Hanging wallpaper can dramatically transform a room, adding pattern, texture, and personality. While applying it to a flat wall is a relatively straightforward process, many DIY enthusiasts feel a sense of dread when they approach a corner. Corners can seem like a major obstacle, a place where patterns misalign and seams refuse to lay flat. However, with the right technique, navigating corners can be a smooth and simple part of the process.
Learning how to hang wallpaper around corners is the key to achieving a truly professional, seamless finish. It’s a skill that separates an amateur job from a flawless one. This guide is designed for beginners and will break down the process into easy-to-follow steps. We’ll cover both inside and outside corners, ensuring you have the confidence and knowledge to tackle any room in your home.
Why Mastering Corners is Crucial for a Professional Finish
Perfectly wallpapered corners are the hallmark of a high-quality installation. Walls are rarely perfectly square, and simply folding a full sheet of wallpaper around a corner will almost always result in wrinkles, bubbles, and misaligned patterns on the next wall.
The proper technique involves cutting the paper and creating a new, perfectly straight starting line on the adjacent wall. This ensures the pattern remains level and the seams are invisible, giving your project a polished, professional look that will stand the test of time.
7 Step-by-Step Guide: How to Hang Wallpaper Around Corners
Step 1: Prepare the Wall
Before you even think about the corners, ensure your walls are properly prepared. A smooth, clean surface is essential for good adhesion and a flawless finish. Start by cleaning the walls to remove any dust, grease, or grime. Fill any holes or cracks with spackle, then sand them smooth once dry. It’s also highly recommended to apply a coat of wallpaper primer.
This seals the wall surface, prevents the wallpaper adhesive from soaking into the drywall, and makes the paper easier to position and eventually remove. Proper wall preparation is the foundation of any good wallpapering project.
Step 2: Prepare the Corner Area
Before starting to apply wallpaper, it’s important to prepare the corner area where two walls meet. This is often overlooked but can make a big difference in the overall look and longevity of your wallpaper.
Start by using a carpenter’s level to draw a straight line from ceiling to floor at each corner. This will serve as your guide when aligning the first pieces of wallpaper. Next, using a putty knife or joint compound, fill in any gaps or uneven areas along the corners. Sand them smooth once dry.
Once the corners are prepped, you can move on to measuring and cutting your first piece of wallpaper.
Step 3: Measure and Cut Wallpaper
Take a new sheet of wallpaper and, using the widest measurement from the previous step, add about a half-inch to it. Measure and cut the wallpaper strip vertically to this new width. This extra half-inch is what will wrap around the corner onto the adjacent wall.
For example, if the widest measurement to the corner was 10 inches, you will cut a strip that is 10.5 inches wide. This technique is a fundamental part of learning how to hang wallpaper around corners for a perfect fit. Keep the remaining piece of the wallpaper; you will use it on the other side of the corner.
Step 4: Apply Wallpaper Adhesive (if necessary)
Once you have cut your wallpaper strip to the appropriate width, it’s time to apply adhesive. Some wallpapers come pre-pasted, in which case you can skip this step. However, if your wallpaper needs adhesive, follow the manufacturer’s instructions for mixing and applying it.
Using a paint roller or brush, apply an even layer of adhesive to the back of your wallpaper strip. Make sure to cover the edges and corners well. It’s important not to let any excess adhesive drip onto the front of the wallpaper.
Step 5: Hang the First Panel (First Wall)
Before hanging the wallpaper, make sure to clean the wall surface and remove any dirt, dust or debris. This will ensure a smooth and even application.
Start by positioning your first wallpaper panel at the top of the wall, leaving a small overlap at the ceiling (around 1-2 inches). Use a level to make sure it is straight before pressing it onto the wall.
Smooth out any air bubbles or wrinkles with a wallpaper smoothing tool or flat edge ruler. Work from top to bottom and from the center outward.
Step 6: Wrap Around the Corner
When you reach a corner, wrap the wallpaper around it by overlapping the panel onto the adjacent wall. Use a sharp utility knife to cut along the edge of the corner for a clean and seamless look.
