Wallpapering behind the headboard can be a transformative endeavour, but it requires careful planning and execution. Having advised countless customers over the years, we curated a comprehensive guide filled with expert tips and tricks that tackle the most important DOs and DON’Ts in this context. Whether you're a seasoned DIY enthusiast or a novice looking to embark on your first wallpapering project, we hope you’ll find this list helpful. Let's dive right in!
DOs
- Create a mock layout
Before you pick up that roll of wallpaper, start by creating a mock layout. Take a step back and visualise how the design will interact with your room's furnishings, accessories, and lighting to ensure a harmonious arrangement. - Think about the type and final position of your furniture
Don’t start planning which wallpaper model to buy until you have a clear understanding where your furniture, accessories, and lighting fixtures will be placed. Not going through this process is a rookie mistake as you might end up with an unbalanced design or a piece of furniture hiding the crucial part of a graphic pattern. - Trim with precision
When trimming excess wallpaper, use a very sharp blade and exercise precision. Clean, straight cuts are key to achieving a seamless appearance and a professional-looking finish. A sharp blade makes a big difference! - Plan for outlets and switches
Remember to plan for electrical outlets/plug sockets and switches. This is particularly important in the mock-up layout phase, as ideally you want these to be as unobtrusive as possible in the overall wallpaper design. Cut precise shapes in the wallpaper to accommodate them seamlessly. - Be patient with pattern-matching
Pattern-matching is always one of the trickiest parts of wallpapering, but even more crucial when the result will be in full view behind your headboard. You want to be as accurate as possible, so that they become virtually invisible. Remember: patience is key. Take your time to align the patterns perfectly for a polished end result. - Check the bedroom temperature and be patient when it comes to drying times
The bedroom is a pivotal space in our home, and it is understandable that you’ll want to be done with your decoration project as soon as possible. However, rushing the drying process can lead to creases, air bubbles and seams showing through. To avoid these issues, keep the windows open, avoid direct sunlight, turn down the heating and allow the wallpaper to dry thoroughly according to manufacturer instructions. - Dispose of leftover waste in an appropriate manner
Excess/old wallpaper needs to be disposed of in an environmentally friendly way. Inform yourself on how to dispose of leftover wallpaper and adhesive properly. We all need to do our part! - Keep a log of wallpaper information
Keeping the label of your wallpaper roll is always a good idea. As an alternative, maintain a record of your wallpaper information, including the pattern name, lot number, and manufacturer. This will be invaluable for future reference or if you need to order another roll for some repairs in the future. - Keep an extra roll in storage
Keeping an extra roll from the same batch in storage is a wise move. This ensures that you have a matching replacement in case of damage or future touch-ups, as rolls from different batches might have slight colour variations. - Maintain a wallpaper kit
Put together a wallpaper maintenance kit with leftover scraps, adhesive, and any necessary tools. It will come in handy for minor repairs. - Regularly check for peeling
Keep an eye out for any peeling or lifting of the wallpaper. Promptly address any issues to maintain the integrity of your design. The longer you wait, the higher the risk that your repair attempts will be visible.
DON’Ts
- Don't neglect the headboard's position
The position of the headboard is key for a successful result. Ensure it is properly positioned against the wall before starting the wallpaper installation. Mark its position against the wall before starting with the mock-up planning. This prevents misalignment or the headboard covering the wallpaper motif. - Don't skimp on preparation
Properly preparing the headboard wall is crucial. Check the wall with great care and take notice of its texture as it might require extra work. Never skip the important step of cleaning, smoothing, and priming the surface to ensure the best adhesion and finish. - Don't forget to cover the headboard and the rest of the furnishings
Cover and protect the headboard and any nearby furniture with dust sheets or protective plastic foil to prevent damage or staining during the wallpaper installation process. - Take your time around wall features
When wallpapering around features such as wall-mounted lights or shelves, always take your time. Carefully cut the wallpaper to fit these features exactly. Avoid rushing to ensure a neat and professional look. - Don't neglect sealing edges
After wallpapering, make sure to seal the edges properly. Use a seam roller to ensure that the edges adhere securely to the wall as this will prevent peeling over time.