Somehow, I’ve made it all this time without tackling a single wallpaper project. I don’t know why, but I built up this nonsensical wallpaper phobia in my mind and just never wanted to try it… until now. If you’ve been following me on Instagram (@threedaughtershome), you know that I’ve been refreshing the girls’ playroom. I was originally thinking of painting an accent wall, but then I stumbled upon this beautiful + affordable peel and stick wallpaper and knew I had to use it. I’m obviously no wp extraordinaire, but after hanging 7 rolls of this stuff, I learned a thing or two. Here are 5 tips for hanging wallpaper I learned from this project.
What I Used:
- Peel n’ Stick Wallpaper (linking mine)
- Ladder
- Screwdriver + Drill
- Microfiber cloth
- Putty knife or smoothing tool
- X-acto knife
- Scissors
Tip #1: Arrange Your Rolls First
I didn’t see this step on any tutorials I watched, but imo, it is the most imperative. My tip for anyone installing multiple rolls is to find a big open floor space and unroll each one at least halfway so you can match up the pattern. This will ensure the patterns line up and are also in sequence so you’re not left with any surprises mid-way thru your installation.
Tip #2: Check How Your Wallpaper Overlaps
Some wallpapers overlap slightly to ensure a more seamless finish, and others do not. Make sure you know this before hanging. Mine allowed for about a 1/4 in. overlap on the left side, which meant I had to install my wallpaper from right to left.
Tip #3: Allow for Extra Overhang
Leave at least an inch or so of overhang where your wall meets the ceiling or trim. This will save you if, like most houses, the ceiling and trim work isn’t perfectly level.
Tip #4: Use a Microfiber Cloth Over Your Putty Knife
I used a metal putty knife to smooth out the wallpaper as I worked, but I found the tool by itself can easily scratch the wallpaper. Putting a microfiber cloth, or any cloth really, helps dull the knife while still applying pressure to smooth out any bubbles. You can also use an actual wallpaper smoothing tool, like this one. (The microfiber cloth is also useful for cleaning your walls as well!)
Tip #5: Don’t Drive Yourself Crazy Trying to Align
100% guilty of this. Lining up and re-aligning the pattern for each roll is by far the most time-consuming part of the whole process. It’s a pain in the ass, and truly, it is important, but if I can offer any advice — It’s to not go crazy if the lines don’t match up perfectly. Especially if you are hanging a fairly busy pattern, like the one I did. I promise it won’t be super noticeable if you’re off ever so slightly.
All in all, it was a lot of work, but I am so happy with how it came out! I surprised my oldest by doing it when she was in school, and she gasped and ran to the wall to give it a hug when she got home. It made it all worth it. ♡ I hope these 5 tips for hanging wallpaper are helpful, and if you’re thinking of wallpapering, I say go for it! *And be sure to check back for the girls’ playroom mini makeover!
Happy wallpapering 🙂
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