Wainscoting is a popular method of protecting the quality of walls in a traditional decorative style.
Not only does wainscoting look stylish and sleek, but it also helps to protect the walls behind it from scuff marks, scraping chairs, dirty fingerprints in the kitchen, and muddy splatters from outdoor shoes.
However, a common misconception about wainscoting is that you have to install the wainscoting, which looks far harder than it actually is.
What most people don’t know is that you can find peel and stick wainscoting wallpaper, allowing for the easiest installation without having to break the bank.
Plus, you won’t need to hire a professional - just do it yourself!
If you’re looking to protect your walls from general wear and tear of movement, while enhancing the decorative flare of your interior, you’ve come to the right place.
Here is my guide to the best peel and stick wainscoting wallpaper.
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Best Peel And Stick Wainscoting Wallpaper
OUR TOP PICK
Choose this peel and stick Wainscoting if you want a traditional look with a modern edge, is easy to clean and wipe off stains, and is very easy to apply.
First up on my list is the Wasait Peel and Stick White Stripe Wall Panels.
These peel and stick wall panels are ideal for creating an illusion of traditional wainscoting paneling, whilst appealing to the modern interior lovers.
The white stripe pattern is simple and minimalistic, making it an ideal choice for those with a modern interior - or even for maximalist interiors that need to calm down a bit.
Made of PE foam, these panels are surprisingly high-quality, with the ability to resist peeling and yellowing from moisture (which can typically ruin the appearance of white stripe panels).
Not only this, but the smooth outer layer means that wear and tear marks - whether it’s the scuff marks from chairs or shoe traffic in the hallway - can be wiped away simply with a wet wipe.
In terms of the installation, these wall panels come with an intensely high adhesion, so you won’t have to worry about peeling or panels falling.
To apply the panels to the wall, you simply peel and stick the product to the wall.
Yes, it’s that easy.
When testing this product, we liked how the panels can be cut to certain sizes, allowing you to cover half of the wall (like traditional wainscoting), or even the majority of a wall.
Pros
- Low maintenance - Easy to clean marks with a wet cloth and is completely waterproof
- Easy installation - Simply peel and stick the panels to the wall
- Adjustable - Cut the panels into whatever size you need to fit uneven or crooked walls
Cons
- Not fire-resistant - Not suitable for installation in fire environments
EDITORS CHOICE
Choose this peel and stick Wainscoting if you want a traditional look that's easy to apply and remove.
Who said that wainscoting wallpaper needs to look bland and patternless?
This NuWallpaper Reclaimed Tin Peel & Stick Wallpaper is ideal for those who want a splash of traditional and fancy decoration in the hallway, kitchen, or bathroom.
The pattern of this wallpaper is decadent and marble-like, creating a stunning feature on a wall to enhance a kitchen backsplash, the ceiling of a bathroom, or even the bottom half of a hallway wall (as wainscoting is intended).
Plus, the metallic tin-like accents provide a splash of brightness that can lighten up any room - perfect for making ordinary white walls look a bit more interesting.
As for the practicality of this wainscoting wallpaper, this product is easy to apply and remove thanks to its adhesive backing, allowing you to simply peel and stick the wallpaper to the wall.
Because this wallpaper doesn’t leave behind sticky residue or peel off part of the wall surface, this is an ideal product for rental properties.
It also means that you can reposition the wallpaper at any time if you accidentally applied it to the wall unevenly.
When testing this product, we liked how the tin-like design isn’t pure white, meaning general wear and tear can easily be camouflaged by the rustic appearance.
If you want to clean scuff marks and dirt, however, this can be easily done by wiping marks away with a wet cloth.
Pros
- Unique appearance - Rustic, marble-like appearance makes for an interesting and stylish decorative wall
- Versatile - Can be used for wainscoting, a feature wall, a kitchen backsplash, a ceiling, stairs, and more
- Easy to apply and remove - Peel and stick installation means the wallpaper can be peeled back and repositioned without damaging the actual wall
Cons
- Prone to bubbling - Bubbles may appear upon initial installation, but reviewers have said this adds to the rustic appearance
BEST VALUE
Choose this peel and stick Wainscoting if you want a traditional look, that's easy to apply, and cleans with a simple wipe, all at a budget friendly price.
This peel and stick paneling wallpaper is ideal for those who like the traditional wainscoting appearance.
Traditional wainscoting looks like a 1300s Dutch solid wood paneling, often embellished with rectangular indents that create a classic appearance.
It’s simple and effective, and works a charm for protecting your walls from wear and tear.
This RoomMates Beveled Wood Paneling Peel and Stick Wallpaper comes in a classic beige or gray coloring, allowing for a splash of warmth to a hallway, dining room, bathroom, or kitchen.
While the wainscoting-like rectangular indents aren’t actually real, they create the illusion of wainscoting, making for a 3D appearance without having to install solid wood to your walls.
As for the application, this wallpaper is effortlessly applied to walls by peeling the protective backing and sticking it to the chosen position.
