How to Install Wallpaper: A Complete Beginner’s Guide

Wallpaper has made a stylish comeback—and it’s easy to see why. Paint might give you color, but wallpaper gives you character. It can bring in textures, patterns, and artistry that transform even the plainest of walls into a talking point. With Magicdecor’s VOC-free, eco-certified wallpapers, you can create your dream look without worrying about toxins, odors, or flimsy finishes.

But let’s be real—if you’re thinking “Wallpaper installation sounds complicated”—you’re not alone. The good news? It’s much simpler than it looks. With the right prep, tools, and a little patience, you can achieve a finish that feels neat, polished, and long-lasting.

This guide will walk you through the process step by step—perfect for beginners ready to roll up their sleeves.

Tools You’ll Need

Before you start, get these essentials ready:

• Measuring tape
• Spirit level
• Utility knife (preferably sharp blade)
• Pencil
• Bucket (for paste mix)
• Wallpaper smoother / squeegee
• Roller and brush
• Sponge or microfiber cloth
• Drop cloth or sheet
• Ladder

Step-by-Step: How to Install Wallpaper

Before you start pasting wallpaper, it’s important to prep your walls for a smooth and long-lasting finish. Proper preparation ensures that the wallpaper adheres well and doesn’t peel, bubble, or show uneven patches over time.

For the next steps, installing wallpaper may seem intimidating, but it’s completely doable with the right tools and a little patience. Follow this easy step-by-step process to ensure neat alignment, clean edges, and a professional-looking result.

Step 1: Measure and Calculate Wallpaper

1. Measure the wall: Use your measuring tape to check the exact height and width of the wall. Multiply the two to get the square footage.
2. Calculate wallpaper quantity: Since Magicdecor wallpapers are sold per square foot, your wall area gives you the base cost. Always add 10% extra for trimming, pattern matching, and the inevitable “oops” moments.

Step 2: Prep the Wall

Wallpaper sticks best on a smooth, clean surface. Here’s what you should do:

• Remove old wallpaper, nails, and hooks.
• Sand down rough spots.
• Wipe the wall with a damp cloth to remove dust or grease.
• If the wall is freshly painted or porous, apply a primer for better adhesion.

This step might feel tedious, but it’s the foundation of a perfect finish.

Step 3: Mix the Adhesive

Magicdecor provides non-woven wallpaper paste that’s beginner-friendly. To prepare it:

1. Empty the adhesive packet into a bucket.
2. Pour in 4L of cold water.
3. Stir for 30 seconds, then let it sit for 3 minutes.
4. Stir again after 15 minutes—the paste should now be smooth and ready.

Step 4: Apply the Paste

There are two approaches, depending on the wallpaper finish:

• For standard non-woven wallpaper: Apply paste directly on the wall using a roller or brush.
• For textured wallpapers: Apply paste on both the wall and the back of the wallpaper strip. This helps the paper grip better on heavier materials.

Tip: Paste only a section of the wall at a time—just wider than your first strip. This keeps the adhesive workable while you hang.

Step 5: Mark a Guideline

Crooked wallpaper is the ultimate rookie mistake. To avoid it, use a spirit level to draw a vertical line at your starting edge (usually the left-hand corner). This ensures your first strip hangs straight—every other strip will follow its lead.

Step 6: Hang the First Strip

1. Cut the wallpaper strip slightly longer than your wall height—leave a couple of extra inches at the top and bottom.
2. Place the strip against the pasted wall, aligning it with your guideline.
3. Smooth it down from top to bottom, working outward from the center with your smoother or squeegee.
4. Allow the strip to overlap slightly if you’re working with textured wallpaper.

Step 7: Handle Overlaps and Excess

• Overlap for textured paper: Once dry, carefully cut through the overlap with a sharp knife and remove the excess for a seamless joint.
• Trim edges: Use your utility knife along the ceiling and skirting boards to remove extra length. Always cut with a sharp blade to avoid jagged edges.

Step 8: Smooth Out Bubbles

Trapped air is common but easy to fix. Run your smoother gently from the center outward to push bubbles to the edges. For stubborn ones, pierce them with a pin and smooth over lightly.

Step 9: Repeat with Precision

Continue hanging strips edge-to-edge. Pay extra attention to pattern alignment—lining designs at eye level helps make small mismatches less visible.

Step 10: Clean and Dry

• Wipe away any excess paste immediately with a damp sponge or cloth.
• Avoid rubbing too hard; a gentle wipe is enough.
• Let the wallpaper dry naturally. Keep the room ventilated, but avoid direct drafts like fans or heaters, which may cause seams to lift.

Extra Tips for a Flawless Finish

These smart tips from us can make your installation faster, cleaner, and more precise. From how to handle corners to matching patterns seamlessly, use these tricks to level up your DIY skills.

• Corners: Use a small relief cut to wrap the paper neatly.
• Switches & sockets: Remove covers first, then cut a small X in the paper to fold around the opening.
• Blade sharpness: Change blades frequently to keep cuts clean.

Common Mistakes Beginners Make (and How to Avoid Them)

Don’t let avoidable errors ruin your hard work. Here are the most common mistakes first-timers make while installing wallpaper—and how to prevent them for a flawless finish.

• Skipping wall prep → leads to peeling.
• Not using a guideline → results in slanted strips.
• Overlapping when not needed → causes visible ridges.
• Ignoring bubbles → weakens adhesion.
• Using dull knives → leaves ragged edges.

You’ve Got This!

Wallpaper installation might feel intimidating at first, but once you start, it’s a satisfying DIY project that instantly elevates your space. The key is prep, patience, and precision.

With Magicdecor’s eco-certified, paste-the-wall wallpapers, you’re working with beginner-friendly material designed for a smooth installation and long-lasting finish. Whether you’re going bold with patterns or subtle with textures, the process is straightforward—and the results are worth every effort.

So grab your tools, roll out the paste, and get ready to transform your walls into something truly special.