Some DIY hints on installing wallpaper:

Need help installing wallpaper?  

Schedule a free quote.

Installing wallpaper requires precision, patience, and attention to detail.  If you’re doing this yourself, check out a few YouTube videos and take your time.  You will be living with this wallpaper for years to come, so spending a few extra hours now will pay off.

Prepare and Clean the Walls:

Clean, smooth walls are essential. Any bumps, holes, or uneven surfaces will “pop” through the wallpaper and affect adhesion. You can start by cleaning your walls with a TSP (trisodium phosphate) solution. TSP removes dirt, grease, and any residue from the old adhesive. If you have particularly stubborn wallpaper adhesive, you can also try a commercial wallpaper adhesive remover. Either way, rinse the walls and let them dry before installing the new wallpaper.

To calculate the correct amount of wallpaper, follow these steps:

Measure the Walls:

Measure the height of the wall from floor to ceiling. Measure the width of each wall. Write down these measurements for all walls you plan to wallpaper.

Calculate the Total Wall Area:

Multiply the height by the width of each wall to get the square footage. Add the square footage of all the walls together to get the total wall area.

Subtract Areas for Doors and Windows:

Measure the height and width of each door and window. Multiply these measurements to calculate their square footage. Subtract the combined square footage of doors and windows from the total wall area.  If you have relatively few windows or doors, you can even skip this step and just have some wallpaper left over at the end.

Factor in Pattern Repeat:

Check the wallpaper label for the pattern repeat (e.g., 10 inches, 21 inches). Add 10–20% extra material to account for matching the pattern and for mistakes.

Check the Roll Coverage:

Find the square footage covered by a single roll of the wallpaper (usually printed on the roll label, e.g., 56 square feet). Divide the adjusted total wall area (after subtracting for windows/doors and adding for pattern repeat) by the roll coverage to determine how many rolls you need.

Round-Up:

Always round up to ensure you have enough material.

Double-Check for Specialty Areas:

If you’re wallpapering ceilings or uniquely shaped areas (like bump outs, dormers etc.), measure these separately and calculate the required rolls accordingly.

Buy an Extra Roll of wallpaper:

It’s a good idea to purchase at least one extra roll for future repairs or mistakes during installation.

Plan the Pattern Alignment:

Choose a starting point: Start in a hidden corner or near a doorway to ensure any pattern mismatches are less noticeable.

Align the pattern: Use the pattern repeat measurement to match designs at the seams. Mark key points with a pencil to keep alignment consistent.

Plan cut lengths: Cut each strip of wallpaper slightly longer than the wall height, allowing for trimming at the top and bottom.

Plan Around Features:

Windows and doors: Center the pattern over windows or doors for a balanced look. Use a level to ensure the design remains straight.

Corners: Measure and cut wallpaper for corners carefully, as patterns can distort if stretched.

Outlets and switches: Temporarily remove covers and carefully cut wallpaper to fit around them.

Test Before Cutting:

Dry-fit a strip on the wall to check the alignment and pattern placement. This helps identify any issues before committing to adhesive or cutting.

Choose the Right Adhesive:

Not all wallpaper adhesives are created equal. Some wallpapers come pre-pasted, while others require a separate adhesive. It’s essential to follow the manufacturer’s instructions.  The professional wallpaper installers we send like this adhesive.

Cut and Apply Carefully:

Cutting wallpaper to fit the dimensions of the wall takes precision. Applying it involves smoothing out bubbles and ensuring that the edges align perfectly. Using tools like smoothing brushes and squeegees can help.

Seam Alignment:

Pay special attention to the seams between wallpaper strips. Proper alignment ensures a professional finish and prevents peeling over time.  You want to get this right – a professional look depends on the pattern matching at the seams, so don’t rush.

Need help installing wallpaper?

Click here to schedule a free quote.