Embarking on a DIY wallpaper installation project can transform a room with stunning visual impact. While the thought of hanging wallpaper might seem daunting, especially for beginners, this comprehensive guide will equip you with the confidence and knowledge needed to successfully install Hygge & West wallpaper, or any non-pasted wallpaper for that matter. My mom and I have gathered invaluable tips and tricks through our own experiences, ensuring a smoother, more enjoyable process for your home renovation journey. We’ll also share fresh perspectives and details from my mom’s mid-century modern inspired dining room makeover, featuring beautiful Hygge & West designs.
(Disclosure: Hygge & West generously collaborated on my Mom’s dining room makeover, providing the wallpaper. However, this post is not sponsored content; all opinions and installation tips are our own.)
Pasted vs. Unpasted Wallpaper: Which is Better for Your Project?
Having experienced both pre-pasted wallpaper and more recently, non-pasted varieties, I can confidently say that pre-pasted wallpaper generally offers an easier installation for beginners. The primary advantage lies in not needing to purchase separate adhesive or meticulously apply the correct amount of paste. With pre-pasted options, we even found that a simple sponge sufficed for smoothing, eliminating the need for a specialized wallpaper smoothing tool. Additionally, the pre-pasted brands we used tended to be thinner, making them more flexible and forgiving during installation. This inherent flexibility is a huge benefit for those new to DIY wallpapering.
However, this doesn’t diminish the appeal or feasibility of non-pasted wallpaper. While it introduces the extra step of paste application, it’s a skill easily mastered. Ultimately, the choice often comes down to the pattern you truly adore. Wallpaper has an unparalleled ability to transform a space, so selecting a design that resonates deeply with your aesthetic is paramount, regardless of its installation method. Both types offer incredible design potential, but understanding their differences can help you prepare adequately.
Understanding Non-Pasted Wallpaper
So, what exactly is non-pasted wallpaper? Unlike its pre-pasted counterpart or peel-and-stick options, non-pasted wallpaper arrives without any adhesive on its backing. Pre-pasted wallpaper features a dry glue layer activated by water, while peel-and-stick functions much like a large, repositionable sticker. Non-pasted wallpaper, on the other hand, is essentially a blank canvas, requiring you to apply a separate wallpaper paste directly to its back (or sometimes to the wall itself, depending on the product) just before installation. This method offers greater control over the type and amount of adhesive used, which can be beneficial for specific wall conditions or long-term adhesion needs.
Is Non-Pasted Wallpaper Difficult to Hang?
While non-pasted wallpaper does involve the additional step of selecting, purchasing, and applying adhesive, it’s not inherently difficult to hang. This extra step, however, can be a bit messy and requires a precise understanding of how much paste to apply for optimal adhesion without excess squeeze-out. Beyond this, the core installation steps largely mirror those of pre-pasted wallpaper. One notable difference is the need for more floor space when working with non-pasted varieties. This is because you’ll need ample room to lay out each strip of wallpaper, apply the paste, and then ‘book’ it (fold it onto itself) before carrying it to the wall. Proper planning of your workspace is key to a smooth installation process.
Essential Supplies for Installing Non-Pasted Wallpaper
Having the right tools is crucial for a successful wallpaper installation. Investing in quality supplies will save you time, frustration, and potential rework. Here’s a detailed list of what you’ll need:
- Olfa Self-Healing Mat: Essential for protecting your work surface and achieving perfectly straight cuts.
- Olfa Rotary Cutter: Ideal for precise, clean cuts on wallpaper, much like fabric.
- Olfa Utility Knife (Straight Blade): Crucial for trimming excess wallpaper along edges and corners after it’s on the wall.
- Plastic Wallpaper Smoothing Tool: Indispensable for removing air bubbles and wrinkles, ensuring a smooth, flawless finish.
- Level: Absolutely necessary for drawing a perfectly straight plumb line, which is your guide for the first strip.
- Measuring Tape: For accurate measurements of walls and wallpaper strips.
- Straight Edge: A metal yard stick or large paint edger works wonders with your utility knife for clean trims.
- Roman Pro-880 Wallpaper Paste: Our recommended adhesive for reliable and strong bonding.
