Yes, absolutely! Wallpapering a wall with a window is not only possible but a common DIY project that anyone can accomplish with the right approach and tools.
While the thought of navigating corners and tricky angles around a window might initially make the task seem daunting, or even like a job best left to professionals, this is not the case. With a systematic approach and the proper equipment, transforming a room with wallpaper around its windows is entirely manageable, allowing you to achieve a polished and stylish finish.
Essential Tools for Wallpapering Around Windows
Having the correct tools on hand is crucial for a smooth and precise installation, especially when dealing with the intricacies of a window frame.
| Tool | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Utility Knife | For sharp, precise cuts along edges and frames. Keep spare blades handy. |
| Smoothing Tool | A wallpaper smoother or brush to eliminate air bubbles and creases. |
| Seam Roller | To ensure wallpaper seams are flat and well-adhered. |
| Measuring Tape | For accurate measurements of wallpaper strips and wall sections. |
| Straight Edge/Ruler | Guides for making perfectly straight cuts with the utility knife. |
| Pencil | For marking cut lines on the wallpaper. |
| Wallpaper Paste | If your wallpaper isn't pre-pasted or self-adhesive. |
| Sponge/Cloth | For wiping away excess paste and cleaning surfaces. |
| Stepladder | To safely reach higher sections above the window. |
Step-by-Step Guide to Wallpapering Around a Window
Wallpapering around a window primarily involves careful measurement, strategic cutting, and precise trimming.
1. Preparation and First Strips
- Prepare the Wall: Ensure the wall is clean, dry, and smooth. Remove any old wallpaper, fill holes, and prime if necessary for optimal adhesion.
- Measure and Cut: Measure the height of your wall and cut your first wallpaper strips, allowing for a few inches of excess at the top and bottom.
- Apply the First Strip: Begin wallpapering from a corner of the room, typically away from the window, working your way towards it. This ensures your initial strips are straight and well-aligned.
2. Approaching and Overlapping the Window
- Overlap the Window: When you reach a strip that overlaps the window, apply it directly over the window frame and glass, ensuring it adheres well to the wall area surrounding the window. Don't worry about the window opening itself at this stage.
- Smooth and Secure: Use your smoothing tool to press the wallpaper firmly against the wall, working out any air bubbles.
3. Making Relief Cuts
- Identify Window Edges: With the wallpaper covering the window, you'll see the outline of the window frame underneath.
- Make Diagonal Cuts: Carefully use your utility knife to make diagonal cuts from the outer edges of the wallpaper inward, towards the four inner corners of the window frame. These are known as relief cuts and allow the wallpaper to separate and lie flat around the frame. You can find detailed visual guides on making relief cuts for wallpaper online.
4. Trimming and Finishing
- Trim Excess: Once the relief cuts are made, the wallpaper will pull away from the window opening. Use your sharp utility knife and a straight edge to meticulously trim the excess wallpaper along the inside edge of the window frame. For a clean finish, aim to cut exactly where the wall meets the window trim.
- Smooth Edges: Smooth down all the newly trimmed edges and any areas around the window frame with your smoothing tool to ensure good adhesion. Use a seam roller where necessary to flatten any joins.
- Continue Around: Repeat this process for subsequent strips of wallpaper that encounter the window, whether it's the top, bottom, or other side. Pay close attention to pattern matching if your wallpaper has a design to ensure continuity.
Pro Tips for a Flawless Finish
- Sharp Blades are Key: Always use a fresh, sharp blade in your utility knife. Dull blades can tear the paper, leading to jagged edges.
- Measure Twice, Cut Once: This old adage holds true for wallpapering. Double-check all measurements before making your cuts.
- Overlap and Trim: It's always better to cut a piece slightly larger than needed and trim the excess precisely.
- Patience is a Virtue: Take your time, especially around the window. Rushing can lead to mistakes.
- Clean Up Excess Paste: Immediately wipe away any excess wallpaper paste with a damp sponge to prevent it from drying on the wallpaper surface.
Common Challenges and Solutions
- Bubbles or Wrinkles: Use your smoothing tool to work bubbles towards the nearest edge. For stubborn bubbles, a tiny pinprick can allow trapped air to escape, then smooth it down.
- Uneven Cuts: Take a deep breath and slow down. Always use a straight edge as a guide for your utility knife. If a cut is slightly uneven, you might be able to conceal it with caulk if it's against the window frame, or carefully patch with a small piece of matching wallpaper.
- Pattern Mismatch: Plan your cuts carefully, especially when starting a new strip near the window. Sometimes, you may need to sacrifice a small amount of wallpaper to ensure the pattern aligns seamlessly.
Wallpapering around a window is a rewarding part of any DIY decorating project. With a methodical approach and the right tools, you can achieve professional-looking results that enhance your room's aesthetic.
