A wallpaper is a decorative material used to cover and enhance the appearance of walls in interior spaces. It is often made from paper, vinyl, fabric, or other materials and comes in a wide range of colors, patterns, and textures.
Wallpapers are commonly used as an alternative to paint for adding visual interest, personality, and style to a room.
Installing a wallpaper in your living room can significantly enhance its aesthetic appeal.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you install wallpaper like a pro:
Materials and Tools Needed:
- Wallpaper rolls
- Wallpaper adhesive (if not pre-pasted)
- Smoothing tool or wallpaper brush
- Utility knife or scissors
- Tape measure
- Pencil
- Plumb line or level
- Sponge or damp cloth
- Drop cloth or plastic sheeting
- Bucket of water (for pre-pasted wallpaper)
- Ladder
1. Prepare the Walls
Clean the Surface: Wipe down the walls to remove dust, grease, or debris. Fill in any holes or cracks with spackling paste and sand smooth.
Prime the Walls: Apply a wallpaper primer or a sealer to ensure the wallpaper adheres well and can be removed easily in the future.
2. Measure and Plan
Measure the height and width of the wall to determine how many strips of wallpaper you’ll need.
Add a few extra inches to the height for trimming.
Use a plumb line or level to draw a straight vertical line from the starting point (usually a corner).
3. Cut the Wallpaper
Unroll the wallpaper and cut it into strips, ensuring the pattern matches across panels.
4. Apply the Adhesive
For Pre-Pasted Wallpaper: Soak the strip in water according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
For Unpasted Wallpaper: Use a roller or brush to apply adhesive evenly to the back of the wallpaper.
5. Hang the Wallpaper
Align the first strip with the plumb line, leaving a small overlap at the top and bottom for trimming.
Smooth the wallpaper from the center outward using a smoothing tool to remove air bubbles and wrinkles.
6. Match Patterns and Continue
For subsequent strips, align the edges carefully and match the patterns. Repeat the smoothing process for each strip.
7. Trim Excess Wallpaper
Use a sharp utility knife and a straight edge to trim the excess wallpaper along the ceiling, floor, and corners.
8. Clean Up
Wipe away any excess adhesive with a damp sponge.
Remove drop cloths and clean the area.
Tips for Success:
- Always start with a small, inconspicuous area to practice.
- Ensure good lighting in the room for accuracy.
- Use a sharp utility knife for clean cuts.
- Keep the room ventilated while working.
1. Skipping Wall Preparation
Dust, grease, or uneven surfaces prevent proper adhesion and can lead to peeling or bubbling. Clean the walls, fill holes or cracks, and sand down uneven areas. Apply a primer or sealer for better results.
2. Ignoring Pattern Matching
Misaligned patterns disrupt the design and look unprofessional. Carefully align patterns between strips and trim excess paper for seamless transitions.
3. Not Using a Plumb Line
Starting without a straight guide can cause the wallpaper to be crooked, especially noticeable with bold patterns. Use a plumb line or level to draw a vertical line as your starting guide.
4. Rushing the Adhesive Process
Uneven or insufficient adhesive can cause air bubbles or edges that don’t stick. Apply adhesive evenly (or soak pre-pasted wallpaper properly) and allow it to sit for the recommended time before hanging.
5. Not Smoothing Out Bubbles
Air bubbles can ruin the wallpaper’s appearance and cause it to peel over time. Use a smoothing tool to gently push bubbles out from the center to the edges as you apply the wallpaper.
6. Cutting Wallpaper Too Short
Gaps between the wallpaper strips or at the edges look unpolished. Always cut the strips longer than needed and trim excess after hanging.
7. Overlapping Seams
Overlapping seams can make the wallpaper look bulky and disrupt patterns. Butt seams tightly together for a smooth finish unless the design specifically calls for overlaps.
8. Not Allowing Time for Adhesive to Set
Attempting to reposition or trim the wallpaper before the adhesive sets can cause tears or uneven edges. Let the adhesive set for the recommended time before making adjustments.
9. Installing in Poor Conditions
High humidity or extreme temperatures can interfere with the adhesive’s performance. Work in a room with a moderate temperature and low humidity. Avoid installing wallpaper immediately after painting walls.
10. Choosing the Wrong Wallpaper for the Space
Delicate wallpapers in high-traffic areas or bold patterns in small spaces can clash with the environment. Choose wallpapers suited to the room’s size, lighting, and activity level.
11. Neglecting to Order Extra Rolls
Running out of wallpaper mid-project can lead to mismatched dye lots when ordering more. Order at least 10-15% extra wallpaper to account for mistakes, pattern matching, and future repairs.
12. Not Reading Manufacturer Instructions
Different wallpapers have specific requirements for adhesive, soaking time, or cleaning methods. Always read and follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for best results.