We’d been excited to try wallpaper in our duplex, and last week we finally installed peel-and-stick wall murals—two of them, in fact. The process was much easier than we expected and the results exceeded our hopes.

We considered several options before finding removable wall murals on Society6. These are essentially peel-and-stick wallpaper, but sold in wide mural panels (commonly 8′ wide, sometimes 12′) where the image is designed as a single composition rather than a repeating pattern. For our small 8 x 8′ rooms they were a perfect fit, and the removable backing meant they could be peeled off later if we changed our minds.

We’ve removed wallpaper before, so the idea of an easy-to-remove option appealed to us. The murals offer large-scale, painterly patterns that felt bolder than many traditional wallpapers in the same price range, and they’re made from a durable, vinyl-like material with fabric fibers that hold up to handling.

Why We Chose a Peel-and-Stick Wall Mural

Beyond the size and removability, the main advantages we noticed were:

• Bold, large-scale artwork options that make a strong visual impact.
• Simple installation—no paste or messy glue, and panels can be peeled and restuck if needed.
• Demonstration videos available from the seller that help set expectations for installation.
• Durable material that tolerates being repositioned during installation.

*This isn’t sponsored—we purchased these murals ourselves and are sharing our experience.

The Wall Mural Designs We Chose

After debating several designs, we selected two painterly patterns: a blue whale motif and an orange blossom pattern. The whale mural complements the side of the duplex with pink doors (White Truffle by Sherwin-Williams), while the orange blossoms pair nicely with the side that has greeny-blue doors (Oyster Bay by Sherwin-Williams).

We bought the murals during a sale, which reduced the usual price and made the project more budget-friendly. Installation was straightforward but required patience and some care—our first mural took about three hours, and the second took closer to two once we’d established a workflow.

Tools & Supplies Needed

You don’t need many tools to install these murals, but the following items make the process easier:

• Step ladder
• Level
• Pen or pencil
• Ruler or tape measure
• Flathead screwdriver
• Scissors
• Utility knife or other sharp craft knife
• Smoothing tool (a credit card works in a pinch)
• An extra pair of hands—installation is much easier with two people

Step 1: Organize Your Panels

These 8′ murals come as four 2′ wide panels rolled together. Because the image is not repeating, identify and order the panels before you start. We unrolled and laid ours out to ensure the sequence was correct so the composition would line up when hung.

Step 2: Carefully Position the First Panel

Each panel has a removable backing that peels away. Work in small sections—peel back a foot or so of backing and position the panel on the wall. Getting the first panel straight is important, but the material is very forgiving and can be restuck multiple times without losing adhesion.

Tip: Use a level

Don’t rely on the ceiling or adjacent wall as your guide—most rooms aren’t perfectly square. Mark a vertical line with a level to reference the outer edge of your first panel. We marked ours roughly 23.5″ from the corner so the 24″ panel would overlap the side wall slightly and avoid gaps where the wall bows.

Hang the panel along that guideline and allow about an inch of overlap at the ceiling to accommodate minor variations in ceiling height. You can trim excess later.

Step 3: Peel, Stick, and Smooth

Once positioned, continue peeling small sections of backing, pressing the panel to the wall, and smoothing out bubbles. Work from the middle out toward the edges when smoothing. A smoothing tool is ideal, but a credit card will do in a pinch. If the panel wrinkles or is misaligned, peel and restick—this material tolerates adjustments well.

Step 4: Line Up the Pattern on the Second Panel

Butt the second panel edge-to-edge with the first—these murals aren’t printed with overlaps—peel a small section of backing, and carefully align the pattern. The panels have a bit of stretch, so avoid pulling too hard while smoothing. If alignment slips, peel back and try again until the pattern lines up neatly.

Step 5: Cut Around Small Obstacles Like Outlets & Switches

For switches or outlets, turn off the power and remove the cover plate. Loosely press the panel over the area, feel the outline through the material, and carefully cut around it with a utility knife. Remove what you need so the cover plate can be reinstalled cleanly.

Step 6: Cut Around Large Obstacles Like Windows & Doors

When a window or door prevents a panel from lying flat, start by aligning the top and then roughly trim the section covering the opening, leaving several inches of excess. Gradually trim more as you get confident—cut conservatively at first. After trimming, press the panel flat around the trim and smooth the edges; you’ll trim remaining overlap later.

Step 7: Finishing Your Final Panel

The last panel can be the trickiest, especially around windows. Our solution in one tricky spot was to prioritize aligning the pattern where it would be most visible, then carefully slice a narrow strip in a low-detail area so we could overlap and smooth the material with minimal visible seam. The small overlap is very subtle from a distance and will be hidden by furniture in our layout.

Step 8: Cut Off the Excess With Your Knife

Trim excess material along ceilings, baseboards, and side walls once you’re satisfied with placement. Some prefer to smooth and crease the edge before cutting freehand; others press a smoothing tool along the crease while cutting to use as a guide. Trim carefully—you can’t add material back once it’s removed.

Step 9: Enjoy the Result (and Repeat if You Want)

We’re thrilled with how these murals transformed the bunk rooms into charming sleeping nooks. The rooms still need final furnishings—twin bed platforms are in place and mattresses are on the way—but the murals already give each side a distinct personality. The process is addictive enough that we’re eyeing other spots in the beach house and our home where another mural could work.

A few hours of careful work on each side completely changed the look and feel of these small rooms. If you’re considering a similar project, peel-and-stick murals are an accessible way to add graphic impact without a permanent commitment.

*This post contains affiliate links*