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If you have a utility knife and a few hours, you can give floors, walls, and ceilings a modern makeover. ceiling acoustic
Emily Estep is a plant biologist and journalist who has worked for a variety of online news and media outlets, writing about and editing topics that range from film and beauty to science and the automobile industry. Her plant biology degree has a focus on sustainable agriculture, and she's an expert on growing your own food, environmental sciences, and all topics relating to houseplants.
Better Homes & Gardens / David Hattan
Elevating and updating any room of your house can be as easy as cut, peel, and stick. Peel and stick tiles are available in endless sizes and designs, and they’re made for use in almost every room of the house, from kitchens and bathrooms to living spaces and offices.
Depending on the tile, you can put them on floors, walls, or ceilings—oftentimes over an existing tile or sheet vinyl surface—to quickly change the appearance of a room.
We talked to Laura Williams, lead designer at ATX Interior Design, who recently put down peel and stick tiles on the floor of her guest bathroom. “I was really focused on an easy change and elevating the space,” she says. “It does not look or feel cheap, and I’m shocked at how much I like it.”
She’s even thinking of using peel and stick tiles in some rental properties she and her husband own: “I don’t want to spend a ton of money on an area that’ll get a lot of hard wear,” she says, making peel and stick tiles a savvy option.
And maybe the best part? They’re a snap to install yourself. “For me, it took only a weekend, and my bathroom looks totally different!” Williams says.
Take a scroll through our list of the best peel and stick tiles and be amazed that each one installs almost as easily as a sticker.
These tiles are made of real mother of pearl that elevates any room with iridescence, shine, and natural good looks.
These tiles are not for wet application or high-temperature spots.
If you want to make an absolute statement in the kitchen or bathroom without overwhelming the room with color or pattern, this mother-of-pearl option is the best peel and stick tile.
Made of real shells set on self-adhesive backing, they are suitable for clean, dry, smooth surfaces, such as an accent wall or backsplash in the kitchen, bathroom, living room, or dining area. Each tile abuts those next to it, so there are no grout lines or gaps, just a smooth stretch of gorgeous mother of pearl. We’ve not seen anything like this!
Our only warning is that the tiles are not meant for wet applications, so don’t install them in the shower, nor can they withstand heat, so do not put them directly behind the range or around the hearth.
Also note that because the mother of pearl is a natural material, colors will vary and there may be natural imperfections—but that’s a plus for us, not a detraction.
Product Details: Recommended Use: indoor walls away from water and heat | Material: Mother of pearl | Colors Available: 1 | Dimensions: 11.8 x 11.8 x 0.12 inchesd
Though these planks have the textured grain and color variation of stained wood, they’re actually easy-care, water-resistant luxury vinyl.
Construction adhesive is needed to apply them to walls, ceilings, and cabinets.
These luxury vinyl planks resemble wood in lots of ways, with a handsome grain and color variation, but they’re superior in that they resist water, fire, scratches, and wear.
They’re also impressively affordable at under $2 a square foot, and they are easy enough to install that a DIYer can do it without power tools or previous experience.
Just clean and level the subfloor, lay out the floor tiles in a pleasing arrangement, cut planks as needed with a utility knife, remove the backing to reveal the adhesive, and butt each plank up tightly against its neighbor. That’s it!
Though these vinyl planks are technically meant for floors, they can also be used on walls, ceilings, or even cabinets. They just require some extra glue, such as construction adhesive, for these vertical applications.
Product Details: Recommended Use: Floors| Material: Vinyl|Colors Available: 3|Dimensions: 6 x 36 x 0.47 inches
These scallop tiles that mimic real ceramic tiles come in a fun shape and a trendy color.
These tiles are water-resistant, but they’re not meant for shower stalls.
Glossy and gorgeously mottled, these seafoam green scallops look like shiny ceramic tiles grouted in gleaming white—but they’re actually peel and stick squares made of durable, flexible PVC.