Use a damp sponge or cloth to gently wipe away any excess adhesive from the surface of the wallpaper. This helps maintain a clean and polished appearance while preventing any damage to the material. Allow the wallpaper to fully dry before making any final adjustments or trimming excess edges for a perfect finish.
Step 7: Hang the Second Panel (Second Wall)
Now that the first panel is securely in place, it’s time to move onto the second wall. Follow the same steps as before, starting from the top and working your way down. Use a level to ensure each panel is aligned with the previous one for a smooth and even installation.
If you encounter any outlets or switches on this wall, carefully measure and cut around them before applying adhesive to the back of the wallpaper panel. Smooth out any air bubbles or wrinkles as you go along.
Common Wallpapering Mistakes to Avoid
When wallpapering, it’s easy to encounter a few pitfalls that can impact the overall finish. One common mistake is failing to prepare the wall properly. Walls should be clean, smooth, and free of any imperfections before applying wallpaper. Skipping this step can cause bumps or wrinkles in the final result.
Another frequent error is not allowing enough time for the adhesive to set. Each wallpaper type has specific instructions regarding soak time—rushing this process can lead to peeling or poor adhesion. Misaligning patterns is another issue that can break the design’s flow, so careful attention to detail is crucial. Lastly, neglecting to properly overlap and trim corners can result in visible gaps or mismatched edges. Taking the time to plan and execute each step will ensure a successful wallpapering project with professional-quality results.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Difference Between Handling an Inside and an Outside Corner?
For an inside corner, you cut the paper and create an overlapping seam right in the corner, which you then trim for a perfect fit. For an outside corner, you typically wrap a single piece around the corner by at least an inch and then overlap it with the next sheet. Because outside corners are more exposed, a wrapped edge is often more durable and less likely to peel than a seam placed directly on the corner’s edge.
Do I Need to Match the Pattern Perfectly in a Corner?
While you should always strive for the best pattern matching possible, corners are the most forgiving area in a room. Due to the way light hits a corner, minor misalignments are often not noticeable. The technique of cutting and overlapping in a corner is designed to prioritize keeping the wallpaper straight and plumb on the wall, which is more important visually than a perfect pattern match within the corner itself.
What Tools Do I Need for Wallpapering Corners?
For corners, you will need the same basic tools plus a few key items:
- A sharp utility knife with fresh blades
- A long, metal straightedge or ruler
- A wallpaper smoothing tool
- A level or plumb bob
- A seam roller
A sharp blade is especially crucial for cutting through both layers of paper cleanly without tearing them.
What if My Walls Are Not Straight?
Almost no walls are perfectly straight, which is precisely why this technique is so important. By creating a new plumb line on the wall after each corner, you are “resetting” your starting point. This ensures that each new wall section begins with a perfectly vertical strip, and any crookedness in the corner is hidden within the seam, preventing your wallpaper pattern from looking slanted as you move across the wall.
Can I Just Fold the Wallpaper Around the Corner?
It is strongly advised not to simply fold a full sheet of wallpaper around a corner. Doing so will almost inevitably lead to the paper creasing, bubbling, or pulling away from the wall as it dries. It also guarantees that the pattern will not be straight on the next wall, causing every subsequent sheet to be crooked. Taking the time to cut and create a proper corner seam is essential for a professional result.
Conclusion
Successfully learning how to hang wallpaper around corners is the skill that will elevate your DIY projects from good to truly exceptional. While it may seem complex at first, the process is logical and methodical, designed to counteract the imperfections found in most homes. By treating each corner as a new beginning and using a plumb line to ensure every wall is started correctly, you can achieve a seamless, professional finish.
Don’t let corners intimidate you. With the techniques outlined in this guide, a bit of patience, and a sharp utility knife, you have everything you need to tackle any corner with confidence. Embrace the challenge, and enjoy the satisfaction of a beautifully wallpapered room that looks flawless from every angle.