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Wallpaper Tips: Expert Advice for Stunning Walls

Produce professional-level installs that elevate any room’s style and texture.

By Medha deb

Created on Sep 26, 2025

Produce professional-level installs that elevate any room’s style and texture.

Wallpaper has been a beloved wall covering for centuries, adding dimension, texture, and personality to any room. Whether you’re updating a single accent wall or transforming your entire home, mastering the art of wallpapering delivers remarkable visual impact. This guide brings together tried-and-tested tips, essential how-tos, and creative inspiration to help you achieve professional-quality results on any wall—no matter your skill level.

How to Start: Understanding Wallpaper Types and Tools

Preparation is key to a successful wallpaper project. Before diving in, familiarize yourself with the different types of wallpaper and gather the tools needed for smooth installation.

Peel-and-stick wallpaper: Easy to apply and remove, great for renters and temporary updates.
Pasted wallpaper: Requires paste application—either on the wall or paper itself. Offers superior adherence for permanent results.
Pre-pasted wallpaper: Activated with water; combines the best of both worlds for DIYers.

Essential tools:

Utility knife or sharp blade
Large soft-bristle smoothing brush
Measuring tape and level (or plumb line)
Seam roller
Drop cloth or plastic sheeting
Pencil for marking lines
Sponge and bucket of clean water

Preparation: Setting the Stage for Flawless Wallpaper

Successful wallpapering starts before any paper touches the wall. Follow these steps for professional results:

Turn off power to the room before removing outlet and switch covers.
Clean and smooth the surface: Remove old wallpaper, fill holes, and sand down any bumps. Clean away dust and grease.
Prime the wall: Especially important for new drywall or stained surfaces. Use a wallpaper primer or size for best results.
Calculate coverage: Measure wall height and width to determine total square footage. Always order extra to account for pattern matching and mistakes.
Allow for pattern repeat: Patterns with large repeats require more paper. For repeats over 12 inches, buy an extra roll.

Measuring and Cutting: Ensuring the Right Fit

Precision saves both time and money. Here’s how to measure and cut correctly:

Measure the height of your wall and add at least 6 inches for trimming at the top and bottom.
Mark and cut all strips before hanging to maintain pattern continuity.
For large repeats, ensure strips are cut so the pattern matches across seams. Lay strips side by side on the floor to double-check alignment.

Application: Step-by-Step Wallpaper Hanging Guide

Whether using peel-and-stick or traditional pasted wallpaper, patience and a systematic approach yield the best results.

Start in an inconspicuous upper corner of the room. Use a level or plumb line to draw a straight vertical starting line—walls and ceilings aren’t always perfectly square.
Apply the first strip with a slight overhang at the ceiling and baseboard. Leave 2–3 inches at both ends for easier trimming.
Smooth from the center out using your smoothing brush. Push out air bubbles and avoid over-stretching.
Trim edges at the ceiling and floor using a sharp blade for a crisp finish. Replace your blade frequently to avoid tears.
Align subsequent strips at eye level. Gently match the pattern to the previous strip, taping or pinning if necessary. Smooth downward and upward for best alignment.
Seam rolling: Use a seam roller to press down the edges for a tight, seamless look—but be careful not to press too hard if your paper is textured or delicate.

Tips for Working Around Obstacles

Electrical outlets, light switches, windows, and doors require special attention. Follow these recommendations:

Always turn off the power before removing covers.
Apply wallpaper over the boxed area, then carefully cut an X over the outlet or switch using your utility blade.
Trim excess paper with scissors for exact fit. Replace covers after the paper dries to prevent shifting.
When wallpapering around windows or doors, allow for extra paper. Trim slowly, checking pattern alignment as you go.

Dealing with Corners and Awkward Angles

Corners and odd angles can be challenging. To avoid misaligned patterns and creases:

Cover the corner by bringing your paper 1/2 inch beyond the corner line.
Start the next strip from the corner, slightly overlapping the previous edge. Use a level to maintain a vertical line for the new wall.
For angled ceilings or slopes, use smaller strips for greater control and keep pattern matching top of mind.

Wallpapering Small Spaces: Bathrooms, Hallways, and Powder Rooms

Smaller rooms often benefit most from wallpaper, transforming tight spaces into standout features.

Pick bold prints for powder rooms, where drama won’t feel overwhelming.
For humid areas like bathrooms, use vinyl wallpaper that’s moisture resistant.
Seam glue can prevent edges from lifting due to humidity.
Work patiently, as tight corners and fixtures add complexity.

