Hanging wallpaper

To help develop this article, click 'Edit this article' above.

[edit] Introduction

A high-quality paper with a stunning print can completely change the appearance of any space, with a huge range of styles, patterns and designs to choose from. However, before making any purchases, it’s important that you understand a little bit more about the process of hanging wallpaper.

[edit] Knowing the difference between wallpaper and wall coverings

It may sound obvious, but marketing materials can make it difficult to know exactly what you’re purchasing. Your walls can be covered with paper of course, but vinyl, fabric, foil and a range of other materials are available as well. Though you may want to avoid vinyl itself, when used as a backing for the wallpaper, it actually mimics the surface beneath the paper offering a far more versatile finish.

[edit] Understanding pattern repeat

Unless you’re investing in the very best of the best (one-off runs that are completely exclusive) it’s important to remember that the pattern on the paper is going to repeat. When hanging wallpaper, one of the most critical aspects is ensuring the patterns line up. One way to avoid this issue is to choose a pattern that is completely random, so there is no need to match the strips.

It can also be a wise idea to work with an experienced hanging team. Not only can they hang your new paper far better, they can also direct you toward interior painting colours and patterns that will complement the space.

[edit] Say goodbye to paste

Gone are the days when you had to cover the strips in sticky paste before hanging wallpaper. If you’re undertaking a DIY project, many brands now offer pre-pasted or self-adhesive wallpaper, allowing you to complete the task with relative ease. Pre-pasted options require you to add water or a manufacturers solution to activate the paste, whilst self-adhesive simply requires you to peel away the backing – both are far easier to use than traditional ‘dryback’ paper.

[edit] Prepare for change

Styles change and trends come and go. How you eventually change the paper or remove it completely will have an impact on the appearance of the room in question – our top tip: never paint over the paper, remove it and start again from scratch.

[edit] Choose an easy clean option

Walls will become dirty over time. That’s why we recommend hanging wallpaper that is easy to clean. Choose stain resistant finishes or easy to wipe down options – this way, you can ensure your paper looks its best well into the future.

[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki

• Chinese Wallpaper in Britain and Ireland.
• Recent history of interior design.
• The Anatomy of Colour.