How To Use Palm Wallpaper for a Fast Coastal Update

Looking to add a coastal touch to your space without painting? Palm wallpaper is a game-changer! I recently updated my office shelves with palm print wallpaper from Livette’s, and the transformation was quick and easy.

No paintbrushes, no mess—just a gorgeous coastal vibe in an instant.

Here’s how I did it, plus why I chose peel and stick wallpaper for the office and traditional glue wallpaper for the bathroom. Ready for a simple, no-paint-needed refresh? Let’s go!

Before and after photo of office shelves with palm print wallpaper transformation — *Check out the transformation! From plain shelves to a coastal oasis—no paint, no mess, just palm wallpaper magic.*

Why Choose Palm Wallpaper?

Palm wallpaper is more than just a pretty print—it’s your shortcut to creating a laid-back, coastal atmosphere in any room. Whether you use palm print wallpaper or another tropical design, it instantly gives your space that fresh, breezy, vacation vibe.

Palm print wallpaper used behind office shelves, creating a breezy, coastal vibe with soft linen texture and off-white background. — *Here’s a closer look at applying palm wallpaper behind shelves. The soft palm print adds texture and warmth, creating a laid-back coastal vibe.*

The best part? It’s versatile—use it for an accent wall, behind shelving, or as a statement piece.

The pattern I used has a linen texture with an off-white background, striking the perfect balance of neutral and chic. It creates a soft, airy feel without being overwhelming or taking over the space. Which makes it a perfect fit for any room in your home.

The palm print wallpaper showing its neutral off-white and linen texture, ideal for creating a relaxed coastal atmosphere in your home. — *A closer look at the palm print wallpaper pattern. This soft, neutral design adds the perfect coastal vibe to any space.*

How to Install Peel-and-Stick Palm Wallpaper: Your Step-by-Step Guide

1. Let the Wallpaper Acclimate

Before you start applying, lay the wallpaper flat and let it acclimate to the temperature and humidity conditions of the space for several hours.

Peel-and-stick palm wallpaper laid flat, allowing it to acclimate to the temperature and humidity of the room before application. — *Let your peel-and-stick palm wallpaper acclimate to your space before installation. This step helps ensure a smooth, bubble-free application.*

2. Gather Your Tools (You’ve Got This!)

Make sure you have everything you need:

Microfiber cloth: to clean your surface first.
Tape measure: To measure your space and wallpaper.
Yardstick and pencil: For precision when marking your cut lines.
Sharp scissors: For clean, crisp cuts.
Razor/Utility knife: For trimming excess wallpaper at the edges.
Wallpaper smoothing tool: This helps avoid air bubbles—use it as you go!

A wallpaper smoothing tool with soft felt, used for applying wallpaper, resting on a wooden surface with the wallpaper in the background. — *This wallpaper smoother with soft felt is your best friend for a smooth, air-bubble-free finish.*

3. Prep the Surface (Clean It First!)

Start with a clean surface—dust, dirt, or oils will mess with the adhesive. Wipe everything down with a microfiber cloth before applying your wallpaper. Clean surface = clean result!

4. Measure and Cut the Wallpaper

Measure the area you’re covering, then mark your wallpaper with a pencil. Cut along the lines using your yardstick and sharp scissors. Precision is key here!

5. Peel, Stick, and Smooth

Peel back the wallpaper and start applying from the top, smoothing as you go. Take your time to avoid air bubbles or wrinkles. The peel-and-stick version makes it easy—just be sure to smooth as you go.

Peel-and-stick palm wallpaper being applied to a shelf with smooth, steady motion to avoid air bubbles. — *Start applying your peel-and-stick palm wallpaper from the top, smoothing it out as you work down. Take your time to avoid air bubbles and wrinkles for a flawless finish.*

6. Trim and Tidy Up

Once the wallpaper is applied, use your razor or utility knife to trim any excess. Clean, neat edges make all the difference. Trust me, the little details matter!

Finished peel-and-stick palm wallpaper on the back of shelves with clean, trimmed edges. — *Trim any excess wallpaper for a clean, polished look. The sharp edges make all the difference in creating a professional finish.*

Why I Chose Peel-and-Stick for Shelves vs. Glue Wallpaper for the Bathroom

Here’s the deal: Not all surfaces are the same, and palm print wallpaper needs to be applied with the right approach for maximum impact.

For My Office Shelves:

These are smooth, flat surfaces, which means peel and stick wallpaper was the perfect option. No extra adhesives needed—just peel, stick, and smooth! It was fast, easy, and totally mess-free.

For the Bathroom Wall:

Here’s where I broke the rules. My bathroom had a textured skip-trowel wall, and you’re usually not supposed to wallpaper over texture.

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But, guess what? I used traditional glue wallpaper here (Livette’s linen pattern) because the glue would help the wallpaper better adhere to the uneven surface. Plus, it filled in the texture and stuck better than peel-and-stick would have. And guess what? It turned out amazing!

