Where wallpaper works well
A feature wall behind a bed or sofa is the most popular choice, adding pattern without overwhelming the room. Whole rooms suit wallpaper too, particularly with subtler textures and small prints. Hallways and stairwells benefit from tougher, washable papers that cope with passing traffic.
Bold patterns need careful planning so the design centres sensibly on the wall and matches at the seams, which is where experience makes the visible difference.
Preparation before papering
Wallpaper shows lumps, cracks and flaky paint straight through, so the walls are prepared first: old paper stripped, cracks filled and sanded, and the surface sized so the paste grips evenly. On newly plastered walls, the plaster must be fully dry and sealed first, which our guide to painting new plaster explains.
Lining paper is sometimes hung first on tired walls to give a smooth, even base for the finished paper. It is a modest extra that makes a clear difference on older plaster, and it also helps the top paper strip cleanly if you redecorate again in future.
Hanging the paper
Each length is measured and cut with the pattern matched, pasted evenly and hung plumb so the pattern runs straight across the wall. Corners, sockets, switches and window reveals are cut neatly, and seams are rolled flat so they disappear once dry.
- Feature walls and whole rooms
- Pattern matching and centring on the wall
- Lining paper on tired or uneven walls
- Stripping old wallpaper first
Types of paper
Paste-the-wall papers are quicker and cleaner to hang than traditional paste-the-paper types, and vinyl or washable papers suit hallways, kitchens and children's rooms. Heavier textured papers can disguise slightly uneven walls, while delicate or expensive papers reward extra care and are worth discussing before you buy.
What affects the cost of wallpapering
The price depends on the size of the area, the condition of the walls, whether old paper needs stripping, and the paper itself. Expensive or delicate papers, big pattern repeats and lots of obstacles such as sockets and radiators all add time. A home visit gives you a firm quote, and our guide to the cost to paint a room covers the preparation side in more detail.
Paper and paint together
Most wallpapered rooms still need paint on the ceiling and woodwork, and the two are often booked together. If you are unsure how much paper to order, we can advise on quantities and pattern repeat allowances when we visit, so you are not left short mid-job or with rolls to spare.
To plan your room, request a free quote or call 07735 852901.