6 Mistakes Most People Make When Putting Up Wallpaper

Jun 02, 2024

Wallpaper has become a home design favorite, and we can understand why. Its ability to quickly and easily transform a room has made it a go-to for many home experts, trendsetters, and DIY-ers alike. Whether you want to brighten up a kitchen or elevate a hallway, wallpaper gets the job done without having to invest a large sum of cash.

It’s no secret, however, that hanging wallpaper can sometimes be stressful. To help you better prepare for your next wallpaper DIY project, here are some common mistakes to avoid—from measuring incorrectly to not prepping walls beforehand.

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One of the biggest mistakes people make is not taking accurate measurements of their walls before ordering wallpaper. So before you add a few rolls to your cart, double-check all measurements. You’ll thank yourself later.

“It’s important to know the dimensions of the area you want to cover so you can purchase enough material,” says Beril Yilmaz, architect, interior designer, and contributor to By Design and Viz. “Additionally, you need to account for any trimmed edges or pattern repeats when measuring.”

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It might be tempting to wing it, but before installing wallpaper, make sure you have all the necessary tools available.

“You will need a sharp knife, a straight edge, and a damp sponge,” Yilmaz says.

If you’re not using a self-adhesive wallpaper, then you will also need a good-quality wallpaper paste.

“Use a seam roller to smooth out any air bubbles or wrinkles,” says Yilmaz. “And when trimming wallpaper edges, be careful not to cut into the wall itself.”

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Taking the time to prep walls before applying wallpaper means the paper will adhere smoothly. Doing this can also make installation easier.

“Make sure surfaces are clean and that any nails are taken out,” says Zach Barnes-Corby, head of construction at Block Renovation. “Otherwise, this can result in bubbles, wrinkles, or other imperfections in the wallpaper.”

After filling any nail holes and sanding any bumps, wipe down the walls with a mixture of water and cleaning vinegar. Apply a coat of primer if you’re hanging non-self-adhesive wallpaper. Then, wipe the wall down once more with a damp cloth.

Give extra attention to wallpaper edges to make sure your work sticks, literally.

“Not sealing the seams between sheets of wallpaper properly can result in the seams coming apart or looking unsightly,” Barnes-Corby says.

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As with any DIY home project, it is important to read the instructions carefully.

“While there are common instruction symbols, there may also be specific instructions from the manufacturer,” says Steve Elliot, owner of Restoration 1 Minnetonka.

For example, Elliot points out that there are certain wallpaper types where you need to paste either the wallpaper or the wall. Some textured wallpapers may require specific glue.

Special instructions can also extend to wallpaper maintenance and cleaning.

“There are instruction symbols that indicate which wallpaper is washable, scrubbable, and spongeable,” Elliot says.

Little known fact: It is common for wallpaper to shrink as it dries, especially if it wasn’t put up properly. This could be due to a number of reasons, including overstretching, poor adhesion, or even temperature and humidity.

“Most types of wallpaper are going to shrink a bit after they are applied,” says John Linden, interior designer at MirrorCoop in Los Angeles.

The best way to prevent shrinkage is to be extra careful when applying the wallpaper. The more you overwork it by stretching it, pulling it up, and reapplying it, the more likely it is to shrink.

If you do notice significant shrinkage, you can carefully remove the panel and reapply it.

Brittany Natale is a writer based in New York City. Her work has appeared in i-D, Village Voice, Teen Vogue, and Domino, among others.