Remove old wallpaper without damaging the wall underneath
May 18, 2026
Picture hanging 101: gallery walls, single statements, no holes left behind
May 18, 2026
Most “removable” decor is more removable than nothing, but less removable than the marketing suggests. Here’s what actually comes off cleanly — and what doesn’t.
The honest hierarchy
- Adhesive hooks rated under 3kg — almost always come off cleanly with the included pull tab. Frame weight on most posters falls under this. Our Picture-Hanging Kit includes 30.
- Peel-and-stick wallpaper on flat painted walls over 30 days cured — usually comes off cleanly. May leave residue on chalky paint.
- Removable wall decals on flat painted walls — usually clean, but the larger the decal the more chance of paint pull on removal.
- Anything on textured walls (popcorn, brick, woodchip) — adhesion is poor going on, removal is risky.
- Anything on freshly painted walls (under 30 days) — high chance of pulling paint with it.
What we recommend
For rentals, start with our Renter Refresh Kit (€45). It’s the lowest-commitment way to add personality — and the easiest to undo.
Three rules
1. Patch test for 48 hours
Apply one decal or one small square of wallpaper in a hidden spot — behind furniture, low on a wall. Wait 48 hours. Remove it slowly. Check for residue or paint lift.
2. Photograph before applying
Take dated photos of the wall before applying anything. If a landlord later claims damage you didn’t cause, you have a baseline.
3. Read your tenancy agreement
Some leases prohibit any wall modification — even removable. If yours does, our kits are not for you. We say this because we’d rather lose a sale than cost you a deposit.
What to skip
- Adhesive hooks rated above 5kg — these often pull paint when removed.
- Vinyl decals advertised as “permanent” sold as “removable” — they’re for cars.
- Spray-on temporary wall colour — sounds magical, isn’t.
See our full renter disclaimer.
