5 common wallpaper mistakes

5 Common Wallpaper Mistakes & How To Avoid Them

Wallpaper has been the most aesthetic wall treatment while decorating the home. They provide an effective way to improve the overall visual attractiveness of your surroundings like Living room, bedroom, Office wallpaper as well as add character to your place. Wallpapers are available in a variety of designs, installation methods, and sizes. The decision for the right wall covering choice might be confusing. However, from incompatible designs to imperfectly applied paper, various common mistakes can turn your beautiful imagination into a nightmare. 

In this post, Homewall.ae will explore the top 5 most common wallpaper mistakes and worthwhile solutions to prevent them. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced wallpaper installer, this guide will assist you in achieving an elegant, professional-looking wallpaper installation that you’ll love for years to come.

Five Common Wallpaper Mistakes | Best Solutions

Common wallpaper mistakes1

Have a look at the top five wallpaper mistakes:

  1. Wrong Estimation of Wallpaper Size
  2. Overlook The Seam Alignment
  3. Wrong Wallpaper Selection For Room
  4. Ignoring Wall Preparation
  5. Neglecting Pattern Pairing

 

  • Wrong Estimation of Wallpaper Size

Common wallpaper mistakes2

As the selection of the right wallpaper is crucial, similarly, purchasing the right quantity is necessary. The most common mistake is miscalculating the dimensions of your place where to adjust the wallpaper, leading to uneven appearances, delays, or sometimes a waste of money. If the wallpaper length is short, you’ve to leave a gap until the second shipment is delivered, although the division line is truly visible and looks ugly. Sometimes, when you order more paper  it may be slightly different in color shade, resulting difference in the color theme of the place. This mistake becomes even more noticeable when selecting printed or Abstract wallpapers.

Solution

To prevent these issues, some tips are given:

  • Carefully Measure The Walls

For accurate measurements, use a measuring tape, paper, and a pencil. First, measure the wall’s width from left to right, including any openings, doors, or windows. These can be excluded in installation, or if you’re measuring for multiple walls, then measure them individually, then add them together, and write it on paper.

  • Order Extra Wallpaper

Take into account pattern repetition. It’s a better practice to order 10-15% extra so that it does not run short in cutting edges, repairing, or adjusting.  

  • Overlooking The Seam Alignment

Common wallpaper mistakes3

Another common wallpaper mistake is that the seams often do not match up properly. The imperfect seam alignment can be due to several aspects, including using the wrong or unsuitable adhesive materials, and incorrect leveling of the first panel can usually result in the seams being off. During installation, if seams are not arranged straight, it might cause an ugly sight or poor integration.

Solution

To make perfect seam alignment, expert tips are followed:

  • Seamless Wallpaper Installation

Accurately apply the paste at the back of the wallpaper using a gentle brush or roller for seamless wallpaper and wall panel installation. Spread the premium adhesive material to cover the back completely, especially near the edges. Now, fold each end to meet the middle, and keep the seams straightly arranged. Leave it for ten minutes, it prevents your seams from isolating, providing a seamless integration. 

  • Wrong Wallpaper Selection For Room

Common wallpaper mistakes4

When improving the overall visual appeal of the room, always keep in mind that it is not necessary; all kinds of wallpapers match every room design or functional requirements. So, if you like any pattern or color shade for a Living room wallpaper, it doesn’t mean that it will prove to be the right wallpaper for that room. The selection of such wallpaper that is not well-suited to your room’s moisture atmosphere and wear and tear often leads to peeling or damage, reducing the glossiness and charm of the place. Moreover, not being familiar with the room’s architecture also gives inappropriate results.

Solution

To make the right selection of wallpapers that add both endurance and functionality, a few tips are given:

  • Understanding The Room’s Purpose

The best thing is to consider where and how the kids room or bedroom room wallpaper will be used. Always select wallpapers by keeping specific room goals, purpose, or texture in mind. For instance, if you choose wallpaper with an effective pattern and plan to install it in a place with angled ceilings. In that case, you must carefully arrange the visual elements to take a preview of how it looks after installation. So before picking your favorite print, you must ensure how the room will be utilized, and don’t make any quick, random placements.

  • Specific wallpapers for specific places

For humid places or high-traffic areas, opt for durable, moisture-resistant wallpapers like Brick wallpaper , that can withstand deterioration. 

  • Ignoring Wall Preparation

Common wallpaper mistakes5

One of the most common mistakes is not paying attention to wall preparation. If you apply wallpapers to uneven, dirty, roughly textured walls can significantly result in poor installation, often forming bubbles, may be separated from walls, risk portions of the panels from falling and require re-adjustments or even wallpaper removal, and edges may leave the walls providing an unpleasant or rough look. 

Solution

Proper cleaning of your walls before installation is the key to successful installation.

  • Prepare Wall Surface Properly

Walls can be cleaned in two ways: either by sanding the paint or by using high-quality primer. If you choose to sand the paint to a flat, remove the debris from the dry cloth subsequently, in the case of primer, ensure it is dry for at least 72 hours before installation. It’s a good approach to paint or prime your walls 30 days from installation. 

  • Neglecting Pattern Pairings

Common wallpaper mistakes6

Overlooking the pattern matching with existing decor elements may result in overwhelming the space. Pattern pairing is the essential aspect of a flawless, professional, and elegant look. This factor is crucial for complicated designs where unmatched design themes can lead to sloppy or inconsistent design. Lack of knowledge of pattern repeats and pattern types often creates visually uninteresting designs, and may be the reason for a loss of investment.

Solution

Explore the points leading to proper pattern matching:

  • Understand Pattern Repetition

Every wallpaper has a repeat, which is the vertical distance the pattern takes to repeat itself. Mastering the pattern repeats can help in determining how to cut or align strips for seamless pairing.

  • Find Repeated Patterns

Look for the pattern repetition information on the wallpaper roll label.

  • Test Pattern Match

Take a preview of the pattern and how it looks, lay out a few strips on the floor, or hang them on the walls. It helps in making judgments, whether the pattern matches the room’s design or not. 

The Bottom Line

To sum up, we have enlisted all possible wallpaper installation mistakes along with their respective solutions. Wallpapers such as Mural Wallpapers  and others have a powerful potential to transform your space, as simple paints cannot. Moreover, through proper care or avoiding such common mistakes, you can create a seamless or elegant finish that can last longer. Remember that wallpapering is a worthwhile investment, so take your time and do it right for the first time. Whether you’re seeking bold remodeling or a simple look, the right wallpaper with perfect installation can turn your place into a piece of art. So, be geared up for your transformational journey with wallpapers.