I really wanted for my tiny dining nook, I ordered a sample ($6). After living with that for a week (and seeing it in different lights), I decided it was the one.

• Quality. Chasing Paper makes high-quality removable wallpaper made from poly-woven fabric. It’s printed with GreenGuard Gold-Certified ink with a matte finish. It’s also fade- and stain-resistant, with low VOC and PVC. What does this all mean? It’s safe to install in your home, especially around kids and pets. 

• Application. Before this, I had never installed any type of wallpaper, so peel and stick was intimidating to me. To help with the process, I recruited a handy friend and admittedly, he took charge of the project. However, from his point of view, the installation went rather seamless. Chasing Paper has a kit available to help, but it comes at an added cost of $30. That kit includes a pencil, X-Acto knife, smoother, and pouch. He ended up bringing tools of his own, so I didn’t need to purchase the kit. The wallpaper comes in panels, available at three different lengths (4, 8, and 12 feet), so we worked in sections, which makes the panels easier to handle. 

• Footage calculator. When you’re checking out, Chasing Paper has a footage calculator available to help you determine how much wallpaper you need to purchase. I measured the height and width of my wall and inputted that into the calculator. That then tells you how many panels you need to order and at what height. Chasing Paper also recommends adding 15% overage to the final footage calculation so you have enough.

Room for growth…

• Price. With the size of my dining nook, I needed the 2 feet by 12 feet panels, which are $120 each. That’s not a low price tag, especially since painting is substantially cheaper and with the length of the walls, I needed six panels total. However, you’re paying for the flexibility removable wallpaper provides and a no-mess installation process. Is it the cheapest option on the market? No, but you’re also getting a wallpaper that’s substantial to the touch, doesn’t wrinkle or fade over time, and immediately enhances your space. 

• Application. There were parts of the install process that were tricky. It takes a lot of patience to get rid of air bubbles, smooth out each panel, and line up the pattern as closely as possible. In my opinion, it’s a two-person job, unless you’re a DIY wizard. I also believe that the application kit should be included in the order (since you’re already paying a substantial price tag).

Works best for…

• Apartment or home renters. Anyone who can’t make permanent decor choices.

• Baby or kid rooms. They’re growing up fast and painting is a time- and effort-intensive process. This provides an easy solution, with the idea that you’ll most likely update their room in a few years. 

• Small spaces. Like a bathroom, the inside of a bookshelf, or an entryway. The peel-and-stick wallpaper will immediately enhance your decor and the price tag will be lower since the space is smaller. (Also, consider this for an accent wall.)

Gets extra credit for…

• Having so many options. In color and pattern, yes, but Chasing Paper also sells traditional wallpaper, faux grasscloth, and matte vinyl. Want to go the tile decal route for a kitchen backsplash? They have that, too. 

• Providing a how-to guide. So you won’t be totally lost if this is your introduction to wallpaper. 

How I did my homework…

• I tested Chasing Paper’s peel-and-stick wallpaper, from the initial stage of ordering to the final stage of installation. How easy was placing an order via the footage calculator? But more importantly, what was the installation process like for an average apartment renter like myself? I’m not a DIY queen by any means, so I wanted to see what the peel-and-stick process would be like for a novice. I paid special attention to how long the process took (between two and three hours), if the wallpaper was smoothing easily (it did), and if there was any unraveling of the seams on each side of the panels (there was not). Overall, I love the look of the wallpaper and the effect it has on my tiny dining nook.

Footnotes…

• Rising Sun, Chasing Paper; $6 sample or $45+ per panel (for peel and stick)

• SKIMM15 for 15% off your order

• Available in three panel sizes and three colors

• Available in four materials