Creative Ways to Use Wallpaper

Wallpaper isn’t limited to four walls. Inventive applications add dimension and interest in unexpected places.

Accent walls: Highlight a single wall to create a statement without dominating the room. Great behind beds, sofas, or in entryways.
Ceiling wallpaper: Also known as the “fifth wall.” Adds unexpected drama and luxury, especially in dining rooms and bedrooms.
Behind built-ins and cabinets: Line the backs of shelves or bookcases for visual pop.
Furniture refresh: Apply wallpaper to dressers, drawer fronts, or tabletops for custom flair.
Hallways: Make transitional spaces more inviting with subtle prints or lively patterns.

Budget-Friendly Wallpapering Ideas

Transforming a room doesn’t require papering every wall. Consider these money-saving techniques:

Half-wall treatments: Combine wallpaper with painted wainscoting to halve the wallpaper needed and introduce contrast.
Feature wall or ceiling only: Use pricier, showstopping wallpaper on one wall or the ceiling. The impact is big, but the cost is cut.
Remnants and samples: Use leftover or sample rolls in small spaces or as art (framed or mounted panels).

Dealing with Common Wallpaper Problems

Even experienced DIYers run into challenges. Here’s how to troubleshoot common issues:

Air bubbles: Smooth out with a brush. For stubborn bubbles, gently lift the paper and reposition.
Pattern misalignment: Pull back strips gently to realign before the paste dries.
Peeling edges: Apply seam glue or additional paste, and press down firmly with a seam roller.
Stains or paste marks: Wipe gently with a damp sponge while wet. For dried paste, follow the manufacturer’s cleaning instructions.

Wallpaper Removal Tips

When it’s time for a change, removing wallpaper with care preserves your walls. Here’s how:

Score the paper lightly with a scoring tool to break the surface, if it’s not already peelable.
Soak the wallpaper with warm water and a sponge, or use a commercial wallpaper removal solution.
Wait a few minutes, then peel back gently, working in sections. Avoid gouging drywall beneath.
Clean residual paste thoroughly and patch any wall damage before repainting or repapering.

Table: Wallpaper Types and Features

Type	Ease of Application	Removability	Best For
Peel-and-Stick	Very easy	Excellent	Rentals, feature walls
Pre-Pasted	Moderate	Good	DIYers, quick updates
Traditional (paste)	Requires skill	Varies	Long-term installs
Vinyl	Easy-Moderate	Good	High-moisture areas
Textured/Paintable	Moderate	Good	Hiding wall flaws

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: How do I calculate how much wallpaper I need?

A: Measure the height and width of each wall, multiply to get total square footage, then divide by the coverage listed on the wallpaper roll. Always add 10–15% extra for errors and pattern matching.

Q: Can wallpaper go in bathrooms?

A: Yes, but choose vinyl or moisture-resistant options and seal seams. Use a bathroom fan to reduce humidity.

Q: What is “pattern repeat” and why does it matter?

A: Pattern repeat is the vertical distance before the pattern repeats. Larger repeats require more wallpaper to line up patterns across seams.

Q: How do I remove wallpaper without damaging my walls?

A: Soften adhesive with warm water or a remover solution, pull gently, and clean all glue residue. Take extra care with older or unprimed drywall.

Q: Which wall should I start with?

A: Begin in a less conspicuous spot—behind a door or in a corner—so mistakes during initial strips can be corrected without being noticeable.

Pro Wallpapering Tips for Best Results

Work slowly—rushed application causes misaligned patterns and bubbles.
Replace blades often to maintain clean cuts.
Use a damp sponge to gently wipe away excess paste before it dries.
Match batches/dye lots for color consistency; open and check all rolls before beginning.
Store leftover wallpaper for repairs and future projects; label the batch and pattern details.

Final Thoughts: Enjoy Your Newly Wallpapered Space

Wallpaper instantly transforms rooms from ordinary to extraordinary, expressing your personality and enhancing visual interest. With the right preparation, techniques, and inspired creativity, anyone can achieve professional-level results. Whether you favor bold prints or subtle textures, your updated walls will offer beauty and character for years to come.

References

Author

medha deb

Medha Deb is an editor with a master's degree in Applied Linguistics from the University of Hyderabad. She believes that her qualification has helped her develop a deep understanding of language and its application in various contexts.

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