Unlike real ceramic, you don’t need a wet saw to cut them; just use a vinyl cutter or utility knife to trim them to size or work around corners and electrical outlets. Then just peel off the backing and stick them where you want them.
They’re meant for backsplashes and accent walls in kitchens, bar areas, and bathrooms, but they’re not designed to be submerged, so don’t install them in a shower stall.
Product Details: Recommended Use: Indoor walls away from water|Material: PVC | Colors Available: 1 | Dimensions: 10.5 x 10.5 x 0.01 inches
Suitable for shower walls and backsplashes, these peel and stick squares incorporate real Carrara marble and metal strips for a stunning accent.
These tiles are not meant for the floor or for outdoor use.
You just can’t beat marble for traditional good looks and natural beauty, but we daresay these peel and stick tiles might’ve just one-upped the classic stone. They did it by adding strips of aluminum with a gold finish randomly on a few squares.
The result is a marble marvel that’s a bit more modern. Mounted on an adhesive backing, the tiles are suitable for all sorts of applications (backsplashes, walls, and fireplace surrounds), but they’re also water-resistant, so you can use them throughout the bathroom (just not on the floor).
To cut the tile, score with a utility knife, then snap it apart with your hands or with pliers. Remove the backing and spray with a solution of mild dish soap and water; the manufacturer recommends this step to make positioning the tile on the wall easier.
Press firmly to ensure a strong bond to the wall, and voila! You’re done. Just remember these tiles are not meant for the floor or for the outdoors.
Product Details: Recommended Use: Indoor walls, including fireplace surrounds and shower walls | Material: Marble and aluminum | Colors Available: 1| Dimensions: 12 x 12 x 0.2 inches
Water resistant and washable, these hexagon floor tiles have the appearance of ceramic tile but are thoroughly modern in style, maintenance, and installation.
Some setup is required before installation.
Rendered in classic gray in a hexagonal shape, the are the best peel and stick tiles for floors. They’lll give any room an upgrade thanks to the larger size (about 10 inches wide) and white linear pattern that are unmistakably modern, creating an intriguing pattern underfoot.
Installation is easier than many other materials and requires no power tools or other expensive equipment. These should be applied over a completely smooth, flat, clean, and dry floor, and a primer is recommended for strong adhesion.
Starting at the center of the room, lay out the tiles in a pleasing arrangement; to cut a tile, score it with a straightedge and utility knife, then snap the pieces apart. Remove the backing, and firmly press it into place, tightly abutting the tiles.
The manufacturer recommends buying all tiles for your project from the same batch number to ensure the colors match (this is printed on the box) and letting the tiles sit out for 48 hours to adjust to room temperature.
Product Details: Recommended Use: Floors | Material: Vinyl | Colors Available: 1| Dimensions: 9 x 10.4 x 0.4 inches
Conjure vintage charm in any room with these ceiling squares, which remarkably mimic antique tin tiles.
Keep them at least 15 inches away from a heat source, such as a range or hearth.
Victorian homes were dressed to the nines, from floors to walls and all the way to the ceiling. And ceilings were often festooned with tin tiles that look a lot like these from InHome, which is why we think they’re the best option for ceilings.
Back then, the tiles were made of metal, but these are crafted of lightweight vinyl in an antique white finish that would look right at home in a regal Victorian, cozy cottage, or modern farmhouse.
They can be installed easily and are also repositionable, so they won’t damage whatever surface you apply them to.
You can also stick these to walls, such as backsplashes in a kitchen or bathroom or an accent wall. Just remember they’re not heat resistant, so don’t apply them behind a range or near a fireplace.
Product Details: Recommended Use: Ceilings and walls | Material: Vinyl | Colors Available: 2 | Dimensions: 10 x 10 x 0.025 inches
These lightweight, flexible tiles are made of genuine, thin-cut stone for a sophisticated and expensive look
You may want to use construction adhesive (such as Liquid Nails) for sturdier installation.
