How to Wallpaper Around a Window Like a Pro

How to Wallpaper Around a Window?

To wallpaper around a window, start by accurately measuring the wallpaper needed and choosing the appropriate type.

Gather the necessary tools, including a plumb bob and line or laser level.

Find the perfect starting point for hanging the first strip of wallpaper, often behind a door.

Overlap the window when starting and use a tape measure to determine the position.

Cut the first panel longer than the wall height and lightly paste the wall and window recess.

Trim the wallpaper where it meets the window frame and cut around any protruding window sills.

Trim excess wallpaper and let it dry before installing curtain poles or blinds.

Properly remove old wallpaper and take your time during the project.

Consider buying extra wallpaper for mistakes.

Simple steps for wallpapering around a window without a recess or with a recess are explained.

Follow the steps of dropping the wallpaper, smoothing it with a brush, cutting and pasting, and finishing the edges.

Measure and cut a strip for a vertical recess, align it with the edge, and use a seam roller for a clean finish.

Key Points:

Accurately measure and choose appropriate wallpaper type

Gather necessary tools including plumb bob and line or laser level
Find perfect starting point behind a door
Overlap window and use tape measure for position

Trim wallpaper where it meets window frame and around window sills
Trim excess wallpaper and let it dry before installing curtain poles or blinds

Did You Know?

1. Did you know that wallpaper originally started as a substitute for expensive tapestries? Early wallpaper designs were inspired by elaborate hand-painted wall hangings that were commonly found in wealthy households.

2. One interesting trivia about wallpaper around a window is that it can actually help insulate the room. By adding a layer of wallpaper around the window frame, you create a barrier that reduces heat loss and can contribute to energy efficiency.

3. In the late 18th century, during a period known as the Wallpaper Mania, there were even wallpaper patterns featuring optical illusions. These designs were cleverly created to give the illusion of depth and extra space, making a room appear larger than it actually was.

4. Did you know that wallpaper adhesive was traditionally made by boiling animal bones? This adhesive, called “size glue,” was widely used in the past and helped the wallpaper stick to the wall surface.

5. A lesser-known fact is that wallpaper can be an ideal way to cover up minor imperfections around a window frame. If you have small cracks or uneven surfaces, carefully selecting the right wallpaper pattern can help disguise these flaws, providing a seamless and visually appealing finish.

Wallpapering Around A Window: A Guide For DIY-Ers

Wallpapering around a window is a fantastic technique to bring creativity and personality to your living space. This article provides simplified instructions for DIY enthusiasts, allowing you to achieve a seamless and professional finish:

Start by preparing the area around the window. Remove any existing wallpaper, paint, or debris, ensuring a clean and smooth surface.
Measure the width and height of the window frame. Add a few inches to your measurements to allow for adjustments and trimming.
Cut the wallpaper into strips that are slightly longer than the measured dimensions. Use a straight edge and a sharp utility knife for precise cuts.

Apply wallpaper adhesive to the back of the first strip using a paint roller or a wallpaper brush. Make sure to evenly coat the entire strip.
Position the first strip against the wall, aligning it with the top and sides of the window frame. Smooth out any air bubbles or wrinkles using a wallpaper smoother or a squeegee.
Repeat the process with the remaining strips, matching the patterns and edges carefully for a cohesive look. Allow each strip to overlap slightly with the previous one.

Once you have applied all the strips, trim any excess wallpaper using a utility knife or scissors. Be precise in cutting around the window frame, leaving a neat and tidy edge.
To achieve a professional finish, use a seam roller to press down the edges of the wallpaper strips and ensure they adhere properly.

Pro Tip: Before starting, consider using a wallpaper liner or primer to create a smoother surface for easier application and better longevity.

Remember that wallpapering around a window requires patience and attention to detail. By following these steps and taking your time, you can achieve a stunning transformation that reflects your unique style and enhances your living space.

