How To Wallpaper: Top Tips from Laura Hamilton

Wallpaper is a fantastic way to instantly transform a space, adding character, colour and texture. Whether you prefer bold florals or neutral designs, learning how to apply wallpaper properly is the key to achieving a smooth, professional-looking finish.

Our guide on how to wallpaper for beginners will walk you through the process step by step, breaking it down into simple, manageable stages. And it’s far more achievable than you might think.

With wallpapering tips from Laura Hamilton, TV presenter, property expert and passionate renovator, we’ll show you exactly how to hang wallpaper, from preparation through to those all-important finishing touches.

Is wallpapering easy?
Types of wallpaper applications
How much wallpaper do you need?
What you’ll need to wallpaper a wall
How to hang wallpaper: Step-by-step
Frequently asked questions

Is wallpapering easy?

If you’ve never wallpapered before, it can feel a little daunting, but with the right preparation and a little bit of patience, it’s a project many can take on themselves, even beginners.

The common thing people struggle with is bubbles and misaligned patterns; however, modern wallpaper has come a long way. Paste-the-wall designs make application cleaner and more straightforward, while clear product instructions and the right tools help take the guesswork out of the process.

The key to success lies in careful measuring, thorough preparation and taking your time. Like any decorating project, it’s about working methodically.

The different types of wallpaper applications

Not all wallpapers are applied in the same way. The type you choose will determine how the adhesive is used and how each strip is hung, so it’s important to understand the difference before you start.

Paste-the-wall wallpaper — A popular, fuss-free option, paste-the-wall wallpaper allows you to, as the name suggests, apply adhesive directly to the wall before hanging each dry strip. It’s cleaner, easier to position and often simpler to remove in the future.
Paste-the-paper wallpaper — A more traditional method, paste-the-paper wallpaper involves applying adhesive to the back of each strip before hanging. This technique is often used for heavier, luxury or textured wallpapers, giving you a beautifully rich and durable finish.

How much wallpaper do you need?

Before you fall in love with your chosen design, it’s important to calculate how many rolls of wallpaper you’ll need. Measuring up accurately ensures you order enough wallpaper rolls to complete your project seamlessly, especially when working with patterned designs that require matching.

Our wallpaper calculator, on each I Love Wallpaper product page, takes the guesswork out of the process. Simply enter your wall measurements, and we’ll do the maths for you, helping to reduce waste and avoid under-ordering.

Once your wallpaper has arrived, you’re ready to start preparing your space.

What You'll Need

To get started, make sure you have all the necessary tools and supplies. Having everything on hand will make the process much smoother.

Beautiful wallpaper, from my range perhaps? Hint hint!
Wallpaper paste
Pasting brush or roller
Pasting table (if you’re using paste-the-paper wallpaper)
Tape measure
Utility knife with a fresh blade
Straight edge tool, like a ruler
Wallpaper smoothing tool or brush
Seam roller
Large scissors with long blades
Pencil
Dust sheet to protect the floor
Bucket for paste
Cloth for cleaning
Ladders (if required)

You can get your kit ready to go with our professional-grade decorating tools.

How to hang wallpaper: Step-by-step

1. Clear your space

Before you begin wallpapering, ensure a clear, clutter-free space. Move furniture away from the walls, remove wall art, mirrors and electrical faceplates where possible.

It’s also a good idea to cover flooring or larger pieces with dust sheets to protect them from paste and debris.

2. Prepare your walls

Preparation is the most crucial step for a flawless finish. Taking a little extra time here will make all the difference to the final result.

Start by removing any old wallpaper completely, ensuring all backing paper and adhesive residue is gone. If your walls are painted, check for any flaking or peeling paint, and sand it back to a smooth surface. Fill any holes with a suitable wall filler, then allow it to dry fully before sanding down to create an even surface.

Next, make sure your walls are clean, dry and free from dust, grease or grime. A simple wipe-down with a damp cloth (and mild detergent, if needed) will help create the perfect base for your wallpaper to adhere to. Pay particular attention to corners and edges where dust can build up.

For the best results, we recommend priming your walls, especially if you’re decorating a newly plastered wall or covering a dark, bold paint colour.

3. Measure and cut

Measure the height of your wall from the ceiling to the top of the skirting board and add roughly 10cm extra to allow for trimming. Then, use wallpaper scissors with long blades to cut the first strip ready to paste. You can use this first strip to then measure the second strip.

