Choosing the Right Wallpaper for Your Space
When selecting wallpaper for a room, there are a few key factors to consider so that you end up with a design that fits the space perfectly.
Measure the Room
Before shopping for wallpaper, you'll need to have accurate measurements of the room you want to wallpaper. Measure the height and width of each wall and calculate the square footage. This will tell you how much wallpaper you need to purchase.
Consider the Room's Purpose
Think about the room's purpose and how that should inform your wallpaper choice:
- For dining rooms, choose something food-inspired or scenic
- For bathrooms, go with wipeable vinyl or varnished options
- For bedrooms, pick calming patterns and colors
Match the Wallpaper to the Architecture
Select a wallpaper design that complements the room's existing architectural details. For example:
- In a room with crown molding, choose a traditional damask or floral pattern
- In a midcentury modern space, opt for bold geometric prints
- In a farmhouse-style area, look for subtle plank or tin ceiling motifs
Factor in Lighting and Windows
Consider the room's light sources when picking wallpaper. For rooms with lots of natural light, go for light and bright patterns. For dim spaces, choose lighter wallpapers to help illuminate the room.
| Room Lighting | Best Wallpaper Choices |
|---|---|
| Sunny with lots of windows | Whimsical patterns, metallic prints |
| Dark with little natural light | Light colors like yellow or light grey |
Pick a Durable Wallpaper
Durability should also determine your wallpaper selection. Consider factors like:
- High traffic areas may require scrubbable vinyl wallpaper
- Humidity from bathrooms and laundry rooms call for mold/mildew resistant papers
- Kids' rooms and play areas should have wallpapers able to withstand some wear and tear
Order Wallpaper Samples
Before making a final wallpaper purchase, order samples. Tape a few different patterns and colors on the wall to see them in the actual space. Make sure to view the samples at different times of day when lighting changes.
Choosing wallpaper with these considerations in mind will help you select the perfect design for any room!
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Prepping Walls for Wallpaper
Installing wallpaper starts with proper wall preparation. Taking time to prep your walls correctly will help the wallpaper adhere smoothly and last for years.
Clear the Walls
First, empty the room as much as possible and remove anything hanging on the walls like:
- Artwork
- Mirrors
- Light fixtures
- Curtain rods
- Shelving
This gives you full access to the walls for prepping and wallpapering.
Clean the Wall Surface
Thoroughly clean the walls to remove any dust, grease, or soap residue. Start by vacuuming the walls with a brush attachment. Then wash them down with a sponge and mild detergent mixed with warm water. Rinse with clean water and let dry completely before moving onto the next steps. Allow at least 24 hours for the walls to dry.
Repair Imperfections
Inspect the walls carefully and repair any problem areas like:
- Cracks - Fill with spackling compound
- Holes - Patch with drywall joint compound
- Loose wallpaper - Re-glue bubbles and patches
Sand repaired spots smooth when dry. Vacuum up any dust.
Prime the Walls
Apply a wallpaper primer or sizing solution. This helps the adhesive stick to the walls better. Use a paint roller to apply an even coat across the entire surface. Let the primer dry fully before moving on.
| Wall Material | Recommended Primer/Sizing |
|---|---|
| Drywall | Drywall sealer or wallpaper sizing |
| Plaster | Alkaline-resistant primer |
| Concrete/Brick | Masonry sealer |
Evaluate Texture
Determine if your walls have a smooth or textured finish. Options include:
- Smooth - Wallpaper will adhere tightly
- Knockdown texture - Requires a skim coat to smooth out
- Orange peel texture - Can be smoothed with joint compound
- Popcorn ceiling texture - Needs to be scraped off before wallpapering
Apply a Wall Liner
If your walls have varying textures or old wallpaper adhesive, apply a thin non-woven wall liner first. This creates an even surface for the new wallpaper. Use a paint roller and overlap seams by 2-3 inches.
With properly prepped walls, your wallpaper or mural will look fantastic! Now you're ready to apply the wallcovering.
Hanging Wallpaper Tips
Installing wallpaper may seem daunting, but follow these tips for perfectly hung wallpaper every time.