Preparing the area around the window

Measuring the window frame
Cutting the wallpaper into strips
Applying wallpaper adhesive

Positioning and smoothing the strips
Matching patterns and edges
Trimming excess wallpaper

Using a seam roller for a professional finish.

Tools And Materials Needed For Wallpapering Around A Window

Before tackling your wallpapering project, it is crucial to gather all the necessary tools and materials. Here is a comprehensive list of what you will need:

Dust sheets/drop cloths: These will protect your floor or furniture from any potential mess during the wallpapering process.

Paperhanging brush: This brush is specifically designed for smoothing out wallpaper and ensuring proper adhesion.
Tape measure or steel rule: Accurate measurements are key to achieving a professional-looking finish.
Pencil: You’ll need a pencil for marking and measuring the wallpaper.

Plumb bob and line or laser level: These tools will help you ensure that your wallpaper is hung straight and level.
Sharp scissors: Cutting wallpaper neatly and accurately requires a good pair of sharp scissors.
Cutting knife with snap-off blades: A cutting knife with snap-off blades is perfect for trimming excess wallpaper or making precise cuts.

Trim edge/straight edge: This tool is useful for creating clean, straight lines when cutting wallpaper.
Seam roller (optional): A seam roller can be used to flatten any visible seams or air bubbles in the wallpaper.
Paste bucket: This container will allow you to mix and store wallpaper paste for easy application.

Water bucket with sponge: Having a water bucket and sponge handy will help you clean up any mess or remove excess paste.
Paste brush or roller: These tools are used for applying wallpaper paste evenly onto the wallpaper.

Having all these tools in place will not only make your wallpapering project more efficient but also ensure a smooth and professional-looking result.

“Good preparation is the key to success.“

Make sure to cover the floor or furniture with dust sheets/drop cloths.
Measure accurately using a tape measure or steel rule.
Use a plumb bob and line or laser level to ensure straight and level wallpaper.

Clean cuts are achieved with sharp scissors and a cutting knife with snap-off blades.
Use a trim edge/straight edge for cutting straight lines.
Consider using a seam roller to flatten any visible seams or air bubbles in the wallpaper.

Mix and store wallpaper paste in a paste bucket.
Have a water bucket with a sponge ready for clean-up.
Apply wallpaper paste evenly using a paste brush or roller.

Properly Preparing Before Wallpapering Around A Window

Accurate measurement and careful selection of wallpaper type are crucial for a successful wallpapering project. Be sure to measure the area around the window accurately and choose the right type of wallpaper. For beginners, paste-the-wall wallpaper is highly recommended.

When starting the wallpapering process, it is important to find the perfect starting point. Gareth Hayfield, Head of Research and Technical Development at Farrow & Ball, suggests choosing an inconspicuous place, such as behind a door, to lose the pattern of the wallpaper.

Step-By-Step Instructions For Wallpapering Around A Window

To start the wallpapering process around a window, follow these step-by-step instructions:

Overlap the window: Begin by overlapping the window with the wallpaper, using the width of the wallpaper and a tape measure to determine the position. A plumb bob and line or a laser level can be used to mark where the first panel of wallpaper will go.
Cut the first panel longer: Cut the first panel of wallpaper slightly longer than the height of the wall to avoid excessive handling.
Paste the wall and window recess: Apply a light layer of paste to both the wall and the window recess, with a slight overlap of paste on either side of where the wallpaper will be placed.

Hang the first panel: Hang the first panel of wallpaper, ensuring it overhangs the window recess by about 8.5 inches. Cut the top and bottom of the wallpaper to fit snugly against the window frame using a straight edge and a sharp blade.
Trim around window sill: If there is a window sill that protrudes from the wall, cut a thin rectangle out of the wallpaper to fit around it.
Trim excess wallpaper: Trim off any excess wallpaper at the top and bottom of the wall for a clean finish.