If your wallpaper has a pattern, be sure to match the pattern from one strip to the next. It’s always a good idea to lay out your cut strips on the floor before you start hanging to ensure the pattern flows seamlessly.

4. Determine your starting point and mark your guideline

If you’re wallpapering the entire room, it’s best to begin in the least conspicuous area, such as behind a door or in a corner that’s less immediately visible. This way, if your pattern doesn’t perfectly meet when you come full circle, the join is subtly hidden.

Before hanging your first strip, you’ll need to mark a perfectly straight guideline. Walls and ceilings aren’t always completely level, so relying on corners alone can lead to crooked drops. Using a spirit level, draw a vertical line on the wall where the edge of your first strip will hang. This line will act as your guide.

Taking the time to create a straight first strip is essential. If the first drop is perfectly aligned, the rest of your wallpaper will follow suit, giving you a smooth, professional finish you’ll love.

5. Prepare your wallpaper paste

Before you start hanging, it’s important to prepare your adhesive correctly. Each paste packet will have slightly different instructions, so make sure you read them carefully and follow the mixing guidelines.

6. Apply the paste

Based on your wallpaper choice, you will either apply paste directly to the wall or to the back of the wallpaper itself. Always check the product details page before you begin, as this will confirm which application method your chosen design requires.

Paste-the-wall — This is a popular, clean, and easy method. Simply apply the paste directly to the wall section where your first strip will go, using a roller or brush.

Paste-the-paper — If your wallpaper requires this method, lay the cut strip face down on a clean, flat surface. Apply an even layer of paste to the back of the paper in upward and outward movements, covering the entire side.

Next, gently fold the top and bottom of the strip in towards the centre, paste side to paste side, and leave it to rest for around 5–10 minutes before hanging. This folding technique, known as ‘booking’, prevents the pasted surfaces from drying out and allows the adhesive to activate properly. It also gives the paper time to absorb the paste and relax, reducing the risk of bubbles or shrinkage once it’s on the wall.

7. Hang the first strip

Now you’ll need to carefully align your first strip with the vertical guideline you drew earlier, leaving a small amount of excess at the top and bottom for trimming.

If you’re using paste-the-wall wallpaper, position the dry strip directly onto the pasted section of wall. Once in position, use your wallpaper smoothing tool or brush to smooth the paper down, working from the centre outwards. This helps push out any air bubbles and ensures strong adhesion.

If you’re hanging paste-the-paper wallpaper, gently unfold just the top half of the booked strip first. Position the top edge against the wall, leaving a little excess at the ceiling. Once you’re happy with the alignment against your guideline, begin smoothing it downwards. As you work your way down the wall, carefully unfold the lower half, smoothing as you go.

Using the soft bristles of your smoothing brush, lightly press along the edges where the wallpaper meets the ceiling and skirting boards to secure it neatly in place before trimming.

8. Trim and finish

Once the strip is smooth, use your utility knife and ruler to carefully trim the excess paper at the top and bottom. For a perfect line, press the straight edge into the crease where the wall meets the ceiling or skirting board and trim away the excess.

Then, use a seam roller to gently press down on the seams between strips to ensure a tight, even bond.

9. Hang the remaining strips of wallpaper

Repeat the process one strip at a time. Carefully align each new strip with the previous one, ensuring the pattern matches seamlessly before smoothing it down. Take your time here; precise pattern alignment is what creates that flawless, high-end finish and visual flow.

As you work around the room, keep checking that your strips remain level. Even with a straight first drop, walls and ceilings aren’t always perfectly true, so a quick check with your spirit level every few strips will help keep everything beautifully aligned.

Frequently asked questions

How to wallpaper a feature wall

Wallpapering a feature wall is very similar to doing a full room, just on a smaller scale. Because you’re focusing on one wall, it’s often quicker, more manageable and a great place to start if you’re new to decorating.