- Plastic Drop Cloths: Essential for protecting your floors and furniture from messy paste.
- Pencil: For marking measurements and plumb lines.
- Paint Tray and Liner (Clean): For holding and applying wallpaper paste neatly.
- Clean Paint Rollers: A good quality roller is best for even paste application. (This kit is a good option)
- Sponges: Several clean sponges for cleaning excess paste and smoothing.
- Clean Bucket of Water: For keeping sponges clean and ready.
- Your Wallpaper Rolls: We used Hygge & West Bloom in Taupe.
- Sturdy Stepladder: Essential for reaching high areas safely and effectively.
A note on the Olfa mat and rotary cutter: these tools are not just for wallpapering. They are an excellent investment for any crafting or DIY decor enthusiast, offering unparalleled precision for cutting straight lines in various materials, including fabric for sewing projects.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Hang Non-Pasted Wallpaper
Follow these systematic steps to ensure a smooth and professional-looking wallpaper installation:
- Prepare the Walls: Thoroughly clean and prepare your walls by removing any old wallpaper, filling holes, patching cracks, and ensuring a smooth, dry surface. This foundational step is critical for proper adhesion.
- Set Up Your Workspace: Clear the room of furniture, lay down plastic drop cloths to protect your flooring, and ensure you have sufficient space to work with long strips of wallpaper.
- Gather All Supplies: Have all your listed tools and materials, including your chosen wallpaper paste, readily accessible.
- Measure and Mark Your Starting Point: Begin in an inconspicuous corner. Measure the width of your wallpaper (e.g., 27 inches for Hygge & West) and mark a plumb line slightly less than the wallpaper’s width (e.g., 26 inches) from the corner using a pencil and a level. This ensures your first strip is perfectly vertical, even if your walls aren’t square.
- Cut Wallpaper Strips to Length: Determine your desired pattern placement on the wall. Measure the wall height and cut your wallpaper strips, leaving an extra 2 inches at the top and 2 inches at the bottom for trimming after installation. Lay them print-side down for paste application.
- Apply Wallpaper Paste: Using a paint roller, apply a thin, even coat of your chosen wallpaper paste to the back of each wallpaper strip, following the manufacturer’s instructions. Ensure the paste covers all edges.
- “Book” the Wallpaper: Carefully fold the pasted strip back onto itself, paste-to-paste, allowing the adhesive to activate and the wallpaper to relax. Let it sit for the recommended time (typically 5-7 minutes).
- Hang the First Strip: Carry the booked wallpaper to the wall. Unfold the top portion and carefully align its edge with your drawn plumb line. Gradually unfold the rest of the strip, smoothing it onto the wall.
- Smooth Out Wrinkles and Bubbles: Use your plastic wallpaper smoothing tool to gently work out any air bubbles or wrinkles, moving from the center of the strip outwards, and from top to bottom.
- Trim Excess Wallpaper: Once smoothed, use a sharp utility knife and a straight edge to carefully trim the excess wallpaper at the top, bottom, and along the initial corner.
- Repeat for Subsequent Strips: Continue the process, meticulously matching the pattern at the seams of each new strip. Avoid overlapping non-pasted wallpaper; edges should meet precisely.
- Clean Up Paste Residue: Periodically, or after hanging a few strips, use a large, damp sponge to gently wipe away any excess paste from the surface of the wallpaper and seams before it dries.
Detailed Tips for Hanging Hygge & West Non-Pasted Wallpaper
Prep the Walls for Flawless Finish
Before you even think about ordering your exquisite Hygge & West wallpaper, wall preparation is paramount. This foundational step dictates the success and longevity of your installation. Start by removing any existing wallpaper or borders. Next, meticulously fill and repair any holes, cracks, or imperfections on the wall surface. The goal is to achieve a surface that is as smooth and blemish-free as possible, as any irregularities will show through the finished wallpaper. While Hygge & West recommends a wallpaper liner or primer, we opted to skip these steps for our rental apartment project to manage costs, as the walls were already in good condition. However, for optimum results, especially on walls with significant repairs or varied porosity, a high-quality primer can provide a consistent surface for adhesion and make future removal easier. On the day of installation, ensure walls are thoroughly clean and dry, and remember to remove all outlet and switch plate covers. A crucial hot tip: never apply wallpaper directly to bare, unprimed drywall, as it will be nearly impossible to remove later without damaging the wall.
