Are you looking for an easy, high-impact DIY project that can instantly inject personality and warmth into any space? Installing wallpaper is one of the most transformative updates you can tackle! It's a project that can entirely refresh a room—even in just one afternoon—especially when focusing on a single focal wall.
Over the years, I've experimented with several types of wall coverings. I've happily used the super convenient peel-and-stick wallpaper (like the projects in my family room built-in and my son's bedroom) and even installed pre-pasted beadboard wallpaper for a textured look in the kitchen.
But for this latest project, an exciting makeover for my niece's bedroom here in Colombia, South America, we opted for something different: non-woven wallpaper.
I’ve been down here for several weeks now, and, as usual, I can't resist a good DIY opportunity! When one of my sisters asked me to help upgrade her young adult daughter’s bedroom (the one you see pictured below), I immediately jumped at the chance!
Ready to see how we used non-woven wallpaper to create a stunning, stylish focal point? Let's dive into this simple, yet dramatic, bedroom wallpaper install!
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My sister told me that she first tried to warm up the room by creating a geometric accent wall.
The blue was a great pop of color, but she noticed the headboard's color clashed with it.
Enter here: Non-woven wallpaper. The only affordable option I found here in Bogotá was at the big-box store (Home Center). I searched for peel-and-stick wallpaper but found nothing. :/
I was a bit scared to install this type of wallpaper because I've never done it before.
Mixing this powder adhesive with water and then spreading it on the back of the paper before installing it on the wall was something new to me and to my two nephews, who were helping me with this project.
Guess what? It was EASY!
No worries, you can do it too, and I'm here to guide you step by step!
THE MATERIALS AND TOOLS YOU'LL NEED:
- Wallpaper - Non-woven
- Wallpaper adhesive
- X-Acto knife
- Wallpaper scraper
- Laser Level
- Pencil
- Scissors
- Brush
- Roller
For this wall, about 8' x 10', I used two rolls of wallpaper and one bag of powder adhesive.
Did you know that non-woven wallpaper is a relatively new type of wallpaper, with fibers arranged in a directional or random pattern?
Unlike its woven counterpart, which is backed with fabric, non-woven wallpaper is backed with paper. The paper's surface has been sprayed or coated with an acrylic coating, and the pretty patterns are printed on it.
The mix of synthetic and natural fibers, the same fibers used to make coffee filters and tea bags, makes them an excellent choice because they're perfect for digital printing and offer more design or pattern options. Non-woven wallpaper is tear-resistant and washable. It is made of breathable materials that help prevent mold. It's easy to install and remove, and you can even remove the wallpaper from one wall and install it on another!
Do you need more reasons to install non-woven wallpaper?!! :D
DIRECTIONS:
1. CLEAN THE WALL(S)
The first task after measuring and getting your materials and supplies is to remove everything from the wall, patch any holes or gaps, and dust the wall.
Remember that nothing will stick to a dusty surface. Remove grime or dust from the walls.
2. DRAW A LEVEL LINE
We used a laser level to draw a vertical leveled line on our wall. Even though we were only going to cover one wall, we didn't trust starting in the corner without making sure that the corner line was level.
We started the installation in the left corner. However, if you're also covering only one wall, I recommend making the level line in the center of the wall and centering the first length of paper on it.
3. MEASURE & CUT THE STRIPS OF WALLPAPER
I measured the wall's height and added 5 extra inches. I went ahead and cut five strips of paper. The wallpaper we used had a repeat pattern that matched perfectly from top to bottom, so it was easy to cut all the strips, and we didn't have much leftover.
If your wallpaper has a much more intricate design, it is better to install one strip at a time, cutting the next strip as you go.
4. MIX THE ADHESIVE
Follow the manufacturer's instructions for mixing the adhesive. The one we used is a starch-based powder adhesive mixed with 2.5 liters of water.
The mixture turned really thick, really quickly. I was worried about the sticky beads that didn't dissolve, but after applying the adhesive I found out they weren't a problem at all.
5. APPLY THE ADHESIVE TO THE WALLPAPER
6. FOLD IN THE ENDS OF THE WALLPAPER FOR BOOKING
Once the entire surface of the paper was coated with adhesive, I grabbed the ends and folded them toward the center. With both ends meeting in the center, the paper was folded once more, turning each strip of paper into a "book". This "booking" of the wallpaper prevents the adhesive from drying out.
7. INSTALL THE WALLPAPER
Installing the wallpaper was my nephew Julian's job. He took it like no one's business!
The corner where he started the installation was leveled, so he took it from there. He made sure to flatten the paper and remove any air bubbles.
A scraper is one of the main tools you'll need when installing wallpaper. We didn't use the right tool for the job; the scraper we used was a metal one, which is too sharp and can tear up the paper. For wallpaper installation, it is better to use a plastic one.
However, the installation went on very smoothly. He left about 2 extra inches of paper at the top and bottom of the wall to be trimmed later. Remember that walls and/or ceilings aren't entirely straight.
Follow the pattern when installing the next lengths of paper and use the scraper to smooth it out.
I booked the paper really fast, and it looked like it dried a bit before the boys finished the previous strips. They used a small roller to apply adhesive to the wall.
We were also installing a center light here.
10. USE AN X-ACTO KNIFE TO GET RID OF EXCESS WALLPAPER
We waited until the entire wall was finished before trimming the excess wallpaper. Using the same straight edge of the scraper worked perfectly to keep a sharp line. Remember to cut the paper on the opposite side, where the scrapper is not facing the wall.
Well, my friends, here is a peek at how this room is turning out. I LOVE this wallpaper. We got rid of that blue geometric wall that was making the room look smaller.
The wallpaper, instead, gives the room a more open and glamorous look. Don't you agree?!
Stay tuned for the reveal of this bedroom that belongs to my beautiful young niece, Paula. ❤️
UPDATE: Check the reveal of this bedroom makeover right HERE.
*This post contains affiliate links.
It looks amazing, great tip on the paper.
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