How to hang wallpaper: a DIY guide with tips from the trade

Wallpaper primer
Heavy-duty adhesive made for nonwoven wallpaper

Paste roller and roller tray
Smoothing brush / seam roller
Utility knife with snap-off blades and a straightedge
Level or laser level
Sponge and a bucket of clean water

1. Unpack and inspect the wallpaper the day it arrives.
2. Get the wall smooth and dry, and wipe away all dust. Turn off the power, take off switch plates and outlet covers, then roll on a coat of wallpaper primer.
3. Look at the symbols on the label for any special instructions.
4. Mark a plumb line at least 4 in out from the corner. Never begin right in the corner; check where the pattern will fall and plan every strip before you cut.
5. Cut the strips to length, leaving an extra 2–4 in at the top and bottom.
6. Roll the adhesive onto the wall in an even coat, leaving no dry patches.
7. Hang the first strip against the plumb line, push out any trapped air and butt each seam tight against the previous strip.
8. Trim the excess cleanly at the ceiling or crown molding and along the baseboard. Wipe off stray adhesive right away, then go over the seams with a seam roller.
9. Allow 24 hours to dry at 64–72 °F, with no drafts and no excess humidity.

Nonwoven wallpaper holds up well and needs very little upkeep. Its stable nonwoven backing keeps the paper flat and taut on the wall, so it copes fine with light cleaning.

Minor marks: Blot gently with a barely damp sponge or a microfiber cloth. Skip abrasive pads and household cleaners.

Washable versions: Some nonwoven papers carry an extra protective coating. Check the care symbol on the roll or the packaging to be sure.

With hardly any effort, nonwoven wallpaper keeps looking good for many years.

Wallpaper paste suited to paper and nonwoven papers

Pasting table
Paste roller and roller tray
Smoothing brush / seam roller
Utility knife with snap-off blades and a straightedge
Level or laser level
Sponge and a bucket of clean water

1. Unpack and inspect the wallpaper the day it arrives.
2. Get the wall smooth and dry, and wipe away all dust. Turn off the power, take off switch plates and outlet covers, then roll on a coat of wallpaper primer.
3. Look at the symbols on the label for any special instructions.
4. Mark a plumb line at least 4 in out from the corner; never begin right in the corner itself.
5. With a patterned paper, map out the layout first so the design lines up neatly from one strip to the next.
6. Cut the strips to length, leaving an extra 2–4 in at the top and bottom.
7. Roll paste evenly over the back of the strip, then book it: fold the strip onto itself so the pasted sides meet.
8. Let the booked strip rest for the time stated on the label (usually 5–10 minutes) so the paper can expand evenly.
9. Hang the first strip on the plumb line and press it into place with a smoothing brush, working from the center out.
10. Butt the seams together; never overlap them.
11. Trim cleanly at the ceiling line and along the baseboard; wipe away any paste immediately with a barely damp sponge.
12. Allow 24 hours to dry at 64–72 °F, with no drafts and no excess humidity.

Paper wallpaper is a traditional, natural material, so treat it gently. Being made entirely of paper, it reacts to moisture and stains sooner than modern options like nonwoven or vinyl. Look after it well and its authentic character lasts for many years.

Light dusting: Every so often, go over the wall with a feather duster or a soft dry cloth. Stiff brushes and vacuum brush heads can scratch or roughen the paper.

No water, no cleaning products: All-paper wallpaper cannot be washed. A damp cloth or sponge may leave watermarks, raise bubbles or even release the paper from the wall.

Prevent marks: Keep wet hands and spills away from the wall. Leave a little room between the wall and any furniture or lamps, so nothing rubs against it and polishes shiny patches into the surface.

Fresh air: Good ventilation keeps temperature swings and moisture buildup in check, which helps the paper stay smooth and tight on the wall.

Give it a stable indoor climate and paper wallpaper keeps its charm and texture year after year, so the room stays fresh and lively without losing that authentic look.

Wallpaper primer
Paste suited to paper and vinyl wallpaper

Pasting table
Paste roller and roller tray
Smoothing brush / seam roller
Utility knife with snap-off blades and a straightedge
Level or laser level
Sponge and a bucket of clean water

1. Unpack and inspect the wallpaper the day it arrives.
2. Get the wall smooth and dry, and wipe away all dust. Turn off the power, take off switch plates and outlet covers, then roll on a coat of wallpaper primer.
3. Look at the symbols on the label for any special instructions.
4. Mark a plumb line at least 4 in out from the corner. Never begin right in the corner; account for the pattern and plan your strips carefully.
5. Cut the strips to length, leaving an extra 2–4 in at the top and bottom.
6. Roll paste evenly over the back of the strip and book it, folding it onto itself with the pasted sides together.
7. Give the booked strip the rest time stated on the label (usually 5–10 minutes) so the paper can expand evenly.
8. Trim the excess cleanly at the ceiling and the baseboard; wipe off stray paste right away and roll the seams afterward.
9. Allow 24 hours to dry at 64–72 °F, with no drafts and no excess humidity.

