How to Hang Wallpaper

From prep to finish, learn foolproof techniques for flawless results

- BY CARMEN DE LA PAZ

Hanging wallpaper takes planning and patience, but the payoff is well worth it. Pay attention to the details and use the right tools, and you'll be well on your way to a standout design feature. Before purchasing wallpaper, I recommend using an online calculator (available on most wallpaper websites) to determine how much you'll need—this can save you some heartache down the line. Be sure to add about 10% to your walls' total square footage to account for corners and proper pattern alignment.

1 PREPARE THE WALLS

Wipe down the walls to remove any residue or dust, then seal any holes and uneven spots with spackle or joint compound. Scrape back raised bumps with a trowel, or sand down rough spots. Finally, fill any seams between the baseboards or crown molding with painter's caulk. Let it dry.

Once the wall is smooth and clean, apply a wallpaper primer.

2 DETERMINE THE LAYOUT

When deciding where to place your first drop (row of wallpaper), consider the paper you’re using. For repeating patterns, starting in the center of the dominant wall allows for symmetry and balance. For nonrepeating patterns such as textured papers, lining up an image or motif in the center of the room is not as important, so you may prefer to start at the room door.