If you mess up, the wallpaper can be removed and reapplied, which is also handy for rental properties (while protecting the wall and your security deposit!).
When testing this product, we appreciated the practicality of how this wallpaper protects the quality of the walls behind it.
You can simply wipe dirt and scuff marks away with a wet cloth without worrying about the wallpaper bubbling.
Pros
- Wainscoting appearance - 3D pattern gives the illusion of traditional wainscoting, adding a charming element to a room
- Easy application and removal - Simply peel and stick to apply and remove without damaging the quality of the wall
- Color options - Comes in beige or gray depending on decorative choice
Cons
- 3D design - Some might not appreciate the 3D design compared to “real” wainscoting wallpaper
RUNNER UP
Don’t be fooled - while this wallpaper is marketed as a ceiling tile, it is incredibly versatile and can be used vertically as wainscoting wallpaper.
Available in white, black, or gray, this peel and stick wallpaper is ideal for protecting and enhancing the quality of your walls depending on your decorative choices.
The 24”x24” tiles come in a pack of 12, which is roughly enough to cover a hallway wall in a wainscoting style.
As for the design, the raised pattern is very reminiscent of traditional wainscoting, allowing for a splash of classy decor and appearing like it’s always belonged on the walls.
The lightweight PVC material means that each panel is flexible, durable, easy to clean, and completely resistant to water and corrosion.
This also means that you can wipe away scuff marks and dirt with a wet cloth and not have to worry about the wallpaper bubbling from exposure to water.
When testing this product, we were pleasantly surprised by how durable the lightweight and thin material was.
It means that the tiles can be easily cut to size and installed without cracking the PVC, which is ideal for beginners.
Pros
- Classic wainscoting design - Raised design is a nod to traditional wainscoting and creates the illusion of solid wood
- Color variety - Choose between white, black, and gray depending on personal choice
- Multipurpose - Can be placed on ceilings, backsplashes, feature walls, or as wainscoting
Cons
- Don’t cut with scissors - Thin material means the panels are best cut to size with a sharp blade to prevent cracking
RUNNER UP
For those who want to make a wainscoting-inspired wall with a unique modern flare, this is the wallpaper for you.
These Art3d Plant Fiber Textured Wall Panels are typically used to enhance any room as a feature wall, but that doesn’t mean you can cut the tiles to a smaller size to create a wainscoting appearance.
Available in white, the pattern of these wall panels is modern and dynamic, creating an interesting aesthetic that is ideal for minimalistic interiors, thanks to its geometric design.
These panels are 3D, which is ideal for the unique pattern that would otherwise be difficult to apply to a wall if the pattern was raised.
The material itself is made of 100% recyclable plant fiber, which is ideal for those who are conscious about the environment.
The way to apply these wall panels is simple - you simply peel away the backing and stick the panels to a prepared wall.
When testing this product, we liked how the durable PVC could be easily painted over, so you can enhance the feature wainscoting wall by changing the color to your liking.
Pros
- Unique design - Adds a geometric and modern flare to any interior
- Paintable - Change the color of the panels by painting (or spray-painting) them
- Environmentally friendly - Made of 100% recyclable plant fiber to protect the planet from plastics
Cons
- Stylistic choice - Design might not be favored by some people
Buyer’s Guide
Choosing and applying wainscoting wallpaper can sound more overwhelming than it actually is.
Whether you’ve applied wallpaper before or if you’re totally new to the world of wallpaper, I’ve compiled a buyer’s guide to help you choose and apply peel and stick wainscoting wallpaper easily.
The Importance Of Wainscoting
Wainscoting has been around for centuries, which is why it’s so common to see solid wood wainscoting or wainscoting-inspired wallpaper in many homes around the country.
Wainscoting isn’t a necessary addition to a home, but it’s certainly worth it for protecting the quality of your walls.
The function of wainscoting is to collect general wear and tear marks, such as dirt from shoes or scuff marks from chairs, whilst protecting the quality of the wall behind it.
The wainscoting wallpaper can then be easily wiped with a wet cloth to maintain the quality of the wallpaper, keeping your wall clean and looking new.
Plus, the added benefit is that wainscoting wallpaper adds a decorative flare to your home, so it’s a win-win.
What To Consider In Peel And Stick Wainscoting Wallpaper
Design
Ultimately, you want your wainscoting wallpaper to look good.
It all comes down to personal design choice, so it helps that there’s a multitude of wallpaper designs out there to match any interior design.
If you want to opt for a classic Dutch-style wainscoting design, there are some 3D wallpapers that give the illusion of raised solid wood.
The RoomMates Beveled Wood Paneling Peel And Stick Wallpaper, for example, is a lovely nod to the traditional Dutch wainscoting design.
On the other hand, the Wasait 3D White Stripe Wall Panels give a more modern and simplistic flare.
However, make sure to consider whether you want 3D wallpaper panels or not.
