How do I wallpaper a chimney breast?

Dear Alfhild,
Wallpapering your chimney breast is not only possible, but one of the most frequent queries we get from our customers. Fireplaces have always been the focal point of family life, the place where everyone gathers to warm up and chat. Even today, they retain a central position in many living rooms, and it makes perfect sense to incorporate them in the room design by using a matching wallpaper. However, a few considerations are important before embarking on such a redecoration project:

Why should I wallpaper my chimney breast?

The chimney breast is an often-overlooked décor element that holds immense potential. It stands out, much like a feature wall, and can be the focal point to transform your living room. I can think of a few good reasons to wallpaper it:

• It seamlessly conceals imperfections and blemishes
  Many chimneys, especially in older homes, show their age via imperfections and blemishes that can range from cracks to discolouration, marring the overall look of the room. Wallpaper provides an effective camouflage quality to cover these flaws.

• It’s a high-impact solution that doesn’t cost a fortune
  Compared to the cost of a full renovation, giving your chimney breast a makeover with wallpaper is a far more affordable solution that nevertheless yields excellent results.

Which wallpaper material is suitable for wallpapering chimneys?

Chimney surfaces present unique challenges: exposure to heat, dirt, and even smoke. Not all wallpapers are suitable, and the choice of the right material is more important than for a standard wall, as they need to withstand these conditions while maintaining their aesthetic qualities.

• Look for fire rating classification and certification
  If your chimney is still in use, safety needs to be your top priority. Look in the wallpaper descriptions for models with the classification “Low flammability”. These wallpapers are impregnated with a component that prevents them from catching fire quickly and makes them self-extinguish.
• Choose non-woven wallpaper models
  Among the various options available, I recommend non-woven wallpaper materials for decorating chimney breasts. This material will remain stable even in the presence of heat and is resistant to wear and tear, making it a good choice for areas where logs and tools are frequently moved around. Furthermore, non-woven wallpapers are easy to clean, a definite plus for chimney breasts as they are prone to dirt, ashes, and other debris.

How do I prepare to wallpaper my chimney?

Before diving head-first into the wallpapering process, you need to decide which section of the chimney should be decorated. The chimney breast, often the most visible part, is a popular choice, but the area around the fireplace can also be a captivating focal point. Your choice will determine the wallpaper design you choose and the overall ambiance of the room.

• Assess the surface type and condition of your chimney
  Whether your chimney is made of brick, stone, or plaster, each material requires specific preparation techniques. I also recommend that you check the surface for cracks, unevenness and dampness, as these factors will influence your wallpaper application method. For more in-depth information on how to prep different surfaces, read our instructions How to prepare the wallpapering surface.
• Clean, repair and prime the surface
  Fireplaces generate a substantial amount of dirt, so you need to start by thoroughly cleaning the surface, removing any dirt, soot and other residues. Repair minor cracks and imperfections with appropriate fillers, ensuring a smooth base for the wallpaper. I also recommend applying a high-quality primer designed for your specific chimney material to enhance adhesion and create a stable surface for the wallpaper.
• Carefully measure and divide sections
  Achieving symmetry and balance is crucial for a professional look. Use a plumb line to find the centre of your chimney breast. Divide it into equal sections, marking them clearly. This step is important for ensuring your wallpaper pattern aligns perfectly.

Where is the best place to start wallpapering a chimney?

How you divide the surface of the chimney depends on the design of the wallpaper you picked. If it features a large motif, I suggest you centralise the pattern in the middle of the chimney breast, while for those models with small-scale or no patterns you can opt for dividing the surface into two halves. In these cases, starting at the centre of the chimney breast is not as important. Remember that precision is the secret ingredient for great results!

Wallpapers with large motifs

If you have picked a wallpaper with a large, prominent motif, it is best to place it at the very centre of the chimney breast. By starting from the middle, you ensure that the pattern is evenly distributed on both sides, creating a symmetric look.

1. Measure your chimney breast and draw a line to mark where the centre is, then create a new plumb line half the width of the wallpaper to the left of the centre (for standard-size wallpaper, this is around 26 cm, or 10 inches).
2. Make sure that the first length of wallpaper you cut shows the most noticeable part of the pattern.
3. Remember that every wallpaper design has a different repeating point, so check how your model repeats before cutting and marking. For more information on this topic, check my answer to the question: “What is a wallpaper repeat?”.
4. The first length of wallpaper needs to be centred on the chimney breast, following the left line you drew.
5. You can now install the lengths to the left and to the right of the first strip, going around the external corners and into the internal corners.
6. Continue wallpapering until you have covered the entire chimney breast.

Wallpapers with small or no motifs

If you have opted for a model with a small or no pattern, a better option is to have the seams right in the middle. This is how you should proceed:

1. Start by measuring your chimney breast and draw a line to mark the centre.
2. Place the first length of wallpaper to the left of the plumbline you created.
3. Place a second length to the right of the plumbline.
4. Once the central part of the chimney breast is covered, you can continue putting up the remaining strips.

Should I use plain or patterned wallpaper for my chimney?

The choice of design depends on both your personal sense of style and how experienced you are in terms of DIY decoration. Large, repeating patterns can be visually stunning, but they require meticulous alignment. This task becomes even more challenging on the uneven surface of a chimney with its textures and imperfections. Applying wallpaper with intricate patterns can lead to distortion, making it appear stretched or skewed. As an alternative you could choose a wallpaper that looks like actual materials, e.g. stone, brick or wood effect wallpaper. They often are incredibly close to the real thing and are far easier to install.

Can I wallpaper the inside of a fireplace?

Absolutely! The notion of wallpapering the inside of a fireplace might seem unconventional, yet it's a trend gaining momentum. This bold choice can transform a (non-functional!) fireplace into a stunning focal point. Make sure that the surface is clean and primed, following the same recommendations as above. Also bear in mind that the uneven and irregular quality of many interior fireplace walls might require some cutting-to-size and adjustments to the strips, so I would not recommend it unless you are already experienced in installing wallpaper.

How long does it take to wallpaper a chimney breast?

Giving an exact estimate is not easy as many factors come into play, from the size and shape of your chimney breast to the pattern type of your chosen wallpaper and your own DIY abilities. As a ballpark figure, you can expect the task to take between 2 and 4 hours.

Can I use Peel & Stick wallpaper on a fireplace?

Convenient and mess-free, peel & stick wallpaper is constantly gaining popularity. However, when it comes to chimneys this particular type of wall décor must be approached with caution. If your fireplace is non-functional, you can use peel & stick wallpaper without worrying, as long as the surface is smooth and clean. However, if you are dealing with an active fireplace, I would not recommend it, as the heat can affect the adhesive strength of its backing, potentially leading to peeling.

How should I maintain my chimney breast wallpaper in good condition?

The unique location of chimney breast wallpaper demands specific maintenance strategies, especially if the fireplace is in use:

• Regular dusting and cleaning: Active fireplaces are prone to accumulating dust and sooth. Make it a habit to dust regularly with a soft microfiber cloth or a vacuum cleaner with a soft brush attachment.
• Immediate spot cleaning: In the event of a stain or spill appearing on the wallpaper, address it immediately by gently blotting the area with a clean damp cloth.
• Deal with wear and tear: Moving logs or working with fireplace tools might result in small tear appearing on the wallpaper surface. To find out how to deal with this issue, head to our article How to repair damaged wallpaper on the wall.

Your wallpaper expert
Isabel