Transforming an old piece of furniture with wallpaper is a popular and creative way to update its look, adding character and a unique touch to your home decor.
How to Add Wallpaper to Furniture?
Adding wallpaper to furniture is a straightforward DIY project that can dramatically change the appearance of a dresser, table, bookshelf, or even drawer fronts. The key to a successful application lies in thorough preparation and careful execution.
Essential Materials and Tools
Before you begin, gather all necessary items to ensure a smooth process:
- Wallpaper: Choose a pattern and material suitable for your project. Peel-and-stick wallpaper is often recommended for beginners due to its ease of application and removal.
- Measuring Tape or Ruler: For precise measurements of both furniture and wallpaper.
- Pencil: For marking cuts.
- Utility Knife or Craft Knife: A sharp blade is crucial for clean, straight cuts.
- Cutting Mat (Optional): Protects your work surface when cutting wallpaper.
- Smoothing Tool or Squeegee: To eliminate air bubbles and ensure adhesion.
- Scissors: For initial rough cuts.
- Sanding Paper (fine-grit): To create a smooth surface for adhesion.
- Cleaning Supplies: Mild detergent, water, and cloths.
- Primer (Optional but Recommended): Especially for porous or painted surfaces, it enhances adhesion and prevents pattern bleed-through.
- Wallpaper Adhesive (if using traditional unpasted wallpaper): A roller or brush for application.
- Sealer/Topcoat (Optional): A clear coat (e.g., polyurethane) can protect the wallpaper, especially for high-traffic pieces.
Step-by-Step Guide to Wallpapering Furniture
Follow these steps for a professional-looking finish:
1. Prepare the Furniture Surface
A clean, smooth, and dry surface is essential for good adhesion.
- Clean: Thoroughly clean the furniture piece to remove any dust, grime, or oils. A mild detergent and water solution works well. Allow it to dry completely.
- Sand: Lightly sand the surface with fine-grit sandpaper. This creates a slight texture, helping the wallpaper adhere better. Wipe away all sanding dust.
- Prime (Recommended): Apply a coat of primer, especially if the furniture is painted, glossy, or made of laminate. Primer helps seal the surface and provides a uniform base, preventing the furniture's original color from showing through light-colored wallpaper. Let the primer dry completely according to manufacturer instructions.
2. Measure and Cut the Wallpaper
Precision in this step is crucial for a seamless look.
- Measure the Furniture: Accurately measure the dimensions of the furniture surface you intend to cover (e.g., a drawer front, tabletop, or back panel).
- Measure and Cut Wallpaper: Once you have the precise dimensions, measure and cut your chosen wallpaper piece to fit these dimensions. It's often helpful to add a small allowance (about 1/2 inch) on all sides for trimming. This gives you a margin for error and allows for perfectly straight edges.
3. Apply Wallpaper (Peel-and-Stick)
Peel-and-stick wallpaper is generally the easiest for furniture projects:
- Start at One Edge: Align one edge of your cut wallpaper with the corresponding edge of the furniture surface.
- Slowly Peel and Adhere: Begin by peeling back a small portion of the wallpaper's backing paper (about 2-3 inches). Carefully press the exposed adhesive side onto the furniture, aligning it perfectly.
- Smooth as You Go: Gradually peel more of the backing paper while simultaneously smoothing the wallpaper onto the surface using your squeegee or smoothing tool. Work from the center outwards to push out any air bubbles. If a bubble forms, gently lift the wallpaper and re-smooth.
4. Apply Wallpaper (Traditional Unpasted)
If you're using traditional unpasted wallpaper:
- Apply Adhesive: Apply an even, thin layer of wallpaper paste directly to the furniture surface using a roller or brush. Work in sections if covering a large area, ensuring the adhesive doesn't dry before you apply the wallpaper.
- Position and Smooth: Carefully place the cut wallpaper onto the pasted surface, aligning it precisely. Use your smoothing tool to gently press out air bubbles and ensure full contact.
5. Trim Excess Wallpaper
Achieving clean edges is essential for a professional finish.
- Use a Sharp Knife: Once the wallpaper is applied and smooth, use a sharp utility knife or craft knife to carefully trim any excess wallpaper along the edges of the furniture. A straightedge can help guide your knife for a clean line.
- Clean Edges: For internal corners or cutouts (like for drawer pulls), make precise cuts with your utility knife.
6. Finish and Seal (Optional)
For added durability and protection, especially on high-traffic furniture pieces like tabletops or drawer fronts, consider a clear protective finish:
- Apply Sealer: Once the wallpaper adhesive has fully cured (refer to adhesive instructions for drying times), apply a thin, even coat of a clear, water-based polyurethane or decoupage sealer. Apply multiple thin coats for best results, allowing each coat to dry completely.
Tips for Success
- Work Slowly and Patiently: Rushing can lead to bubbles, wrinkles, or misaligned patterns.
- Use a Sharp Blade: A dull blade can tear the wallpaper, resulting in messy edges. Change blades frequently.
- Consider Patterns: For intricate patterns, practice aligning before final application, especially if working with multiple panels.
- Test Adhesion: If unsure, test a small, inconspicuous piece of wallpaper on the furniture surface a few days before the main project to ensure good adhesion.
- Clean Up Immediately: Wipe away any excess adhesive before it dries.
Common Issues and Solutions
| Issue | Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Air Bubbles | Uneven application, trapped air | Gently lift the wallpaper near the bubble and re-smooth it out. For small, stubborn bubbles, prick them with a fine pin and smooth out the air. |
| Wrinkles or Creases | Improper handling, wallpaper stretched | Carefully lift the affected section of wallpaper and gently reapply it, smoothing as you go. Be careful not to stretch the wallpaper when repositioning. |
| Misaligned Pattern | Incorrect initial placement | If caught early, gently peel back the wallpaper and reposition. For dried adhesive, it might be challenging to correct without damaging the paper. Consider if the misalignment is noticeable enough to warrant starting over, especially with forgiving patterns. |
| Peeling Edges | Insufficient adhesion, dusty surface | Ensure the surface is thoroughly clean and primed. For existing peeling, apply a small amount of strong craft glue or wallpaper paste under the edge and press down firmly. Apply a sealer to edges for extra protection. |
By following these guidelines, you can beautifully personalize your furniture pieces with wallpaper, creating custom decor that reflects your style.
