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Tips for Installing Wallpaper

Dec 22, 2016 · Modified: Jun 19, 2022 by Brooke Larsen · This post may contain affiliate links · 8 Comments

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Table of Contents

  • Tips for Installing Wallpaper
  • Installing Wallpaper: Step 1
  • Installing Wallpaper: Step 2
  • Installing Wallpaper: Step 3
  • Installing Wallpaper: Step 4
  • Installing Wallpaper: Step 5

Tips for Installing Wallpaper

Wallpaper has finally been making its comeback as a fashionable choice for wall decor design. You can now get really cute designs, a big bonus for those of us who only remember it coming in very interesting, old floral patterns that matched the curtains. If you are like me and have not had much practice installing wallpaper since you were a child, here are a few refresher tips for installing wallpaper.  If you have never installed wallpaper before I would recommend hiring a professional, getting someone with experience to help, or buying cheap wallpaper first and practicing.

I wanted the perfect accent wall for my daughters room. I seriously searched and searched until I found this beautiful wallpaper by Clairebella Studio.  I love the vibrant colors and the beautiful flowers.
how to install wallpaper

I can remember as  a little girl helping my mom hang wallpaper in our home and I always loved to help put it up. It was the taking it down that I dreaded.  I didn't remember all the tips and tricks but the one thing I did remember was if I didn't take my time and do it right, I was going to have a big mess.  I decided to call in an expert....my mother in law.  She has floor to ceiling wallpaper all over her home and every last seam is perfect!

Installing Wallpaper: Step 1

First things first, we had to figure out our measurements and seams.  On each stripe of wallpaper there is usually about 18" to 24" of waste just depending on the pattern.  DO NOT JUST START CUTTING STRIPS. Then we measured out our first piece and made sure to cut it an inch or 2 bigger just to be safe.tips and tricks for installing wallpaper

tips and tricks for installing wallpaper

Installing Wallpaper: Step 2

Next, make sure it is good and wet.  My kitchen sink worked perfectly to soak my wallpaper. You can also use a bathtub or they have bins you can buy at the store for wallpaper.  After everything was good and wet we took it out and let it sit for 3 to 5 minutes.  It is important to let the wallpaper sit the allotted time because it expands after it is wet and then shrinks back, so hanging it before it relaxes back can cause problems with your seams and how it fits.  While it sat we didn't want the edges dry out.  If the edges had dried out while sitting we could have ended up with seams coming up. The way to avoid the seams drying out is to book fold your wallpaper.

After we pulled the wallpaper out of the water, we laid the design face down with the glue up.  We then took one  edge and folded it to the center and then took the other edge and folded it to the center- glue sides together.  This will keep the glue from drying out while it sits.

wallpaper installation and tips

Installing Wallpaper: Step 3

After it has sat for 3 to 5 minutes it was time to put up the first piece!  If you look close you can see it is too big on the top and on the bottom...that is a good thing.  Better too long then too short.

how to install wallpaper like a pro

Installing Wallpaper: Step 4

Smooth out the bubbles with a warm wet rag. Start in the center and push the air bubbles out to the seams. Do this before you cut off the extra.

how to install wallpaper like a pro

Installing Wallpaper: Step 5

Before we got our next pieces of wallpaper wet, we made sure the seams would match up correctly.

how to install wallpaper like a pro

Here is a close up of our seams...can you see where they join?  Pretty awesome, right?  Clairebella Studio's wallpaper was great to work with which made matching seams much easier.

DIY install wallpaper

The MOST important thing for installing wallpaper is to take your time.  Don't rush putting it up and double check everything! You can view many more beautiful designs in Clairebella studios here

Happy wallpapering!

Brooke

*This is a sponsored post but all the opinions are my own!

DIY install wallpaper

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About Brooke Larsen

Hello Friends! I love anything DIY and home decorator! On my blog I hope you will find home inspo. Whether it is for your next DIY project or home decor. If I can do it, anyone can!

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Comments

  1. Laura says

    December 22, 2016 at 5:30 pm

    Oh my gosh I am in love with that wallpaper!

    Reply
  2. Marta McCue says

    December 22, 2016 at 5:31 pm

    I love this wallpaper! Absolutely gorgeous and great job on the tutorial!

    Reply
  3. Tana says

    December 22, 2016 at 7:11 pm

    Well done. I think I might be willing to try this! Thx for the tutorial.

    Reply
  4. Beth says

    December 22, 2016 at 11:05 pm

    What beautiful wallpaper! I've been wanting to try for awhile now and you are giving me major motivation 🙂

    Reply
  5. Amanda says

    December 22, 2016 at 11:13 pm

    That wallpaper is gorgeous! You did a beautiful job!

    Reply
  6. Allison says

    December 23, 2016 at 12:40 am

    Love it! Great tips!

    Reply
  7. Alma @almafied says

    December 26, 2016 at 6:41 pm

    Love the wall paper! Thanks for the tips?

    Reply
  8. Leasa A. says

    March 28, 2017 at 8:54 pm

    These are some great tips for putting up wallpaper. For regular wallpaper, I usually cut 6 or more inches to make sure I get the seams correct. But soaking it and letting it "rest" properly really does help with the adhesion. Thank you for sharing!

    Reply

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Hi I am Brooke I am an avid DIY-er and home decorator! I share home inspo and all of my DIY projects with step-by-step directions. I sprinkle in a few recipes to help out all of us busy moms too. If I can do it, so can you!

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