Here’s how to do it:

Measure up — Measure the width and height of your feature wall so you know how many rolls you’ll need.
Prep the wall — Remove old wallpaper, fill holes, sand smooth, then wipe down so the surface is clean, dry and dust-free.
Plan your start point — On a plain wall, start in the centre for an even look. If there’s a chimney breast or window, start there and work outwards.
Mark a straight guide — Use a spirit level (or plumb line) to draw a vertical line for your first drop.
Apply the paste — Paste the wall or the paper, depending on your wallpaper type (check the roll/product details).
Hang the first drop — Align to your guideline and smooth from the centre outwards to remove bubbles.
Match the pattern — Line up the design on each new drop before smoothing it into place.
Trim neatly — Score along the ceiling and skirting, then trim for a crisp finish.
Repeat across the wall — Continue strip by strip, smoothing, matching and trimming as you go.

How to wallpaper around a door

Wallpapering around a door might look tricky, but with careful trimming and a steady hand, you can achieve a neat, professional finish.

Hang the strip as normal — Apply your paste (to the wall or paper, depending on your wallpaper type) and hang the full strip over the door frame, smoothing it lightly into place.
Create a relief cut — When you reach the top corner of the door frame, use your scissors to make a small diagonal cut from the edge of the wallpaper down towards the corner of the frame. This will release the tension and allow the paper to sit flat.
Smooth and crease — Gently press the wallpaper into the edge where the wall meets the door frame using your smoothing brush. This will create a clear crease line to guide your trimming.
Trim neatly — Using a sharp utility knife and straight edge tool, carefully trim away the excess paper along the door frame for a crisp finish.
Continue above the door — If there’s space above the door, measure and cut a smaller piece to fit, carefully matching the pattern before hanging.

How to wallpaper around a window

Wallpapering around a window follows a similar technique to doors; it’s all about careful smoothing and precise trimming.

Hang the strip as usual — Apply paste according to your wallpaper type and position the full strip over the window recess, smoothing it lightly into place.
Make relief cuts — When you reach the top corner of the window frame, make a small diagonal cut from the edge of the wallpaper towards the corner. This allows the paper to sit flat and prevents it from pulling or tearing.
Smooth into the frame — Gently press the wallpaper into the edge where the wall meets the window frame to create a defined crease. Take your time here to ensure the paper sits neatly around the recess.
Trim with precision — Using a sharp utility knife and straight edge tool, carefully trim away the excess along the window frame.
Match and continue — If you need to add smaller pieces above or below the window, measure carefully and match the pattern before hanging to keep the design flowing seamlessly.

How to wallpaper a chimney breast

A chimney breast makes the perfect feature wall, naturally drawing the eye and creating a beautiful focal point in your room. With careful planning and pattern placement, you can make it look perfectly balanced.

Measure carefully — Measure the full width and height of the chimney breast, including any alcoves, so you know exactly how much wallpaper you’ll need.
Find the centre point — For the most balanced look, mark the centre of the chimney breast and use a spirit level to draw a straight vertical guideline. Starting in the centre ensures the pattern is evenly distributed on both sides.
Apply the paste — Paste the wall or the paper, depending on your wallpaper type, checking the product details to confirm the correct method.
Hang the first drop centrally — Align your first strip with the vertical guideline, leaving a little excess at the top and bottom for trimming. Smooth from the centre outwards to remove air bubbles.
Work outwards evenly — Continue hanging strips on either side of the centre drop, carefully matching the pattern as you go.
Trim around edges and corners — When you reach the edges of the chimney breast, allow the paper to overlap slightly into the corner (around 1–2cm), then start a new strip on the adjoining wall using a fresh vertical guideline. This prevents misalignment and keeps corners looking sharp.
Finish neatly – Trim along the ceiling, skirting and edges with a sharp blade for a crisp, professional finish.

What is the best way to wallpaper?

The best way to wallpaper depends on your experience level and the type of wallpaper you’ve chosen. However, in most cases, preparation and patience are what truly make the difference.

For many decorators, paste-the-wall wallpaper is considered the easiest and most straightforward method. Applying paste directly to the wall keeps the process cleaner, makes strips easier to position and reduces the risk of stretching. It’s a great option for beginners or anyone looking for a smoother, more manageable application.

That said, paste-the-paper wallpaper can offer a beautifully rich and durable finish, particularly with heavier or textured designs. While it requires a little more care during application, the results can feel especially premium.

Whichever method you choose, the best results come from careful measuring, thorough wall preparation and taking your time with the first strip. With the right tools and a methodical approach, wallpapering can be both achievable and incredibly rewarding.

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