Mastering Wallpaper Hanging: A Comprehensive Guide

Hanging wallpaper is a transformative process that can breathe new life into your living space. However, it's not merely a matter of picking out a design and sticking it on the wall. To achieve flawless results, precision and preparation are paramount. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the crucial steps of measuring, calculating, preparing, pasting, and hanging wallpaper like a pro.

Measuring Your Wall: Ensuring Accuracy

Before diving into the world of wallpaper, it's essential to get your measurements right. A slight miscalculation can lead to ordering insufficient rolls, or worse, a botched installation. Here’s how to measure various types of walls:

• Single Rectangular Wall/Feature Wall: Measure the width and the highest point of the area you want to decorate.
• Two or More Connected Walls/Whole Room: Measure the total width of all the walls together and the highest point of the area you want to decorate.
• Wall with Door and /or Window: Ignore the door or window and measure the width and the highest point of the area you want to decorate.
• Slanted Wall: Measure the width and the highest point of the area you want to decorate.

We are always happy to help you calculate how many rolls you will need for your project. If you wish to do so, please provide us with the measurement in your preferred unit (meter, cm, inches, feet) of the total width/combined with the highest point of your wall. We calculate the amount of wallpaper rolls needed based on the numbers you provide us with. Please note, that we are not responsible for incorrect wall measurements.

How Do Pattern Repeats Work?

Choosing the right pattern match is crucial for calculating the required roll quantity. Some designs feature straight matches, half-drop matches or free matches. Understanding these patterns helps you estimate the amount of wallpaper needed for your project accurately.

When considering the quantity of wallpaper needed for your project, it's imperative to factor in pattern matches and batch consistency. We strongly advise seeking guidance from a decorator to ensure accurate wall measurements and roll estimation. Our commitment to supplying high-quality products is unwavering, yet slight colour variations may occur between batches, particularly noticeable when hung adjacent to different batches. To avoid such discrepancies, we recommend ordering all required rolls in one go, as ordering additional rolls later may result in batch unavailability. Should you require assistance in calculating the roll estimate for your desired pattern, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us prior to placing your order. Understanding pattern matches is crucial; some designs feature straight matches or half-drop matches. For example, in a half-drop pattern repeat, the design repeats itself halfway down the side, with a drop equal to half the pattern repeat distance. For instance, with a pattern repeat of 104cm, the drop would be 52cm. This type of design tends to create a diagonal floe, and at the ceiling line, the pattern repeats on every other strip, ensuring continuity throughout the room. 

In contrast, a straight-across match simplifies installation, as the design matches on either side of the strips straight over. This pattern match is commonly found in pre-sized panels, such as 2m and 3m panels, and is labelled with this sequence.

Lastly, a free match design offers ultimate flexibility, as it has no repeat. This means you can hang the wallpaper however you like without needing to pay attention to matching the pattern. This freedom allows for creative expression and versatility in design placement. Understanding these pattern match types empowers you to choose the right wallpaper for your space and achieve the desired aesthetic with confidence.

Preparing Your Wall: Setting the Foundation

Proper wall preparation is key to a successful wallpaper installation. Here’s a checklist to follow:

• Ensure walls are even, dry, and clean.
• Remove old wallpaper, loose paint, or fill in holes.
• Sand walls if necessary.
• Consider using lining paper, especially for older walls, to achieve smoother results.
• Prime newly plastered walls to prevent paste absorption.
• For dark wallpapers, paint vertical lines in matching colours along seam areas to disguise small gaps.

Pasting & Hanging: Mastering the Technique

The pasting and hanging process requires attention to detail and finesse. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

• Paste the wall, not the back of the wallpaper, using a high-quality, solvent-free adhesive.
• Maintain a contestant temperature and good ventilation during application and drying.
• Smooth wallpaper using a decorator’s brush, avoiding spatulas that could damage the design.
• Butt-join subsequent lengths without stretching the paper.
• Keep hands and tools clean to prevent paste from damaging the wallpaper surface.
• Inspect the results after hanging several lengths to ensure consistency and quality.

For the best results, we strongly recommend hiring a professional wallpaper installer who is experienced and knowledgeable. Be sure to carefully read and follow the instructions provided with your wallpaper, and hand them over to your installer for reference. This ensures a smooth and precise installation process, resulting in a beautifully finished look for your space.

Important Considerations for Installing Wallpaper in Humid Spaces

If you’re considering installing wallpaper in a bathroom, kitchen, or any area prone to high humidity, please contact us before placing an order. Our wallpapers are non-woven, providing durability and breathability while significantly reducing their environmental impact. However, it's essential to ensure suitability for your specific space. Consult with a professional wallpaper installer to access your walls and ventilation system.

Mastering the art of wallpaper hanging requires careful planning, precise measurements, and attention to detail. Following the steps outlined in this guide and seeking professional advice when needed, you can achieve stunning results that transform your space into a work of art. So, roll up your sleeves, gather your tools, and let your creativity adorn your walls with beauty and elegance.