The Tiny house Blog

How to Hang Wallpaper Like a Pro: Easy DIY Tutorial

By
Jason Francis
Designed and built over 100 custom tiny homes, lived on a sailboat for 9 months, and loves to live life to the fullest with his wife and their 4 kids.
Updated on:
May 1, 2025
How to Hang Wallpaper Like a Pro: Easy DIY Tutorial

To hang wallpaper like a pro, start by gathering your tools—utility knife, straight edge, and wallpaper paste. Prepare your walls by cleaning, patching, and priming for a smooth surface. Measure and cut your wallpaper accurately, ensuring patterns align. Apply paste generously to the first strip, then smooth it against the wall, working out any bubbles. Continue with subsequent strips, overlapping slightly and trimming edges neatly. Stick around and you’ll discover even more useful tips to perfect your finish!

Gather Your Tools and Materials

Before you plunge into hanging wallpaper, it’s essential to gather your tools and materials. Start with a sharp utility knife for precise cuts and a straight edge to guide your lines. You’ll also need a wallpaper brush or a smoothing tool to eliminate air bubbles and guarantee a smooth finish. Don’t forget a seam roller for pressing down edges and a measuring tape to guarantee accuracy.

You'll want wallpaper paste or adhesive, depending on your chosen paper. A sponge or cloth is handy for cleanup, and a ladder might be necessary for high areas. Finally, having a drop cloth will protect your floors. With these essentials at hand, you’ll be ready to tackle your wallpaper project like a pro!

Prepare Your Walls

To guarantee your wallpaper adheres properly and looks great, you need to prepare your walls thoroughly. Start by cleaning the surface; wipe away dust, dirt, and grease with a damp cloth. If your walls have any flaking paint or wallpaper, remove that too. Next, patch up any holes or imperfections with spackle, then sand the area until it’s smooth. Don’t forget to prime your walls, especially if they’re porous or previously painted in a glossy finish. A good primer helps the wallpaper stick better and makes certain the colors pop. Finally, make sure the walls are completely dry before proceeding. Taking these steps will give you a smooth, clean canvas for your beautiful new wallpaper.

Measure and Cut the Wallpaper

Measuring and cutting your wallpaper accurately is essential for a seamless installation. Start by measuring the height of your wall from floor to ceiling. Add a few extra inches to account for trimming. Use a straightedge and a sharp utility knife to cut your wallpaper, guaranteeing clean edges. If you’re working with a patterned wallpaper, align the pattern before cutting to guarantee continuity across strips.

Next, measure the width of your wall and cut the wallpaper accordingly. Remember, it’s better to cut slightly larger than too small. As you cut each strip, label them with a pencil so you know their order. This attention to detail will make the application process smoother and help you achieve a professional finish.

Apply the Wallpaper

With your wallpaper strips cut and labeled, you're ready to apply the wallpaper to your walls. Start by applying a generous amount of paste to the back of your first strip, ensuring it's evenly covered. If you're using pre-pasted wallpaper, simply dip the strip in water according to the manufacturer's instructions. Align the top of the strip with your starting point, pressing it gently against the wall. Work your way down, smoothing out any bubbles or creases as you go. Use a wallpaper brush or a clean cloth for this. Continue with your next strip, matching the pattern and overlapping slightly. Remember to keep your lines straight and move quickly before the adhesive sets for a flawless application.

Smooth and Trim for a Perfect Finish

Once you've applied your wallpaper, the next step is to guarantee a seamless finish by smoothing and trimming the edges. Start with a wallpaper smoother or a clean, dry cloth to gently press out any air bubbles. Work from the center towards the edges, ensuring the wallpaper adheres firmly to the wall. Next, grab a sharp utility knife and a straight edge. Carefully trim the excess wallpaper at the top and bottom, following the wall’s contours for a clean line. Don’t rush this step—precision counts! Finally, wipe away any excess paste with a damp sponge to avoid staining. With these finishing touches, your wallpaper will look professional and beautifully polished. Enjoy your refreshed space!

Conclusion

Now that you’ve got the hang of wallpapering, you can transform any room with ease! Remember to gather your tools, prepare your walls, and take your time with measuring and cutting. Don’t rush the application—smooth it out for that professional finish. With practice, you’ll become a wallpaper pro in no time! So grab your favorite design and start creating a space that reflects your style. Happy decorating!

Did you enjoy this post and find value in it? Share it with your friends with the links below!

Need more info? Get

By submitting your email, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms

Subscribe to get the latest news

This is a new way to communicate faster than any communication platforms

Thank you!
Your submission has been received! Check your inbox for an email from info@tinyhouse.com with more info!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form. Please try again or email us at support@tinyhouse.com. Thanks!
Want all the latest tiny house inspo and news?

Get free resources, updates, tips & tricks, and special offers by joining the Tiny House Plan Newsletter.

No items found.

Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers — straight from the author — for the most common questions about this article.

Don't see your question here? Contact us!
No items found.

Join The Tiny House Community

Occasionally: Community Events, DIY Tips and Tricks, Tiny House Guides
Never: Junk or Spam and we don't sell or misuse your email.
Welcome to the fam! We're excited to have you join the community.
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form. Please try again or use the form below.