Efficiently Set Up Your Workspace
Once your walls are prepped, it’s time to create an efficient and organized workspace. We found working on the floor to be most practical, as it provided the expansive surface needed for cutting wallpaper strips and applying paste. Move all furniture to create a large, clear area, ensuring the floor is clean and dry. We laid down a thin plastic drop cloth to protect our floors from the inevitable mess of wallpaper paste. We also designated a separate, clean, and dry section for measuring and cutting. As you get closer to the hanging stage, fill a clean bucket with water for cleaning excess paste – having this ready prevents interruptions. Adequate lighting is also essential to spot imperfections and ensure precise pattern matching.
Precision in Measuring & Marking Your Starting Point
The success of your wallpaper installation hinges on an accurate starting point. Begin in the least prominent corner of the room. Hygge & West wallpapers are typically 27 inches wide, and it’s recommended to trim a small amount from the starting side edge, as well as the top and bottom. This is because household walls are rarely perfectly square or plumb. If you align your first strip with a corner or ceiling that isn’t true, your pattern will gradually become crooked. To counteract this, measure approximately 26 inches out from your chosen corner (one inch less than the wallpaper’s width) and, using a level, draw a perfectly vertical plumb line along that outer edge. This plumb line will serve as your absolute straight guide for the first strip, ensuring the pattern remains level and consistent across the room, independent of any drywall quirks.
Strategic Wallpaper Placement and Pattern Matching
Before making any cuts, unroll your wallpaper and strategize how the pattern will align on your wall. For designs with prominent motifs, like a specific animal or floral element, you’ll want to ensure these are placed aesthetically and not cut off awkwardly at the top or bottom. Since non-pasted wallpaper is sold in continuous rolls, you have the flexibility to decide your pattern’s vertical placement. Once you’ve visualized the ideal alignment, measure the height of your wall from ceiling to baseboard. Cut your wallpaper strips to this length, adding an extra 2 inches at both the top and bottom. This 4-inch allowance provides a buffer for minor adjustments and will be trimmed precisely after the wallpaper is hung.
Mastering Wallpaper Cutting Techniques
Cutting wallpaper accurately is crucial for seamless pattern matching. The easiest and most precise method is to lay your wallpaper flat, design-side down, on an Olfa self-healing mat. Position the edge you intend to cut directly over the mat’s grid lines. Then, using your Olfa rotary cutter and a sturdy straight edge, make your cut. This combination ensures super straight lines and protects your work surface simultaneously. We found it most efficient to cut a few strips in advance. Always keep one previously cut strip nearby to help align the pattern of the next strip, especially with intricate designs. This helps prevent mistakes and ensures your pattern flows continuously. We sometimes felt dizzy staring at the pattern for so long, so having a reference piece was invaluable!
Applying Wallpaper Paste Evenly
Pour your chosen wallpaper paste into a clean paint tray liner. Lay a cut wallpaper strip, design-side down, onto your plastic drop cloth. Using a clean paint roller, apply a thin, even coat of paste across the entire back of the wallpaper, ensuring you reach every edge. Avoid applying too much, which can cause excessive squeeze-out and make the paper difficult to handle. An even application is key to prevent dry spots or lumps. This is often a two-person job: one person can gently hold the wallpaper steady while the other applies the paste, preventing the wet paper from shifting too much. This coordination ensures consistent coverage and prepares the strip perfectly for booking.
The Importance of “Booking” Wallpaper
After applying the paste, the next critical step is “booking” the wallpaper. This involves carefully folding the pasted strip back onto itself, paste-to-paste, without creasing the design. The purpose of booking is twofold: it allows the paste to fully penetrate the wallpaper fibers, activating its adhesive properties, and it helps the wallpaper relax and expand slightly, making it more pliable and easier to handle without tearing. Leave the wallpaper booked for the manufacturer’s recommended time, typically 5-7 minutes. We often used this booking time efficiently for short breaks or to prepare the next strip, maximizing our workflow.
