Transform Your Furniture: A Comprehensive Guide to Wallpapering

Have you ever looked at a piece of furniture and thought, “It just needs a little something extra?” Or perhaps you’re tired of its dated look but aren’t ready to replace it? Wallpapering furniture is a fantastic way to revitalize old pieces, add a pop of personality, and create a unique, custom look that reflects your style. It’s an accessible and budget-friendly DIY project that can yield stunning results. This comprehensive guide will walk you through each step, ensuring a smooth and successful wallpapering journey. Whether you’re a seasoned crafter or a complete beginner, you’ll find everything you need to know right here.

Why Wallpaper Furniture?

Before we dive into the how-to, let’s explore the “why.” Wallpapering furniture offers numerous advantages:

• Cost-Effective Transformation: Repurposing existing furniture saves you money compared to buying new pieces.
• Unique Design Statement: Choose from a vast array of wallpaper patterns, colors, and textures to create a truly one-of-a-kind piece.
• Personalized Style: Express your personality and aesthetic preferences through your furniture.
• Camouflage Imperfections: Wallpaper can effectively hide scratches, dents, and other surface blemishes.
• Eco-Friendly Option: Upcycling existing furniture reduces waste and contributes to a more sustainable lifestyle.
• Fun and Rewarding DIY Project: Enjoy the process of creating something beautiful with your own hands.

What Kind of Furniture Can You Wallpaper?

While many pieces of furniture can be wallpapered, some are better suited than others. Here are some common examples:

• Dressers and Chests of Drawers: Perfect for adding a splash of pattern to a bedroom or living space.
• Nightstands and Bedside Tables: Create a coordinated look or a contrasting pop next to your bed.
• Sideboards and Buffets: Elevate these pieces with beautiful wallpaper on the doors, drawers, or sides.
• Desks and Office Furniture: Personalize your workspace with stylish wallpaper accents.
• Shelves and Bookcases: Add depth and interest to the backs of shelves or the sides of bookcases.
• Trays and Small Tables: Experiment with smaller pieces to get comfortable with the technique.
• Headboards: Create a stunning focal point in your bedroom.
• Chairs (Limited): Solid, flat chair backs or sides are ideal. Be cautious with curved or fabric-covered chairs.

Important Considerations:

• Surface Prep is Key: Smooth, clean, and properly prepared surfaces ensure the wallpaper adheres well and lasts longer.
• Wallpaper Choice Matters: Consider the weight, texture, and pattern of the wallpaper and whether it is suitable for furniture use.
• Patience is a Virtue: Take your time, work carefully, and don’t rush the process.

Materials You’ll Need:

• Wallpaper: Choose a pattern, color, and type you love. Consider the size of the furniture piece and the amount of wallpaper required.
• Measuring Tape: For accurate measurements.
• Pencil: For marking cut lines and areas on the furniture.
• Scissors or Utility Knife: For cutting the wallpaper to size. A craft knife with a fresh blade is recommended for clean cuts.
• Smoothing Tool (Plastic Squeegee or Wallpaper Smoother): For removing air bubbles and ensuring smooth adhesion.
• Wallpaper Paste or Adhesive: Choose an appropriate adhesive for your wallpaper type. (Self-adhesive wallpaper is also an option).
• Paint Roller or Brush (if using paste): For applying paste evenly.
• Drop Cloth or Protective Covering: To protect your work area from paste or adhesive.
• Clean Cloth or Sponge: For wiping away excess paste.
• Primer (Optional): For sealing porous or untreated wood surfaces to improve adhesion.
• Sandpaper (Optional): For lightly sanding rough surfaces for better adhesion.
• Painter’s Tape (Optional): For masking off edges and creating clean lines.

Step-by-Step Guide to Wallpapering Furniture:

Now, let’s get down to the detailed instructions.

Step 1: Prepare the Furniture Surface

1. Clean the Furniture: Use a damp cloth or sponge with mild soap and water to thoroughly clean the furniture. Remove any dust, dirt, grease, or grime. Allow it to dry completely before proceeding.
2. Repair Imperfections (Optional): If the furniture has any significant scratches, dents, or holes, consider filling them with wood filler and sanding them smooth. This will create a more even surface for the wallpaper to adhere to.
3. Sand if Necessary: If the furniture surface is very smooth or glossy, you may want to lightly sand it with fine-grit sandpaper (around 220 grit). This will create a slightly rough surface that will help the wallpaper adhere better. Wipe away any sanding dust with a clean cloth.
4. Prime (Optional): For porous surfaces like untreated wood, applying a coat of primer can significantly improve wallpaper adhesion. Allow the primer to dry completely according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Primer also helps to seal stains that might bleed through the wallpaper.

Step 2: Measure and Cut the Wallpaper

1. Measure the Area: Carefully measure the area you want to cover with wallpaper (e.g., the side of a dresser drawer, the front of a cabinet door). Measure accurately, and write down your measurements.
2. Add Extra for Overlap: When cutting wallpaper, it’s always wise to add an extra inch or two to each side of the measurements. This allows for trimming and ensures that you have enough to work with, especially if you’re dealing with complex shapes or curves. You can always trim the excess later.
3. Cut the Wallpaper: Using scissors or a utility knife, carefully cut the wallpaper to the measured size, including the extra overlap. Make sure your cut lines are straight, and consider using a ruler or straight edge as a guide. If your wallpaper has a repeating pattern, make sure to match it up when measuring and cutting additional pieces. Lay the cut wallpaper piece on a flat surface with the design face down.