Before and after showing the bathroom transformation with Livette’s palm print wallpaper, highlighting the difference it makes on a textured wall. — *Before: A plain, textured bathroom accent wall. After: Livette’s palm print wallpaper brings texture and pattern, turning this wall into a standout feature.*

Palm Wallpaper Used

For the Office Shelves

I used peel-and-stick wallpaper from Livette’s, also in a linen pattern with an off-white background. Simple, fast, and gorgeous.

Peel-and-stick palm wallpaper used on office shelves for a coastal-inspired look. — *Adding personality and a touch of coastal charm with peel-and-stick palm wallpaper—perfect for office shelves*

For the Bathroom Wall

I used traditional glue wallpaper from Livette’s in a linen pattern with an off-white background. (The perfect coastal addition against my Sherwin Williams Oyster Bay vanity, beachy wood-look flooring, and rattan mirror!)

Applying traditional glue palm wallpaper to a bathroom wall, showcasing the neutral linen pattern. — *Laying down the traditional glue wallpaper on the bathroom wall—watch the transformation begin!*

Traditional glue palm wallpaper being installed, highlighting the linen texture on the bathroom wall. — *Progress update—smooth, simple installation of the palm print wallpaper with the beautiful linen texture starting to show!*

Palm print traditional wallpaper with a linen pattern and off-white background in a bathroom. — *This palm print—perfect for a subtle beachy vibe!*

Finished bathroom wall featuring palm print wallpaper, adding a coastal charm with a subtle linen texture. — *And here’s the final look!*

Shop the Palm Wallpaper

Livette’s Blue Tropical Design Removable Wallpaper

Note on Wallpaper Material & Color Differences

Because of the difference in materials, peel and stick wallpaper and traditional wallpaper cannot be installed side by side to achieve a completely cohesive look.

The peel and stick wallpaper has a brighter white base, making the design appear cooler and more vivid, while traditional wallpaper has a more off-white base, giving it a warmer tone.

If you’re planning to use both in different areas, be mindful of this contrast. For a better understanding of these differences, check out Livette’s guide on wallpaper materials.

Pro Tip: Don’t Forget the Power of Accessories!

Wallpaper is just the start—finish your look with the right accessories! After adding your palm print wallpaper, consider these styling tips:

Woven Baskets: Use them to add texture and functionality. They’re perfect for storing throws, magazines, or even plants, adding both practicality and style.
Rattan Mirrors: Hang one above a console or in the bathroom for a statement piece that complements the natural, coastal vibe of the wallpaper.
Linen Cushions: Add cushions in neutral or muted tones to keep the space relaxed and comfortable while complementing the soft tones in your wallpaper.
Rope Accents: Incorporate rope details, such as a rope-framed mirror or a decorative rope tray. It adds a nautical charm and enhances the coastal atmosphere.
Glass Vases: Opt for glass vases in varying shapes for an airy, minimalist feel. Pair them with faux or real greenery for a touch of nature.
Brushed Champagne Finishes: Add soft metallics with brushed champagne lighting or picture frames. The subtle shine adds elegance without overpowering the space.
Crisp White Trim: Use clean, white trim to frame the wallpaper and make the space feel fresh and polished.
Touches of Aqua: Introduce small accents of aqua through rugs, vases, pillows, or throws for a refreshing coastal pop that complements the palm print.

These simple but thoughtful accessories will help bring your palm print wallpaper to life and create a cohesive, laid-back coastal atmosphere.

Close-up of a shelf featuring coastal decor with palm print wallpaper as the backdrop. Includes woven vases, a glass float ball, and a tall grass plant.

A wide shot of a shelf decorated with coastal accents, including glass vases, a framed picture, and a potted plant, all against a palm print wallpaper backdrop. — *The palm wallpaper creates a soft, airy backdrop, perfect for displaying coastal pieces like glass floats, rope accents, faux (or real!) greenery, framed photos and decorative vases.*

Bonus Tip

To take your palm wallpaper to the next level, mix different textures throughout the room. Combine the softness of linen cushions, the natural weave of jute rugs, and the sleek shine of glass vases to create depth and visual interest.

Textures bring warmth and complexity to your coastal design, making the space feel rich yet relaxed—perfect for that laid-back beach vibe.

Need ideas on how to style your shelves to complement your new wallpaper? Check out my 5-Minute Shelf Decor Reset for quick tips, or get more in-depth styling inspiration in my Shelf Styling Guide.

Final Thoughts: Why You Need Palm Wallpaper Now

If you’ve been wanting to bring a bit of coastal charm into your home, palm wallpaper is the easiest way to get started. Whether you go for peel and stick wallpaper for a quick update or traditional glue wallpaper for a more permanent touch, you’ll be adding that fresh, breezy feeling to your space in no time.

So go ahead—be the hero of your own coastal refresh!

Want more coastal wallpaper inspiration? Check out my other blog post on Coastal Wallpaper You’ll Love: My Favorite Picks & Styling Tips to learn more about how to style with wallpaper in a coastal space.

How To Use Palm Wallpaper for a Fast Coastal Update

Why Choose Palm Wallpaper?