How to wallpaper around a window
Getting ready to put up wallpaper around a window frame? Follow our 7-step guide for best results.
"Either that wallpaper goes, or I do." So, they say, were the last words of the poet and playwright Oscar Wilde. An extreme reaction, for sure – but who among us hasn't looked at a wallpaper job and thought, "There's room for improvement"?
It's not just a case of designs and patterns, either. It's also that DIY wallpapering can result in some shonky results – especially if the wallpaper has been applied around a window.
Wallpapering around a window isn't easy. If you're not good with your hands, it can feel like an afternoon spent in one of the outer circles of Hades.
The challenge is twofold: one, getting the cuts right so they fit smoothly around the frame and, if there is one, inside the recess. Wallpaper has a habit of twisting out of shape. At times, you can feel like you're trying to straighten out a live serpent.
The second challenge is getting the pattern to match up.
Of course, there are patterns and there are
patterns. Geometric shapes will be easier to match up than, say, a carnival of goat-men in a Bavarian forest.
The fact of the matter is that wallpapering around a window can be tricky if you've not done it before. If you get through our guide and still feel confident, get a professional in. But if you're up for learning a new skill with all the trial, error and tears that involves, here's how to do it.
Know your window
Before you reach for the wallpaper and scissors, you need to know your window.
The main reason for this is simple: the world is full of windows that are off-plumb (not exactly vertical) or not quite square. This can make it difficult to line up the different pieces of wallpaper.
It can also affect your choice of pattern. If the window is off-plumb, some patterns may not line up just right. Somewhat counterintuitively, you may want to go for a busy pattern as it can be easier to conceal a mismatch than with simple lines and geometric shapes.
Finally, you need to know if your window has a recess or not. If it does, the method will be slightly different.
What you need
- Craft knife or large scissors
- Wallpaper paste
- Wallpaper brush
- Spirit level or laser level
- A pencil
- Patience!
Step one: get the wall ready
If there are any gaps or imperfections in your walls, you'll need to fill them up with vinyl spackling paste or poly filler. You can also use sandpaper to smooth down any bumps.
Step two: find your starting point
Take a full roll of wallpaper and hold it horizontally from the right-hand side of the window. Place the mid-point on the edge of the frame and mark on the wall with a pencil where the wallpaper will sit.
Next, place the roll next to the pencil mark. Observe where each roll will drop at the corners. Use a spirit level or laser level to mark a level vertical line across the top of the window.
Then let the roll drop in front of the window on the right-hand side. Cut the wallpaper at the top and bottom of the recess. For this, you can use a pair of scissors or a craft knife. You should be left with a flap of paper that can be folded inwards. Fold this flap inwards and trim the wallpaper to meet the frame. Stick it in place with wallpaper paste.
Note: this last step only applies if you have a recess. If you don't, follow the steps above but cut off the excess rather than folding it inwards.
Step three: hang the second piece
Repeat step two on the left-hand side.
Step four: fill the gap
If you're using patterned wallpaper, this is where it can get tricky.
Imagine a shirt with a zig-zag pattern. Most people would want the patch pocket to match the lines of the shirt rather than clash with them. Some people like a bit of wonkiness. The same principle applies here.
There'll now be a gap between the first and second drops that needs filling in. Measure the gap between each side and cut out a piece of wallpaper. Paste it in between the two above the window, taking care to match the pattern. Trim any excess where the paper meets the window frame.
Remember that if your window is off-plumb or not quite square, you may have trouble matching them exactly. In this case, it can be advisable to use a busy pattern that will conceal the mismatch.
Step five: tackle the bottom
You now need to apply a piece of wallpaper from the bottom of the window down to the skirting board.
Step six: tidying up
Now your wallpaper is hung, smooth it out with the brush, dabbing in any bumps, ridges or other imperfections.
Step seven: step back and admire your handiwork
Congratulations! You've successfully wallpapered around a window. Time for a cup of tea…
Fun fact
Did you know that wallpaper was taxed between 1712 and 1836? Introduced by Queen Anne, the tax started at one penny per square yard, rising to one shilling in 1809. People got around the tax by buying plain paper and stencilling patterns by hand.
Conclusion
So there you have it – your seven-step guide to wallpapering around a window.
Perhaps the biggest challenge faced by DIY window wallpaperers is working with a wonky window (now there's a tongue-twister for you). If your window is off-plumb or not quite square, consider getting it replaced by a specialist. This will improve your chances of a neat job.
Whatever route you choose, we wish you the best of luck!
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