Step 3: Apply Adhesive (If Needed)

1. Prepare the Paste (If Needed): If you are using traditional wallpaper and paste, mix the paste according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Make sure that the paste is smooth and free of lumps.
2. Apply Paste to Wallpaper: If you are using traditional wallpaper, use a paint roller or brush to evenly apply a thin coat of wallpaper paste to the back of the cut wallpaper piece. Make sure the paste is applied smoothly and that you reach all the edges. Allow the paste to soak in for the recommended time before applying it to the furniture, usually about 2-3 minutes or according to the manufacturer’s instructions (this is known as booking the wallpaper). Don’t let the wallpaper sit too long.
3. Skip this Step for Self-Adhesive Wallpaper: If you’re using self-adhesive wallpaper, you can skip this step.

Step 4: Apply the Wallpaper to the Furniture

1. Position the Wallpaper: Carefully position the wallpaper onto the prepared furniture surface. Align the edges accurately. If you’re using self-adhesive wallpaper, peel back a small portion of the backing paper and start from one edge, smoothing as you go.
2. Smooth the Wallpaper: Using your smoothing tool (plastic squeegee or wallpaper smoother), start smoothing the wallpaper from the center outwards. Apply gentle pressure and work your way towards the edges. This will remove any air bubbles and ensure that the wallpaper adheres smoothly to the surface. Work with even strokes and be gentle to avoid tearing or damaging the wallpaper.
3. Avoid Air Bubbles and Creases: Take your time and be patient to minimize air bubbles and creases. If you encounter any bubbles, carefully lift the wallpaper and reapply it, smoothing it again from the center outwards. If there is a stubborn crease, you may want to carefully peel back and reapply the wallpaper, ensuring that the surface is smooth this time.
4. Work in Sections (For larger pieces): For larger furniture pieces, you might need to work in sections. Apply one section of the wallpaper at a time, smoothing it out before moving onto the next one, matching patterns as you go.
5. Overlap for Curves (If needed): For curved surfaces, you may have to cut small slits along the edge of the wallpaper to create smooth application and to avoid wrinkling. Overlap small pieces to follow the curves of the surface if necessary.

Step 5: Trim Excess Wallpaper

1. Trim Edges: Once the wallpaper is firmly adhered, use a sharp utility knife or craft knife to carefully trim away any excess wallpaper from the edges. Run the knife along the edge of the furniture piece for a clean, precise cut. Using a fresh blade ensures the cut will be clean and neat.
2. Be Careful: Be cautious and work slowly and with light pressure to avoid damaging the furniture or the wallpaper underneath. If you are concerned about damaging the furniture, you may want to use a metal ruler as a guide for the blade.
3. Smooth the Edges: After trimming, use your smoothing tool or fingers to smooth down the cut edges for a clean, finished look.

Step 6: Clean Up and Finishing Touches

1. Clean Up Excess Paste: If there is any excess paste, use a clean, damp cloth or sponge to wipe it away. Make sure to remove any traces of paste from the surface.
2. Let it Dry: Allow the wallpaper to dry completely before adding any hardware (like drawer pulls) back on, and certainly before using the piece of furniture. Drying time can vary depending on the type of wallpaper and adhesive used, but usually 24 hours is sufficient.
3. Check for Imperfections: After the wallpaper is dry, inspect it for any imperfections or air bubbles that might have appeared. If you find any, you can use a pin to carefully prick the bubble, then smooth it down again. If a corner or edge is coming up, carefully reapply some paste or adhesive to hold it down.

Tips for Success:

• Start Small: If you’re new to wallpapering, begin with a smaller piece of furniture, like a tray or a small table. This allows you to practice the technique before tackling a larger project.
• Practice Makes Perfect: Don’t be discouraged if your first attempt isn’t perfect. It takes practice to master the art of wallpapering.
• Read the Instructions: Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for your specific wallpaper and adhesive.
• Work in Good Lighting: Make sure that you have plenty of good lighting in your workspace to avoid errors and to see what you’re doing clearly.
• Don’t Be Afraid to Experiment: Try different patterns, textures, and colors to create a truly unique look.
• Masking Tape Is Your Friend: Use painter’s tape to mask off edges and create clean lines, especially if you’re painting around your wallpapered design.
• Use Sharp Blades: When trimming the wallpaper, use a fresh blade to ensure smooth and clean cuts, this will help avoid tearing.
• Take Breaks: If you’re working on a larger project, take breaks to avoid fatigue and to give yourself a fresh perspective.
• Consider Sealant: For high-traffic pieces or those prone to spills, consider applying a coat of clear sealant to protect the wallpaper and prolong its life.

Troubleshooting:

• Bubbles: Carefully prick the bubble with a pin and smooth it down with a smoothing tool.
• Wrinkles: Carefully peel back the wallpaper, smooth out the wrinkle, and reapply it.
• Lifting Edges: Reapply a small amount of paste or adhesive under the lifted edge and smooth it down.
• Tears: If the wallpaper tears, you may need to replace that section. If the tear is small, you can try to repair it by aligning the edges and using a small amount of paste.
• Adhesion Problems: Make sure that the surface was thoroughly cleaned and primed before applying the wallpaper.

Conclusion:

Wallpapering furniture is a rewarding and creative way to transform your home and give old pieces a fresh, new look. With a little patience, the right tools, and this comprehensive guide, you can easily revitalize your furniture and create truly unique pieces that reflect your personal style. Don’t be afraid to experiment and have fun with it. Happy wallpapering!