My favorite part of visiting historical homes is hands down, the wallpaper. Ornate, textural, colorful, geometric, gilded, florid — these are the kinds of patterns that transform a space into a realm. For this week’s How-Tuesday, we’re sharing a project from Wallpaper Projects, as well as general instructions for installing wallpaper yourself. In Derek and Lauren’s book, innovating with this inspiring material to produce brooches, lampshades, medicine cabinets, and room dividers brings instant design to any element in your home. The Headboard how-to below is an easy way to customize your bedroom with the option to change it up every few years. And since even Marimekko has jumped on the wallpaper bandwagon, it’s time to take paste into our own hands.
Do you use wallpaper in unusual ways? Comment on this post and you’ll be eligible to win a free copy of the book, or pick one up for yourself here.
Why Wallpaper?
It’s beautiful. Yes, this is certainly true. If you’ve spent any time browsing home decor books or magazines, or clicked around on any design blog worth its salt, you’ve undoubtedly noticed all the gorgeous contemporary and traditional wallpapers making their way back into the mainstream of interior design. Artists and designers of all stripes are not only rediscovering wallpaper, they’re reinventing it. Aided by remarkable innovations in digital printing, design, and distribution, many manufacturers are exploding traditional expectations of what wallpaper can be, offering consumers all sorts of new and exciting options — from types of paper and ink to alternative eco-friendly materials to affordable custom designs.
It’s versatile. Sure, paint is great, but it’s got nothing on wallpaper. Even with 101 different shades of white to choose from, painting a room can only get you so far. Wallpaper, on the other hand, can (and will) completely transform a space. Depending on what pattern, motif, or colorway you choose, applying wallpaper to even just a single accent wall can make a room feel tall, wide, small, big, bright, dark, fun, serious, quiet, loud, funky, classic…whatever look or mood you’re going for, there is a perfect paper out there for you.
It’s easy and fun. Forget all your preconceived notions about wallpaper. It isn’t messy, or hard to install. It’s not some sort of interior design tattoo that you’ll be stuck with forever. The papers and adhesives on the market today have made the whole process much safer and more forgiving, and the results more durable yet even easier to remove. If you make a good game plan and use the right tools, we bet you’ll be pleasantly surprised at how easy wallpapering actually is.
It’s great on and off the wall. Every wallpaper project is different, but one thing they all have in common is leftover scraps. With a bit of crafty ingenuity you can turn what would normally be inevitable waste into a unique opportunity to beautifully accent different areas in your home, create personalized stationery and accessories, revamp tired pieces of furniture, create frame-worthy works of art, make one-of-a-kind gifts…the options are endless. We’ve included more than 50 fun projects in this book to get your creative juices flowing.
Headboard
Since we’ve never found a headboard we were in love with, we spend an inordinate amount of time in the morning fluffing up our pillows to conceal as much of it as possible. Crafting one out of wallpaper opens up all kinds of possibilities: Not only can you play with colors and patterns, but you can cut out shapes as ornate or simple as you’d like.
Materials
Large piece of scrap paper for template
Wallpaper
Tools
Measuring tape
Pencil
Scissors
Blue painter’s tape (optional)
Wallpaper paste
Brush or paint roller
Plastic float
Sponge
1. Measure the width of your bed and decide how tall you want the headboard.
Standard Bed Widths
- Single: 39″
- Double/Full: 54″
- Queen: 60″
- King: 76-78″
- California King: 72″
2. To create a template, photocopy or trace our Headboard template or draw your own template design on scrap paper. To ensure symmetry, make the template for one half of the headboard and flip it over so that it mirrors itself when tracing out your design. You can download a PDF of the Headboard template here.
3. Cut out the template from the scrap paper with scissors, and trace the design onto your wallpaper of choice. If your design is wider than two sheets of wallpaper, you may need to align and piece three sheets together. We suggest lining up the seams and temporarily taping them into one piece with blue painter’s tape before tracing and cutting out your design.