Vinyl is a hard-wearing wallcovering that takes very little effort to maintain. Water beads off the surface, so it works well in high-traffic spots such as halls, kitchens and bathrooms. For the wall directly around a bathtub or shower, a waterproof system like the WET SYSTEM™ by Wall & Deco is the right choice.

Marks and smudges: A sponge dipped in lukewarm water and wrung out well will do. Keep cleaning agents and scouring pads away from the finish.

Mind the seams: Firm rubbing over seams and edges can scuff the top layer and leave a polished shine.

Ventilate humid rooms: Steady airflow in bathrooms and other damp spaces keeps mold from developing behind the paper.

Maintained the right way, vinyl wallpaper keeps its color and texture for years, protected by its strong top layer.

Wallpaper primer
Paste suited to paper and vinyl wallpaper
Clean water (for wetting the back of the strips)

Pasting table
Paste roller and roller tray
Smoothing brush / seam roller
Utility knife with snap-off blades and a straightedge
Level or laser level
Sponge and a bucket of clean water
Spray bottle or plant mister

1. Unpack and inspect the wallpaper the day it arrives.
2. Get the wall smooth and dry, and wipe away all dust. Turn off the power, take off switch plates and outlet covers, and apply wallpaper primer if the wall is porous or chalky.
3. Look at the symbols on the label for any special instructions.
4. Mark a plumb line at least 4 in out from the corner. Never begin right in the corner; check where the pattern lands and plan each strip before cutting.
5. Cut the strips to length, leaving an extra 2–4 in at the top and bottom.
6. Wet the back of the strips evenly with clean water and stick to the soaking time given on the label.
7. Roll the adhesive onto the wall in an even coat, leaving no dry patches.
8. Hang the first strip against the plumb line, smooth out trapped air and butt the seams tightly.
9. Trim cleanly at the ceiling and along the baseboard; remove stray paste immediately and run a seam roller over the seams afterward.
10. Allow 24 hours to dry at 64–72 °F, with no drafts and no excess humidity.

Vinyl wallpaper wears well and needs little upkeep. Because the surface repels water, it suits busy spaces such as entryways, kitchens and bathrooms. In the wet zone around a tub or shower, use a waterproof system like the WET SYSTEM™ by Wall & Deco instead.

Spot cleaning: A sponge wrung out in lukewarm water is all you need. Avoid detergents and abrasive pads.

Go easy on seams: Hard rubbing on seams and edges can damage the top layer and leave glossy patches.

Ventilation: In bathrooms and other humid rooms, keep the air moving to prevent mold behind the paper.

With the right care, the color and texture of vinyl wallpaper last for years, and its strong top layer keeps the surface in good shape.

Wallpaper primer
Heavy-duty wallpaper adhesive: Vescom V2000 used together with V3000, or another clear heavy-duty adhesive used together with its extra-strong formula.

Paste roller and roller tray
Smoothing brush / seam roller
Utility knife with snap-off blades and a straightedge
Level or laser level
Sponge and a bucket of clean water

1. Unpack and inspect the wallpaper the day it arrives.
2. Get the wall smooth and dry, and wipe away all dust. Turn off the power, take off switch plates and outlet covers, and apply wallpaper primer if the wall is porous or chalky.
3. Look at the symbols on the label for any special instructions.
4. For a patterned design, settle the layout first so the motif flows across the wall and sits symmetrically on the walls people see most.
5. Mark a plumb line at least 8 in out from the corner; never begin right in the corner itself.
6. Cut the strips to length, leaving an extra 2–4 in at the top and bottom.
7. Roll the adhesive onto the wall in an even coat, leaving no dry patches.
8. Hang the first strip on the plumb line, press it on firmly and roll out air bubbles with a soft roller.
9. Butt the seams without overlapping them, and never let a seam land exactly in an inside corner. Shift it about 8 in along the wall for a clean finish.
10. Trim the top and bottom cleanly at the ceiling and baseboard; wipe off excess adhesive at once with a barely damp cloth.
11. Allow 24 hours to dry at 64–72 °F, with no drafts and no excess humidity.

On outside corners, switch to the extra-strong V3000 adhesive (or a comparable extra-strong formula) for a firmer hold.

Acoustic wallpaper soaks up sound and adds a soft, upscale finish to a room. Its textile or felt-like face is not hard to maintain, but it does call for a careful touch.

Everyday upkeep: Remove dust and loose particles with a feather duster, a lint roller or a vacuum with a soft brush head. If your acoustic wallcovering has a protective top coat, a barely damp cloth can be used on it.

