Make a White Subway Tile Temporary Backsplash with removable wallpaper. Follow this tutorial for a smooth, perfect finish. This temporary backsplash is the perfect option for anyone looking for a rental-friendly decor option or a home owner not ready to commit to tile and grout.
Ladies and gentleman, I have discovered my greatest rental-friendly DIY to date: temporary backsplash! In just a few hours, I completely changed the look of my rental kitchen by adding a white subway tile temporary backsplash. No caulking or tile cutting was required. Plus, my landlord will still be happy!
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What’s my secret? Removable, respositionable wallpaper. It is the absolute perfect rental-friendly solution for those of us who want to brighten up our kitchen walls. Keep reading for a full tutorial and tips to help you install your own temporary backsplash!
Supplies Needed to Make this Temporary Backsplash
- removable wallpaper in pattern of choice – I use this white subway tile temporary wallpaper
- measuring tape and small ruler
- scissors
- pen or fine-tip marker
- tool for smoothing the wallpaper, a special smoothing tool, or in my case, an Amazon gift card
Temporary Backsplash – Tutorial + Tips
(1) Be Flexible
I have read some product reviews that complain the removable wallpaper stretches. That’s a good thing, people! The little bit of give in the paper allows you to line up patterns perfectly.
Also note: not all homes or apartments are constructed with perfect angles. Measure both ends of every cut. You want to be precise.
(2) Stay Smooth
Start on one side and smooth to the other. Here, I worked from left to right. I peeled away the back paper about 25%. Then I lined up the paper with the bottom of the cupboard and the window sill.
It’s best to anchor your wallpaper along a corner or edge. Then smooth across to the opposite edge or corner.
Important to Note: Smooth is the name of the game. If your walls don’t have a perfectly smooth finish, this temporary backsplash may not be the best option for you.
(3) Get in Line
Lining up the edges of the wallpaper and creating a continuous pattern is perhaps the most difficult part of this project. Here’s how I lined up my faux subway tiles perfectly!
Secure each point where the horizontal lines meet. In this case, there were 4. Just take your thumb and press down to make sure each horizontal line matches up perfectly. DON’T WORRY if the wallpaper between lines isn’t perfectly flat.
Once your 4 horizontal lines are “anchored,” smooth from left to right. The wallpaper has enough give that you can create a smooth finish.
(4) Measure Twice, Cut Once
My kitchen backsplash area had a few outlets and light switches to work around.
It’s important to measure carefully.
Case in point:
I was so excited that I measured and cut properly for the outlet, that I forgot about one small detail. It’s a good thing I can hide this spot with the toaster and coffee maker!
Also note: not all homes or apartments are constructed with perfect angles. Measure both ends of every cut. You want to be precise.
Not Sure Where to Start?
It’s your lucky day! I’ve made a quick shopping guide with my favorite sources for affordable temporary wallpaper – just click the image below!
Temporary Backsplash – The Big Reveal
I am completely thrilled with how my new kitchen walls turned out. For under $35 and a few hours of time, I completely transformed my rental kitchen! I tried to cover the important points in my tutorial. If you want to try this at home, please feel free to leave a question in the comments and I will do my best to answer you.
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- Sources for Affordable Temporary Wallpaper
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- How to Make a Faux Plank Wall
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- Distressed Painted Picture Frames
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- Simple Wall Art Projects
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- Wall Decal Feature Walls
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- Simple Poster Hanger with Rope
I love how this turned out! Nice work!
Thanks Brittany!
My girlfriend’s been on my case to do something to liven up the kitchen in our rented apartment and that’s how I stumbled across your post! This is an awesome idea! Not to mention that it looks so easy to do. Thanks for sharing this! 🙂
You’re very welcome, Frank! Good luck with you project!
Where can this subway tile be purchased? Looks rather like the old ‘contact paper’ my Mom send to use…….
Hi Hollie – it’s special removable wallpaper, so it doesn’t leave a sticky residue like contact paper. Removable wallpaper is a great decor option for renters or anyone who wants a temporary change. The kind I used it linked to in the instructions!
HI, DID YOU MAKE OR BUY THIS PRODUCT ? IF YOU BOUGHT IT PLEASE TELL ME WHERE. I LOVE IT AND WANT TO DO IT IN MY KITCHEN.
Hi Linda – There is a link to the removable wallpaper in the tutorial. You can buy it in a variety of patterns and colors. Good luck!
Can this be used on drywall? Will it cause damage to it?
I love this can’t wait till June when I can move into my new trailer and remodel to my taste. Thank you
You’re so welcome, Debbie!
Could inside drawer contact paper be used to put on the walls, as well?
Hi Kitty – I’m not sure I would try it. Sometimes contact paper can leave a sticky residue. I know that peel-and-stick wallpaper is made specifically for walls.
IT is beautiful!! Can you able to clean when it get messy?
This particular wallpaper has just a bit of sheen to it, so I have been able to wipe it down with a damp cloth and mild detergent. We had a spaghetti sauce explosion, cleaned the wallpaper right away, and it didn’t leave a stain. I don’t think it would be ideal for years of heavy use, but I’m happy with it so far.
It looks awesome!! I want to do this too!
Thanks Tracy!
Love this!!
However, read some Target reviews and it said they don’t recommend to put behind stove. Have you had any issues with it? Or would you say it’s ok?
Hi Leslie – I haven’t had an issue with the wallpaper behind my stove, but it’s only about a 6-inch strip between the stove and microwave in my kitchen
Is there texture to the paper? Are the ground lines indented in?
Hi, I love this look! I live in an apartment and this would be perfect for my kitchen. However, I’m slightly worried that it would peel the paint off, or leave a sticky residue, with prolonged use. We can’t paint our walls or they will charge us a $100 fee per wall. So, how has the wallpaper held up in the last year? Also, have you tested an area to see if it will still come off after all this time? Just discovered your website today and I’m loving it!!!
How long have you had this? It’s beautiful. I’m curious as to how long it lasts?
We’re going on 18 months, and it still looks great!
Can you cover ugly paneling with this?
Probably not – you really need a smooth surface to apply it to.
How easily does this come off the walls? Does it leave any residue?
how did you cut around the outlets? It is driving me crazy
Oh man, as a tiler by trade, this has me fearing for my future XD Might need to look for a new job! Just kidding of course 🙂 I gotta say, from the photos, this backsplash looks really good and close to the real thing! It’s a neat idea and it’s great to know how durable the product is.
Hey Aimee,
I wondering if you ever took this down and how that went?
Hi do you think you could use it to cover tiled walls as I am sick seeing them so boring
Jan
Hi Jan – the surface that you apply these to really needs to be VERY smooth. You could consider painting the tile.
Where can I buy rolls of the white subway tile like in your post.
Hi Melinda, mine came from Target. They have a variety of patterns.
Hi, I like the idea of temporary but is it washable?
I wiped it down with a damp cloth and mild cleaner many times, and it held up well.
Is there a link for the stainless steel contact paper? Is that what you used on the stove?
Can you put peel and stick over existing wall paper, if the surface is smooth?
Can you tell me the length and width of each subway tile?
Thank you.