4. Cut out your wallpaper headboard, and apply the paper to your wall as you would normal sheets of wallpaper. See general instructions for applying wallpaper below.
Applying Paper to Your Walls
Two sets of hands are better than one when it comes to handling long expanses of wet paper, so it’s a good idea to invite over a friendly helper.
Pasting
First, read the instructions that came with your paper. Different manufacturers may recommend different methods for installation. Prepasted papers, for example, just require a quick soak in water. But in general, the following instructions pertain to most situations. Cover your table with a plastic drop cloth and have all your tools within easy reach. Then, start pasting.
1. Lay your wallpaper strips on top of one another, pattern-side down, with the first piece on top of the pile. (When you spread the paste over the edges of the top piece, it’ll go directly onto the back of the next piece, which means less mess and no wasted paste.)
2. Pour a nice, big glob of paste into a paint tray.
3. Use either a wallpaper brush or a paint roller to apply an even layer of paste to the entire back of the paper, working from the center out to the sides. It’s especially important to make sure you get the edges, which will prevent your seams from showing. Because nobody wants their seams showing, right?
Booking
Once you have full paste coverage on your strip, it’s time to book it. “Booking” your paper involves laying pasted sides together — which seems quite counterintuitive but ends up saving you space and ensuring better adhesion of your wallpaper. This process will allow the paste to activate and be properly absorbed by the paper. Rest assured, it will pull apart just fine.
1. With your first strip pasted-side up, grab one end and bring it toward the center of the strip, creating a very loose fold. Without creasing the paper, place the end down so the pasted sides are together.
2. Bring the other end toward the center and place it so that the cut lines are butting — thereby essentially folding your strip into thirds.
3. Now you can fold the strip onto itself a few times (no creases!) and set it aside while you paste up the next one. You can leave booked pieces in a plastic bag for up to half an hour without any problems. We generally paste and book 4 to 5 pieces at a time.
Hanging It Up
This is it. The moment of truth — applying the pasted paper to your wall. This is also when you discover wallpapering is much easier than you imagined it would be. The paper is totally manageable, the paste surprisingly forgiving… Congratulations, you are minutes away from enjoying a magically transformed room.
1. Use a level and a pencil to lightly mark a plumb (perfectly vertical) line on your wall where you want to put up the first piece of wallpaper.
2. Unfold the top half of your first pasted-and-booked strip and, beginning at the top of the wall, line its edge up with your plumb line.
3. As you line up the edge, press the paper against the wall and begin smoothing it down with your smoothing brush.
4. Once you reach the middle of the wall, unfold the bottom half of the paper and continue lining up the edge with the plumb line, smoothing as you go. You may notice a few small air bubbles, but don’t panic — those will disappear as the paper dries. If there are a number of large air bubbles that are making you nervous, gently pull the paper away from the wall and smooth it down again.
5. With the paper in place, nice and straight, smooth the entire strip down with your brush, working from the center outwards.
6. Repeat the same smoothing process with your plastic float. This will spread the underlying paste evenly out toward the edge of the paper and press your seams flush to the wall.
7. Grab your second pasted strip and repeat steps 2 through 6. But instead of lining up the edge with the plumb line, you’re now matching the pattern of the wallpaper.
8. Once you’ve got a few pieces up, gently wipe down the paper with a damp sponge, especially at the seams, to remove any paste that may have made its way out onto the front.
9. Continue pasting up your strips until you reach the end of the wall.
10. Place your 4″ broad knife at the top of the wall where it intersects with the ceiling or molding. Carefully slide the blade of your utility knife along the edge of the broad knife to create a clean, straight cut. Continue cutting in this manner until you’ve reached the end of the strip. Snap yourself off a fresh blade and move onto the next strip.
