Hey there, home decor lover! If you‘re like me, you‘re always on the hunt for easy ways to transform your space and express your personal style. As a long-time renter and commitment-phobe, I‘d always admired the look of wallpaper but couldn‘t fathom the hassle (or permanence) of putting it up – that is, until I discovered Tempaper.
In this ultra-thorough review, I‘m going to dish on everything you need to know about this game-changing peel-and-stick wallpaper brand. We‘ll dive into:
- What makes Tempaper different (and better) than other removable wallpapers
- A peek at some of their most stylish and popular designs
- The real deal on how easy it is to install and remove (from someone who‘s done it)
- What actual customers have to say about Tempaper
- My honest take on if Tempaper is worth the hype (and cash)
By the end, you‘ll have all the deets to decide if Tempaper is the way to go for your space. Let‘s get into it!
The 411 on Tempaper
Launched in 2008 by sisters Jennifer Matthews and Julia Au, Tempaper is the OG of removable wallpaper. The idea for peel-and-stick paper came to them while struggling to find a stylish yet commitment-free way to transform their own homes.
"We were young, living in rentals, and craving a quick design fix," explains Jennifer. "But everything on the market was so dated and difficult to install. We knew there had to be a better way."
After months of researching and testing, they created a high-quality, self-adhesive wallpaper that was simple to put up and take down. Unlike traditional wallpaper, Tempaper grips the wall with a special adhesive backing but peels off damage-free when you‘re ready for a change. Genius, right?
Since launching their first 12 designs, Tempaper has grown into one of the most popular and trusted peel-and-stick brands. They now offer over 300 designs and have a cult following of over 400,000 happy customers.
Tempaper has been featured in major press like Good Housekeeping, HGTV, and Architectural Digest and is a go-to for top designers and celebrities. In 2021, the brand was named one of Inc.‘s fastest-growing private companies in America. Not too shabby!
What Makes Tempaper Different
What sets Tempaper apart from other peel-and-stick brands? Here are the key things I‘ve noticed as a repeat customer:
Premium matte material
A lot of peel-and-stick wallpapers use a plastic-y, shiny vinyl – not Tempaper. It‘s printed on a high-end, woven polyester fabric with a luxe matte finish. The material is thicker than most, so it has a more seamless, painterly look on the wall.
Up close, you really can‘t tell it‘s not traditional paper. Tempaper also uses eco-friendly, water-based inks and is PVC-free, so it‘s a safer choice.
Tons of designs
Whether your vibe is modern farmhouse, boho, or glam, Tempaper has stylish options to suit every space and taste. They launch new prints seasonally to stay on-trend but also have timeless classics you can‘t go wrong with.
With over 300 designs including collabs with artists and designers, you could Tempaper a different room every week and never run out of fab options! I‘m especially obsessed with their large-scale murals.
Easy, foolproof install
Having DIY-ed Tempaper in multiple rooms, I can vouch that it really is a breeze to install. No glue, no mess, no stress.
The instructions are straightforward: start at the top of your wall and work down, peeling off the backing paper and smoothing as you go. I love that you can peel it back and restick if you need to adjust. It took me and a friend about 2 hours to do a 12‘ x 14‘ room.
Damage-free removal
One of the biggest draws of Tempaper is how cleanly it comes off without ruining your walls. When you‘re ready for a change, simply peel it back slowly starting at a corner. It really does come off in one satisfying strip, no residue or torn drywall left behind.
In my experience, it‘s truly damage-free unless your walls are poorly painted or textured (I‘d avoid Tempaper on those).
Top-notch customer service
The Tempaper team is super knowledgeable and responsive. When I was debating between two similar designs, their design consultants offered a personalized recommendation based on photos of my space.
They also have a step-by-step install guide and helpful video tutorials. If you run into any issues or questions, their customer service is just a call, email, or DM away.
Tempaper by the Numbers
Curious just how popular Tempaper really is? Here are some stats that blew me away:
- Tempaper has been installed in over 400,000 homes worldwide since launching
- They‘ve sold enough wallpaper to cover nearly 4,000 football fields!
- Tempaper‘s customer base has grown by 1000% in the last 3 years alone
- Their most popular design, Feather Flock, has been purchased over 10,000 times
- Over 50% of Tempaper‘s customers are repeat buyers
- Tempaper‘s Instagram following has skyrocketed from 10K to 150K in under 2 years
- The brand has 4x more 5-star reviews than any other peel-and-stick brand
Tempaper vs. Traditional & Peel-and-Stick Wallpaper
Wondering how Tempaper stacks up to other wallpaper options out there? Here‘s a quick comparison:
| Tempaper | Traditional Wallpaper | Other Peel & Stick | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Material | Woven polyester fabric | Paper or vinyl | Vinyl, PVC |
| Application | Self-adhesive, peel & stick | Paste required | Self-adhesive, peel & stick |
| Removal | Damage-free, peels off in strips | Steaming, scraping, wall damage | Varies, may damage walls |
| Durability | 3-5 years | 10-15 years | 1-3 years |
| Moisture-Resistance | Good | Varies | Poor |
| Ease of Install | Easy, DIY-able | Difficult, pro recommended | Moderate, DIY-able |
| Price | $6-8 per square foot | $3-12 per square foot | $2-4 per square foot |
As you can see, Tempaper offers the best of both worlds: the easy, damage-free install of peel-and-stick with a more premium look and durability closer to traditional wallpaper.
While Tempaper is pricier than budget peel-and-stick brands, I‘ve found the quality and longevity is significantly better. It‘s an investment, but one that I‘ve seen pay off in my home‘s style and versatility.