These tiles resemble stones dry-stacked by a professional mason, but we promise that they only look complicated. They are actually crafted of natural stone cut very thinly, bonded to a layer of resin and a layer of fiberglass, then attached to an adhesive base.
They can be cut with tin snips or a tile saw and installed by removing the backing and sticking the tile to the wall. (You can also use the glue-up method with construction adhesive if you prefer.)
They don’t need mortar or grout like conventional stone, so handy homeowners can install these themselves. Because the tiles are quite thin, they generally do not require an edge treatment, though such trims are available from the manufacturer if you want them.
Product Details: Recommended Use: Indoor walls | Material: Natural stone|Colors Available: 1 |Dimensions: 5.9 x 23.5 x 0.13 inches
With the swirly markings of mercury glass and dimensional beveled edges, these mirrored glass tiles are a striking addition to any room.
To cut these tiles, a glass-scoring tool and saw is recommended.
Glass tile adds shimmer, sparkle, and shine wherever you put it, but it can veer a little cold and stark. Not these glass tiles!
The 3x12-inch rectangles have an antique silver finish—like mercury glass—so they’re a bit mottled, a little less reflective, and entirely enchanting. Beveled edges give them some dimension when they’re on the wall, and they install without mortar, thinset, or grout.
Keep in mind that the manufacturer recommends cutting these tiles with a glass-scoring tool and a straightedge, or you can opt for a wet saw.
Product Details: Recommended Use: Indoor walls | Material: Glass | Colors Available: 1| Dimensions: 3 x 12 x 0.5 inches
In dapper dark green and with built-in “grout,” these peel and stick squares look like conventional subway tiles but install in a snap.
While these tiles are humidity- and heat-resistant, they should not be installed where they’ll come into direct contact with water.
Subway tiles are a beloved classic for backsplashes in both the kitchen and bathroom, and they slip easily into almost any style of décor. These glossy green tiles feature a mottled finish, three-dimensional shape, and built-in “grout.”
They are also resistant to humidity and heat, so they’re as suitable for a bathroom as a fireplace surround. Install them with much less hassle than conventional subway tile—no mastic or grout required.
They can be repositioned during installation, becoming permanently affixed after 48 hours. And depending on the surface, they can be removed with little to no damage, so they’re friendly to both renters and landlords.
Just note that they’re not meant to come into contact with water.
Product Details: Recommended Use: Indoor walls, including fireplace surrounds | Material: Vinyl | Colors Available: 1 | Dimensions: 8.38 x 11.56 x 0.07 inches
Get the look of a traditional Turkish rug—without fear of spills and other damage ruining the whole piece.
The pattern on these tiles will not align.
Carpet tiles are a modern, ingenious way to outfit a space, and these boast a Turkish-style pattern that would enliven just about any home.
Available in an array of versatile colors (we love the sunny Maize option), the tiles connect to each other with FLORdots, a sticker with strong adhesive that goes on the backside of the tiles. (The dots adhere to the tiles, not the floor.)
Part of the beauty of carpet tiles is that if one is damaged or stained, you can remove and replace it just like that. (Try that with a pricey area rug!)
We are especially taken with the vintage appearance of the Ou La La rug—it looks truly antique!—but it should be noted that the pattern will not align when putting the tiles together. We think that just adds to its charm.
Product Details: Recommended Use: Floors | Material: Nylon | Colors Available: 7| Dimensions: 19.69 x 19.69 x 0.19 inches
Most peel and stick tiles are designed only for certain applications, such as indoor walls or floors. And while many vinyl tiles, for example, are water resistant, they’re not usually waterproof, so they’re not meant for shower stalls or for the backsplash behind a range.
Vinyl is often also not suitable for applications near a heat source, such as a fireplace surround or behind a range. Abide by what the manufacturer recommends, or you may end up with lifting or shifting tiles.
Peel and stick tiles are often made of vinyl or PVC, which are both easy to cut, wash, and maintain. Others are made of natural materials, such as slate, marble, or mother of pearl. These tiles require different care, and the manufacturer can provide guidance on that.