Set Up Your Workspace
Clear furniture from the room and spread out drop cloths to protect the floor from water and adhesive drips. Cover worktables with plastic sheeting. Set up the following supplies:
- Wallpaper
- Adhesive and paste brush
- Wallpaper smoothing tool
- Razor knife and straightedge
- Sponge and clean water
- Wallpaper roller
Prepare the Wallpaper
Acclimate the wallpaper to the room's temperature and humidity for at least 24 hours before hanging. Unroll and arrange the strips in order. Identify the pattern sequence and review the manufacturer's instructions.
Apply the Adhesive
Use a pasting machine or hand brush to apply an even coat of wallpaper adhesive to the back of each strip. Fold over pasted edges to prevent drying. Bookend the folded strips and allow 5-10 minutes of dwell time for the adhesive to activate before hanging.
| Wallpaper Material | Recommended Adhesive |
|---|---|
| Paper | Cellulose or starch-based paste |
| Textile | Heavy duty clear adhesive |
| Vinyl | Clear non-staining adhesive |
Align the First Strip
Ensure your first strip is completely straight using a level and plumb lines. Hang the strip leaving a 1-2 inch allowance above and below for trimming. Use a wallpaper smoother to remove air bubbles and adhere the entire strip to the wall securely.
Overlap Strips by 1-2 Inches
Butt each subsequent strip against the preceding strip, overlapping edges by 1-2 inches. Use a razor knife and straightedge to trim excess paper where strips overlap. Avoid skips, gaps, or overlaps between strips for the best finish.
Match the Pattern
As you progress, match up and align the wallpaper pattern from strip to strip. To match repeating patterns perfectly:
- Find the pattern repeat size noted on the label
- Mark this measurement on your wall as a guide
- Overlap strips until the patterns align at your markings
Work Around Windows and Outlets
For outlets and switch plates, cut paper flush with the boxes. Around windows and doors, cut paper along the trim. Do not overlay wallpaper onto adjacent surfaces.
Seal Seams
Once all strips are hung, go back and trim excess paper at wall edges. Brush seam adhesive over all joints and edges to seal and prevent curling. Use a plastic smoother to ensure adhesion.
With attention to detail, your wallpaper project will turn out beautifully!
Wallpaper Removal and Replacement
Over time, wallpaper can become dated, damaged, or worn. When it's time for a change, proper wallpaper removal is key to installing new wallcoverings successfully.
Assess the Existing Wallpaper
Determine what type of wallpaper you have before attempting removal:
- Peelable vinyl - Backing peels off easily
- Paper - Requires water and scraping to remove
- Mylar - Harder to take down due to durable surface
- Textile/fiber - Woven material needs steaming
Protect Surfaces in the Room
Clear furniture and cover with plastic drop cloths. Also cover floors, woodwork, windows, and any other surfaces that could get damaged during the removal process.
Score the Wallpaper
Use a scoring tool or utility knife to lightly perforate the wallpaper surface. This allows the water or chemicals to soak into the material. Score strips about 8-12 inches apart across all walls.
Apply Removal Solution
Spray or roll on wallpaper remover solution to saturate the surface. Let it soak in for 5-10 minutes. Reapply as needed until saturated. Avoid getting the walls too wet.
| Wallpaper Material | Removal Solutions |
|---|---|
| Vinyl | Heat gun or infrared device |
| Paper | Enzyme remover, fabric softener, or vinegar |
| Textile | Steamer to loosen fibers |
Scrape Off Wallpaper
Starting at the top, scrape off the soaked wallpaper using a putty knife or scraper. Take care not to gouge into the wall surface below. Go slowly to remove all paper without damaging the walls.
Rinse the Walls
Once all the wallpaper is scraped off, rinse the walls thoroughly with clean water to remove any residual glue or chemicals. Allow the walls to dry completely before moving on.
Sand Away Stubborn Adhesive
If there is any remaining wallpaper adhesive after scraping, sand it away gently with fine grit sandpaper. Avoid scuffing up the wall surface.
Prime and Prepare Walls
Follow typical wall prep procedures like repairing imperfections, applying primer and sizing. This gets your walls ready for your new wallpaper.
With the old wallpaper removed properly, you can now apply fresh new wallcoverings to transform the space.
