Introduction
Hanging wallpaper has a reputation for being difficult, but with the right preparation and technique, it's a very achievable DIY project — particularly with modern non-woven wallpaper, which is significantly more forgiving than traditional paper varieties. This guide walks you through the process from start to finish. All Carta Noor wallpapers are printed on premium non-woven material using the paste-the-wall method described below.
What You'll Need
- Wallpaper paste (check your wallpaper's instructions — non-woven wallpaper uses a "paste the wall" method)
- Paste brush or roller
- Smoothing brush or plastic smoother
- Plumb line or spirit level
- Sharp craft knife or wallpaper scissors
- Seam roller
- Clean sponge and bucket of water
- Measuring tape and pencil
- Stepladder
Step 1: Prepare Your Walls
Good preparation is the foundation of a good result. Your walls should be clean, dry, and smooth. Fill any cracks or holes with filler and sand smooth once dry. If your walls are very porous (new plaster, for example), apply a coat of diluted wallpaper paste or a specialist primer to seal the surface before hanging.
Remove any switch plates or outlet covers and set them aside.
Step 2: Find Your Starting Point
Don't assume your walls are perfectly square — they rarely are. Use a plumb line or spirit level to draw a perfectly vertical line on the wall where you'll hang your first strip. This is your reference line and ensures every subsequent strip hangs straight.
For a feature wall, start from the centre of the wall and work outwards in both directions. This ensures the pattern is centred and any cut strips at the edges are symmetrical.
Step 3: Measure and Cut Your First Strip
Measure the height of your wall and add 10cm (about 4 inches) — 5cm at the top and 5cm at the bottom for trimming. Cut your first strip to this length.
If your wallpaper has a pattern repeat, make sure subsequent strips are cut so the pattern matches at the seams. Note the pattern repeat measurement on your wallpaper packaging and account for this when cutting.
Step 4: Paste the Wall (Not the Paper)
With non-woven wallpaper, you paste the wall rather than the paper. Apply an even coat of paste to the wall, covering an area slightly wider than your wallpaper strip. Work in sections — paste one strip's width at a time.
Step 5: Hang the First Strip
Align the edge of your first strip with your vertical reference line. Start at the top, leaving your 5cm overlap at the ceiling, and smooth the strip down the wall using your smoothing brush or plastic smoother. Work from the centre of the strip outwards to push out any air bubbles.
Check the vertical alignment as you go — the edge of the strip should follow your reference line exactly.
Step 6: Trim the Edges
Once the strip is hung and smoothed, use a sharp craft knife and a straight edge to trim the excess at the ceiling and skirting board. A sharp blade is essential — a blunt knife will tear rather than cut cleanly.
Step 7: Hang Subsequent Strips
Paste the next section of wall and hang the second strip, butting it tightly against the first. Match the pattern carefully before smoothing down. Use a seam roller to press the seam flat — but don't press too hard on embossed or textured wallpapers.
Wipe away any paste that squeezes out at the seams with a clean damp sponge immediately — dried paste is much harder to remove.
Step 8: Continue and Complete
Continue hanging strips, always pasting the wall ahead of each strip. Take your time with pattern matching — this is where the quality of the finished result is won or lost.
Around corners, windows, and doors, you'll need to cut strips to fit. Measure carefully and cut with a sharp knife for clean edges.
Final Tips
Allow the wallpaper to dry fully before judging the result — any minor bubbles or imperfections usually disappear as the paste dries. Keep the room well ventilated but avoid direct draughts, which can cause the wallpaper to dry too quickly and lift at the seams.
With patience and care, the result will be a wall that looks professionally finished and lasts for years. Ready to choose your pattern? Browse our full wallpaper collection or explore our curated Geometric Heritage Luxe, Storyteller's Garden, and Architectural Statements collections.