3D wallpaper means the wallpaper is easy to clean and apply, allowing for little to no bubbles on the surface after applying.
However, sometimes you can’t beat raised wallpaper designs.
Material And Maintenance
Most peel and stick wallpaper panels are made from a lightweight PVC material.
While thin, PVC is surprisingly durable and is resistant to corrosion, water, and cracking upon application.
The PVC material of the Art3d Decorative Drop Ceiling Tiles, for example, makes the tiles incredibly easy to wipe without worrying about bubbling or discoloration.
This means you don’t have to worry about the maintenance of the PVC panels, because you can easily wipe away dirt and scuff marks with a wet cloth without the risk of creating moisture bubbles and stains.
Application
The reason why people opt for peel and stick wallpaper is because of its easy application.
The clue is in the name - simply peel the protective backing, and stick the wallpaper to the wall!
This is very straightforward for beginners, as it means you won’t have to worry about residue and glue marks.
Plus, despite common misconceptions about the strength of peel and stick wallpaper, the adhesive backing is surprisingly hardy and won’t curl at the edges.
Removal
As with the application, it’s important that peel and stick wallpaper can be easily removed.
It’s so common to accidentally apply wallpaper panels at a wonky angle or slightly far away from a neighboring panel.
Luckily for you, stick and peel wallpaper panels can be easily removed by peeling the panels away from the wall and repositioning them, without the risk of ruining the quality of the wall behind it.
This is especially useful for those in rental properties, because you will be protecting the quality of the wall (and thus your security deposit) while adding a stylish flare to your home.
A great example of this would be the NuWallpaper Reclaimed Tin Peel & Stick Wallpaper.
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Versatility
Most peel and stick wallpaper isn’t actually marketed as solely wainscoting wallpaper.
This means that you can use the wallpaper for any means, including the backsplash of a kitchen, a feature wall in a dining room or bathroom, decorating a ceiling, and even for the stairs.
This is handy for using up leftover wallpaper panels, and helps to tie in the wainscoting design around your home.
Can It Be Cut?
One of the biggest factors to consider with PVC peel and stick wallpaper is that some aren’t suitable for being cut.
Cutting wallpaper is essential for fitting a wall properly, and you don’t want to buy panels that can’t be cut without cracking.
Some PVC wallpaper panels can be cut with scissors, but I typically recommend using a sharp bladed knife for cutting to prevent potential cracking.
Which Peel and Stick Wainscoting Paper Is The Best?
So, which peel and stick wainscoting wallpaper is the best choice?
Performance
In terms of application performance, the Wasait 3D Wallpaper takes the cake.
The high adhesion and easy application makes this suitable for all DIYers regardless of skill level.
Style
When it comes to style, and sticking to a traditional wainscoting style, then the RoomMates Beveled Wood Paneling wallpaper is your best choice.
Uniqueness
Who said you have to stick to a classic or modern wainscoting design?
For those who prefer a unique flare, the NuWallpaper Reclaimed Tin Wallpaper is ideal.
Materials
The Art3d Plant Fiber Textured Wall Panels are best thanks to the environmentally friendly materials.
Multipurpose
For those who want to use the wainscoting wallpaper for more than just walls, the Art3d Decorative Drop Ceiling Tile Wallpaper is undeniably the best option.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is There Peel And Stick Wainscoting?
While wainscoting is typically associated with solid wood installation, you can actually find peel and stick wainscoting online and in local DIY stores.
The peel and stick acts like any other wallpaper, and provides an extra protective layer for your walls.
Can You Use Wallpaper As Wainscoting?
Wallpaper can be used as wainscoting as it provides another protective layer to interior walls, protecting them from scuff marks, dents, dirt, and more.
It’s important to look out for PVC wallpaper in this instance, because the PVC material offers slightly more thickness than regular wallpaper.
This allows for a slightly thicker protective layer, plus the PVC is resistant to corrosion and water damage.
Of course, wallpaper isn’t as durable as traditional wainscoting, but it’s a handy trick for beginners and those in rental properties who don’t want to create a permanent wainscoting feature.
Is Wainscoting The Same As Paneling?
To put it simply, no - wainscoting isn’t the same as paneling.
Wainscoting is typically applied to the bottom half of a wall to protect the wall from general wear and tear of foot traffic, scuff marks, scraping chairs, and more.
Paneling, however, is mostly used to cover an entire wall.
This means that while you can’t really use wainscoting as paneling, you can use paneling as wainscoting if you trim the paneling down to a certain height.
Both terms are often used interchangeably for this reason, but there is a clear difference between wainscoting and paneling.
Can Wainscoting Be Modern?
While wainscoting is often associated with classic raised solid wood, it can definitely be used with more modern and simplistic patterns.
The beauty of interior design is that nothing is impossible - so you can use a modern wainscoting design (such as geometric shapes or even simple white panels) to protect the quality of your walls.
This also allows you to keep your home looking classy and stylish as well as practical.
Last update on 2024-04-03 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
