How to Wallpaper Corners

When wallpapering more than one wall, wallpapering corners can become a little tricky, so we decided to speak to some decorators to get some tips and tricks on how to wallpaper corners.

Corners are not always straight, so this can make wallpapering a lot trickier. If you are spackling and grinding before wallpapering, try and make the corners as straight as possible as this will also make wallpapering afterward so much easier and simpler. Corner shields can also be bought at your local DIY store; these will help you create the perfect 90-degree angle.

When ordering your mural, we always recommend that you add 5 cm (2 inches) on the width and the height of your dimensions. For example, if you are wallpapering all four walls in your room, you would add 5 cm per wall, which means 5cm extra on the height and an extra 20 cm on the width.

Recommended Tools

  • ​Rollers and tray
  • Bucket
  • Paintbrush (For the areas that the roller misses, e.g. along the ceiling and skirting boards)
  • Spirit level or plumb line (To make sure the wallpaper is straight)
  • Steel ruler (To make a straight, clean cut along the top and bottom)
  • Wallpaper sponge (Soft cloth or sponge, preferably a cellulose sponge)
  • Pencil

Step by Step Guide For Internal Corners

Step 1

Measure the distance from the edge of the previous strip to the corner and add roughly 2 cm. From those measurements cut the next strip.

Step 2

Use a brush to get the glue in the corner.

Step 3

Align the pattern to the previous strip and use your smoothing tool to press any air bubbles out from the corner.

Step 4

Before you put up the next strip, you have to make sure it’s straight and level.

Step 5

The strip should be hung edge to edge. If the corner isn’t straight, which is common, there will be a small overlap.

Step 6

Keep in mind that you should not press the strip in place, then there is a risk that the joint will separate apart when the glue dries.

Step by Step Guide For External Corners

Straight Corner

  1. When wallpapering around the corner, keep in mind that the strip has to go at least 2 cm over the corner. Otherwise there is a risk that it will not be attached properly.
  2. The lengths should be hung edge to edge without any overlapping.

Non-Straight Corner

  1. Measure the distance from the edge of the previous strip to the corner and add roughly 2 cm.
  2. From those measurements cut the next strip.
  3. Use a brush to get the glue in the corner.
  4. Align the pattern to the previous strip and wallpaper the strip around the corner. Keep in mind that the strip has to go at least 1.5–2 cm over the corner, otherwise there is a risk that it will not be attached properly.
  5. Before you put up the next strip, you have to make sure it’s straight and leveled. The lengths should be hung edge to edge if possible, but it’s common there will be a small overlap.