Precision in Hanging Your Wallpaper
With the wallpaper booked and ready, carefully carry it to the wall. This is where a second pair of hands truly shines! Have one person stand on a sturdy stepladder to unfold and position the top half of the strip, carefully aligning its edge with the previously drawn plumb line. The other person can then unfold the bottom half, guiding it into place. Handling these wet, heavy sheets solo can be challenging and increase the risk of tearing or misaligning. Ensure you maintain the crucial 2-inch excess at both the top and bottom, and for your first strip, along the side closest to the corner. Take your time during this step; initial placement is key to a professional finish.
Smoothing Out Wrinkles and Air Bubbles
It’s common for wallpaper to show wrinkles and air bubbles immediately after hanging, especially with thicker, non-pasted varieties. Don’t panic, this is normal! Our Hygge & West wallpaper wrinkled quite a bit at first, causing a moment of alarm. This is where your plastic wallpaper smoothing tool becomes invaluable. Gently work the tool from the middle of the strip outwards, and from top to bottom, applying steady, even pressure. This pushes out air and excess paste, adhering the wallpaper firmly to the wall. We found this tool to be worth every penny, unlike our previous experience with pre-pasted wallpaper where a sponge sufficed. Make sure the paste reaches the very edges and press the tool along them to prevent curling. Remember, small bubbles (smaller than a quarter) often work themselves out as the paste dries and the wallpaper fully adheres and relaxes. Patience is your best friend during this stage.
I purchased two plastic smoothing tools, and they were perfect. I initially tried a foam one, but it proved ineffective, so I highly recommend sticking with the basic plastic version. There’s a certain magic and a leap of faith involved in trusting that those tiny imperfections will disappear as the paste cures.
Precisely Trimming Excess Wallpaper
Trimming the excess wallpaper is a delicate but crucial step. For this, use a sharp utility knife (not your rotary cutter) and a straight edge. We found that trimming immediately after hanging was too challenging, as the wet paper tended to tear. However, waiting too long allowed the paste to dry and glue the paper firmly to the ceiling or trim, making trimming difficult. Our optimal timing involved hanging one sheet, then applying paste to the next, and before hanging the second sheet, we would go back and trim the first. You might need to experiment slightly, as ambient temperature and humidity can influence drying times. Always proceed slowly and carefully to avoid tearing the wallpaper. If a small tear does occur, don’t stress! Use your smoothing tool to gently press it down and align it with the pattern; wallpaper paste is quite forgiving, and minor imperfections at the ceiling or floor lines are typically unnoticeable once dry.
Repeating the Process for Seamless Walls
Continue these steps for each subsequent strip of wallpaper. Unlike some pre-pasted or peel-and-stick wallpapers, Hygge & West non-pasted varieties are not designed to overlap. It’s essential that each new strip is butted tightly against the previous one, ensuring the pattern aligns perfectly at the seam. Focus on matching the pattern at eye level, as this is where inconsistencies will be most noticeable. As you progress around the room, you’ll develop a rhythm and gain confidence with each perfectly aligned strip.
Maintaining Cleanliness: Removing Paste Residue
Cleaning up paste residue is an ongoing process that shouldn’t be overlooked. We found it best to clean after every few sheets, rather than waiting until the end. This was especially important in our experience due to high temperatures, which caused the paste to dry quickly, risking damage to the wallpaper’s design if left untouched. Keep your bucket of water clean by changing it frequently. Use a large, soft, damp sponge – similar to those found in the tiling section – to gently wipe away any visible paste from the wallpaper surface and seams. Always check that your sponge won’t bleed dye onto the wallpaper, a lesson learned from a previous experience with a blue sponge!
Wallpapering Around Trim and Obstacles
When encountering trim, windows, or other obstacles, hang the wallpaper as close as possible. Then, use your utility knife to make “relief cuts” – small incisions into the excess wallpaper – allowing it to lay flat and conform around the obstruction. Gently smooth the wallpaper toward the trim, making additional relief cuts if necessary to ensure a tight fit. Finally, use your straight edge and utility knife to trim off the excess for a clean finish. This technique ensures a seamless look even around architectural details.
