If you’re looking to update the look of your home and add some personality to your space, wallpapering can be a great option. And while wallpapering a flat wall may seem like a straightforward task, wallpapering around corners can present a bit of a challenge.
But don’t worry, with the right tools and expert advice, you can achieve professional results. James Chalmers, an experienced wallpapering expert, shares his top tips for wallpapering corners to help you get the job done smoothly and efficiently.
“When working with corners, it’s important to start with a plumb line,” says Chalmers. “This will ensure that your wallpaper hangs straight and in line with the corner.”
The first step is to measure the length of the wall where the corner is located. Use a plumb line to mark a vertical reference point from the ceiling to the floor. This will serve as a guide for placing the first piece of wallpaper.
“Make sure the reference point is straight and parallel to the corner,” advises Chalmers. “This will ensure that the pattern on the wallpaper aligns correctly.”
Once you have your reference point in place, it’s time to start wallpapering. Cut a piece of wallpaper to the appropriate length, allowing for some excess at the top and bottom. Apply wallpaper paste to the back of the first piece and carefully position it on the wall, making sure it lines up with the reference point.
“Smooth out any air bubbles or wrinkles using a wallpaper brush or a clean, damp cloth,” recommends Chalmers. “This will give you a smooth and professional finish.”
Continue wallpapering the rest of the wall, working from the corner outward. Trim any excess wallpaper at the ceiling and baseboard using a sharp knife or scissors. Repeat the process for the adjacent wall, ensuring that the pattern matches up seamlessly at the corner.
And there you have it – a beautifully wallpapered corner that adds personality and style to your home. So go ahead and give it a try, and remember to follow James Chalmers’ expert advice for the best results.
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“Wallpapering corners can be a bit tricky, but with the right techniques, it can be a breeze,” says Lola Green, home and gardens expert. “Follow these steps and you’ll have beautifully wallpapered corners in no time!”
How to wallpaper a corner
When it comes to giving your home a fresh new look, wallpaper is a popular choice. With so many different patterns and styles available, you can transform any room in your home into a personalized oasis. But what happens when you come across a corner that needs wallpapering? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. In this article, we’ll show you how to wallpaper a corner in just 5 easy steps.
Step 1: Measure and cut your wallpaper
The first step in wallpapering a corner is to measure and cut your wallpaper. Start by measuring the length of the wall from the corner to where you want the wallpaper to end. Add a few inches to this measurement to allow for any mistakes or adjustments. Use a straight edge and a sharp utility knife to cut your wallpaper to the correct length.
Step 2: Prep the corner
Before hanging the wallpaper, you’ll need to prep the corner. Use a plumb line to create a straight, vertical line from the corner to the ceiling. This will act as a guide when hanging your wallpaper. Next, use a pencil to mark the point where the wallpaper should start. This will ensure that your wallpaper is straight and properly aligned in the corner.
Step 3: Hang the wallpaper
Now it’s time to hang the wallpaper. Start by applying wallpaper paste to the back of the first length of wallpaper. Make sure to cover the edges and corners thoroughly. Then, carefully position the wallpaper along the marked line in the corner and smooth it down, removing any air bubbles or creases as you go. Repeat this process for each length of wallpaper, making sure to match up the patterns as you go.
Step 4: Trim and smooth the wallpaper
Once all of the wallpaper is up, use a sharp utility knife to trim any excess paper at the top and bottom of the wall. Be careful not to cut into the wall or the wallpaper itself. Then, use a wallpaper smoother or a clean, dry cloth to gently smooth out any air bubbles or creases in the wallpaper. Work from the center of the wallpaper outwards to ensure a smooth, flat finish.
Step 5: Finishing touches
Now that your corner is beautifully wallpapered, it’s time for the finishing touches. Use an offcut piece of wallpaper to cover any gaps between the corner and the adjacent walls. Simply trim the offcut to fit and use wallpaper paste to secure it in place. This will give your corner a seamless, professional look.
Follow these 5 steps and you’ll be able to wallpaper a corner like a pro. Whether you’re a seasoned DIY enthusiast or new to the world of wallpapering, with a little bit of patience and some careful preparation, you can achieve smooth, professional results. So go ahead, transform those blank corners in your home into works of art with some stylish wallpaper.