11. Repeat the same cutting process along the bottom edge of the paper where it intersects with the floor or molding.
Do you use wallpaper in unusual ways? Comment on this post and you’ll be eligible to win a free copy of the book, or pick one up for yourself here. Thanks to Derek Fagerstrom, Lauren Smith, and the good folks at Chronicle Books for sharing this project with us.
More How-Tuesday Posts | Supplies Category | DIY Made Simple Gift Guide
129 comments
Sign in to add your ownSmugglersChest says:
This is AWESOME!!
2 years ago
NerdyApples says:
very cool
2 years ago
angiestargazer says:
What a killer idea! I love the brocade wallpaper! The book would be super ... I have ideas-a-brewin'!!! xoxo
2 years ago
bylynnkrestel says:
i love diy tuesday - thanks for all the great info!!
2 years ago
tootsweethandbags says:
i totally need a headboard! awesome!
2 years ago
chocolatecreative says:
This is great help, I have been thinking for some time to do the paper bed headboard in my bedroom, so this is very useful and very well explained. I just need to decide which paper to use, so much choice out there!!. Regards from London
2 years ago
zuppaartista says:
what a super cool idea! thanks for this! :)
2 years ago
WickedDarling says:
I love this idea!
2 years ago
thelovelythings says:
i long for this book..... & a new headboard. yes.
2 years ago
pinkytoeclothing says:
So cool, what a great idea!
2 years ago
kbowell says:
I love it! I use old wallpaper samples I find in thrift stores in jewelry that I make, as well as backdrops for 3-D felt shadow boxes for children.
2 years ago
lovelygifts says:
Great info!
2 years ago
breadandroses says:
Swell project & good instructions!
2 years ago
janellelile says:
Gorgeous project and I love all the cheerleading! I don't think I've ever felt capable of wallpapering until now :)
2 years ago
FrillyButts says:
Great idea! Now I just need a headboard and some wallpaper...
2 years ago
smashgirl says:
Awesome idea, how cool to have a headboard using some great vintage wallpaper, thanks for sharing!
2 years ago
girltuesdayjewelry says:
I used to work as a decorative painter specializing in furniture and I would get a LOT of great vintage dressers and armoires with serious veneer issues. After filling the damaged areas and sanding, I primed and used heavily textured wallpaper called anagylpta to cover the surface. I favored paper that had motifs similar to those found in tin ceilings. I painted over the paper and glazed it to bring out all of the detail, gave it a few coats of poly and voila! A piece of furniture that is given another lease on life. If anyone wants to see pics, I have plenty. Just convo me!
2 years ago
adancingmoon says:
Now this is a faux technique I can really get into.There are so many wallpaper patterns,even textured ones,the possibilities are endless.Thank you for an awesome idea !!! cindy
2 years ago
jewelrybyjackie says:
Wallpaper for covering books is so cute and creates a wonderful-looking book shelf! I love this idea too, and it would look so perfect in my space! - Thanks : )
2 years ago
voleurdebijoux says:
fantastic! i love diy projects!
2 years ago
ColorfulTherapy says:
WOW -- what an AWESOME idea -- happy days ;)
2 years ago
bethdemmon says:
i actually blogged about this book before- www.bethdemmon.blogspot.com. love that wallpaper!!!
2 years ago
beautifulbridget says:
That's so cool!!
2 years ago
SimplyGrove says:
Very lovely!!!!
2 years ago
ChocolateMintCrafts says:
OMG!! I can't believe this!! I just made a very similar project for my bedroom last weekend! I made a wallpaper headboard for my bedroom and it came out great! I really recomend this. It looks awesome!!
2 years ago
3squares says:
great headboard! i once covered a plain picture frame with wallpaper. not sure i'd call that unusual, but i liked it!
2 years ago
alibli says:
I might try it!
2 years ago
DanaLaymon says:
i have wrapped wallpaper around or cool scrapbook paper around styrofoam squares (in a square of 9) and hung them on a large wall in my house. everyone loves them!
