When it comes to wallpapering, one of the trickiest areas to tackle is around a window. It requires precision and careful attention to detail in order to achieve a seamless and professional finish. In this guide, we will provide you with expert advice and step-by-step instructions on how to wallpaper around a window like a pro.
1. Measure and cut your wallpaper: Before you begin, measure the height and width of the window, adding a few inches to each measurement to allow for trimming. Use a sharp pair of scissors to cut the wallpaper into strips, ensuring that they are a little longer than the window itself.
2. Apply paste to the wallpaper: Once your wallpaper strips are cut, use a wallpaper paste recommended by the manufacturer and apply it evenly to the back of the paper using a wallpaper brush. Be sure to cover the entire surface of the paper, paying extra attention to the edges.
3. Hang the first strip: Starting from the top corner of the window, carefully hang the first strip of wallpaper, making sure it is level and aligned with the window frame. Smooth out any bubbles or excess paste using a wallpaper brush or a clean, damp cloth.
4. Continue hanging the wallpaper: Hang the next strip of wallpaper next to the first one, making sure the edges meet and creating a seamless match. Repeat this process until the window is fully covered. Trim any excess wallpaper at the top and bottom using a snap-off blade or a sharp knife.
5. Trim the wallpaper around the window: Using a sharp pair of scissors, carefully trim the wallpaper around the window frame, leaving a small overlap of about 1/4 inch. This will ensure a neat and precise finish.
6. Finishing touches: Once the wallpaper is hung and trimmed, use a seam roller or a clean, dry cloth to firmly press the seams and edges. This will help to secure the wallpaper in place and ensure a smooth and seamless look.
7. Clean up: Use a damp cloth to carefully wipe away any excess paste or marks on the window frame or glass. Allow the wallpaper to fully dry before moving furniture back into the room or exposing it to moisture.
By following these expert tips and techniques, you can wallpaper around a window with confidence and achieve a smart and professional finish. Don’t be afraid to take your time and ask for help if needed. With practice, you’ll become a pro at wallpapering and be able to transform any room with ease.
How to wallpaper around a window
When wallpapering a room, one of the trickiest areas to navigate is around a window. However, with the right technique and some expert advice, you can achieve a smart finish without any hassle. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you wallpaper around a window like a professional.
Materials you will need:
- Wallpaper
- Wallpaper paste
- Scissors
- Brush or roller
- Trimming knife or blade
- Measuring tape
- Level
- Masking tape
Instructions:
- Prepare the window area: Before you begin wallpapering, make sure the window sill is clean and dry. Remove any loose paint or wallpaper remnants from the area.
- Measure and cut the wallpaper: Measure the height and width of the window, adding a few inches in each direction for trimming. Cut a strip of wallpaper to the appropriate size.
- Apply wallpaper paste: Use a brush or roller to apply wallpaper paste to the back of the cut strip. Make sure to cover the entire surface evenly with paste.
- Hang the wallpaper strip: Carefully hang the wallpaper strip above the window, aligning the edge with the top of the window frame. Smooth out any air bubbles or wrinkles using a wallpaper brush or a ball of clean hayfield.
- Trim the excess: Use a trimming knife or blade to trim the excess wallpaper from the top and sides of the window. Be careful not to damage the window frame or surrounding wallpaper.
- Repeat the process: Continue hanging strips of wallpaper around the window, working your way from top to bottom and from one side to the other. Match the pattern as best as possible for a seamless finish.
- Finishing touches: Once all the wallpaper has been hung, use a level to ensure the strips are straight and even. Apply a little more pressure with a brush or roller to ensure a tight bond between the wallpaper and the wall.
- Trimming around the window: Leave a small gap between the wallpaper and the window frame to allow for movement. Use a trimming knife or blade to carefully trim along the edge of the window frame, following the contour of the frame.
- Check for any mistakes: Take a step back and inspect the window area for any visible mistakes or imperfections. If necessary, gently lift the wallpaper and reposition it to correct any issues.
- Let it dry: Allow the wallpaper to dry completely before removing any excess adhesive from the surface. Use a damp cloth to wipe away any paste residue.
