Whether you want to set a soothing mood with a muted backdrop or create a bold, eye-catching accent wall, one decorating rule always holds true: The right wallpaper can transform a space.
Wallpaper has reemerged as top trend across the style spectrum, so it's no surprise that we've expanded our Anthropologie wallpaper collection to include everything from floral and fauna favorites to vibrant and subdued geometrics to lovely landscapes (and so much more). But picking out the right wallpaper isn't quite as simple as finding a pattern that speaks to you; choosing adhesives, materials, and square footage can make the task seem daunting.
But fear not, we're here to help! We've put together this guide to help you consider all of the above. Wherever your taste may lie, or whatever space you live in, there's an option for you.
HOW TO CHOOSE THE
RIGHT WALLPAPER
HOW TO CHOOSE THE
RIGHT WALLPAPER
Whether you want to set a soothing mood with a muted backdrop or create a bold, eye-catching accent wall, one decorating rule always holds true: The right wallpaper can transform a space.
Wallpaper has reemerged as top trend across the style spectrum, so it's no surprise that we've expanded our Anthropologie wallpaper collection to include everything from floral and fauna favorites to vibrant and subdued geometrics to lovely landscapes (and so much more). But picking out the right wallpaper isn't quite as simple as finding a pattern that speaks to you; choosing adhesives, materials, and square footage can make the task seem daunting.
But fear not, we're here to help! We've put together this guide to help you consider all of the above. Wherever your taste may lie, or whatever space you live in, there's an option for you.
Wallpaper has reemerged as top trend across the style spectrum, so it's no surprise that we've expanded our Anthropologie wallpaper collection to include everything from floral and fauna favorites to vibrant and subdued geometrics to lovely landscapes (and so much more). But picking out the right wallpaper isn't quite as simple as finding a pattern that speaks to you; choosing adhesives, materials, and square footage can make the task seem daunting.
But fear not, we're here to help! We've put together this guide to help you consider all of the above. Wherever your taste may lie, or whatever space you live in, there's an option for you.
How Much Wallpaper Do I Need?
STEP 1
Wallpaper rolls are measured in square feet. To calculate the square footage of your space, combine the width of each wall, then multiply this number by your ceiling height.
STEP 2
Measure the square feet of openings in your space, such as doors and windows. Subtract from the total square footage.
STEP 3
Next, divide this number by the square footage of a single roll of wallpaper to determine the number of rolls required.
TIP
Always round up to account for pattern repeat and variation. When in doubt, order a little bit more than you think you need.
Wallpaper rolls are measured in square feet. To calculate the square footage of your space, combine the width of each wall, then multiply this number by your ceiling height.
Measure the square feet of openings in your space, such as doors and windows. Subtract from the total square footage.
Next, divide this number by the square footage of a single roll of wallpaper to determine the number of rolls required.
Next, divide this number by the square footage of a single roll of wallpaper to determine the number of rolls required.
How To Install Wallpaper
HOW TO HANG TRADITIONAL WALLPAPER
While some people opt for professional installation, you can hang traditional wallpaper yourself with some simple preparation and planning.
HOW TO HANG PEEL-AND-STICK WALLPAPER
Relatively easy to install and remove, peel-and-stick wallpaper doesn't require any additional adhesive.
- Clean & Prep Your Wall Wash the wall with a mild soap and water, then let dry completely. Remove outlet covers and switch plates, and patch any holes.
2. Draw a Plumb Line A plumb line is a vertical reference line used to ensure wallpaper hangs straight, even if walls are uneven. To draw a plumb line, use a level to draw a straight vertical line from the ceiling to floor; this will guide your first strip of wallpaper.
3. Measure & Cut Measure wall height and cut wallpaper strips, adding 2-4 inches extra for trimming.
4. Apply Adhesive If your wallpaper is not peel-and-stick, you'll need to apply wallpaper paste to your paper. Using a roller, apply a thin, even later of paste; fold the pasted sides together (pasted-to-pasted) to allow the paper to relax for 5-10 minutes.
3. Place Your Paper Starting at the top, apply the first strip, aligning with the plumb line. Use a smoother to push out air bubbles from the center to the edges. Repeat with remaining strips.
5. Finishing Steps Use a sharp utility knife and a straightedge to carefully trim the top and bottom overhang. Cut around outlets carefully and use a straight edge to create crisp corners.
Tools You'll Need
- Paste & paste roller
- Measuring tape
- Pencil
- Level
- Smoothing tool
- Utility knife
- Clean & Prep Your Wall Wash the wall with a mild soap and water, then let dry completely. Remove outlet covers and switch plates, and patch any holes.
2. Draw a Plumb Line A plumb line is a vertical reference line used to ensure wallpaper hangs straight, even if walls are uneven. To draw a plumb line, use a level to draw a straight vertical line from the ceiling to floor; this will guide your first strip of wallpaper.
