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You are here: Home / Home Decor / White Subway Tile Temporary Backsplash – The Full Tutorial

June 20, 2016 · 40 Comments

White Subway Tile Temporary Backsplash – The Full Tutorial

Home Decor· Rental-Friendly· Wall Decor

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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.

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!

This post contains some affiliate links.  Click here to read my full disclosure policy.

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!

 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.

Supply List

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

Do you love the look of white subway tile, but can't commit to or afford to retile? Follow this tutorial for making a temporary backsplash with removable wallpaper!

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.

Do you love the look of white subway tile, but can't commit to or afford to retile? Follow this tutorial for making a temporary backsplash with removable wallpaper!

Do you love the look of white subway tile, but can't commit to or afford to retile? Follow this tutorial for making a temporary backsplash with removable wallpaper!

It’s best to anchor your wallpaper along a corner or edge.  Then smooth across to the opposite edge or corner.

Do you love the look of white subway tile, but can't commit to or afford to retile? Follow this tutorial for making a temporary backsplash with removable wallpaper!

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!

Do you love the look of white subway tile, but can't commit to or afford to retile? Follow this tutorial for making a temporary backsplash with removable wallpaper!

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.

Do you love the look of white subway tile, but can't commit to or afford to retile? Follow this tutorial for making a temporary backsplash with removable wallpaper!

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.

Do you love the look of white subway tile, but can't commit to or afford to retile? Follow this tutorial for making a temporary backsplash with removable wallpaper!

It’s important to measure carefully.

Do you love the look of white subway tile, but can't commit to or afford to retile? Follow this tutorial for making a temporary backsplash with removable wallpaper!

Case in point:

Do you love the look of white subway tile, but can't commit to or afford to retile? Follow this tutorial for making a temporary backsplash with removable wallpaper!

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!

Shop my favorite sources for peel-and-stick wallpaper.

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.

 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.

 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.

 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.

 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.

 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.

 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.

 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.

 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.

 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.

 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.

 

Pin it - Don't Forget it

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.

 

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Comments

  1. Brittany says

    June 21, 2016 at 5:17 am

    I love how this turned out! Nice work!

    Reply
    • aimee says

      June 24, 2016 at 3:49 pm

      Thanks Brittany!

      Reply
  2. Frank says

    June 22, 2016 at 1:18 pm

    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! 🙂

    Reply
    • aimee says

      July 6, 2016 at 1:49 pm

      You’re very welcome, Frank! Good luck with you project!

      Reply
  3. Hollie says

    July 30, 2016 at 1:11 pm

    Where can this subway tile be purchased? Looks rather like the old ‘contact paper’ my Mom send to use…….

    Reply
    • aimee says

      August 1, 2016 at 2:46 pm

      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!

      Reply
  4. LINDA says

    July 31, 2016 at 12:35 pm

    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.

    Reply
    • aimee says

      August 1, 2016 at 2:51 pm

      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!

      Reply
  5. Margret says

    August 26, 2016 at 4:11 am

    Can this be used on drywall? Will it cause damage to it?

    Reply
  6. Debbie says

    December 29, 2016 at 8:36 am

    I love this can’t wait till June when I can move into my new trailer and remodel to my taste. Thank you

    Reply
    • aimee says

      December 29, 2016 at 2:23 pm

      You’re so welcome, Debbie!

      Reply
  7. Kitty says

    December 29, 2016 at 7:37 pm

    Could inside drawer contact paper be used to put on the walls, as well?

    Reply
    • aimee says

      December 30, 2016 at 7:13 am

      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.

      Reply
  8. Mani Ganti says

    December 29, 2016 at 8:44 pm

    IT is beautiful!! Can you able to clean when it get messy?

    Reply
    • aimee says

      December 30, 2016 at 7:15 am

      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.

      Reply
  9. Tracy says

    March 16, 2017 at 11:12 am

    It looks awesome!! I want to do this too!

    Reply
    • aimee says

      March 16, 2017 at 7:29 pm

      Thanks Tracy!

      Reply
  10. Leslie says

    April 12, 2017 at 1:27 am

    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?

    Reply
    • aimee says

      April 12, 2017 at 8:46 am

      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

      Reply
  11. Melanie says

    July 20, 2017 at 11:26 am

    Is there texture to the paper? Are the ground lines indented in?

    Reply
  12. Shalonda says

    October 23, 2017 at 9:02 am

    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!!!

    Reply
  13. Kristi says

    December 6, 2017 at 8:56 pm

    How long have you had this? It’s beautiful. I’m curious as to how long it lasts?

    Reply
    • aimee says

      December 11, 2017 at 12:47 pm

      We’re going on 18 months, and it still looks great!

      Reply
  14. Donna says

    December 27, 2017 at 9:00 am

    Can you cover ugly paneling with this?

    Reply
    • aimee says

      November 9, 2022 at 7:29 am

      Probably not – you really need a smooth surface to apply it to.

      Reply
  15. Ansley says

    January 16, 2018 at 10:24 pm

    How easily does this come off the walls? Does it leave any residue?

    Reply
  16. Tabatha Goodwin says

    February 16, 2018 at 9:03 am

    how did you cut around the outlets? It is driving me crazy

    Reply
  17. Carl Anders says

    December 5, 2018 at 3:09 am

    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.

    Reply
  18. Carmen says

    June 21, 2019 at 12:25 am

    Hey Aimee,
    I wondering if you ever took this down and how that went?

    Reply
  19. Jan Brown says

    January 26, 2021 at 9:03 am

    Hi do you think you could use it to cover tiled walls as I am sick seeing them so boring
    Jan

    Reply
    • aimee says

      January 26, 2021 at 9:27 am

      Hi Jan – the surface that you apply these to really needs to be VERY smooth. You could consider painting the tile.

      Reply
  20. Melinda says

    January 26, 2021 at 2:50 pm

    Where can I buy rolls of the white subway tile like in your post.

    Reply
    • aimee says

      January 27, 2021 at 6:50 am

      Hi Melinda, mine came from Target. They have a variety of patterns.

      Reply
  21. Melissa says

    February 18, 2021 at 10:51 am

    Hi, I like the idea of temporary but is it washable?

    Reply
    • aimee says

      March 1, 2021 at 9:19 am

      I wiped it down with a damp cloth and mild cleaner many times, and it held up well.

      Reply
  22. Rhema Davis says

    March 14, 2021 at 1:26 am

    Is there a link for the stainless steel contact paper? Is that what you used on the stove?

    Reply
  23. Paula says

    May 24, 2022 at 10:48 am

    Can you put peel and stick over existing wall paper, if the surface is smooth?

    Reply

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About Me

I’m Aimee, The Crazy Craft Lady. I strive to make my home a more stylish, organized, and creative place, while keeping things uncomplicated and budget-friendly. Here you will find DIY projects, seasonal decor and crafts, recipes, and organizing tricks. I hope you stay awhile and leave inspired.

Let’s “make everyday creative” together!

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