Transforming a space with wallpaper is the easiest way to add personality and charm to any room.
Want a pop of color or a chill, relaxing vibe? The right wallpaper can make it happen—and installing it is not as difficult as you might think.
In this blog, we’ll break down the step-by-step process of correctly hanging a wallpaper. So, whether you’re a beginner to wallpapers or have tackled a few DIY projects before, read on and discover how to have a wallpaper properly.
Choosing the Perfect Wallpaper for Your Space
Wallpaper is an easy and stylish way to transform your walls without the hassle of paint or renovations. Whether you want to add bold patterns, soft textures, or a touch of personality, the right wallpaper can completely change the feel of a room.
Choosing the perfect wallpaper to transform your space is a practical, versatile, and easy way to make your room truly stand out.
Here are a few other advantages to using wallpaper.
- Instant Room Upgrade. Quickly refresh your space without major renovations by turning plain walls into stylish focal points.
- Durable. High-quality vinyl wallpaper can last for years, even with regular wear and tear.
- Simple and Renter-Friendly. Peel-and-stick wallpaper is perfect for renters or those who love to change their office decor frequently.
- Effortless Statement. A well-chosen wallpaper—be it a fantasy or a floral mural—can act as a stunning accent wall, upgrading the entire room’s ambiance.
- Affordable. Wallpapers are a budget-friendly way to give your room a lasting, high-impact makeover.
7 Easy Steps to Hang Wallpaper Yourself
Hanging wallpaper sounds like a big job, but it’s totally doable if you take it step-by-step.
Here are seven simple steps—from getting your tools ready to final cleanup—to make sure the process goes smoothly and is actually fun.
Step 1. Gather Your Tools and Materials
Before you get started with your wallpaper installation, make sure you’ve got everything you need right by your side. Here are the tools you will need to hang your wallpaper.
- Wallpaper
- Adhesive or wallpaper paste (if needed)
- A level
- A tape measure
- A utility or a sharp craft knife
- A smoothing tool (plastic or seam roller will do)
- A wet sponge
- A bucket of clean water
Getting everything together ahead of time will save you a lot of hassle and keep you from getting frustrated mid-project.
Step 2. Prepare Your Walls
Prepping your walls is key to making sure your wallpaper looks great and sticks well.
Start by giving your walls a good clean—dust, dirt, and grease can make it harder for the wallpaper to stick.
Got any holes or cracks? Patch them up now so you’re working with a smooth surface.
If your walls are freshly painted or have a glossy finish, use a primer to help the wallpaper stick better and ensure the best results.
Step 3. Measure and Cut Wallpaper
After you have prepped your walls, you can proceed by measuring the height of your wall and add an extra 2-4 inches to give yourself some wiggle room for trimming.
Keep in mind that pre-cutting your wallpaper strips upfront is a game-changer—it saves time and makes things much easier when you are in the middle of hanging your wallpaper.
By pre-cutting your wallpaper strips, you won’t have to stop and measure each time, which keeps the process smooth and stress-free.
Step 4. Apply Adhesive
If you are using the 'paste-the-wall' type of wallpaper, grab a roller or wallpaper brush and apply wallpaper paste evenly on the wall.
Make sure the paste is smooth and covers the area well to avoid bubbles or peeling later. Additionally, remove excess paste using a lint-free cloth to prevent it from ruining the wallpaper quality later on.
But if you are using ‘peel-and-stick’ wallpapers, they are as easy as it gets—just peel off the backing and press the wallpaper right onto the wall. No mess, no fuss.
The key here is even coverage—this helps keep everything looking sharp once the wallpaper is hung up.
Step 5. Hang the Wallpaper
Line up your first strip of wallpaper using a level to make sure it is straight and even—this is key for getting that polished look.
Once the wallpaper is correctly aligned, start smoothing it down from the center outwards using a smoothing tool to get rid of any bubbles. In some cases, a damp sponge can help you smooth the wallpaper better and apply it.
When your wallpaper is nice and smooth, grab a sharp blade or knife and carefully cut off any extra wallpaper along the top and bottom edges.
