Hanging wallpaper is not the most fun DIY activity. In fact, it is probably on the bottom of the list of things I enjoy DIY’ing. Growing up, I remember watching my mom moan and groan while hanging wallpaper in many-a-house. So when I told my mom that I was wallpapering my bathroom as part of the renovation, I could tell she was very concerned for my emotional well-being. Let’s just say my mom knows my limitations…and she’s heard me when I needed to have my mouth washed out with soap :).
So although at times I looked a tad like this (minus the heels, fish lips, pointy bra, and skirt over the ladder—okay, nothing like this except for the wallpaper everywhere BUT on the wall), I got through it and my bathroom looks fantastic!
Here is the thing about my approach to DIY’ing (and yes, I realize I am really saying do it yourselfing which is going to drive all the English nazis cra-zay….but I digress), everything I do has at least one major “oops” moment. An “oops” moment is that place in your project where in spite of all your well thought out plans you run into a glitch and consider throwing a temper tantrum, or a screwdriver, or both, and a soap-worthy-word or two might escape your lips. Many people dread these moments and therefore dread DIY’ing. Don’t dread them. Expect that (for most of us) they WILL happen and just embrace them.
I’m going to take you through my process of wallpapering and show you how I overcame my “oops moments”. Below are the supplies I used to complete my project. I forgot to add a level to the picture so let’s just pretend it is there ;).
Since I was using two different kinds of wallpaper for this project and neither of them were going all the way up to the ceiling, I took my level and drew a pencil line around the perimeter of the room to mark where I wanted the wallpaper to begin. I then measured my wallpaper from line to floor and added about an inch for waste.
Then I:
- dunked my wallpaper in a bucket
- unrolled it on my kitchen counter
- took a clean paint roller to spread the water around evenly
- folded the paper in half glue sides together
- walked over to my wall and then unfolded it
- lined up the top flush with the pencil marking
- took my damp sponge and smoothed the paper onto the wall
- used the plastic smoother to smooth out air bubbles
- trimmed off the excess on the bottom using my smoother and an exacto knife as a guide
Here is another major imperfection of my technique. I hate math. I hate measuring things exactly. I much prefer to just eyeball everything and have it be close enough. Granted the picture below looks like one hot mess. But I didn’t care because no one is ever going to know that my wallpaper isn’t perfectly even underneath the chair rail.
And here is my final major, major oops moment. I ran just the tiniest bit short of wallaper and had to patch together some leftover scraps to cover my final wall. Granted if nothing was going on this wall, this solution simply would not have worked and I would have needed another roll of wallpaper. However, I have shelves going on this wall and you will never know that the wallpaper is patched and ugly right here once it is all said and done.
Okay, I can feel your skepticism through the monitor. These pictures do NOT look like everything is okay and that my wallpapering project turned out nicely. However, just wait. Tomorrow I will show you the final results of this bathroom and you will see that you don’t have to DIY perfectly to end up with a gorgeous “after”. I can’t wait to show you!!!
kingkay says
It very nice…
carissa says
I LOVE this wallpaper! I couldn’t find if you posted where you purchased…can you share please?? I have been on the hunt for wallpaper and this one is perfect!
Thanks!
christine says
I am a wallpaper master! I noticed you left out an important step.Some wallpapers stretch and if you “book” your paper you will have better luck.Leave the wet and folded paper to sit at least three minutes.This will activate the paste fully and stop shrinking.I have also found that when wallpapering with a spouse it is better to do it naked.You can’t stay mad at a husband bending over the tray starkers,it is too funny!
Beautifully Coastal Decorating Blog says
Awesome info! I’ve been seeer-ee-ous-ly considering using the beadboard wallpaper for a few projects in my home, but I was skeeered! You’ve given me a bit more confidence that I can do it and even if it’s not perfect, it will PROBABLY be OK.
Thanks,
Lesli @ BeautifullyCoastal.com
thistlewoodfarm says
Great tutorial! I have been wanting to try this….but I’ve been a little intimidated 🙂 Thanks for the inspiration.
blessings,
karianne
amy@maison decor says
Totally agree with your “technique” about making the “rules of wallpapering” work for you! Most people get too freaked out by wallpapering, so this was a great ice breaker~can’t wait to see the finished result.
Sarah @ Thrifty Decor Chick says
I can’t wait to see it!! 🙂 I’m dying to try grasscloth paper in our bedroom. Sooo nervous about it though.
Jenny says
That is why I could never wallpaper, I just don’t have the patience. LOL! I know it will be awesome when you are done with it!
yby5 says
Ok, so you’ve made me believe that I can be a wallpaper hanger person 🙂 I’ve wanted re-wallpaper our hallway to our back set of stairs. Do you know if you can wallpaper over existing paper? I’m afraid to take off the paper since our walls are plaster and I have a feeling the paper is holding up the wall-ha!
Love you wallpaper choices-look forward to the big reveal…I have faith in you 🙂
Beth @A to Z says
Thanks Carin :). Yes, you CAN wallpaper over existing paper but it’s obviously not typically recommended. In our last home I removed FIVE layers of wallpaper the earliest layer dating back to 1915. That was sooooo not fun and I swore to myself that I would never ever hang wallpaper as long as I live! We stripped it down to the plaster and the walls were in really bad shape and needed a ton of repairs before we painted. As long as your paper isn’t pulling away from the wall anywhere, I say go for it!
jessica@fourgenerationsoneroof says
Looking forward to seeing the finished room!
Molly says
I have wallpapered a couple times, a dining room, a half bath, and I was pleasantly surprised at how easy it is. My mom used to hire out her wallpaper hanging skills, and the advice she gave me before I tried it the first time was basically the same as what you’re saying here: No one will ever notice your mistakes except you. I am currently contemplating a red gingham wall paper in my hallway. I’m excited about the idea…
Haydee@TrashtoTreasure says
I wallpapered ONE wall myself once and I am also highly averse to Math, so I sort of “winged” it, tucked here and there, shaved with an exact-o and frankly, no one other than me can tell the difference! Definitely NOT one of my favorite DIY projects, but well, WELL worth it in the end!
erica says
Which beadboard wallpaper did you use? I’m looking to put some up and wondering if there’s a “best’ brand…
Beth @A to Z says
Hi Erica, I’ve used both the Graham & Brown wallpaper that Rhoda from Southern Hospitality sells and I’ve used Lowes Allen & Roth brand. The Graham & Brown is thicker and a better quality than the Lowes brand, but they both are suitable. Martha Stewart also sells some at Home Depot, but I haven’t used hers yet so can’t speak for the quality. They all run between $20-25 per roll.
Linda @ it all started with paint says
How perfect for me and perfectly timely! I’m all about the oops. And was absolutely planning to wrap my corners …
I have a roll of that bead board wallpaper sitting in my master just waiting for me to get up the nerve to actually start hanging it …
So I pinned your tute and will absolutely tackle my “test” drive of hanging wallpaper this week …
🙂
Linda
Beth @A to Z says
Beadboard wallpaper is the BEST to work with. It’s very, very easy to hang and looks amazing. You’ll love it :).
Sherry says
I am not good at wallpapering, but I hung beadboard paper in my bathroom and it was much easier than regular paper. It turned out great!
Beth says
I love beadboard wallpaper. It is easier to work with than regular wallpaper. I bet your space looks fantastic!
Courtenay says
Hilarious! It pains my husband so much, but this is exactly how I work. “No one’s even going to notice that. Stop being such a perfectionist.” I’m not alone!
Beth @A to Z says
You’re in very good company :). If I could do everything perfectly and quickly I would. I just can’t. So I don’t *wink*.