Self Isolating: Stuck at home? Why not update your decor!

In the coming weeks, many of us will spending a lot more time in our homes. For some, the thought of self –isolation or quarantine, will fill them with absolute dread, others may see it as a chance to get on top of some of the DIY tasks they have been avoiding for some time.

We’ve definitely seen an increase in sales of wallpaper and wallpaper samples since the start of the Covid-19 ‘stay at home’ instructions! 

Wallpaper is a fantastic way of updating your décor and creating a real wow-factor interior space. There is a huge range of traditional and modern wallpaper now available. Choose from exposed brick wall effect to funky oversized florals, bold geometric patterns to more delicate and understated designs, wild animal prints or trendy tropical palms - you are truly spoilt for choice!

We stock the latest fashionable wallpaper from the best designers. From renowned wallpaper designers Cole & Son who have been producing quality wallcoverings since 1875 to new kids on the block; PaperBoy, Karlie Klum & MINDTHEGAP.

Wallpaper can add colour and impact to your scheme instantly. Whether you choose a modest design to add subtle interest or a bold statement print to give your room wow factor, we’ve brought together some of our favourite looks to inspire you!

Get creative – Go bold and paper all the walls in one design or use two complementary designs for a look that's uniquely yours! If you're nervous about papering a whole room, try just one feature wall or an alcove. You could even use these striking wallpapers to line the inside of a cabinet or bookshelves. 

Image credit: Melanie Lissack Interiors

If you need help calculating how many rolls are needed please don't hesitate to email us with your room dimensions and we can work it out for you!

Wallpaper Samples are available to order. This will allow you to see how a chosen design looks in your space and at different times of day and night in different lighting conditions.

If you've never used wallpaper before don’t be scared, it's not as hard as you'd think and many modern wallpapers are 'paste the wall' which are much more user friendly. 

If you fancy having a go at wallpapering a room yourself, our friends at leading wallpaper suppliers, Cole & Son have produced a really straightforward set of instructions to help you.

HANGING WALLPAPER - INSTRUCTIONS

This applies to Non-Woven ‘Paste the wall’ products.

Before you start:
Before hanging, check that rolls are undamaged, that the product code and batch reference are the same for each roll and that all colours match.
Please check which way up the design should be and if in doubt, give us a call or check the images on our website.
It is the responsibility of the decorator to ensure the wallpaper is correct and, during hanging, to check there are no visible faults.

Check the label included with your roll(s) for the match point.
Straight match - The wallpaper matches edge to edge with the next drop to form the pattern repeat.

Random match - The wallpaper can be matched edge to edge at any point.

Half Drop - The wallpaper is lowered on the second drop to create a diagonal effect pattern repeat.

To prevent white edges showing at the seams, dark coloured wallpapers may need their edges colouring with a slightly lighter chalk or pastel.

Tools required:
You will need the following:
• Paste (we recommend using Cole & Son ready mixed tub paste)
• Dust sheet or floor protection
• Paste brush or roller
• Sharp knife or snap off blade
• Plumb bob or laser level
• Clean sponge & bucket of water
• Smoothing brush or plastic smoother
• Tape measure
• Straight edge or metal ruler
• A pencil
• Scissors
• Soft cloth
• Felt or soft roller
• Ladder

Walls:
To ensure a perfect finish, walls should be prepared correctly; all holes should be filled, walls should be smooth, dry and cleared of any debris. Walls must be primed and if necessary cross line with lining paper. Lining paper helps to even out slight imperfections acting as a base for your wallpaper. Turn off the power and remove all faceplates and socket covers.

Do not hang over glossy or non-porous areas. Painted walls should be rubbed down to remove grease or soiling and glossy paint should be rubbed down with sandpaper. Pre paste porous wall surfaces such as plasterboard or chipboard. Never hang over new plaster or un-primed walls.

Foil background designs can be damaged if high levels of alkaline are present in the walls. If in doubt, prepare the walls with an alkaline resistant primer before hanging. We recommend lining walls where highly metallic papers are being installed. If lining paper is being installed it should always be hung horizontally, following manufacturer’s instructions, and be allowed to dry completely.

Getting started:
Where in the room to begin:
Start in the most inconspicuous corner of the room. Either behind the door or a large piece of furniture, as this is where the pattern repeat will not match once the room is complete.

