Clever Ways With Wallpaper

If you thought wallpaper was just for walls, then think again. We’ve fallen down the Pinterest hole and found some of the best alternative ways to use wallpaper in the home

Framed Wallpaper

If you’re renting or simply don’t want to commit wallpaper to wall, you can still create a stylish look by using picture frames carefully lined with wallpaper.

This is a great way to incorporate lots an array of patterns and colours to pep up a tired wall with minimum fuss.

It also means you won’t have to fork out for a whole roll of wallpaper and can use samples or even end of line discounted rolls instead or perhaps you’ve got some old wallpaper lying around that you’re not sure what to do with. Well hey presto, now you do.

Simply choose your frames (as few or as many as you like, different shapes and sizes), line them with your wallpapers, put the frame together and hang on your chosen wall. 

Super stylish yet super easy too!

Wallpapered Shelves

Wallpapering the backs of shelves isn’t exactly a new idea but it’s one we really like and a great way to add pattern and colour to a bookcase, wall hung shelves or a small unit.

It’s quick and easy too, which is great if you don’t want to spend too long on your updates.

So, you simply choose the wallpaper you like, grab you love, cut it to size for your chosen style of shelves, apply to the back using wallpaper paste or adhesive (you can give it a coat of varnish for extra protection if you wish) and fill your shelves with your chosen bits and bobs.

Wallpaper on Doors

Yet another way to incorporate wallpaper into your scheme without papering your walls, is to paper your doors instead.

Ideally, you’ll need panelled doors (although flat doors do work, you just need to make sure you carefully wrap the paper around the edges) as these are the easiest to paper.

As with the stairs and cabinets, you’ll need to cut your chosen paper to size and then apply it using a strong glue. Once in place, a quick layer of varnish will keep the paper protected. You can then leave the doors their original colour or paint them the same shade as an accent colour from you wallpaper pattern for a really smart look.

This look isn’t just preserved for room doors; you could try kitchen units or wardrobe doors too.

Wallpaper Cabinet

Like a fancy jacket lining, wallpapering the inside of a cabinet, cupboard or dresser, is a great way to add a pop of colour and pattern to your scheme without having to have it on show all the time.

Again, this look is really east to achieve. You just need to measure out your wallpaper, attach it to the back, sides and doors of the cabinet and finish the edges with a quick lick of varnish to prevent any curling or peeling. 

We love that this super understated chic dresser has been lined with such a bold pattern and colour. You could try numerous combinations such as a really contemporary cabinet with a chintz or traditional floral wallpaper or conversely a classic cabinet with a modern geometric print.

Wallpapered Stairs

We know this might seem a little out there and if we’re honest, this is a bit of a wildcard BUT after lots of Pinterest research, we got on board with the idea more and more.

If you have wooden stairs that are in good condition, wallpapering them is a great way to transform them. 

You start by painting your staircase in your chosen colour – the risers and the treads and then you need to measure the width and height of the risers. This is the back bit of the stairs.

Once measured, cut your wallpaper panels to fit and carefully attach the wallpaper to the riser using wallpaper paste or a stronger adhesive if you prefer, press the wallpaper into place and finish with a coat or two of varnish to protect the wallpaper.