How to hang wallpaper step by step
Wallpaper is making a strong comeback in interior design trends, effortlessly transforming a room through its patterns, colors, and textured effects. Whether you want to dress a living room, a bedroom, or even a windowed wall, knowing how to properly hang wallpaper ensures an aesthetic, durable, and professional result. The good news is that with the right tools, good preparation, and a few practical tips, hanging non-woven wallpaper becomes accessible even to beginners.
At Isidore Leroy, a specialist in panoramic and high-end wallpaper, we support every project with suitable materials and precise hanging instructions to guarantee a flawless finish.
Why choose wallpaper for your interior design?
Wallpaper is now one of the best décor solutions for quickly personalizing a space. Unlike paint, it instantly adds depth, character, and a true decorative atmosphere.
Wallpaper offers many advantages :
- a wide variety of patterns and colors;
- long-lasting durability;
- endless creative possibilities for every room.
To create a harmonious interior, it is important to choose a suitable substrate for your wall and the desired ambiance. You can also explore our different materials, designed to adapt to all types of projects.
How to hang wallpaper : essential tools
Before starting to wallpaper your wall, prepare all the necessary tools to work efficiently.
Essential tools
To hang wallpaper under good conditions, you will need:
- a roller for applying paste ;
- a smoothing brush;
- a spatula ;
- a utility knife;
- a spirit level or plumb line;
- a damp sponge;
- a table or clean surface to prepare the strips.
The quality of your tools plays an important role in the final result, especially to avoid air bubbles and ensure clean, precise edges.
Preparing the wall before hanging wallpaper
Preparing the surface is an essential step. A poorly prepared wall can make defects visible beneath the wallpaper.
According to Isidore Leroy’s hanging instructions, the wall must be clean, smooth, and even, as the paper is not completely opaque.
Preparation steps :
- Clean the surface to remove dust and grease marks.
- Lightly sand old paint or uneven surfaces.
- Apply filler if the wall has imperfections.
- Use an undercoat on porous walls.
- Ensure the wall is completely dry before applying adhesive.
It is recommended to use an adhesive suitable for the type of wallpaper support.
How to start hanging wallpaper
The first step is to check the order of the strips and the pattern match. At Isidore Leroy, the strips are numbered from left to right to simplify installation.
Unroll the wallpaper on the floor to check :
- the pattern match;
- the colors;
- the positioning of the design;
- any possible defects.
Then draw a vertical guideline using a spirit level or plumb line. This line will serve as a guide to hang the first strip perfectly straight.
Where should you hang the first strip of wallpaper ?
At Isidore Leroy, we recommend starting from the left and working to the right to follow the numbering order and ensure a perfect pattern alignment. The strips are indeed numbered from left to right to facilitate installation and guarantee optimal visual continuity.
Before starting, draw a perfectly vertical reference line using a spirit level or plumb line. This guide will help you align the first strip correctly and ensure a consistent application across the entire wall surface.
Make sure to :
- align the first strip precisely;
- leave a small margin at the top and bottom;
- apply the wallpaper from ceiling to floor;
- carefully check the pattern match before hanging the next strip.
This first step is essential to achieve a harmonious and professional result across the entire wall.
How to hang non-woven wallpaper step by step
Non-woven wallpaper makes installation much easier, as the adhesive is applied directly to the wall.
Step 1 : Apply the paste
Using a roller, apply the adhesive evenly over an area slightly wider than the strip.
Be careful not to overload with water or paste to avoid any distortion.
Step 2 : Hang the first strip
Position the wallpaper following your vertical guideline.
Center the design at the desired height, then unfold the strip from ceiling to floor.
Step 3 : Smooth the wallpaper
Use a brush or smoothing spatula, working from the center outward to remove air and prevent bubbles.
Step 4 : Match the seams
Apply the second strip, carefully aligning the pattern match. Panoramic wallpapers require special attention to maintain design continuity.
Step 5 : Trim the excess
Using a utility knife, carefully trim any excess at the top and bottom once completely dry.
How to avoid air bubbles and visible seams
Air bubbles often occur when smoothing is insufficient or when the wall surface has not been properly prepared.
Practical tips :
- always smooth from the inside outward;
- use an adhesive suitable for the wallpaper substrate;
- make sure the wall is completely dry;
- avoid stretching the wallpaper excessively;
- quickly remove excess paste with a slightly damp sponge.
For seams, ensure the patterns are perfectly aligned as soon as you hang the second strip. Raking light can help you check the joins more precisely.
Which wallpaper should you choose for each room ?
Choosing wallpaper depends on the room and the atmosphere you want to create.
For a living room
Opt for panoramic designs or deep colors to create a striking visual impact.
For a bedroom
Soft-toned wallpapers with natural patterns help create a calming atmosphere.
For an entryway
Go for graphic patterns or textured effects to add character from the moment you step inside.
To explore the different types of wallpaper and substrates suited to every interior design project, browse our made-to-measure collections.
Our tips for a durable and aesthetically pleasing installation
A successful installation relies as much on technique as on patience.
Key recommendations:
work in a temperate room;
use clean tools;
check each strip before hanging;
take time to adjust the seams.
Properly hung wallpaper can transform an interior for years and become a true focal point of your décor.
FAQ: everything you need to know about wallpaper installation
How do you start hanging wallpaper ?
Begin by drawing a perfectly straight vertical line using a spirit level or plumb line. Then check the pattern match before hanging the first strip from ceiling to floor.
Where should you hang the first strip of wallpaper ?
At Isidore Leroy, we recommend starting with strip number 1 and working from left to right to respect the order of the panels and ensure precise pattern alignment.
Before hanging the first strip, draw a vertical reference line using a spirit level or plumb line to ensure perfect alignment from the start. This step helps achieve a consistent installation across the entire wall and makes it easier to match subsequent strips.
How do you avoid visible wallpaper seams ?
To avoid visible seams, make sure the patterns are properly aligned, use careful smoothing techniques, and work with sufficient lighting. A properly prepared wall also improves the final result.
Is wallpaper difficult to hang ?
Non-woven wallpaper is still accessible to beginners if the steps are followed correctly. With proper wall preparation and the right tools, a professional-looking result is entirely achievable.
Which wallpaper is the easiest to hang ?
Pre-pasted wallpaper is one of the easiest types to hang, especially for beginners. Since the adhesive is already applied, it usually only needs to be activated with water before installation, making it much simpler and reducing application errors.
Super matte non-woven wallpaper is also highly appreciated for its ease of installation: adhesive is applied directly to the wall, allowing for faster and more precise hanging. This type of support offers excellent stability, particularly for large panoramic designs and pattern matching.
Can wallpaper be hung on a painted wall ?
We recommend preparing a white and even surface before installation. Our wallpapers are not completely opaque: a dark color, marks, or uneven tones on the wall may show through after hanging.