By following these steps and taking your time to ensure a precise finish, you can successfully wallpaper around a window without any hassle. With the right technique and some expert advice, you can transform your room into a beautifully decorated space.
1 Find the perfect starting point
Finding the right starting point is essential when wallpapering around a window. Follow this expert advice to achieve a smart finish.
Before you begin, make sure you have all the necessary tools and materials. You will need wallpaper, paste, a wallpaper brush, scissors, a seam roller, a snap-off blade knife, a laser level, and a table to work on.
Start by ensuring that the room is prepared for wallpapering. Remove any old wallpaper, sand down the walls if necessary, and clean off any dust or dirt. This will ensure a smooth surface for the new wallpaper.
Next, measure the width of your window and determine how many panels of wallpaper you will need. It’s a good idea to add a little extra to account for trimming and pattern matching. For a professional finish, we recommend selecting wallpaper with a design that will seamlessly match up with the rest of the room.
Now it’s time to find the perfect starting point. Start by lining up the edge of a full-width sheet of wallpaper to the left or right of the window, depending on which side you prefer to work from. Make sure the sheet is deep enough to wrap around the window and meet the other side of the window frame.
Using a pencil, lightly mark where the top and bottom of the sheet will meet the window frame. This will act as your guide when trimming the excess wallpaper later on.
Apply wallpaper paste to the back of the sheet, making sure to cover the entire surface. Use a brush to smooth out any bubbles or wrinkles, working from the center outwards.
Once the wallpaper is pasted, carefully hang the sheet above the window, making sure to match up the pattern with the rest of the wallpaper in the room. Use a seam roller to press the wallpaper firmly into place, starting from the top and working your way down.
If there is any excess paper at the bottom, simply fold it up and trim it with scissors or a snap-off blade knife. Be sure to leave a small overlap for a clean finish.
Continue hanging the wallpaper panels around the window, following the same process as above. Remember to line up the pattern and use a seam roller to smooth out any bubbles or wrinkles.
Once all the wallpaper is hung, allow it to dry completely before trimming any excess paper along the edges. Use a snap-off blade knife and a straight edge to ensure a clean and precise cut.
Finally, step back and admire your finished wallpapered window. Now you can enjoy the new look, knowing that you achieved a professional and smart finish.
2 Overlap the window
Once the bottom strip of wallpaper is in place, you can start working on the piece that will go above the window. It is important to overlap the window slightly to ensure a clean and professional finish.
First, measure the width of the window and cut a strip of wallpaper that is slightly wider than the window frame. It is always better to have a little more wallpaper than not enough.
Next, apply wallpaper paste to the back of the strip and hang it on the wall above the window, making sure that it overlaps the bottom strip. Use a brush to smooth out any bubbles or wrinkles in the paper.
If you have a patterned wallpaper, be sure to match the design with the previous strip for a seamless look. Trim any excess wallpaper at the edges using scissors or a sharp blade, being careful not to damage the wallpaper or the window frame.
Emma Watkins, the founder of Hayfield Wallpaper, recommends using a laser level to ensure that the wallpaper is hanging straight and level. This will help you achieve a neat and precise finish.
Once the strip is in place, repeat the process for the other side of the window, overlapping the strips in the middle. This will create a clean seam where the two panels meet.
Finally, trim any excess wallpaper at the top of the window, leaving a neat and tidy finish. Use a straight edge or a snap-off blade to ensure a clean cut.
Remember to allow plenty of time for the wallpaper paste to dry before moving on to the next sheet. This will prevent the wallpaper from bubbling or peeling off.
Following these simple steps will help you wallpaper around a window like a professional, without the need for hiring an expert. So grab your wallpaper and get started on transforming your room!
3 Make your first cuts
Once you have prepared the wallpaper panels and applied the paste, it’s time to make your first cuts. This step is crucial for achieving a neat and professional finish around the window.
First, measure the distance from the top of the window frame to the ceiling or the next panel of wallpaper. This will help you determine the length of the first strip of wallpaper you need to cut. It’s always better to cut the strip slightly longer than what you think you need, as it’s easier to trim off any excess later.
