Hanging wallpaper is well within reach of most DIYers, as long as you prepare properly and take your time. This guide walks you through the tools you'll need, preparing the walls, measuring, pasting, hanging, matching the pattern and finishing off, with answers to the questions we're asked most often.
Before You Begin: Tools and Materials
Gather everything before you start, so you're not hunting for a blade with a pasted drop in your hands:
- Wallpaper paste (or pre-mixed adhesive, depending on the wallpaper type)
- Paste brush or roller
- Wallpaper brush or smoothing tool
- Sharp knife or snap-off blade, plus a metal ruler or straight edge
- Tape measure and pencil
- Plumb line or spirit level
- Sponge and clean water
- Seam roller
- Ladder or step stool
- Dust sheet or protective floor covering
- Wallpaper table (if you're pasting paper wallpaper)
Step 1: Prepare the Walls
Smooth, clean walls are the foundation of a good job, and time spent here shows in the finish.
- Remove old wallpaper with a steamer or wallpaper stripper.
- Fill any holes or cracks with filler and sand down rough areas.
- Wash the walls with sugar soap to remove dirt, dust and grease.
- Apply a primer or wall sealer, especially on newly plastered or absorbent walls. This helps the adhesive bond evenly.
Top tip: for dark or heavily patterned wallpapers, paint the wall a similar base colour first to avoid show-through at the seams. A design on a black background, such as the Oceania Wallpaper by Mind The Gap, is a good example of where this pays off.
Step 2: Mark a Starting Line
Using a plumb line or spirit level, mark a vertical guideline about 50cm in from your starting corner. Your first drop hangs against this line and every drop after it takes its lead from the first, so it needs to be straight. Never assume a wall is perfectly vertical: always check with a plumb line.
Step 3: Measure and Cut
Measure the height of the wall and add an extra 5–10cm at both the top and the bottom for trimming. Cut your first drop to that length.
Not sure how many rolls to order? Our free wallpaper calculator works it out from your wall measurements, roll size and pattern repeat.
If your wallpaper has a pattern repeat, match the pattern when cutting each following drop: hold the roll against the previous drop, line up the design, then cut. Rich, detailed designs such as the Peacock Wallpaper by Mind The Gap or Cupid's Beau Wallpaper from Sanderson x Giles Deacon deserve extra care here, because a mismatch at the seam catches the eye.
Step 4: Apply the Paste
There are three main types of wallpaper, and each is applied differently. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions, as each brand may vary.
Paste the wall
Apply adhesive directly to the wall with a roller or brush. This is often easier and less messy, which makes it a good choice for beginners.
Paste the paper
Lay the wallpaper face down on your pasting table and apply paste evenly to the back, making sure you reach the edges. Loosely fold (or "book") the paper and leave it to soak for the manufacturer's recommended time.
Peel and stick
Self-adhesive wallpaper needs no paste. Peel off the backing gradually as you apply the paper to the wall.
Step 5: Hang Your First Drop
Line up the first drop with your vertical guide, leaving a small excess at the top to trim later. Press the paper gently to the wall from top to bottom, then use a wallpaper brush or smoother to push out bubbles and creases, working from the centre outwards.
Step 6: Trim the Excess
With a sharp blade and a metal ruler or straight edge, trim the excess where the paper meets the ceiling and the skirting board. Work carefully so you don't tear or pull the paper, and change your blade regularly: a blunt blade drags rather than cuts.
Step 7: Hang the Next Drops and Match the Pattern
Hang each new drop beside the last, matching the pattern carefully at the seam. Slide the paper gently into position before smoothing it down, and wipe away any excess paste with a clean, damp sponge.
Use a seam roller to press the joins down for a crisp finish, but only if your wallpaper allows it. Some delicate papers can be damaged by over-rolling, so check the instructions first.
Step 8: Finishing Touches
Continue around the room, taking your time with corners, sockets and other tricky areas. Let the wallpaper dry naturally and avoid turning on radiators or fans, as this can affect how the adhesive sets.
Common Questions
How do I wallpaper around sockets and switches?
Turn off the power. Hang the paper loosely over the socket, make small diagonal cuts from the centre outwards, then trim neatly around the edges.
Can I wallpaper over old wallpaper?
It's not recommended. The new paper may not stick properly, and old paper can cause bumps or peeling. Always strip it first.
What if I get bubbles?
Most bubbles disappear as the wallpaper dries. If one doesn't, prick it with a fine needle and smooth out the air.
With the right tools, good preparation and a little patience, wallpapering is very doable. If you're still choosing a design, browse our designer wallpaper collection, including Sanderson designs such as The Allotment Wallpaper and the full Mind The Gap range. For advice on which paper suits your room, contact our team or visit the shop in Somerset.