2 years ago
SweetAnnieRose says:
So far I have only used wallpaper to cover clipboards for display on my wall, but I have a great project in mind for covering the cupboards in my rental without damaging the cupboards in any way. If it works out, I'll have to share that it did... anyway, HUZZAH for wallpaper! HUZZAH for wallpaper projects that I can do without having to damage my rental!
2 years ago
heartsandlaserbeams says:
loving this post! i've used wallpaper as a background texture in paintings before - you glue the wallpaper down onto the canvas and keep your paints fairly transparent, and it gives everything this really great layery ethereal effect. also, could i please win the book? k thx bye!
2 years ago
YellowBirdBoutique says:
What an awesome idea! I have used wallpaper to cover shelves. It is easy to use and looks great! I need a new headboard, so I can wait to try this idea! =)
2 years ago
monkeyandsquirrel says:
so beautiful. i might just have to give this a whirl in my new house!
2 years ago
WhiteFlagDesigns says:
Oh wow!! I've been looking for an awesome headboard, as I'm currently without one; you guys may have saved the day!
2 years ago
poppyswickedgarden says:
oooh THis is such a great idea! I love it! I might just take off my headboard so I can do this one!
2 years ago
warmnfuzzies says:
This would be beautiful, but I can't wallpaper. I am terrible at it. LOL
2 years ago
recycledwares says:
very pretty. just imagine the possibilities - you could do all sorts of shapes on a wall instead of covering the whole wall.
2 years ago
OwlandMouse says:
Genius! I'm definitely bookmarking this for later! I've been intimidated by making a fabric covered headboard, but this seems so much easier!
2 years ago
VintageJamie says:
So great! Thank you~
2 years ago
helenaemmans says:
bookmarking, especially for the headboard!
2 years ago
lisaroy says:
love the headboard idea!
2 years ago
worksandfinds says:
Love it. Thank you.
2 years ago
laurart says:
I like taking patterned wallpaper to use in collaging and mixed media paintings -- very nice effects come from that. Lovely!
2 years ago
paintnplace says:
I LOVE the headboard! We recently shoved two twins together to make a king and NEED a headboard! Thanks for the great idea! ** I buy wall paper thats discontinued and use it to wrap gifts!!
2 years ago
BululuStudio says:
what a beautiful project. Thank you Etsy and Michelle.
2 years ago
slidesideways says:
Oh so cool! I love wallpaper! Thanks for the HowTo.
2 years ago
vivikas says:
Awesome...
2 years ago
woolpanda2 says:
How exciting. Wallpaper = fantastic!
2 years ago
beachhouseblues says:
Great project!!
2 years ago
thebestvintage says:
Love the How to.... Very helpful!!
2 years ago
junkyjunk says:
Ooh, how fun! vintage is back in! Love the textured wallpaper! Great project idea, I love it.
2 years ago
thewonderlandstudio says:
how cool!
2 years ago
FabricDestashSale says:
Everyone should remember that you can do this same project using FABRIC too - whether it's upholstery fabric, or cotton or patchwork. Fabrics respond to the same adhesives very well, and can be embellished further with decorative nails, beads, buttons, lace, rick-rack, and even paper!
2 years ago
BlueCrushBeads says:
I love EVERYTHING--Oh man I wish I was Rich. But then again my shopping gets a little out of hand at times.
2 years ago
VixVintage says:
Thanks, I love the vinyl headboard.
2 years ago
fyf198 says:
very beautiful ! i love your work .
2 years ago
pandawithcookie says:
Wooden level, so tempting.
2 years ago
desertnana says:
wonderful directions~thank you so kindly I want to Wall Paper! ~Hugs DesertNana
2 years ago
buygollymissmolly says:
I wallpapered a bathroom once- not unusual use of wallpaper but gees it was hard! Your directions are very straightforward- think I might be able to pull off the headboard!
