I love wallpapering… it’s a fantastic way to bring colour, texture, and personality into any room and the effect is instant! I used I LOVE WALLPAPER for my current UK Project.
Whether you’re covering an entire room or creating a feature wall, wallpapering offers endless design possibilities.
It might seem intimidating at first, but with the right tools and guidance, you will be wallpapering like a pro in no time.
Here is my step by step guide on how to wallpaper a room…
What You’ll Need:
Before starting, make sure you have the following tools and materials on hand:
• Wallpaper
• Wallpaper adhesive (if your wallpaper isn’t pre-pasted)
• Wallpaper smoothing tool or brush
• Utility knife or sharp blade
• Tape measure
• Spirit level & Plumb Line
• Pencil
• Wallpapering table or flat surface
• Sponge or damp cloth
• Bucket of clean water
• Step ladder
• Seam roller
First Measure Your Walls
You will need to measure the height and width of the wall(s) you want to wallpaper. This will help you determine how many rolls of wallpaper you’ll need. Most wallpaper rolls are around 10 meters in length and 53 centimeters wide, but check the specific dimensions of the wallpaper you’ve chosen. I would suggest buying 10-15% more wallpaper than you think you’ll need to account for mistakes or pattern matching. Generally pattern repeats can be anything up to 60cm so make sure you check before ordering. With some papers you can end up with a lot of wastage.
Next you need to Prepare Your Wall.
Preparation is key to achieving a smooth, professional finish. Here’s what to do:
Remove any old wallpaper: If there’s existing wallpaper, it will need to be completely removed.
Make sure the walls are clean, dry, and free of dust,. If the surface is uneven or damaged, you might need to use filler to patch up any cracks or holes, and sand them down until smooth.
You might need to prime the walls if they are newly plastered or porous. Using a wallpaper primer or sealer can help the adhesive bond better to the wall.
Next Plan the Layout
It’s important to plan your wallpaper layout before you begin pasting. Depending on the pattern, you may need to ensure that the design lines up perfectly between strips. Start by marking a plumb line (a vertical line to ensure your wallpaper is straight). Most wallpapering kits come with this. This will be your guide for the first strip of wallpaper.
Using your measurements cut your wallpaper strips, leaving a little extra at the top and bottom (around 10 cm) to allow for trimming. If your wallpaper has a repeat pattern, make sure to align the pattern when cutting each strip.
There are different options of applying the adhesive.
Some wallpaper is pre-pasted, and you will need to dip each strip into a water tray as per the manufacturer’s instructions. For non-pasted wallpaper, spread a thin layer of wallpaper paste onto the back of the paper using a brush or roller.
If you’re pasting the wall (which is what I prefer), you apply the paste directly onto the wall instead of the paper. I find it less messy however I would advise putting an old sheet or towel down to protect the flooring.
Hang the Wallpaper
Starting at the top of the wall, align the first strip of wallpaper, allowing for some overlap at the top and bottom for trimming. Press the wallpaper gently against the wall, smoothing it down from the middle outwards to remove air bubbles and wrinkles. Use a wallpaper smoothing tool or brush for this.
Continue this process, ensuring the edges of each strip butt up against each other without overlapping. Pay special attention to matching the pattern where the strips meet.
Trim the Edges
Once your strip is in place, use a utility knife and a straight edge to trim the excess wallpaper at the top and bottom. Be sure to cut cleanly along the edge where the wallpaper meets the ceiling and skirting boards.
Smooth the Seams
After each strip is hung, use a seam roller to press down the seams where two strips meet. This will ensures a smooth, tight bond between the strips and helps prevent the wallpaper from peeling away over time.
Clean Up Excess Adhesive
If any adhesive squeezes out from the edges or seams, gently wipe it away with a damp sponge or cloth before it dries. This will prevent the paste from staining the wallpaper. Don't worry about the wallpaper getting wet, but don't rub too hard.
Repeat and Finish
Continue applying the wallpaper strip by strip, using the same technique. Take your time to ensure the pattern lines up and the wallpaper is free of bubbles and wrinkles. Corners and cutting around light switches and plug sockets can be tricky so make sure to have a sharp blade when cutting around them. It's always better to cut less than more.
Once you’ve finished, stand back and admire your work!
My Top tips
• Work slowly: Rushing can lead to misaligned patterns or bubbles. Take your time, especially when positioning each strip.
• Match patterns carefully: If your wallpaper has a large or intricate pattern, be extra careful when aligning each strip to ensure the design flows seamlessly.
• Use a friend’s help: Having an extra pair of hands can make hanging long strips much easier and prevent accidental tearing or misalignment.
• Ventilate the room: After you’ve finished, ensure good ventilation in the room to allow the wallpaper to dry properly.
Now you will be able to Wallpaper like a Pro!
