Wallpaper Tips and Tricks for Beginners!

by Ashley@Biggerthanthethreeofus

3 Materials

Curious about installing wallpaper? Not sure if you should go for it yourself? We had never installed wallpaper before and I'm here to explain the process to you! It's so simple. If you have a bit of patience and can draw a straight line... you should totally go for it!
Wallpaper is one of those things that can drastically change a room. Get the full-how to and then hop over to see our drastic before/after!

wallpaper tips and tricks for beginners , wall decor

Our dining room needed something fun and wallpaper seemed to be the obvious choice. I fell in love with some shibori wallpaper and knew that the dining room would be the perfect candidate for it.

Let's get started! Look at your wallpaper to determine how the repeat works. Is it a straight match or off-set?

Second thing, decide where you want your wallpaper to start. There is a learning curve to the first strip so if you can start in a hidden spot – that’s what I’d recommend.

Once you decide where you want your wallpaper to start, mark a plumb line. You can do this with chalk or with a pencil and a level.

Add approximately six inches to the height of your wall and cut you wallpaper strip. Cut your next strip and lay it on the floor. This will ensure that you have a direct match.

Using a small roller, apply wallpaper paste to the wall. *Make sure to hop over my blog to get my inexpensive small roller trick!

Start at the top of the wall and hang your first piece. Using a wallpaper smoothing tool, work from the top down smoothing out any wrinkles.

Once your first piece is up, grab your second piece and repeat. Don't overlap your pieces though! Also, make sure to clean up any wallpaper paste that squeezes out.

Using a utility knife, cut off any excess. You will need to do this at the top and bottom as well as around any objects (electrical outlets, window trim, built-in, etc.).

My hubby and I worked together on this project. It was definitely helpful to have an extra set of hands throughout the process. Overall, the project took a few hours (about 20 min per panel). If you don't have a ton of cutouts (electrical outlets, windows, etc.) then it could go faster. If you have lots of cutouts, then plan on adding to your time.

If you have patience, it's definitely a DIY project that you can complete!

If you want to see more details and pictures, make sure to head to the blog!

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Frequently asked questions

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3 questions

Linda Beth Fuller on Dec 14, 2016
I only have I roll of toile design paper, what is your take of the best usage of this paper? There are no more to purchase. Thnks, linda

5
Msj7772511 on Jan 01, 2017
My original plan for my newly rehab arts and crafts office is to place this beautiful paintable wallpaper on the ceiling. I have removed wallpaper, but never installed it. Im unsure of where to start..I plan to use the remaining paper inside my bookcases and on revamped bedroom dressers (these will be my storage pieces). I was thinking about putting it on foam boards first then hanging them on the ceiling..not sure what the easiest way is. If it doesn't make it on the ceiling, I will use it for the wall. Any suggestions/tips for the ceiling?

3
Mnr14290380 on Jun 24, 2017

Did you paper at the top of your hutch area? Your project looks beautiful.

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Lorraine Rotundo Steele on May 13, 2017

Beautifully done and a challenge for two people to work together on. One issue you did not address is a crooked wall, which I have encountered with every room in every home I wallpapered. Your pattern is beautiful as well. I dont have the patience I used to for wallpapering.

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- Ashley@Biggerthanthethreeofus on May 15, 2017
  Our walls aren't perfect but I don't think we had a terribly crooked wall either! I bet that would be hard to wallpaper though! Thanks so much!
  
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Joanie on Oct 15, 2017

Wall paper will come back. Look what you've done and it adds so much!! I am truthfully getting tired of lookin' at ALL WHITE, with no color. I like your choice of pattern......Looks very nice!!!

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- Ashley@Biggerthanthethreeofus on Oct 16, 2017
  haha right?! I love it too. Thanks!!
  
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