First drop:
The most important step is making sure the first drop (strip of wallpaper) is straight and level. This will affect all other drops of wallpaper on that wall, so it is vital to spend time getting the first drop correct.

This process of ensuring the first drop is straight should be repeated on starting each new wall. Don’t assume your walls are perfectly straight.
Measure out from the left hand corner of the wall the width of the paper minus 1cm and mark with a pencil.

Place a laser level or plumb bob at this mark and draw a straight, vertical line top to bottom on the wall. (This is your plumb line).
Measure the height of your wall, add 10cm (5cm top and bottom) and cut your first drop of wallpaper. If you have selected a design with a bold pattern, consider where you wish the motif to be positioned before cutting. It is important to position the motif carefully at the top of the wall, as this will be clearly visible.

Once your first drop is ready, apply your paste to the wall using a roller or brush. Paste should be well stirred to remove any lumps before applying. Paste the walls generously and evenly. Only apply paste one drop wide plus 10-20cm. Do not apply paste to the whole wall, as it will dry and become unusable. Paste as you go, pasting just wider than the drop you are hanging. Any excess paste on the ceiling, skirting etc. should be gently removed with a clean wet sponge before it is allowed to dry.

Being careful not to crease it, loosely roll your first drop so the top and back of the wallpaper is on the outside. Making sure the pattern is the correct way up, apply your first drop to the wall, letting the wallpaper overlap 5cm at the ceiling, and 1 or 2cm at the adjoining wall. Hold the wallpaper at the top and move into a straight position using your plumb line as a guide. Whilst the paste is wet you can slide the top of wallpaper into the perfect position so it lines up on the plumb line. Unroll your drop along the plumb line, leaving 5cm at the bottom.

Using the wallpaper brush or smoothing tool, working top to bottom gently press the strip to the wall. Remove any air pockets by smoothing out from the middle towards the sides of the wallpaper. Wash off excess paste on the ceiling, skirting and wallpaper with a damp sponge and clean water. Do not allow any paste to dry on the surface of the wallpaper. Finally use a felt roller for smoothing.

Using your straight edge and a sharp knife trim the excess wallpaper along the ceiling and skirting. For a perfect finish always use a sharp knife or blade and make the cut in one clean movement.

Subsequent drops:
Once the first drop is in place, paste the next section of the wall, 10-15cm over one drop wide. Before cutting the next drop, ensure you have allowed for the pattern match as well as 5cm extra top and bottom.

Hang your second drop of wallpaper as per the first, using the edge of the first drop as your guide. Joins should be tightly butted and never overlap. Avoid squeezing paste out of the joints. Wash off any excess paste after hanging each drop with a clean wet cloth. If necessary, you can then use a seam roller for the seams. Hands should be kept clean and dry. If the edges of the wallpaper do not stick to the wall properly, you need to apply more paste in those areas. Carefully apply paste under the edge with a small brush, being careful not to stretch the wallpaper.

Corners:
Working around the room one drop at a time, ensure each new wall is treated as per the first drop, and hung straight using a plumb line. Corners should be wallpapered using two separate drops. One drop should overlap the adjacent wall by 1 or 2cm, the other should be lined up into the corner. Do not attempt to push wallpaper into a corner.

Plug sockets & light switches:
Ensure the power is off. Plug sockets and light switches should have the facia removed, wallpaper should be laid over the top, carefully cut a cross diagonally from corner to corner. The excess can be cut in at the sides using a sharp knife and metal ruler. The rest of the drop must be firmly in place before light switches or plug sockets are cut in.

Drying:
Allow the wallpaper time to dry slowly at room temperature; do not attempt to dry it quickly as shrinkage may occur.

Paste:
We recommend using Cole & Son tub paste for hanging our wallpapers. If this is unavailable, we recommend using a traditional style, starch based, ready mixed tub paste marked for non-woven wallpapers. PVA or PVC type adhesives are not suitable as they may cause surface staining or adhesion problems.

Panel designs:
Where wallpaper rolls or drops are numbered the hanging should be done in sequence to create the panel design.

PLEASE NOTE:
Check all wallpaper within 14 days of receipt; please notify your supplier of any faulty product. We cannot accept any responsibility after the wallpaper has been hung.
This information has been supplied in good faith but without guarantee. Site conditions are beyond our control.