How to Hang Wallpaper

Learn how to hang and install your wallpaper with our video instructions.

Required Tools

  1. Wallpapering tool
  2. Roller
  3. Sponge
  4. Pencil
  5. Bucket of water
  6. Folding rule
  7. Tray
  8. Wallpaper knife
  9. Scissors
  10. Brush
  11. Sandpaper and filler spreader

1. Prepare Your Wall

Before you start wallpapering, it is important that you prepare the surface. Fill any holes, remove old wallpaper and repaint if necessary. If you have the opportunity, paint the wall in a color similar to the base color of the wallpaper.

Remove switches and other objects that may be in the way. Make sure to turn off the power before you begin.

2. Decide Where to Start

Start wallpapering at a window or a corner.

Find out the width of the wallpaper by reading on the label, this is usually 53 cm for traditional wallpaper. Measure out the wallpaper width on the wall from your starting position.

It is essential that the first length is vertically straight, so use a spirit level and draw a vertical line down the wall with a pencil. Line up your first length against the pencil line.

3. Paste the Wall

Bring out your wallpaper rolls and check that no rolls are damaged.

Our wallpapers are non-woven so roll the paste straight onto the wall. Use a brush for edges and corners. Use a roller for the big surfaces. Don’t worry if there is paste on the moldings, you can remove it with a damp sponge afterward.

Apply an even layer of paste and paste an area of one and a half lengths at a time.

4. Hang Your First Strip

Use the wallpaper box you got as a tray on the floor and pull the wallpaper up towards the ceiling. Attach it lightly at the top and make sure that it is hanging straight.

Use the wallpaper tool to make the wallpaper length smooth and free from any bubbles, work from the side and outwards. The wallpapers are quite durable, so you do not have to be afraid that they will break. Avoid forcing the wallpaper towards the wall, just let it fall down.

Cut away any excess along the floor.

Wipe off any residue paste with a damp sponge. Use plenty of water but don’t rub the wallpaper. Make sure to wipe off the entire length and not just the corners.

Cut the length at the coving.

5. Wallpapering Corners

When you arrive at a corner, measure the distance from the previous wallpaper length to the corner and add about 2 cm. Measure the distance between the previous length and the corner in three places and cut the length according to the longest measurement.

Paste the corner with a brush.

Make sure the pattern matches with the previous length and then fold the length around the corner. Use the next length, the part you did not use, and place it as close to the edge as possible against the previous length. If the corner is not straight, which is common, there will be a small overlap. The most important thing is that the next length is placed completely straight next to the previous length.

Do not worry if it gets a little crooked, just lift the length and put it back on again.

6. Wallpapering Around Windows

When you arrive at a window, cut the length at the edge of the window.

Feel where the top corner of the window is and cut a 45-degree angle from the corner to the edge of the wallpaper. Remove the excess wallpaper.

Use the wallpapering tool and cut the wallpaper at the edge of the window.

7. Wallpapering Around Switches

Switch off the power and remove the covers on the socket or switch.

Place the wallpaper over the switch and carefully cut away the wallpaper that covers the hole. Remember to measure after the socket plate so that you don’t cut off too much. When you have wallpapered around the socket plate, place your socket cover back into place.

When you have finished wallpapering, remember not to close a newly wallpapered room, leave it open for at least 24 hours.

Good luck!