Gallery walls, paintings, mirrors and floating shelves all add interest to your wall. But, looking for more of a statement? Just one wall, designed as an accent wall, can dramatically update your space.
Wallpaper has come a long way, baby. Say adios to wallpaper steamers, gloppy adhesive tubes, liquid sprays, corner guards and more. The world of wallpaper has had a major upgrade. Make the magic happen with a statement wall. And in only one afternoon. It’s easier than you think, and brings out the personality of the space in a modern, fresh way.
Welcome, Self-adhesive Wallpaper!
Yes, you can paint one featured wall but why not think outside the box (er…wall) and try out something bigger/bolder. Self-adhesive wallpaper do the design thinking for you. First steps? Just add to cart.
What Wall?
You have a few options…
- anchor wall: the wall directly behind a bed, the dining room table, the media area
- room divider: help separate different functions of each space in a larger room with a statement wall
- “meh” area: if one spot in your space is lacking luster, make it a statement wall. Maybe in the mud room, a smaller wall in the entryway or a hallway.
Inspiration this way…
Prep Steps?
Believe me when I tell you that it’s NOT complicated to apply self-adhesive wallpaper to a wall. I did this wall by myself (with the moral support of my kitty), as the FIRST wall I have ever wallpapered and it took me 4 hours.
Step 1: Clean the wall. Using a gentle soap/water mixture, clean off the surface of the wall you plan to paper over. Dry the walls and (my advice) wait until the next day to apply the wallpaper to make sure the wall is totally dry. This will help with the adhesion of the wallpaper.
Step 2: Measure the length of the wall, from top to bottom.
Step 3: Cut a few long strips (from measurements of step 2) to start out. You will need to re-measure wallpaper strips from the rolls as you are re-lining up the pattern on each new section of all, so do-not-cut all wallpaper strips at once. Use a SHARP exacto knife for any cutting/trimming to be as precise and clean as possible.
Wallpaper Time!
Now that you’ve prepped the space and have wallpaper strips pre-cut, you can begin adhering to your selected accent wall.
Step 1: Starting at one end of the wall at the top, carefully peel back the paper to expose the adhesive side. Place approximately 1/2 inch of the wallpaper onto the ceiling to anchor the strip.
Step 2: Unpeeling several inches at a time, continue to stick to the wall.
Step 3: Once you cover a foot of space, use the wallpaper tool here to secure. Use the hard, plastic side to guide the wallpaper into the corners and up against the molding; use the felt side to smooth out air bubbles.
Step 4: Using the exacto knife, slowly cut against the edge of the wall (as a base) to remove the excess wallpaper.
Take Note…
A few words to the wise with wallpaper do’s & dont’s:
DO order MORE wallpaper than you think you need. Once you start applying the wallpaper and lining up the print, you will need to use more paper. Unfortunately you can’t just peel and stick, peel and stick each frame. Remember you can always return an unused roll.
DO take your time with the exacto knife when cutting around outlets, corners, edges and windows.
DON’T cut all strips of wallpaper at once. Remember you will need to line up the pattern, so you will want to determine WHERE to cut the wallpaper strips once you complete each section of wall.
DON’T think twice if you need to reposition the paper if its off center or not matching up a pattern. That’s the beauty of this – peel/stick, peel/stick… and it still stays.
Little by Little…
Voila. What do you think?
*Soft Surroundings provided the wallpaper for this post, but all opinions are my own.
Love the transformation of this space. Your accent wall adds such a nice pop of color.
I’m glad that you do! It’s such a lovely change in our dining area! And it’s crazy easy too!
Using wallpaper certainly does make a bit g statement. Doesn’t take much to make a big impact not n a wall. Glad to know putting wallpaper up has become easier.
YES! It can transform a room completely! I really enjoyed putting it up, it was a breeze!
That section of the wall looks do different in the before and after, what a difference. I love that the cat was trying to help, mine would do the same.
That’s exactly what I thought. It’s like it’s a new room! I really love how it turned out thanks to Soft Surroundings!