Using a pair of sharp scissors or a snap-off blade, carefully cut the wallpaper strip to the right length. Make sure to follow the pattern of the design if there is one. If the pattern needs to match at the seam, take extra care to align it correctly.
Next, align the top edge of the wallpaper strip with the top edge of the window frame or the ceiling. Smooth it down gently with your hands to ensure it adheres well. Use a wallpaper brush or a clean, dry sponge to remove any air bubbles or wrinkles.
It’s recommended to start from the top and work your way down. Hang the wallpaper strip in a way that it overlaps the window frame slightly, so that there is no gap between the wallpaper and the edge of the frame. This will create a clean and seamless look.
If you have a patterned wallpaper, you may need to trim the excess from the bottom of the strip. To do this, fold the excess wallpaper upward and use a sharp scissors or snap-off blade to carefully trim along the crease. Be careful not to cut too close to the seam to avoid any damage to the wallpaper.
Once the first strip is in place, you can continue with the next ones, aligning them carefully with the previous strip to create a seamless pattern. Use a level or a laser to ensure that the strips are straight and in line with each other. Keep working your way around the window until you have covered the entire area.
Remember to allow the wallpaper to dry fully before trimming the excess from around the window with a sharp blade. Once the wallpaper is dry, you can use a small brush or a clean, dry sponge to gently sand it down to achieve a smooth finish.
Following these steps will help you achieve a professional and flawless wallpapering finish around your window. Whether you are hanging wallpaper from a designer brand like Farrow & Ball, Sanderson, or Hayfield, or a more budget-friendly option, these expert tips from Jamie Watkins, the founder of Emma Jane Interiors, will ensure that your wallpaper application is done with precision and care.
4 Continue with your next panels
Once you have hung your first panel of wallpaper around the window, it’s time to continue with the next ones. Keep following these steps:
- Measure the distance from the edge of your first panel to the window frame. Use this measurement to cut your next strip of wallpaper.
- Apply wallpaper paste to the back of the next strip, making sure to cover the entire surface.
- Align the edge of the strip with the edge of the previous one, matching the pattern if necessary.
- Smooth the strip against the wall, starting from the top and working your way down. Use a brush to remove any bubbles or excess paste.
- Trim any excess paper at the top and bottom using scissors or a snap-off blade knife. Make sure to leave a little extra paper to fold into the window frame.
- Repeat the process until you have covered all the walls around the window with wallpaper.
It’s important to ensure that each strip is level and aligned with the previous one to achieve a seamless finish. If you’re using a wallpaper with a pattern, make sure to match it carefully for a cohesive look.
If there are any gaps between the wallpaper and the window frame, use a strip of wallpaper to cover them. Simply apply paste to the strip and press it onto the gap, smoothing it out with a brush or your fingers.
Once you have finished wallpapering around the window, allow the paste to dry according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Then, go through the room and trim any excess paper from around the windowsill using scissors or a snap-off blade knife.
Following these steps will ensure a professional-looking finish and make your wallpapering project a success!
5 Complete the window
Once you have wallpapered around the window frame, it’s time to complete the window area for a seamless finish. Here are some expert tips to help you achieve a professional result:
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Trim excess wallpaper: Use a sharp snap-off blade or scissors to carefully trim any excess wallpaper from the edges of the window frame. Be careful not to cut too deep and damage the paintwork or window frame.
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Apply wallpaper paste: Use a wallpaper paste to apply a thin layer at the bottom of the window frame. This will help hold the wallpaper in place and ensure a smooth finish. Allow the paste to dry fully before proceeding.
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Hang the next wallpaper panel: Hang the next wallpaper panel next to the trimmed edge of the previous panel, making sure the patterns or design match up seamlessly. Smooth out any bubbles or wrinkles as you go along.
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Trim excess wallpaper: Once the wallpaper is hung, trim any excess wallpaper using a sharp blade or scissors. Trim along the edge of the window frame, being careful not to cut too far or damage the wallpaper or window frame.
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Ensure a neat finish: Use a wallpaper seam roller or a small ball of wallpaper trimming to press the trimmed edges firmly against the window frame. This will ensure a neat and professional finish.