2 years ago
SweetPeaFabrications says:
And I love, love, love wallpaper!
2 years ago
babyannequilts says:
As a kid my sister and I shared a room that was painted on all four walls with a jungle mural. It was the coolest room...until we got sick of looking at the jungle all the time. Then my mom painted the walls and wallpapered one wall with a pretty yellow flower print. I loved that wallpapered wall and always thought it was smart of my mom to only paper one wall so it wouldn't overwhelm us. But then I started to miss the jungle...
2 years ago
theclassicfarmhouse says:
Love the wallpaper headboard! Now wondering what wall I could do this on :0)
2 years ago
MyMoms says:
These look magnificent! great theme!
2 years ago
ArtDecoDame says:
how fun!
2 years ago
mrsfatface says:
Very neat idea.
2 years ago
Tina669 says:
I love this idea!
2 years ago
kimmae86 says:
Love this! Too bad I already have a headboard :) Wallpaper is making a comeback!
2 years ago
meandminnie says:
I love this idea!
2 years ago
somavenus says:
ohhhh rad! i'm gonna try this out!
2 years ago
angelene says:
what a great idea! I love wallpaper. I am renovating at the moment and am going to do a feature wall with some luxe wallpaper... yummy!
2 years ago
sewingmomma says:
Wow. Thats so awesome!
2 years ago
oneeskimo says:
yew.. wanna try this...
2 years ago
mavend says:
I think I'll use this in my new place. Happy to be moving soon. :-)
2 years ago
rollerscait says:
So creative! I love Etsy for introducing me to so many new ideas
2 years ago
tashascreations says:
I know what my next project is going to be!
2 years ago
newivystyle says:
Hi!I love wallpaper, especially vintage. Here are a few links to my flickr account (ivy style33) where you can see a few ways I 've used wallpaper: In the reading corner: http://www.flickr.com/photos/ivy_style33/3830832417/in/set-72157622257340920/ In the living room above the couch: http://www.flickr.com/photos/ivy_style33/3897917842/in/set-72157622257340920/ At the litle office corner: http://www.flickr.com/photos/ivy_style33/3897081989/ Simply copy and paste the above links....hope you will enjoy! Oh!Btw this book has been lately on my book wish list.It must be fabulous, filled with brilliant, creative ideas!
2 years ago
newivystyle says:
Oh!...no need to copy and paste!...simply click on the links...how nice and convenient. Thanx Etsy storque :-)
2 years ago
evihan says:
wowww gorgeoussss
2 years ago
Baghy says:
Seem like a fun project. Wallpaper really can change the look of a room. I never thought I would do anything like this but it's time for something new. I know just the place to put it!
2 years ago
artwatercolor says:
Thank you for the very useful lesson :) Let's make our homes stylish with a handmade touch!
2 years ago
HoneyBoo says:
Cool idea! will keep that in mind :)
2 years ago
artangel says:
What a great project! May have to give this a go!
2 years ago
spacejam says:
the idea is awesome!!
2 years ago
hazelandhunter says:
this is great! i've always been afraid of wallpapering even though i LOVE wallpaper...maybe i'll give this a try!
2 years ago
meeabee says:
I love wallpaper. I have some samples that I got from Wallpaper from the 70s.com I use it as matts for free postcards, in cheap frames. I'd love this book!
2 years ago
cassidycay says:
I read about this once in a magazine I used to love called Blueprint, that is now canceled. I thought that this idea was so clever. Thanks for sharing!
2 years ago
vantiani says:
Oh! I've seen this book at Kinokuniya here! And already so amazed by the beautiful photos and those wallpapers in it:)
2 years ago
swurme says:
I love this idea!
2 years ago
bythewayside says:
I love the custom look just a little wallpaper can give to any decor! What a great idea for a headboard - and it won't break the bank :)
2 years ago
heatherlynn515 says:
I love the look of wallpaper, but have always been afraid of it. I'd love to check that book out. Great post!