I was talking to a friend a few weeks ago about wallpaper being trendy again and I was like Nooooo. Removing the old-style wallpaper was a nightmare. However, I LOVE the accent wall idea and that this wallpaper is peel and stick. It’s beautiful! You did a great job!
I know, wallpaper used to be a huge headache! I’m so glad that we now have these! It’s nice to have an accent wall. I think it makes a room look so much better. Glad you love what I did!
I just love how this turned out. We might have to do something like this in the living room. The walls are pretty boring.
Thank so much! I think it’s really lovely and I like the idea of having an accent wall. This is a great way to dress up any room in the house!
I love the design of your wallpaper. I have a wall I’d like to turn into a galley wall but I’m a little nervous about applying wallpaper. This looks like it’s simple enough though so I might just go ahead and try it.
Thank you so much! It’s really easy to apply, check out Soft Surroundings for more designs! You might find something that you like.
That is a tremendous and quick transformation. The self-adhesive wallpaper looks so convenient to use. the design and colour are also very decent and subtle and improves the ambience of the room.
RIGHT? That’s why I love it so much. Who knew installing wallpaper would be this fast and easy! I just love how it looks as well.
I love the wallpaper you chose. It is very pretty and makes the room brighter.
Thank you so much! I’m really in love with it and I couldn’t be happier with how it made the room look!
I love the idea of addimg an accent wall. We are renting so I know we can’t do things that are permanent. This wallpaper would be perfect. I love how your wall turned out.
Thank you so much. I think accent walls are great if you want to add life to a room. I’m sure you’re going to love this wallpaper!
I’m so tempted to try these new papers in a powder room and LOVE this print!
It’s really awesome! Check our Soft Surroundings for more designs!
Wow! I love that wallpaper! You did a great job with it. I think I will end up using some wallpaper in our new home. I think I might start in our downstairs bathroom. It needs a little love.
Thank you so much! I love it too! I’m sure you’ll find installing this super easy. Check out Soft Surroundings for more options!
I love the print you chose! I haven’t heard of this sticky back paper. I wonder if it stays up well. I love how sophisticated it looks!
Thank you so much! Me too, until I saw it at Soft Surroundings and now my life has changed! I think it’s amazing!
That’s a beautiful pattern. That’s the pattern I use in my storage area. Your wall looks lovely!
Thank you so much! I just love how it turned out!
That room looks really nice. I have been wanting to wallpaper our living room for some time now. Now I am inspired to do mine.
Thank you so much. I’m sure this wallpaper will make your life easier. It’s so easy to install!
Wow what an easy way to put up a great accent wall! I would love to try this, I have a few walls that are perfect to do this on!
RIGHT? I just love the convenience! I think it’s a game changer and it’s definitely worth getting. Check out Soft Surroundings for more!
Very elegant you have a great taste when it comes to designing your home. I wish I have that talent and plenty of time to do make over for my house. Hopefully soon when I don’t need to work full time.
Thank you so much! It’s not just about talent, it’s finding the right place to shop for the items that you need. Soft Surroundings has been amazing!
What a change! I love the print you chose. It’s absolutely gorgeous. I would love to do something like this in our living room!
Thanks so much! I think it’s lovely as well. I’m sure you’re going to have a much easier time because of the wallpapers from Soft Surroundings.
Wow! The transformation is just incredible! I love that wall paper and will for sure consider doing this when we remodel our kitchen!
Thank you! I just love how it turned out as well. It’s super easy to install. I think it’s going to be a game changer for anyone redecorating their homes!
That make-over is indeed beautiful. It looks more elegant. Before and after photos shows really the big difference. I love it!
Thank you so much, it’s so nice to hear those! I do love the results as well and I think it’s all because of Soft Surroundings!
Seriously!? Peel and stick? No 50 year commitment to a certain color/print? Love the sound of that! I think I’ve just figured out what to do with the wall along my stairs.
YES! Exactly! That’s why I love this wallpaper and it’s so easy to install as well. I just love how it turned out and I’m sure you’re going to love it as well.
I love this! It transformed the space. We’ve been toying with the idea of featuring a wall with wall paper. Thank you for the step by step. I’m going to check out Soft Surroundings!