3. Measure & Cut Measure wall height and cut wallpaper strips, adding 2-4 inches extra for trimming.
3. Place Your Paper Peel only the top 6-12 inches of the backing paper. Align the top edge of the paper with your plumb line, letting it overlap the ceiling slightly, and press the top section onto the wall. Slowly peel the backing down a few inches at a time, using a plastic smoother to press the paper down. Repeat with remaining strips.
5. Finishing Steps Use a sharp utility knife and a straightedge to carefully trim the top and bottom overhang. Cut around outlets carefully and use a straight edge to create crisp corners.
Tools You'll Need
- Measuring tape
- Pencil
- Level
- Smoothing tool
- Utility knife
HOW TO HANG TRADITIONAL WALLPAPER
While some people opt for professional installation, you can hang traditional wallpaper yourself with some simple preparation and planning.
- Clean & Prep Your Wall Wash the wall with a mild soap and water, then let dry completely. Remove outlet covers and switch plates, and patch any holes.
2. Draw a Plumb Line A plumb line is a vertical reference line used to ensure wallpaper hangs straight, even if walls are uneven. To draw a plumb line, use a level to draw a straight vertical line from the ceiling to floor; this will guide your first strip of wallpaper.
3. Measure & Cut Measure wall height and cut wallpaper strips, adding 2-4 inches extra for trimming.
4. Apply Adhesive If your wallpaper is not peel-and-stick, you'll need to apply wallpaper paste to your paper. Using a roller, apply a thin, even later of paste; fold the pasted sides together (pasted-to-pasted) to allow the paper to relax for 5-10 minutes.
3. Place Your Paper Starting at the top, apply the first strip, aligning with the plumb line. Use a smoother to push out air bubbles from the center to the edges. Repeat with remaining strips.
5. Finishing Steps Use a sharp utility knife and a straightedge to carefully trim the top and bottom overhang. Cut around outlets carefully and use a straight edge to create crisp corners.
Tools You'll Need
- Paste & paste roller
- Measuring tape
- Pencil
- Level
- Smoothing tool
- Utility knife
HOW TO HANG PEEL-AND-STICK WALLPAPER
Relatively easy to install and remove, peel-and-stick wallpaper doesn't require any additional adhesive.
- Clean & Prep Your Wall Wash the wall with a mild soap and water, then let dry completely. Remove outlet covers and switch plates, and patch any holes.
2. Draw a Plumb Line A plumb line is a vertical reference line used to ensure wallpaper hangs straight, even if walls are uneven. To draw a plumb line, use a level to draw a straight vertical line from the ceiling to floor; this will guide your first strip of wallpaper.
3. Measure & Cut Measure wall height and cut wallpaper strips, adding 2-4 inches extra for trimming.
3. Place Your Paper Peel only the top 6-12 inches of the backing paper. Align the top edge of the paper with your plumb line, letting it overlap the ceiling slightly, and press the top section onto the wall. Slowly peel the backing down a few inches at a time, using a plastic smoother to press the paper down. Repeat with remaining strips.
5. Finishing Steps Use a sharp utility knife and a straightedge to carefully trim the top and bottom overhang. Cut around outlets carefully and use a straight edge to create crisp corners.
Tools You'll Need
- Measuring tape
- Pencil
- Level
- Smoothing tool
- Utility knife
Choosing The Right Application Type
Removable Peel-and-Stick Wallpaper
A DIY-friendly option that’s great for apartment living, peel-and-stick applies to your walls like a giant sticker.
Pros: easy application and removal
Pros: easy application and removal
- Self-adhesive backing presses on with ease
- No water or paste required
- Leaves no residue
- Easy to remove, replace, and reposition while installing
Unpasted
A traditional wallpaper format that's long-lasting and a timeless choice for any interior.
Pros: long-lasting, durable, premium texture selection
Pros: long-lasting, durable, premium texture selection
- Adhesive or paste required
- Typically arrives untrimmed for precise alignment
- Commonly found with grasscloth and specialty wallpapers
- Professional installation recommended
Choosing The Right Wallpaper Materials
GRASSCLOTH
Handwoven from natural fibers and grasses – such as jute, sisal, arrowroot, and raffia –grasscloth wallpapers offer a highly textured look in a palette of earthy tones. Due to its handcrafted nature, expect variation in the appearance of each roll, as well as visible seams.
STANDARD WALLPAPER
Crafted from a blend of natural and synthetic fibers, traditional paper wallpaper offers a classic look and natural texture. An eco-conscious option, vinyl-free wallpaper tends to be easier to remove and is ideal for low-traffic areas.
VINYL
Made from a paper base with a protective spray coating, vinyl wallpaper is durable, easy to clean, and moisture-resistant. It's ideal for kitchens and bathrooms, as well as high-traffic areas such as playrooms and hallways.