Navigating Inside and Outside Corners
Corners can be tricky. Hygge & West generally recommends treating corners as two separate pieces, cutting the wallpaper precisely at the corner and starting a new strip. However, we sometimes wrapped the wallpaper around less forgiving corners, trimming a bit if needed. While this can work, it often requires more time and fussing to achieve a perfect finish. For best results, especially for beginners, consulting the official Hygge & West installation videos for their recommended corner techniques is highly advisable. Their methods are likely more efficient and yield superior results than improvising.
Tackling Unique Architectural Features: The “Bump Out”
Our dining room presented a peculiar architectural challenge: a non-square “bump out.” Instead of trying to wallpaper the entire irregular shape, we chose to wallpaper only the part that visually squared off the area, leaving the true bump-out portion unpapered. This created an optical illusion, making the irregular “wedge” disappear into the design. The unpapered section, which was much lower and smaller, we kept cream (the original wall color). This not only simplified installation but also beautifully highlighted the area, transforming it into a perfect display spot for a vase or decorative object. Sometimes, strategic simplification is the best design choice.
Here’s a closer look at the intentional design choice around the bump out:
Hygge & West Wallpaper Review: Quality and Value
My long-standing curiosity about Hygge & West wallpaper finally found its outlet in my mom’s dining room project. Having admired their patterns on Instagram for ages, I was thrilled to experience their product firsthand. The quality of Hygge & West wallpaper is truly exceptional. It’s noticeably thick, providing a luxurious feel and excellent durability, and the designs are beautifully hand-printed. The Bloom pattern in Taupe, which we selected, is particularly stunning, with a rich color depth that feels both sophisticated and inviting. It undoubtedly looks and feels expensive, and there’s a good reason for that: Hygge & West wallpapers are screen printed by hand in the USA. A video on their website vividly demonstrates the meticulous care, craftsmanship, and considerable time invested in creating each roll – a far more labor-intensive process than one might imagine.
I am a firm believer in supporting companies that maintain manufacturing in North America. This commitment often translates to higher wages and superior material quality, which is reflected in the product’s price. If the investment feels significant, consider wallpapering a single accent wall, a smaller space like a powder room, or just above wainscoting. This approach allows you to achieve the dramatic visual impact and luxurious feel of Hygge & West wallpaper while managing your budget effectively.
Overall, the transformation of the dining room with this wallpaper exceeded expectations. Hanging wallpaper, especially non-pasted, isn’t as intimidating as it first seems. While I would absolutely use Hygge & West wallpaper again, I must note that the Spoonflower pre-pasted wallpaper I used previously was a touch easier to install due to the integrated adhesive. Both brands, however, offer beautiful results!
My Top DIY Wallpaper Installation Tips
To ensure your DIY wallpaper project is a resounding success, keep these essential tips in mind:
- Invest in Proper Supplies: Do not skimp on quality tools. Using the right equipment, like a dedicated smoothing tool instead of a kitchen spatula, makes a world of difference.
- Prioritize Preparation: Allocate ample time for preparing your walls, organizing your supplies, and setting up an efficient, clean work area. This groundwork is key to a smooth installation.
- Enlist a Helper and Plan: A second set of hands is invaluable for handling large, wet strips of wallpaper. Work together with a clear game plan for each step.
- Measure Meticulously: Always measure twice (or even three times!) before making any cuts. Accuracy here prevents costly mistakes and wasted materials.
- Exercise Patience While Smoothing: Take your time to gently smooth out every wrinkle and air bubble. Rushing this step can lead to noticeable imperfections.
- Stay Calm and Confident: Wallpapering is a learned skill. Don’t panic if you encounter minor challenges; it’s totally doable, and small flaws often become invisible.
- Purchase a Little Extra: Always buy an extra roll or two. It accounts for mistakes, pattern repeats, and future repairs. Consider the first strip a practice run!
- Mind the Weather: If possible, avoid wallpapering during extremely dry or hot weather. These conditions can cause paste to dry too quickly, making adjustments difficult.
P.S. For more details on the complete dining room transformation, including sources for other decor elements, you can explore the full reveal of my Mom’s mid-century inspired dining room makeover here.