2 years ago
goodlookin says:
Love this idea!!
2 years ago
JackieOcean says:
Great ideas!
2 years ago
jaimemw says:
Years ago, I found a barrel of vintage wallpaper in an old nightclub that was about to be torn down. Silvers and blues with birds and twigs... so shimmery and fantastic! I've been saving it for something fun and I think I just found the project! Thanks for the idea... I can't wait to get to work on it!
2 years ago
DotisSpot says:
My Best memory with my Mother in law, Bea is when we hung wallpaper in their bath room. It was tan with old fashioned bathroom stuff. Was a fun day. Thanks for the smile. Doti
2 years ago
edor says:
great and easy idea!
2 years ago
paramountvintage says:
great how to! headboards can be so beautiful and personalized!
2 years ago
pegasong says:
I use wallpaper for making cards and scrapbooking photos to frame.
2 years ago
thecluelesscrafter says:
I would use TEXTURED wallpaper like a soft grasscloth to create more dimension.
2 years ago
bhangtiez says:
Great idea! Thanks 4 sharing!
2 years ago
resultsnottypical says:
very cool. i like a little padding on my headboard, but i'm excited for the other ideas in the book. my apartment has some inset built in bookshelves and i am considering putting in a patterned wallpaper in the back to give them a little pop.
2 years ago
designsbyv says:
I am so gonna do this project this weekend. i have been searching for a headboard i like and like you have not. i'm very excited. thanks so much, v
2 years ago
alison0000 says:
awesome. I really need a headboard!
2 years ago
HazelnutDesigns says:
Too fun! I've never been brave enough to use wallpaper! I might delve into it now!!! Cheers!
2 years ago
CavemanPottery says:
Now I know what to do the next time I need a bed! That is a cool way to have a one of a kind piece in your home for a fraction of the money. I have used "border" before to dress up room darkeners, so now I have another use for wallpaper. Thanks for sharing.
2 years ago
HoneysuckleLane says:
What a great idea! Thanks for the how-to. I have headboard made from an antique door taken from my parents' home.
2 years ago
buttercup592007 says:
now i just need to find walpaper to match my bedding
2 years ago
shrimpsaladcircus says:
Ah - I just might have to try this, since I don't currently have any sort of headboard!!! I've used vintage wallpaper before as covers for hand-bound books but haven't ever tried anything so large-scale!
2 years ago
mandyjeanne says:
This is such a good idea. Love your work!
2 years ago
judysnow says:
This article makes me want to go out and browse all the markets and stores for wallpaper and once again try my hand at wallpapering. You have made it sound like a fun, project, so much easier than when I tried this years ago. I like the Headboard, and would love to wallpaper night stand.
2 years ago
kmelkight says:
I think this book has crossed my radar but this project really made me take notice! I love wallpaper but can't imagine using it on walls, for the same reason I don't have a tattoo -- my tastes change too often! But this opens up a whole new world. Just looking around my office ... I could re-paper a lampshade, line the back of bookshelves, resurface scratched tabletops ...
2 years ago
chineseart88 says:
I love your work very much.
2 years ago
lealerjcreates says:
Love the article. I want to do this someday!
2 years ago
LadyLuLus says:
Interesting article Great Pics!
2 years ago
mspenla says:
Great article! Love the easy how-to, I'm planning on wallpapering my bathroom with a chic, modern print and have searched and searched... but haven't found anything I love yet. Hope that this revival brings a lot of great artists back into the wallpaper industry!
2 years ago
mtraub says:
heartsandlaserbeams' comment was randomly selected; a copy of Wallpaper Projects will be shipped out to her shortly! I loved reading about how you all use wallpaper in creative ways. Truly inspiring!
2 years ago
clarelupino says:
I just all arty wallpaper, one day I will try it
2 years ago
amanda110 says:
great! i will try! use wallpaper template to make wallpaper on mac
2 years ago