How to Hang Wallpaper: Easy Tips for a Smooth Finish

Wallpaper can completely change a room from a bold living room feature wall to one of those simple finished basement ideas that adds personality to an otherwise plain space.

But many people avoid it, fearing air bubbles, misaligned patterns, and peeling edges within weeks.

The silver lining? Learning how to hang wallpaper doesn’t have to be complicated. With the right tools and a clear process, anyone can achieve a smooth, professional-looking finish without hiring a contractor.

This guide breaks down every step, from prepping the walls to applying the final strip, so beginners can get it right the first time.

Choosing the Right Wallpaper for Your Home

Not all wallpapers are created equal; the right choice depends on the room, the surface, and how long it needs to last. From material types to pattern scales, here’s what one should consider before making a purchase.

1. Peel-and-Stick Wallpaper
2. Pre-Pasted Wallpaper
3. Traditional Paste Wallpaper
4. traditional non-pasted papers
5. Fabric/Textile Wallpaper

For first-timers, peel-and-stick or pre-pasted wallpapers offer the best balance between ease and durability.

Essential Tools and Materials Required

Having the right tools before you start makes wallpaper hanging faster, cleaner, and easier. Using incorrect or low-quality tools often results in bubbles, misalignment, or torn wallpaper.

Tool / Material	Primary Purpose
Measuring Tape	For accurate wall measurements and pattern matching.
Level or Laser Level	Ensures the first strip is perfectly vertical (plumb).
Sharp Utility Knife	Trimming at ceilings and baseboards; use fresh blades.
Smoothing Tool	Removes air bubbles and ensures even adhesion.
Pencil	Marking guidelines without staining the wallpaper.
Sponge / Microfiber Cloth	Wiping away excess adhesive before it dries.
Wallpaper Rolls	The wall covering (buy extra for pattern matching).
Wallpaper Adhesive	Necessary for non-pasted or traditional papers.
Wall Primer	Preps the surface for better grip and easier removal.
Seam Roller	Flattens edges to make seams virtually invisible.
Step Ladder	Provides safe access to the ceiling line for alignment.
Wallpaper Brush	Gentle smoothing for delicate or textured papers.
Drop Cloth	Protects flooring and furniture from paste spills.

Note: Always keep extra utility knife blades ready. Dull blades tear wallpaper edges, create rough seams, and make trimming difficult. Most beginners ruin wallpaper because they try to reuse old blades.

How to Hang Wallpaper: Steps for Perfect Results

To get the best results, you need to focus on precision and patience. By prioritizing wallpaper installation best practices, you ensure that your room looks professional rather than a DIY disaster.

Step 1: Prepare the Wall Surface

Before hanging wallpaper, make sure the wall is clean, dry, and smooth. This helps the adhesive stick properly. Clean the surface with a damp sponge and mild detergent to remove dust and grease.

Scrape off old wallpaper and glue using a putty knife. Fill small holes with wall filler, let it dry, then sand with fine-grit sandpaper for a smooth finish. Lightly sand glossy paint so the adhesive grips well.

Wipe away dust and let the wall dry completely. Proper preparation ensures a smooth, long-lasting result.

Step 2: Measure and Cut Wallpaper Strips

For smooth wallpaper installation, measure the wall height carefully before cutting each panel.

Always add 2–3 extra inches at the top and bottom for trimming and small adjustments. Before cutting multiple strips, check the pattern repeat and align the design properly.

This prevents mismatched prints and reduces waste. Taking a few extra minutes to measure and match patterns ensures a clean, seamless look across the wall.

Step 3: Mark a Straight Vertical Guideline

To ensure your wallpaper is hung straight, use a level or laser level to draw a perfectly straight starting line on the wall.

The first strip of wallpaper must be perfectly aligned; any crookedness will cause the following strips to misalign as well.

Taking the time to get this right will help maintain a clean, professional finish throughout the entire wall.

Step 4: Apply Adhesive (If Required)

The method of applying adhesive depends on the type of wallpaper you’re using:

• Peel-and-stick: No adhesive is needed; simply peel off the backing and stick the wallpaper to the wall.
• Paste-the-wall: Apply adhesive directly to the wall, making sure to cover the area where the wallpaper will be placed.
• Traditional wallpaper: Apply adhesive to the back of the wallpaper using a brush or roller.

Step 5: Hang the First Wallpaper Strip

Begin at the top of the wall and slowly press the wallpaper downward. Align it with the guideline you marked earlier to ensure it’s straight.

As you move down, smooth the wallpaper from the center outward to remove air bubbles and wrinkles. If needed, adjust the position before the adhesive fully sets to make sure everything is perfectly aligned.

Step 6: Smooth Air Bubbles and Wrinkles

Use a smoothing tool or wallpaper brush to press the wallpaper into place. Start from the center and move toward the edges to eliminate air bubbles and ensure a smooth surface.

Immediately wipe away any excess adhesive with a damp cloth to prevent it from drying on the wallpaper or wall.

Note: Complete these steps with all the wallpaper panels before moving to Step 7.

Step 7: Trim Edges and Finish Seams

Use a sharp blade to trim any excess wallpaper along the ceiling line, baseboards, and around corners or edges for a clean finish.

Be sure to press the seams gently to ensure proper bonding and avoid any peeling later. This step makes sure your wallpaper is hung with a polished, seamless look.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

Even when you follow the correct steps, small mistakes can affect the final result. Knowing what to avoid during wallpaper installation can save time, money, and effort.

Preparation is just as important as the application itself, so being aware of common pitfalls ensures your project stays on track.

• Clean wallpaper with a dry or slightly damp cloth
• Avoid strong chemical cleaners
• Control moisture in bathrooms and kitchens
• Fix peeling edges early
• Make sure walls are properly prepared before installation
• Too much moisture or humidity
• Poor wall preparation
• Using the wrong adhesive
• Skipping primer
• Ignoring small problems

Key Takeaway

Mastering how to hang wallpaper is a rewarding DIY milestone that turns a sterile room into a curated sanctuary.

While the process requires a steady hand and a bit of patience, the payoff is a high-end, professional look that paint simply cannot replicate.

By following these structured steps, from meticulous wall prep to the final, satisfying trim, you eliminate the guesswork that can lead to bubbles or peeling.

Now that you have the blueprint for success, grab your smoothing tool and start your first accent wall.