Yes, you can absolutely wallpaper drawers, and it's a fantastic way to add personality, protection, and a touch of elegance to often-overlooked spaces. Indeed, wallpaper is frequently used as a stylish and protective drawer liner. In fact, small spaces like desk or dresser drawers are considered ideal canvases to experiment with bright and bold peel and stick wallpaper patterns, allowing you to infuse personality without overwhelming an entire room.
Why Wallpaper Drawers? The Benefits
Wallpapering the inside of your drawers offers a range of advantages beyond just aesthetics. It's a clever way to enhance both the look and functionality of your furniture.
- Aesthetic Enhancement: Transform dull, plain drawer interiors into vibrant, stylish focal points that complement your decor or offer a delightful surprise.
- Surface Protection: A wallpaper liner acts as a barrier, protecting the original drawer surface from scratches, scuffs, spills, and general wear and tear caused by items placed inside.
- Easy Customization: Personalize your furniture to reflect your unique style without committing to a full room renovation. It's a low-cost, high-impact update.
- Conceal Imperfections: Easily cover up existing stains, discoloration, or minor damage within old or used drawers, giving them a fresh, new look.
- Scent Control: Some wallpapers, especially those with vinyl coatings, can help prevent odors from permeating the wood or furniture material.
Choosing the Right Wallpaper for Your Drawers
While various types of wallpaper exist, some are better suited for drawer applications than others. The key is ease of application, durability, and removability, especially if you anticipate changing your design in the future.
Popular Wallpaper Types for Drawers
- Peel and Stick Wallpaper: This is by far the most recommended option for drawer lining.
- Pros: Extremely easy to apply (no paste needed), self-adhesive, simple to remove without damaging surfaces, available in a vast array of patterns and textures.
- Cons: Can be pricier per roll than traditional wallpaper; might not adhere perfectly to heavily textured or unfinished wood.
- Traditional Wallpaper: Requires a separate adhesive (paste) for application.
- Pros: Often more affordable per roll, a wider range of high-end textures and materials available.
- Cons: More permanent and difficult to remove, application can be messy and challenging for beginners, requires specific tools for pasting.
- Vinyl Wallpaper (Paste-Free): Some vinyl wallpapers come pre-pasted or are designed for specific paste applications, offering a durable surface.
- Pros: Highly durable, moisture-resistant, and easy to clean, making it suitable for kitchen or bathroom drawers.
- Cons: Less flexible than peel and stick, can be harder to cut precisely.
Essential Tools and Materials
Before you begin, gather these items to ensure a smooth and successful wallpapering project:
- Wallpaper of Choice: Peel and stick is highly recommended.
- Measuring Tape or Ruler: For precise measurements.
- Pencil: For marking cuts.
- Scissors or Utility Knife: A sharp utility knife provides cleaner edges.
- Cutting Mat (Optional but Recommended): Protects your work surface.
- Smoother/Squeegee: To remove air bubbles and ensure even adhesion.
- Damp Cloth: For cleaning drawers and smoothing wallpaper.
- Screwdriver (if removing drawer pulls): For easier access.
Step-by-Step Guide to Wallpapering Drawers
Wallpapering drawers is a straightforward DIY project that can be completed in a few simple steps.
- Prepare the Drawers:
- Remove drawers from the furniture piece.
- Remove any drawer pulls or hardware using a screwdriver.
- Thoroughly clean the inside of the drawers with a damp cloth and mild soap. Ensure they are completely dry before proceeding.
- For unfinished wood, you might consider a thin coat of primer or sealer for better adhesion and a smoother finish.
- Measure and Cut:
- Measure the length and width of the inside bottom of each drawer.
- Carefully unroll your wallpaper and, using your measurements, mark the cutting lines on the back (non-adhesive side) of the wallpaper.
- Cut the wallpaper pieces using sharp scissors or a utility knife. For a perfect fit, you may want to cut slightly smaller (1/16th inch) than the exact measurement to allow for easy placement without forcing.
- Apply the Wallpaper (Peel and Stick Method):
- Peel back a small section of the backing paper (about 2-3 inches) from one edge of your wallpaper piece.
- Carefully align the exposed adhesive edge with one corner or side of the drawer bottom.
- Slowly and gradually peel off more of the backing paper while simultaneously pressing the wallpaper down and smoothing it out with your squeegee or a clean, dry cloth. Work from the center outwards to push out any air bubbles.
- If you encounter bubbles, gently lift the wallpaper and reapply, or use a pin to poke a tiny hole and smooth the air out.
- Trim any excess wallpaper carefully with a utility knife, running it along the edges of the drawer.
- Reassemble:
- Once all wallpaper pieces are applied and smoothed, replace any drawer pulls or hardware.
- Slide the drawers back into your furniture.
Creative Ideas for Drawer Wallpapering
The possibilities for transforming your drawers are endless!
- Contrast and Pop: Use a bright, bold pattern inside a drawer of a neutral-colored dresser for a hidden burst of color and personality.
- Cohesive Design: Match the drawer liner wallpaper to a subtle accent wall or existing decor elements in the room for a pulled-together look.
- Thematic Design: Choose patterns that reflect the drawer's contents—e.g., whimsical patterns for a child's toy drawer, elegant floral for a jewelry drawer, or geometric for an office desk.
- Multi-Drawer Display: Use different but complementary patterns for each drawer in a chest for a unique, eclectic feel.
- Protect Special Items: Line drawers holding delicate items like silver, textiles, or photos with a soft-textured wallpaper for added protection.
By carefully selecting your wallpaper and following these steps, you can easily elevate your furniture and organize your belongings with style.