By following these steps, you can complete the window area with ease and achieve a smart finish. Remember to take your time and work carefully, and soon you’ll have a beautifully wallpapered room. If you need further advice, don’t hesitate to reach out to a professional wallpaper hanger or consult the experts like Jamie Watkins, the founder of Hayfield & Hayfield.
How do I wallpaper into a deep window reveal
When wallpapering a room, one of the trickiest areas to tackle is the area around a deep window reveal. But with the right tools and techniques, you can achieve a professional finish. Here’s how:
1. Prepare the area
Start by preparing the area around the window reveal. Make sure the surface is clean, dry, and smooth. Remove any loose paint or wallpaper, and fill any holes or cracks with a suitable filler. Sand down any rough edges to create a smooth surface.
2. Measure and cut the wallpaper
Measure the height and width of the window reveal, and add a little extra for trimming. Cut a strip of wallpaper to the measured size, making sure to match the pattern if necessary.
3. Hang the wallpaper strip
Apply a thin and even layer of wallpaper paste to the back of the strip using a paste brush, taking care to fully cover the edges. Then, fold the strip in half, paste side to paste side, without creasing the paper.
Carefully position the folded strip in the window reveal, aligning the top edge with the top of the reveal. Unfold the strip and smooth it onto the wall, working from the top down. Use a wallpaper brush or a plastic smoothing tool to remove any air bubbles and ensure a good adhesive bond.
4. Trim the excess
Using a sharp snap-off blade or a pair of scissors, carefully trim the excess paper along the edges of the reveal. Take care not to cut into the window sill or the window frame. You can also use masking tape to protect the sill if needed. Repeat this process for any additional strips of wallpaper.
5. Finish the edges
If there are seams where the wallpaper strips meet, use a seam roller to ensure a smooth and seamless finish. If the window sill is slightly higher than the wallpaper, you can carefully sand it down to create a level surface.
By following these steps and using the right tools and techniques, you can wallpaper into a deep window reveal without any issues. Just take your time, measure carefully, and enlist the help of a professional if needed.
How easy it is to wallpaper around a window
Wallpapering around a window may seem like a challenging task, but with the right tools and techniques, it can actually be quite easy. With a few simple steps, you can achieve a professional-looking finish that will enhance the overall look of your room.
Start by preparing the wall next to the window. Remove any existing wallpaper, fill in any cracks or holes, and sand the surface to create a smooth base for the new wallpaper. This will ensure that the wallpaper adheres properly and creates a seamless finish.
Before you begin wallpapering, it’s important to measure the length and width of each wall and window in order to determine the amount of wallpaper you will need. It’s always a good idea to add a little extra to account for any mistakes or overlapping.
When hanging the wallpaper, start by applying the first sheet above the window. Use a level to ensure that it is straight and then trim any excess at the top and sides using a snap-off blade or scissors.
Next, apply the adhesive or paste to the back of the wallpaper using a brush or roller. Allow it to soak for the recommended time, usually indicated on the wallpaper packaging.
Once the wallpaper is ready, carefully position it on the wall, starting from the top and working your way down. Smooth it out with a wallpaper brush or a clean, dry cloth to remove any air bubbles and ensure a smooth finish. Trim any excess wallpaper at the bottom using a sharp blade or scissors.
If you are working with a patterned wallpaper, it’s important to match the design at each seam. This can be achieved by carefully overlapping the edges and ensuring they are lined up correctly.
When you reach the window, you will need to fold the wallpaper back to create a neat finish. Use a small brush or your fingers to gently press the wallpaper into the corner where the wall and window meet. Trim any excess wallpaper along the window sill using a sharp blade or scissors.
Finally, once the wallpaper is in place, use a clean, damp sponge to remove any excess paste that may have squeezed out from the seams. Allow the wallpaper to dry completely before applying any additional finishing touches to the room.
It’s worth noting that wallpapering around a window can be a little trickier than wallpapering a flat wall, but with patience and attention to detail, it can be done. If you’re still unsure or prefer to leave it to the professionals, there are plenty of wallpapering services available that can expertly install your wallpaper for you.