Spills and spots: Blot them lightly with a cloth that is only just damp. Skip cleaning products and never soak the surface.

Hands off the scrub brush: Rubbing the fabric or the seams can pull fibers loose or leave patches with a different sheen.

Dust it regularly and treat it with care, and acoustic wallpaper will keep dampening sound and looking upscale for years.

Wallpaper primer
A clear, heavy-duty wallpaper adhesive
Clean water (only if the strips need extra dampening)

Pasting table
Paste roller and roller tray
Smoothing brush / seam roller
Utility knife with snap-off blades and a straightedge
Level or laser level
Sponge and a bucket of clean water
Spray bottle or plant mister

1. Unpack and inspect the wallpaper the day it arrives.
2. Get the wall smooth and dry, and wipe away all dust. Turn off the power, take off switch plates and outlet covers, and apply wallpaper primer if the wall is porous or chalky.
3. Look at the symbols on the label for any special instructions.
4. Plan the layout so the natural grain and the direction of the fibers line up well. Natural papers show their seams as a paneled effect, so space those seams evenly across the wall.
5. Mark a plumb line at least 4 in out from the corner; never begin right in the corner itself.
6. Cut the strips to length, leaving an extra 2–4 in at the top and bottom.
7. If the material feels very stiff or thick, mist the back lightly with clean water and let it absorb for a short while; it becomes more flexible and easier to handle.
8. Roll the adhesive onto the wall in an even coat, leaving no dry patches.
9. Hang the first strip on the plumb line and press it on gently, without rubbing or scuffing the face.
10. Seams should meet edge to edge, never overlapping, and must not end exactly in an inside corner.
11. Cut off the excess at the ceiling and baseboard with a fresh snap-off blade; take any adhesive off the face straight away with a dry cloth, as moisture may cause stains.
12. Allow 24 hours to dry at 64–72 °F, with no drafts and no excess humidity.

Grasscloth, sisal, raffia and jute are natural fibers, and wallpapers made from them need gentle handling. Moisture, sunlight and stains all affect them, but the right care keeps them looking good for years.

Regular dusting: Go over the wall with a feather duster or a soft, dry cloth. Damp cloths and cleaning products are off limits.

Keep it dry: Natural-fiber wallpaper can't be washed; water may stain it or cause the fibers to swell.

Ventilation: A well-aired room prevents moisture from building up.

Sunlight: Long hours of direct sun can fade the color, so limit exposure.

Bumps and scrapes: Place furniture and accessories thoughtfully; a sharp edge can damage the surface.

With very little upkeep, a natural wallcovering holds on to its warm, characterful look for years.

Wallpaper primer
Heavy-duty wallpaper adhesive that dries clear
Clean water (if the strips need a little extra dampening)

Paste roller and roller tray
Smoothing brush / seam roller
Utility knife with snap-off blades and a straightedge
Level or laser level
Sponge and a bucket of clean water

1. Unpack and inspect the wallpaper the day it arrives.
2. Get the wall smooth and dry, and wipe away all dust. Turn off the power, take off switch plates and outlet covers, and apply wallpaper primer if the wall is porous or chalky.
3. Look at the symbols on the label for any special instructions.
4. Work out a layout plan that spaces the seams evenly across the wall.
5. Mark a plumb line at least 8 in out from the corner; never begin right in the corner itself.
6. Cut the strips to length, leaving an extra 2–4 in at the top and bottom.
7. Heavy or stiff material? Mist the back lightly with clean water and give it a short while to absorb, so it turns more supple and easier to work with.
8. Roll the adhesive onto the wall in an even coat, leaving no dry patches.
9. Hang the first strip on the plumb line, press it on gently and work air bubbles out from the center toward the edges.
10. Unless the label says otherwise, seams meet edge to edge with no overlap, and none of them should end exactly in an inside corner.
11. Trim the excess at top and bottom with a sharp snap-off blade, and lift any adhesive off the face right away with a dry cloth; moisture may leave stains.
12. Allow 24 hours to dry at 64–72 °F, and keep drafts, humidity and direct sunlight away from the wall.

Textile wallpaper turns a wall into a soft, tactile surface and brings warmth and refinement to a room.

Routine dusting: Reach for a feather duster, a dry microfiber cloth or a vacuum with a soft brush head.

Stay away from water: Fabric wallcoverings are not washable, and water or cleaning products can stain or discolor them.

Accidental marks: Dab ever so lightly with a dry cloth. Rubbing can damage the fibers or leave patches with a different sheen.

Fresh air: Good ventilation keeps moisture from accumulating in the room.

Shade from the sun: Long exposure to direct sunlight can fade the fabric or weaken it, so keep it to a minimum.

Stick to dry cleaning methods and textile wallpaper stays refined for years, with a fabric that remains soft and even.