Allow drying time: Allow the wallpaper to properly set and dry before installing curtain poles or blinds to prevent ripping.
Make sure to overlap the window with the wallpaper.
Cut the first panel of wallpaper slightly longer than the wall height to avoid excessive handling.
Apply paste to both the wall and window recess, ensuring a slight overlap.

Hang the first panel, ensuring it overhangs the window recess.
Trim the wallpaper to fit snugly against the window frame.
Cut a thin rectangle out of the wallpaper to fit around a window sill, if present.

Trim any excess wallpaper for a clean finish.
Allow the wallpaper to dry before installing curtain poles or blinds.

Remember to follow these steps carefully to achieve a professional-looking wallpaper finish.

Alternative Technique For Wallpapering Windows Without A Recess

For windows that do not have a recess, follow this alternative technique:

Drop the wallpaper: Drop the wallpaper and mark the top and sides of the window on the paper, ensuring to leave a couple of inches extra.
Paste and hang the wallpaper: Apply paste to the wallpaper and hang it as usual, aligning with the markings made. Smooth it down with a wallpaper brush, tapping in the edges tight around the window.
Cut and finish: Mark the cut line with a pencil or the back of wallpaper scissors. Cut the excess wallpaper with scissors and create small 45-degree cuts at corners and edges. Wipe off any excess wallpaper paste with a damp cloth.

Finishing Touches For A Clean And Professional Look

To achieve a clean and professional finish when wallpapering around a window, follow these final steps:

Measure and cut the next drop: Measure and cut the next drop of wallpaper to fit seamlessly. Paste and hang it, ensuring proper alignment.

Finishing edges: Use a seam roller for a clean seam where the wallpaper meets the window frame.
Wallpapering a window recess: If you have a vertical recess around the window, measure and cut a strip of wallpaper to fit. Paste and align it with the outer edge of the recess. Mark and cut the edges to fit and use a seam roller for a neat finish.

By following these instructions and taking your time, you can achieve a beautiful and professional finish when wallpapering around a window. Remember to remove old wallpaper properly, allow the wallpaper to fully dry, and be prepared with ample wallpaper to accommodate any mistakes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you wallpaper towards or away from a window?

When installing wallpaper, it is recommended to work away from a window to avoid casting shadows on the paper edges if they slightly overlap. This technique is particularly suitable for living room wallpaper, as it allows the last piece to be placed in a corner, providing flexibility to trim the paper if needed without it being noticeable. By moving in this direction, the installation process becomes smoother and the final result appears seamless and professionally done.

Do you wallpaper left to right or right to left?

When it comes to wallpapering, the direction in which you go depends on various factors. If you’re looking to maintain a seamless and cohesive pattern, it is generally recommended to start from the left and work your way to the right. By wallpapering in this direction, you can ensure that the patterns align properly and create a visually pleasing flow throughout the room. However, there may be instances where a design or specific instructions suggest starting from the right and going left, so it’s important to consider the unique details of each project before making a decision.

How do you stick wallpaper to glass?

To effectively stick wallpaper to glass, it is important to utilize double-sided adhesive tape as wallpaper paste lacks adhesive qualities on glass surfaces. Care should be taken to align the edges of the wallpaper precisely with the tape, as this will help prevent any unsightly “air bubbles” from forming within the wallpaper. By using double-sided adhesive tape and ensuring meticulous alignment, one can successfully apply wallpaper to glass surfaces, transforming them with style and charm.

What is the easiest way to hang wallpaper?

When it comes to hanging wallpaper, the easiest way is to properly prep the walls by using a “wall size” primer/sizing product. This will help ensure smooth application. Next, apply the paste with a paint roller instead of dunking the wallpaper into the paste. Seam inside corners and gently smooth out the paper as you go. Wipe down any excess paste and roll every seam for a seamless finish. Lastly, make it easier by overlapping and cutting both pieces at once, saving time and effort.

References: 1, 2, 3, 4