1 Hanging the trimmed wallpaper against the corner
Once you have prepared the wallpaper and gathered all the necessary tools, it’s time to start wallpapering the corner of your room. Follow these steps to hang the trimmed wallpaper against the corner:
- Start by measuring the length of wallpaper needed to cover one side of the corner. Make sure to add a few extra inches to account for any mistakes or imperfections.
- Cut the wallpaper to the desired length using a sharp utility knife. Use a straight edge or ruler to guide your cutting for a clean and precise line.
- Holding the trimmed piece of wallpaper, position it against the corner. Ensure that the top edge of the wallpaper is aligned with the ceiling line.
- Smooth out any wrinkles or bubbles in the wallpaper using a wallpaper brush or smoothing tool. Start from the center and work your way out towards the edges to ensure a flat and seamless finish.
- If you have any excess wallpaper at the bottom, use a straight edge and utility knife to trim it off. Repeat this process for each side of the corner.
By hanging the trimmed wallpaper against the corner, you will create a seamless and professional look in your room. Take your time and follow these steps carefully to achieve the best results.
2 Set a plumb line for the adjacent wall
To ensure that your wallpaper is applied straight and level along the adjacent wall, it’s important to set a plumb line as a guide. This will help you achieve pro results and create a seamless finish.
To set a plumb line, you’ll need a few tools and materials:
- A piece of wallpaper that matches the pattern and color of your chosen wallpaper
- A plumb bob or a heavy weight attached to a string
- A level or a straightedge
Here’s how you can set a plumb line:
- Start by cutting a piece of wallpaper that is long enough to reach from the top to the bottom of the adjacent wall.
- Place the piece of wallpaper against the wall, making sure it’s flush with the corner. Use a level or a straightedge to ensure that the wallpaper is perfectly vertical.
- Once you’ve aligned the wallpaper, mark a small dot at the top and bottom to indicate the starting and ending points of the plumb line.
- Take the plumb bob or the weight attached to the string and hang it from the top dot. Allow it to hang freely so that it can find the plumb (vertical) position.
- Hold the plumb bob or weight steady and use the side of the wallpaper to mark the plumb line on the wall. You can use a pencil or a piece of chalk to make the mark more visible.
By setting a plumb line, you’ll have a precise guide for hanging your wallpaper along the adjacent wall. This will ensure that your wallpaper is applied smoothly and in line with the rest of the walls.
3 Hang wallpaper on the adjacent wall
Once you have successfully wallpapered the corner, it’s time to move on to the adjacent wall. This step will help create a seamless transition and a professional finish. Here are the steps to follow:
- Prepare the wall: Before hanging the wallpaper, make sure the adjacent wall is clean, smooth, and free from any imperfections. Use sandpaper to remove any bumps or rough areas and wipe down the wall with a damp cloth to remove any dust or dirt.
- Measure and cut the wallpaper: Measure the length of the adjacent wall and add a couple of extra inches for trimming. Using these measurements, cut a piece of wallpaper from the roll. Make sure to match the pattern if applicable.
- Apply wallpaper paste: Apply wallpaper paste to the back of the cut piece using a paint roller or a wallpaper brush. Make sure to spread the paste evenly and avoid applying too much to prevent it from seeping through the paper.
- Hang the wallpaper: Starting from the top corner of the adjacent wall, carefully position the top edge of the wallpaper against the ceiling and press it into place. Use a wallpaper brush to smooth out any air bubbles and work your way down the wall, matching the edges of the paper as you go.
- Trim and clean: Use a sharp utility knife to trim off any excess wallpaper at the ceiling and baseboard. Make sure to leave a small overlap for a clean finish. Wipe away any excess paste with a damp sponge or cloth.
Following these steps will help you hang wallpaper on the adjacent wall like an expert. Take your time and pay attention to details to ensure a smooth and professional result.