It’s smart to shop online for peel and stick tiles to get the best selection, but once you start narrowing your options, order some samples (or go to a brick and mortar store) to see and feel them for yourself.
Williams notes that she found her marble-look tiles on Home Depot’s website, where they looked a little yellow; when she went to the store to see them in person, they were actually a lovely frosty gray.
“I recommend getting samples all the time with any project, especially if you’re shopping online,” Williams says, “because everybody’s computer screen looks different. Before you commit to anything, get samples to see them firsthand.”
Peel and stick tiles run the gamut from ornate Victorian and gleaming mirrored glass, to classic cottagey subway tiles and industrial-modern hexagons. No matter your style and taste, you can probably find a peel and stick tile to suit your space, budget, and décor.
There’s also some room to personalize peel and stick tiles. Williams grouted the peel and stick tiles she installed in her guest bathroom, even though the label said she didn’t have to. “I did it to make the floor look like real tile,” she says.
“I did very small grout lines and didn’t even use spacers—I just eyeballed it. And while grout sounds intimidating, ready made grout comes in a tub, and it’s simple and actually fun to use.” She recommends doing the same thing for the look of authentic ceramic tile.
Many peel and stick tiles are about a square foot in size and very thin (less than a quarter-inch), but this can vary. Remember that you can also trim peel and stick tile to a smaller size if that’s what you need. Always double-check a tile’s dimensions, as well as how many tiles come in a box, to calculate the coverage.
With proper installation (following the label’s instructions), peel and stick tiles can last a good long while. Williams figures they can last from five to 20 years, depending on how much traffic a room gets.
“I think five years when you’re not planning on peel and stick tiles being your permanent fix,” she says, “but it’s all about location, location, location. If you install them in your primary bathroom, they aren’t the best solution in a high-moisture, everyday-use area. But in a guest bathroom? They might last 20 years.”
Most important is following the manufacturer’s directions for installation and the tiles’ recommended use (that is, putting them only where they’re supposed to go).
Yes! Some manufacturers, such as The Smart Tiles, say that their peel and stick tiles can be installed over ceramic tiles in a backsplash.
Doing so might require additional steps, such as sanding the tiles to remove gloss, repairing chips and imperfections, or filling in grout lines with surfacing compound, so check the label before you buy.
Williams installed peel and stick tiles over her bathroom’s existing ceramic tile floor, and she was impressed that there are no dips or bumps in the new tile—it’s a totally smooth surface now.
Many peel and stick options are meant to install over an existing subfloor (plywood or concrete) or even a vinyl sheet floor. Manufacturers usually recommend making sure the existing floor is clean, flat, smooth, and dry first, then applying primer for a strong bond with the tiles’ adhesive.
Again, read what the manufacturers say about their peel and stick products before buying.
Some tiles are OK coming in contact with water, such as the best peel and stick tile for bathrooms, the Inno Stickers Luxury White Carrara Marble and Gold Tile, but many are not.
Carefully read the label for the manufacturer’s instructions on where tiles can be installed and whether a wet environment is suitable.
Some tiles are water-resistant, so they’re OK as a backsplash in a kitchen or bathroom, but not waterproof, so they shouldn’t regularly get steamed, splashed, or submerged. A shower stall or behind the kitchen range, for example, wouldn’t work with such tiles.
Even with those caveats, Williams is pretty skeptical about peel and stick tiles’ ability to withstand lots of water.
“I wouldn’t put them on the floor by a bathtub in a kids’ bathroom, for instance,” she says, “and I wouldn’t put them on the walls of a shower. Stickers can only stick for so long, and not all peel and stick tile is created equal.”
wall 3d panel Sarah Halverson has been writing about home décor for more than 25 years. To write this article, she interviewed an expert, Laura Williams, who owns ATX Interior Design, a design firm in Austin, Texas. She also scoured the internet for the best peel and stick tiles she could find, and she narrowed her findings into the best picks in 10 categories.