A Step-by-Step Guide: How to Wallpaper Around a Window Like a Pro

Putting wallpaper in a room can change how it looks and feels, giving it a new look and feel. While many DIY enthusiasts in the UK understand how to wallpaper around a window, others aren’t so sure.

In this guide, we’ll take you through the steps of the process of this, making sure that your wallpapering DIY looks smooth and professional.

Tools needed to wallpaper around a window

Here is a list of tools and materials needed to wallpaper around a window:

• Measurement Tape
• Wallpaper Past
• Wallpaper Smoother
• Utility Knife or Wallpaper Trimmer
• Scraper
• Filler
• Drop Cloth or Plastic Sheet
• Roller
• Pencil and Straightedge

Step-by-Step Guide: How to wallpaper around a window

This step-by-step guide will show you how easy it is to put wallpaper around a window. 

1. Measure and Cut Your Wallpaper

Firstly, make sure the measurements are correct. Write down the wall’s height and width with a tape measure. When you do the math, don’t forget to include the size of the window. Now, always add a few extra inches to each side when you cut your wallpaper. Having a little extra is better than not having enough.

2. Prepare the Surface

Now it’s time to get your canvas ready: the wall. The area needs to be clean, dry, and smooth. Old wallpaper has to go. It should be easy to do with a scraper. Do you have any holes or cracks? Putting some filler on your wall will make it look brand new. This step is very important; it’s like preparing a fine dining plate, the presentation matters!

3. Apply Wallpaper Paste

Let’s get sticky now but in a good way. Cover the back of your paper with a thin, even layer of wallpaper paste. Do not skimp on the sides. A little more glue around the window will help keep things in place. As you butter toast, make sure you cover every part of it but don’t soak it.

4. Hang the Wallpaper

This is where the magic takes place. Start at the top and slowly pull the wallpaper off the wall. Hold it straight against the corners of the wall. It’s like setting the first domino in a chain. Smooth it out with a brush or sponge. You need to be careful and patient with this part.

5. Deal with the Window Recess

The window recess is a bit like a small obstacle course to get through. Use a sharp knife to cut off the extra wallpaper after pressing it into the space. Do a 45-degree cut at the corners to get a clean, professional look. It’s kind of like wrapping presents but for your walls!

6. Smooth and Adjust

Now, do something about the annoying air bubbles in your wallpaper by using a smoother. Begin in the middle and work your way out to the edges. You want a nice, smooth finish with no wrinkles, kind of like when you iron a shirt.

7. Dry and Check

Now more than ever, patience is a virtue. Wait until the wallpaper is completely dry. Remember to close the windows during this time; you don’t want a draft to mess up your work. When it’s dry, take a step back, look at your work, and praise yourself. You deserve it!

Also Read: Expert Guide: How to Choose the Perfect Wallpaper for Your Living Room

Tips for Wallpapering Around Different Types of Windows

Wallpapering around different types of windows can be a bit of a puzzle, but it’s manageable once you know the tricks for each style. Let’s break it down by window type:

1. Standard Rectangular Windows

It’s easy to deal with these because they are the most common. The most important thing is to measure and cut your print correctly. When you put up wallpaper, make sure to press it into the edges of the window frame and smooth it out toward the window. For a neat end, cut off any extra with a sharp knife or blade.

2. Bay Windows

Bay windows make a room look unique, but they can be hard to wallpaper around because they stick out at odd angles. The best way to handle the bay window is to treat each part of it as a different wall. Cut your image so that it fits each space. It is best to start at the top and work your way down, making sure the edges are smooth as you go. For a smooth gap or join, you might need to pay extra attention to the corners.

3. Sash Windows

When you have sash windows, you also have to deal with a part that moves. When you put up wallpaper, make sure it doesn’t get in the way of how the window works. Stick the wallpaper as close to the frame as you can, but be careful not to get glue on the window. If your sash window has a deep floor, you might want to wallpaper that too to make the whole thing look better.

4. Skylights

Skylight windows are a special case. Most of the time, you’ll be wallpapering the ceiling area around the window. Before you start, make sure your ladder is stable and that you are in a safe place. Find the area of the ceiling around the window and cut the wallpaper to fit. To keep the wallpaper from falling off over time, it’s important to make sure it’s well stuck to the ceiling, especially around the skylight edges.

5. Arched Windows

Arched windows can make a room look more elegant, but it takes some skill to put wallpaper around them. It can be hard to get around the curved top. Cut the wallpaper into pieces that fit the arch’s curve. To get the wallpaper to lay flat against the curve without tearing, you might need to cut it in a way that it stands out.

6. Corner Windows

Corner windows, where two windows meet at a corner, can be hard to wallpaper because the wallpaper needs to go from one wall to the next without a bump. Carefully match the design at the corners of each wall as you measure and hang the wallpaper. Make sure the join at the corner is smooth by using a smoother.

FAQs

What type of wallpaper is best for rooms with a lot of light?

For rooms with ample natural light, it’s best to choose a wallpaper that is fade-resistant to ensure the color and pattern remain vibrant over time.

How do I avoid air bubbles when wallpapering?

Make sure you smooth out the wallpaper as you hang it. Start from the center and move towards the edges, using a smoother or dry sponge.

Can I wallpaper over a window with a radiator underneath?

Yes, you can. However, take extra caution with the heat from the radiator. It’s recommended to turn off the radiator and allow the area to cool before applying wallpaper.

Conclusion

It might seem hard to wallpaper around a window at first, but if you have the right tools and are patient, you can do it and get great results. Don’t rush, and remember to measure twice and cut once. The new wallpaper in your room in the UK will not only make it look better, but it will also show off your DIY skills.