4 Tackling an external corner
When it comes to wallpapering a corner, external corners can be a bit trickier to deal with than internal corners. But with the right techniques and a little bit of practice, you can achieve professional-looking results. Here are some steps to help you tackle an external corner:
Step 1: Measure and cut
- Start by measuring the length of the wall that will be covered by the wallpaper. Cut a strip of wallpaper to this length, making sure to leave a small allowance for trimming at the top and bottom.
Step 2: Apply the wallpaper
- Apply wallpaper paste to the back of the cut strip using a brush or roller.
- Position the strip onto the wall, making sure to align it with the top and bottom edges.
- Smooth out any air bubbles or wrinkles using a wallpaper brush or a clean, damp sponge.
- Repeat this process for the adjacent wall, butting the edge of the second strip up against the first strip and matching the pattern if applicable.
Step 3: Trim the excess
- Using a sharp utility knife or wallpaper scissors, trim the excess wallpaper at the top and bottom of the corner.
- Take care not to cut into the adjacent wall.
Step 4: Fold the corners
- To create a neat finish at the corner, fold the excess wallpaper around the corner, starting from the bottom.
- Smooth out any wrinkles or bubbles using a wallpaper brush or sponge.
- You may need to make small relief cuts in the wallpaper to help it fold neatly around the corner.
Step 5: Finish the edges
- Finally, use a wallpaper seam roller to ensure that the edges of the wallpaper are securely adhered to the wall.
- Inspect the corner carefully to make sure that the wallpaper is plumb and the pattern is aligned.
By following these steps, you can achieve professional results when wallpapering an external corner. With a little practice, you’ll be able to tackle any corner with confidence!
5 Wallpaper the corner of a chimneybreast
Wallpapering the corner of a chimneybreast can be a tricky task, but with the right technique, you can achieve professional results. Follow these steps to wallpaper the corner of a chimneybreast:
- Prepare the wall: Before you start wallpapering, make sure the wall is clean, dry, and smooth. Remove any old wallpaper or loose paint, and fill in any cracks or holes. Sand the surface if necessary to create a smooth base for the wallpaper.
- Measure and cut the wallpaper: Measure the height of the corner from the floor to the ceiling, and add a few inches for trimming. Cut a length of wallpaper to this measurement. Make sure the pattern is aligned correctly before cutting.
- Start wallpapering: Apply a thin layer of wallpaper paste to the back of the wallpaper using a roller or a brush. Fold the wallpaper in half with the adhesive sides together, and let it sit for a few minutes to activate the paste.
- Hang the wallpaper: Begin hanging the wallpaper in the corner of the chimneybreast, starting from the top. Press the paper onto the wall, using a wallpaper brush or a flat object to smooth out any air bubbles or wrinkles. Work your way down, continuing to smooth and press the paper as you go.
- Trim and finish: Once the wallpaper is hung, use a sharp knife or scissors to trim any excess paper from the top and bottom. Use a wallpaper seam roller to press the edges of the wallpaper into the corner for a seamless finish. Allow the wallpaper to dry completely before moving any furniture back into place.
By following these steps, you can successfully wallpaper the corner of a chimneybreast and create a beautiful focal point in your home. For more expert advice and tips on wallpapering and home decor trends, check out our latest articles or subscribe to our newsletter.
Do you overlap wallpaper in corners
When it comes to wallpapering corners, there are different opinions on whether or not to overlap the wallpaper. Some experts say that overlapping the wallpaper in corners can create a more seamless look, while others suggest avoiding overlapping to prevent the wallpaper from aging prematurely.
James Chalmers, an expert in interior design, says that overlapping wallpaper in corners can be a great technique to ensure that the wallpaper stays in place and remains flat. He advises making sure that the wallpaper is cut to the correct length and that it is smoothed out before overlapping.
On the other hand, Lola Green, a renowned wallpaper designer, suggests avoiding overlapping wallpaper in corners. She believes that overlapping can create a thick and bulky look, especially if the wallpaper is patterned. Instead, she recommends finding the point where the two pieces of wallpaper meet and ensuring that they are aligned perfectly.
So, should you overlap wallpaper in corners? Ultimately, it depends on your personal preference and the specific wallpaper you are working with. If you want a more seamless look, then overlapping might be the way to go. However, if you prefer a cleaner and more precise finish, avoiding overlapping may be the better option.
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