How to wallpaper the ceiling

It's time to raise our sights! Wallpapering the ceiling doesn't have to be difficult. Follow our guide and we'll help you on your way to putting Swedish wallpaper art on the fifth wall of your house, the ceiling.

Tips for success

Work in sections: Unfold only a manageable section of wallpaper at a time.

Take your time: Don't rush the process. Smoothing out bubbles and ensuring a seamless pattern takes patience.

Bring a friend : Four hands are better than two when gravity takes its toll.

Things you'll need

  • Paste the wall adhesive

  • Bucket for adhesive

  • Pasting brush or roller

  • Damp microfiber cloth

  • Straight edge

  • Scissor

  • Sharp knife (stanley/craft)

  • Tape measure

  • Pencil

  • Plumb line, spirit or laser level

  • Wallpapering tool

  • Stepladder

Buy wallpaper tools

1. General preparation

Ensuring the wall is smooth, clean and completely dry is key for a successful installation. The surface should be free from contaminants such as dirt, dust, grease, mildew; any of these can prevent adhesion taking place.

Before you start wallpapering, it is important that you prepare the surface:

  • Fill any holes and repaint if necessary. Paint the ceiling in a color similar to the base color of the wallpaper. Allow the walls to dry for a minimum of 24 hours.

  • Smooth out any surface irregularities until they become smooth.

  • Switch of the electricity and remove anything protuding and other objects that may be in the way.

2. Plan your layout

Decide on a hanging direction and where to start.

Measure your wallpaper and mark a straight line on the ceiling using your laser level. This will be your guide for the first panel. It is essential that the first panel is vertically straight.

3. Paste the ceiling

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

Our wallpapers are non-woven so roll the paste straight onto the ceiling. 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 or microfiber cloth afterward.

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

4. Hang your first panel

Use the wallpaper box you got as a tray on the floor and pull the wallpaper up towards the ceiling.

Attach it at the top with your hands, work your way along the panel and make sure that it is hanging straight along your line.

Use the wallpaper tool to make the wallpaper panel 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.

Cut away any excess along the moldings.

5. Continue hanging panels

Work your way across the ceiling, carefully matching the pattern of each panel. Wipe away any excess adhesive with a damp cloth.