Installing Tempaper: A Step-by-Step Guide
One of the biggest perks of Tempaper is how quick and easy it is to install yourself. No need to hire a pricey pro! Here‘s a step-by-step guide to nailing the Tempaper installation:
What you‘ll need:
- Your Tempaper rolls (measure your walls and check the square footage on the rolls to ensure you have enough!)
- A squeegee or plastic smoother tool
- Painter‘s tape
- A sharp utility knife or scissors
- A pencil
- A ruler or measuring tape
- A step ladder
- A friend (not necessary but helpful!)
Step 1: Prep your walls
Give your walls a quick wipe down to ensure they‘re clean, dry, and free of dust or debris. If you have any holes or rough spots, smooth them out with spackle and let dry fully.
Step 2: Plan your layout
Measure the width and height of your walls and compare to your Tempaper roll dimensions. If your wall is wider than your roll, you‘ll need to hang multiple strips.
Lay out your panels on the floor and line up the repeat pattern to ensure a seamless match. Use a pencil to number the back of each strip in hanging order.
Step 3: Hang your first panel
Starting in a corner, measure the width of your Tempaper roll and use a pencil to mark a straight, vertical line on your wall (a level helps!).
With your friend holding the bottom of the roll, peel off 12 inches of backing paper and crease it under. Line up the top of the panel with the ceiling and the right side with your pencil line. Slowly peel off the backing paper while smoothing the Tempaper onto the wall with your other hand.
Use your squeegee to smooth out any bubbles, working from the center out to the edges. Trim any excess paper at the bottom with a sharp utility knife.
Step 4: Line up your repeat
Match up the repeat pattern at eye level before adhering the full strip. The pattern should align both horizontally and vertically – take your time to get this right!
Peel off a few inches of backing paper and stick the top in place while your friend unrolls the paper slowly (a step ladder is your BFF for this part). Use a squeegee to smooth downwards as you go, peeling off the backing paper in 12-inch sections.
Step 5: Smooth & trim
Once you have the full panel up, smooth the entire thing firmly with your squeegee, working out any bubbles. Use a sharp knife to trim any excess Tempaper at the top, bottom, and sides for a clean edge.
Repeat steps 3-5 until your entire wall or room is covered, using painter‘s tape to secure the seams if needed. Then stand back and admire your handiwork!
Real Customer Results
Don‘t just take my word for it – here‘s what other real Tempaper customers have to say:
"I had no idea removable wallpaper could look this good! The print is vibrant, the material has a nice, thick texture, and the application was much easier than I expected. I already have my eye on which pattern I want to try next." – Krista S.
"I cannot believe the transformation Tempaper made in my rental bathroom. The space instantly looks so much cleaner, brighter, and stylish. My landlord even complimented it! Tempaper is hands down the best money I‘ve spent on my apartment." – Hunter R.
"As someone who loves to switch up my decor often, Tempaper has been a total game-changer. I used to think wallpaper was only for homeowners who could commit to a look for 10+ years. Now I have the freedom to play with bold prints and mix things up when I get bored, without having to stress about the damage. I‘m completely hooked!" – Jasmine T.
My Honest Take: Is Tempaper Worth It?
As a serial Tempaper user, I can confidently say YES, Tempaper is worth the hype and higher price tag, especially if you‘re a renter or get bored with your decor quickly.
I‘ve personally used Tempaper in every home I‘ve lived in for the last 5 years, from a tiny studio to a 2-bedroom rental. It‘s one of the simplest, highest-impact changes you can make to a space, hands down.
Every time I put Tempaper up, I‘m blown away by how much it transforms the entire vibe of a room. It adds so much color, personality, and visual interest that you really don‘t need to do much else to make the space look pulled together and intentional.
I also love how easy it is to change up when your style evolves (or you move). I used to avoid accent walls or bold prints because I knew I‘d get sick of them after a year. With Tempaper, I have the freedom to take more design risks and just peel it off when I‘m ready for something different.
Yes, Tempaper is a bit of an investment upfront. Most patterns range from $6-8 per square foot, so an accent wall can run you anywhere from $100-300 depending on the size.
But when you compare that to the cost (and permanence) of traditional wallpaper or even a few cans of paint, I think it‘s 100% worth it for the flexibility and impact.
Of course, Tempaper isn‘t perfect. I‘ve found it doesn‘t adhere well to textured or poorly painted walls. And if you rush through the installation or get sloppy with the repeat pattern matching, it definitely shows.
But overall, the pros far outweigh the cons for me. Tempaper has hands down been one of my favorite ways to personalize my spaces and express my style in a fun, low-commitment way. In fact, I loved it so much, I‘ve gotten at least 5 friends hooked as well!
If you‘re on the fence about trying Tempaper, I say go for it. Your walls (and inner design diva) will thank you.
The Bottom Line
Tempaper has truly revolutionized the way we decorate our homes. It‘s made bold, stylish wallpaper accessible to renters and commitment-phobes alike, without sacrificing quality or design.
As someone who‘s always loved the look of wallpaper but never had the guts (or lease agreement) to commit to it, Tempaper has been a total game-changer. It‘s allowed me to take more risks with my decor and play with prints and patterns I never would have considered otherwise.
Yes, it‘s pricier than some other peel-and-stick brands out there. But in my experience, the premium material, stunning designs, and foolproof installation make it worth every penny.
Whether you‘re looking to transform a tired rental, add a pop of personality to a boring room, or just switch things up on a whim, I can‘t recommend Tempaper enough. Trust me, once you go Tempaper, you‘ll never go back to bare walls again!
