Transforming your furniture with wallpaper is a fantastic and budget-friendly way to refresh old pieces, add a unique design element, or simply give them a new lease on life. The process is straightforward, involving careful preparation and execution to achieve a smooth, professional finish.
Essential Tools and Materials
Before you begin, gather the right tools to ensure a seamless application. Having everything ready will make the process much smoother and more efficient.
| Tool/Material | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Wallpaper | Choose a pattern and type suitable for your furniture (e.g., peel-and-stick is often easiest). |
| Measuring Tape | For accurate dimensions of your furniture surfaces. |
| Pencil | To mark measurements on the wallpaper. |
| Utility Knife/Craft Knife | For precise cutting and trimming. |
| Straight Edge/Ruler | To guide your knife for clean, straight cuts. |
| Wallpaper Smoother/Squeegee | To eliminate air bubbles and ensure adhesion. |
| Clean Cloth/Sponge | For cleaning the surface and wiping away excess paste (if using traditional wallpaper). |
| Sandpaper (fine-grit) | For smoothing the furniture surface. |
| Primer/Deglosser | To ensure better adhesion on slick or porous surfaces. |
| Screwdriver/Drill | To remove hardware like knobs or handles. |
Step-by-Step Guide to Wallpapering Furniture
Applying wallpaper to furniture follows a methodical approach, ensuring durability and a polished appearance. By breaking down the process into manageable steps, you can confidently tackle your furniture makeover project.
1. Prep the Surface
The first and most crucial step in applying wallpaper to furniture is proper surface preparation. As mentioned in the reference, "When it comes to the kinds of surfaces you can cover with wallpaper, the possibilities are limitless." However, optimal adhesion and a flawless finish depend heavily on how well you prepare the existing surface.
- Clean Thoroughly: Start by removing all dust, dirt, grease, and grime from the furniture surface. Use a mild all-purpose cleaner and a damp cloth, then allow it to dry completely. Any residue can prevent the wallpaper from sticking properly.
- Remove Hardware: Take off any knobs, handles, hinges, or other hardware. This allows for a continuous, seamless application of wallpaper and ensures a professional look.
- Smooth Imperfections:
- Sand: Lightly sand the surface with fine-grit sandpaper (e.g., 220-grit) to create a slight "tooth" for the wallpaper to adhere to, especially on glossy or painted surfaces. If the furniture is unpainted wood, sand it smooth.
- Fill Gaps/Holes: Use wood filler or spackle to fill any nicks, dents, or holes. Sand these areas smooth once dry.
- Prime for Adhesion: Apply a good quality primer, especially if the furniture is:
- Made of laminate, particle board, or a slick, non-porous material.
- Dark-colored and you're using light-colored wallpaper (to prevent bleed-through).
- Porous and might absorb wallpaper paste unevenly.
- A shellac-based or oil-based primer works well for blocking stains and ensuring strong adhesion. Allow the primer to dry completely according to manufacturer instructions.
2. Measure and Cut
Accurate measurement is vital for a precise and waste-free application. Take your time with this step to avoid costly mistakes.
- Measure Each Panel: Use your measuring tape to determine the exact dimensions (length and width) of each surface you intend to cover on the furniture (e.g., drawer fronts, tabletops, side panels).
- Add Overlap: Always cut the wallpaper slightly larger than your measurements – add an extra inch or two on all sides. This excess will be trimmed away later, ensuring you have enough material for perfectly straight edges.
- Pattern Matching: If your wallpaper has a repeating pattern, lay out your pieces before cutting to ensure the pattern aligns seamlessly across multiple surfaces or panels. This is crucial for a professional, continuous look.
- Cut Carefully: Use a sharp utility knife and a straight edge (like a metal ruler) to cut your wallpaper pieces. Dull blades can tear the paper.
3. Apply and Smooth Out Air Bubbles
This is where your furniture truly begins its transformation. The technique for application will slightly vary depending on whether you're using peel-and-stick or traditional paste wallpaper.
- Peel-and-Stick Wallpaper:
- Start Slowly: Peel back only a few inches of the backing paper from the top edge.
- Align and Press: Carefully align the exposed adhesive edge with the top edge of your furniture surface. Press it down gently.
- Gradual Application: Slowly peel off more of the backing paper as you gradually press the wallpaper down onto the surface.
- Smooth as You Go: Use your wallpaper smoother or squeegee to smooth the wallpaper from the center outwards, working your way down. This pushes out any trapped air.
- Traditional Wallpaper (with Paste):
- Apply Paste: Apply a thin, even layer of wallpaper paste directly to the back of the wallpaper piece, or to the furniture surface, depending on your wallpaper's instructions (paste-the-wall vs. paste-the-paper).
- Position and Align: Carefully position the wallpaper piece onto the furniture surface, ensuring it's straight and aligned.
- Smooth and Adhere: Use your wallpaper smoother or a clean, damp sponge to gently press the wallpaper onto the surface, working from the center outwards to remove air bubbles and ensure full adhesion.
- Addressing Air Bubbles:
- For persistent bubbles, gently lift the wallpaper and re-smooth.
- For tiny, stubborn bubbles, you can carefully pierce them with a fine needle or the tip of your utility knife, then smooth the area flat.
4. Trim to Perfection
The final step is to trim off the excess wallpaper, giving your furniture project a clean, custom-fit finish.
- Use a Sharp Knife and Straight Edge: With a very sharp utility knife and a reliable straight edge (like a long metal ruler or a putty knife), carefully trim along the edges of your furniture.
- Work Slowly and Steadily: Make firm, continuous cuts for a crisp line. Replace your blade frequently if it starts to drag or tear the paper, as a dull blade is the enemy of a clean cut.
- Corners and Edges: For inner corners or intricate edges, take extra care to press the wallpaper firmly into the crease before trimming.
- Reattach Hardware: Once all trimming is done and the wallpaper is fully adhered (and dried, if using paste), reattach all your furniture hardware.
By following these detailed steps, you can successfully apply wallpaper to furniture, transforming ordinary pieces into personalized accents that elevate your home decor.
