“Simple Wallpaper Guide: Everything You Need to Know”

Simple Wallpaper Guide: Everything You Need to Know

Wallpaper can dramatically transform a room, adding color, texture, and personality with far less commitment (and often cost) than a full-scale renovation. But with so many options available, choosing and applying wallpaper can feel overwhelming. This simple guide breaks down everything you need to know, from selecting the perfect paper to ensuring a flawless application.

Part 1: Choosing Your Wallpaper

This is arguably the most crucial and enjoyable part of the process. Consider these factors:

1. Room Purpose and Style:

• Bedroom: Opt for calming colors and patterns. Soothing blues, greens, and neutrals work well. Consider textures like grasscloth or embossed paper for added depth.
• Living Room: This is where you can be a bit bolder. Consider a statement wallpaper on a feature wall or a more subtle pattern throughout the room. Think about your existing furniture and décor.
• Dining Room: Can be elegant and dramatic. Damask patterns, geometric designs, or even murals can create a sophisticated ambiance.
• Bathroom: Choose moisture-resistant wallpaper specifically designed for bathrooms (vinyl is a great option). Smaller patterns can make a small bathroom feel larger.
• Kitchen: Similar to bathrooms, choose a washable and moisture-resistant wallpaper. Consider backsplashes or accent walls.
• Home Office: Should promote focus and productivity. Consider calming blues, greens, or neutrals, or a subtle geometric pattern.

2. Wallpaper Material:

• Vinyl: The most popular and versatile option. Durable, washable, and often pre-pasted, making it easy to apply and maintain. Great for high-traffic areas, bathrooms, and kitchens.
• Non-Woven: A blend of natural and synthetic fibers. Breathable, tear-resistant, and often easier to remove than traditional paper. A good choice for beginners.
• Paper: Traditional and often the most affordable. Less durable and can be more challenging to apply and remove. Best for low-traffic areas.
• Textile: Made from fabrics like silk, linen, or grasscloth. Adds luxurious texture but can be more expensive and delicate. Requires professional installation in most cases.
• Peel and Stick (Removable): A game-changer for renters or those who like to change their décor frequently. Easy to apply and remove without damaging walls. Typically vinyl-based.

3. Pattern and Color:

• Pattern Scale: Large patterns can make a small room feel smaller, while small patterns can make a large room feel busy.
• Pattern Direction: Vertical stripes can make a ceiling appear higher, while horizontal stripes can make a room feel wider.
• Color Psychology: Colors evoke different emotions. Blues and greens are calming, while reds and yellows are energizing. Consider the mood you want to create.
• Light Reflection: Darker wallpapers absorb light, making a room feel smaller and cozier. Lighter wallpapers reflect light, making a room feel larger and brighter.
• Samples are your friend: Always get samples. See how the wallpaper looks in your space, in different lighting, and next to your existing furniture.

4. Pattern Repeat:

• This refers to the distance between one point in the pattern and the next identical point. It’s crucial for calculating how much wallpaper you need and ensuring a seamless match during application. The larger the pattern repeat, the more waste you’ll likely have.

Part 2: Measuring and Ordering

Accurate measurements are essential to avoid running out of wallpaper mid-project (or having excessive leftovers).

1. Measure the Walls: Measure the height and width of each wall you plan to wallpaper. Exclude windows and doors.
2. Calculate Square Footage: Multiply the height and width of each wall to get its square footage. Add up the square footage of all walls.
3. Account for Waste: Add 10-20% to the total square footage to account for pattern matching, trimming, and potential mistakes. Larger pattern repeats require more waste allowance.
4. Check the Roll Size: Wallpaper is sold in rolls, and each roll will specify its square footage coverage. Divide your total square footage (including waste) by the roll’s coverage to determine the number of rolls you need. Always round up.
5. Double-Check the Dye Lot: Ensure all rolls are from the same dye lot to guarantee color consistency.

Part 3: Preparing Your Walls

Proper wall preparation is key to a smooth, long-lasting wallpaper application.

1. Clean the Walls: Wipe down the walls with a damp cloth and mild detergent to remove dust, dirt, and grease.
2. Repair Imperfections: Fill any holes or cracks with spackle, sand smooth, and prime.
3. Prime the Walls: Applying a wallpaper primer is crucial. It creates a smooth, even surface for the wallpaper to adhere to, prevents the wall from absorbing the adhesive, and makes removal easier in the future. Use a primer specifically designed for wallpaper.
4. Remove Outlet Covers and Switch Plates: Turn off the power at the breaker box and remove all outlet covers and switch plates.

Part 4: Applying the Wallpaper

The method will vary slightly depending on whether you have pre-pasted, unpasted, or peel-and-stick wallpaper.

General Steps (Pre-Pasted and Unpasted):

1. Cut the First Strip: Measure the wall height and add a few inches extra at the top and bottom for trimming.
2. Apply Adhesive (Unpasted Only): Use a roller or brush to apply wallpaper paste evenly to the back of the wallpaper. “Book” the wallpaper by folding the pasted sides together, allowing the paste to activate.
3. Activate Paste (Pre-Pasted Only): Briefly soak the wallpaper strip in a water tray according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Or, spray the wall with water.
4. Apply the First Strip: Align the top edge of the wallpaper with the ceiling (or a marked guideline), leaving a small overlap for trimming. Use a plumb bob or level to ensure the strip is perfectly vertical.
5. Smooth Out Air Bubbles: Use a wallpaper smoothing brush or plastic smoother to work from the center outwards, removing any air bubbles and wrinkles.
6. Trim Excess: Use a sharp utility knife and a straight edge to trim the excess wallpaper at the top and bottom.
7. Apply Subsequent Strips: Match the pattern carefully, overlapping the edges slightly (unless it’s a butt-joint wallpaper).
8. Clean Up: Wipe away any excess adhesive with a damp sponge.

Peel and Stick Wallpaper:

1. Cut the First Strip: Measure and cut as with traditional wallpaper.
2. Peel Back the Backing: Start at the top and peel back a few inches of the backing paper.
3. Align and Stick: Align the top edge and carefully stick the exposed adhesive to the wall.
4. Smooth and Peel: Slowly peel away the remaining backing paper as you smooth the wallpaper onto the wall, working from top to bottom.
5. Overlap and Trim: Overlap subsequent strips slightly and trim as needed.

Part 5: Aftercare and Maintenance

• Allow Time to Dry: Avoid touching or disturbing the wallpaper until it is completely dry (usually 24-48 hours).
• Gentle Cleaning: Most wallpapers can be cleaned with a damp cloth and mild detergent. Avoid harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners.
• Repairs: Small tears or damage can often be repaired with wallpaper paste and a small piece of matching wallpaper.

Tools You’ll Need:

• Measuring tape
• Pencil
• Level or plumb bob
• Utility knife
• Straight edge
• Wallpaper smoothing brush or plastic smoother
• Seam roller (optional)
• Paste brush or roller (for unpasted wallpaper)
• Water tray (for pre-pasted wallpaper)
• Drop cloths
• Sponge
• Ladder or step stool
• Wallpaper primer
• Wallpaper paste (for unpasted wallpaper)

Final Thoughts:

Wallpapering can be a rewarding DIY project. By following these steps and taking your time, you can achieve professional-looking results and transform your space with beautiful, personalized walls. Don’t be afraid to experiment and have fun! If you’re feeling unsure, consider starting with a small area or an accent wall, or hiring a professional for more complex patterns or delicate materials.