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Tips for Buying Wallpaper

Wallpaper has the power to transform a room in ways that paint can’t. Many people believe wallpaper is only for large spaces, but that’s not the case. The right wallpaper can bring a small space to life, and make it seem larger. Use wallpaper to add texture and patterns, or a simple, lovely solid color that doesn’t show dirt as easily as paint. We’ve put together a list of pointers to help you choose the wallpaper you’ll love.

Tips for buying wallpaper, how to easily hang new wallpaper near Alpharetta, Georgia (GA)

Try Before You Buy

You use paint samples before deciding on a color, so why not do the same with wallpaper? Seeing it in your home in natural light will help you get a feel for its true color, and help you coordinate the rest of the room.

Don’t Snub Solids

Wallpaper doesn’t have to be wild for it to look great in your home. Solids can be just as beautiful and powerful as any pattern or texture if they are properly matched to the space. Wallpaper is less prone to showing fingerprints and dirt than paint, as well.

Use the Proper Paste

There are generally three usual applications of paste when it comes to wallpaper. You can buy pre-pasted paper, wallpaper that you apply the paste to, and wallpaper that requires applying paste to the wall. If you’re looking for the most efficient method, it’s probably the pre-pasted version. All you need to do is slightly moisten the paste to activate it, and you’re ready to go.

Make Sure You Match Up

Check the “match type”, this is how the pattern matches up when hanging different strips. Different types of matching will require differing amounts of prep work, and some will require additional rolls.

  • Free match: These designs are not intended to match up. 
  • Straight match: These will match at the same height each time. 
  • Offset: This offsets the pattern on each strip by half of the pattern’s height each time.

Don’t Paper Over Cracks

You don’t want to get stuck in a situation that requires you to remove new paper because of cracks or holes in the wall. Use a scraper to see how many layers are under the surface wall covering. If there are more than two, you’ll have to add extra time to your project to get rid of unwanted wall coverings.

A secret weapon to removing old wallpaper is fabric softener. Mix equal parts fabric softener and hot water in a bottle, spray the surface until saturated, then wait 15 minutes for the fabric softener to work its magic. After 15 minutes have elapsed, old wallpaper will peel right off, and you can use a paint scraper for any stubborn spots.

Lining is Important

Nobody wants to add extra work to a project, but lining your walls is important for a picture-perfect outcome. A quality lining will help disguise any marks or small imperfections before hanging your wallpaper. It’s very helpful to smooth out walls before papering if replastering isn’t a possibility.

Contact Classic Blinds and Shutters Design Company

Do you feel more confident about hanging wallpaper in your home? Our team of expert designers is available to help you every step of the way. Schedule a free estimate online or by phone at (770) 924-0282. Take a look at our portfolio for some design inspiration before you visit our showroom. We are located in Alpharetta, GA, and are pleased to serve the North Metro Atlanta area, including Alpharetta, Milton, and John’s Creek, GA.