This way, everything looks neat and professional, leaving you with a beautifully applied wallpaper.
Step 6. Repeat and Match Patterns
When hanging the next strip, take your time to make sure the pattern matches. This part can be a bit challenging, but it's what makes the end result truly shine.
Smooth down each strip carefully, working out any bubbles and trimming the excess paper to keep a straight edge.
This step is all about patience and precision—getting the details right and keeping the wallpaper straight or aligned makes everything look polished and professional.
Step 7. Clean and Finish
Once all the wallpaper is up, grab a damp sponge and wipe away any excess paste or adhesive for a clean finish.
Let everything dry out completely before you start moving furniture back in—that way, you won’t risk messing anything up.
If you notice any bubbles or spots that don't look right, don't stress. Just gently lift that section and smooth it back down, using the same process as before.
Fixing small issues right away is quick and keeps the final look flawless.
Troubleshooting Common Wallpapering Issues
Even the most seasoned DIYers can run into a few hiccups while hanging wallpaper. Here are some common issues and how to tackle them.
- Bubbling. Gently prick the bubble with a needle and smooth out the air with a smoothing tool.
- Peeling. Ensure the entire wall is clean and dry before applying the wallpaper. If a section starts to peel, apply a bit of pressure to re-adhere it.
- Uneven Seams. Carefully peel back the overlapping edges and reposition them to create a seamless look. A seam roller can help blend the edges together.
- Pattern Mismatch. If you're working with patterned wallpaper, take your time matching the pattern on each strip. If you notice a slight misalignment, gently peel back the strip and reposition it.
- Wrinkles. Gently smooth out wrinkles with a smoothing tool, working from the center outwards. If the wrinkle is stubborn, carefully peel back the wallpaper and reapply it.
Remember to work slowly but surely when doing a wallpapering project. If you're facing any major issues, don't hesitate to seek professional help.
When to Hire a Professional for Wallpaper Installation
Sometimes, despite strictly following the manufacturer's instructions on how to hang wallpaper, you run into complications that require a professional hand. When this happens, no need to fret. Sometimes, it’s just better to call in a pro.
If your wallpaper has a complex pattern that needs careful matching or if you have super high ceilings or walls that require extensive prepping, a professional can save you time and stress.
For those tricky situations, a pro can make all the difference in getting that flawless finish.
It is all about making sure your project turns out exactly how you envisioned it—no stress, just results.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Before you start peeling and sticking, a few questions might be swirling around in your head. No worries, that's what this FAQ section is for.
Can I Hang Wallpaper on Textured Walls?
In most cases, textured walls aren't a deal-breaker. However, smoother surfaces generally work better for peel-and-stick wallpaper. A flat wall provides better adhesion and gives you that nice, even finish.
Is Primer Necessary for Wallpaper?
If you are using 'paste-the-wall' wallpaper, using a wallpaper primer is definitely a good idea. It keeps the wall from soaking up the adhesive, helps the paper stick properly, and reduces the chance of mold later on.
For 'peel-and-stick' wallpaper type, primer isn't typically required, as its user-friendly design allows for easy application on clean, smooth surfaces.
Do I Need to Remove the Existing Wallpaper Before Hanging the New One?
Yes, it is always best to remove old wallpaper before putting up new paper.
Removing the old layer gives you a clean surface to work with and makes sure your new wallpaper looks perfect and stays in place.
Key Takeaways on How to Hang Wallpaper: A Step-by-Step Guide
Hanging wallpaper yourself is a rewarding experience that transforms your space into something personal and beautiful. It’s also a simpler process than it seems, and with a little patience, you can achieve professional-looking results.
Learning the process of installing wallpaper not only saves you money but also gives you the satisfaction of creating a room that reflects your style.
Here is a recap of the step-by-step process of how to hang a wallpaper properly:
- Gather your tools and materials.
- Prep your walls beforehand.
- Measure and cut your wallpaper.
- Apply your choice of adhesive.
- Repeat and match patterns for a cleaner look.
- Clean your wallpaper and area before finishing your project.
Let your creativity flow by exploring the wide range of wallpaper designs available at StickerBrand, and start your next DIY project today.