Can I use removable wallpaper in a rented flat in South Africa?

Yes - removable wallpaper is designed to give the look of a painted feature wall without permanent changes, as long as it complies with your tenancy agreement and is applied to suitable flat, smooth surfaces.

What should I check with my landlord before buying removable wallpaper?

Ask for tenancy rules in writing about allowed finishes and whether adhesive coverings are acceptable, and agree next steps if the underlying paint shows damage when paper is removed.

Which removable wallpaper type suits slightly textured or hard-to-align patterns?

Fabric-backed self-adhesive papers are more forgiving for repositioning and slightly textured walls, and they work well for bold prints where alignment matters.

How much wallpaper should I buy for a rental feature wall?

Measure the wall (height × width) and add 10-15 per cent extra to allow for pattern matching and waste, especially when working with repeats or matching bold motifs.

What’s the least risky way to remove removable wallpaper without damaging paint?

Remove slowly at a low angle, use a hairdryer on low to soften stubborn adhesive if needed, and clean any residue with a mild adhesive remover or diluted white vinegar, testing first on a hidden patch; report any paint peeling to your landlord immediately.

Removable wallpaper for rental feature walls - a practical South African guide

Step-by-step, renter-friendly advice for choosing, installing and removing removable wallpaper for a feature wall. Practical checks, costs and maintenance for South African homes.

Published:July 11, 2026

Updated:September 8, 2026

5 min read

Photo by Nataliya Vaitkevich on Pexels

Low-risk personalisation

Removable wallpaper lets renters create a feature wall that can be restored without permanent damage.

Why removable wallpaper works for rental feature walls

Renting in South Africa means balancing personal style with tenancy rules. Removable wallpaper gives us the visual impact of a painted feature wall without permanent changes: it peels away cleanly, leaves minimal residue when applied correctly, and fits short-term budgets. Because it’s designed for flat, smooth surfaces, it’s ideal for hallways, bedrooms and living areas where a single wall can change the room’s mood.

Common removable types and when to pick them

Pre-pasted peel-and-stick: quick to install; best for smooth, primed surfaces and small pattern repeats.
Fabric-backed self-adhesive: more forgiving to repositioning and slightly textured walls; better for bold prints where alignment matters.
Vinyl peel-and-stick: durable and easy to wipe; a good choice where light wear is expected (e.g., a livingroom feature wall).
Removable wallpaper liners: thin, non-adhesive sheets attached with low-tack paste-handy when landlords prefer no adhesive at all.

Practical checks before you buy

Confirm tenancy rules in writing - ask what finishes are allowed and whether adhesive coverings are acceptable.
Measure the wall carefully (height × width) and add 10-15% for pattern matching and waste.
Inspect the wall: large holes, flaky paint, or heavy texture reduce removability and may need light repairs first.
Request a sample or small swatch to test adhesion and removal on a hidden patch for 48-72 hours.

How we plan a rental feature wall design

A feature wall should feel deliberate and balanced. For rental spaces we favour finishes that read like a framed backdrop rather than an all-over redecoration. Consider scale (large motifs can overpower a small bedroom), colour (one saturated wall pairs well with neutral furniture and rugs), and focal height - start the main pattern around eye level and let it ground the room.

If you need inspiration or want to shop product-led options, browse Bash's Wall Art category for prints and textures that complement removable papers. For broader planning and where to source complementary soft furnishings, our Home decor online stores article offers useful shopping advice for South African homes. When matching textiles, our Curtains Blinds and Cushions pages can help with proportions and colour balance.

Tools and prep you’ll actually use

A little prep saves time and avoids damage. Gather a spirit level or long straightedge, a good quality squeegee or plastic smoothing tool, a measuring tape, a sharp craft knife with spare blades, a pencil, and a mild solvent for cleaning any residue. Lay drop cloths to protect skirtings and floors.

Wall preparation checklist

Fill and sand large holes; allow filler to dry fully. Small surface imperfections can show under thin papers.
Clean the wall with a damp cloth and mild detergent to remove grease and dust - removable adhesives need clean contact to peel off later.
Prime very porous or newly plastered walls with a clear matt primer recommended by the wallpaper maker to ensure even adhesion and clean removal.

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A step-by-step installation approach that respects rental rules

We tend to work methodically rather than rush. Mark your plumb line with a pencil and measure the first strip carefully - starting from the most visible edge helps if small trimming is needed later. Peel the backing progressively, align the top edge, and smooth downwards with the squeegee to eliminate air pockets. When matching patterns, butt edges closely rather than overlapping; most removable wallpapers are designed to butt-seam cleanly.

Removal without stress

Remove slowly and at a low angle. Heat from a hairdryer on low can soften adhesive if strips resist, but avoid high heat near painted surfaces. Use a mild adhesive remover or diluted white vinegar on a soft cloth for stubborn residues - always test on a hidden patch first. If the underlying paint peels, note this immediately and discuss it with your landlord; well-applied removable wallpaper should not pull away standard paints.

Real-world examples and cost sense

For a one-bedroom flat, a single feature wall often requires between R200 and R900 of removable paper depending on pattern complexity and brand; a locally made vinyl option will tend to sit in the lower end, while designer prints cost more. Labour is optional - many renters install themselves in an afternoon. If you prefer help, the Bash Home Furnishings and Wall Art collections are easy places to find matching décor once the wall is up.

Consideration: If you plan to use the removable paper as a long-term finish (over 2+ years), choose a higher-quality film and follow the manufacturer’s prep instructions - long wear can make removal more sensitive on older or thin paint layers.

Maintenance and living with your feature wall

Dust carefully with a soft cloth; for vinyl surfaces, a damp cloth and mild soap usually suffice.
Avoid prolonged direct sunlight where possible; UV can fade pigments and weaken adhesives over years.
For small scuffs, patching is simple: keep an off-cut from installation and replace a narrow strip if needed.

Repair, moving out and conversations with landlords

We advise documenting the wall before installation (date-stamped photos) and keeping proof of tenancy permissions where given. If a landlord asks you to remove the paper before handing over, offer to perform removal in their presence and show the cleaned wall. Clear communication and written permissions are the easiest way to avoid disputes.

If you want quick access to complementary decorative items after you install your wall, explore Bash's Wall Art or browse our Furniture and Cushions categories to layer texture and scale around the feature wall. These categories have options that pair well with common removable-paper palettes.

Sources

Dezeen - architecture and design coverage
Apartment Therapy - practical decorating advice
House Beautiful - wallpaper and surface finishes

Last updated: September 8, 2026

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Removable wallpaper for rental feature walls - a practical South African guide

Low-risk personalisation

Why Choose Bash?

Free Delivery

30-Day Returns

Nationwide Support

Why Choose Bash?

Free Delivery

30-Day Returns

Nationwide Support

Prep saves trouble

Plan for removal

Why removable wallpaper works for rental feature walls

Common removable types and when to pick them

Practical checks before you buy

How we plan a rental feature wall design

Tools and prep you’ll actually use

Wall preparation checklist

A step-by-step installation approach that respects rental rules

Removal without stress

Real-world examples and cost sense

Maintenance and living with your feature wall

Repair, moving out and conversations with landlords

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