Wallpaper has a way of transforming any space it’s used in. It can add color, character depth, and detail to any space when used correctly. And these days it’s more accessible and easier to use than ever.

But there are still simple mistakes people make when wallpapering that can ruin the entire vibe. Let’s take a look at what they are.

Not Ordering Enough

Pretty self-explanatory, really. It’s really common and an easy mistake to make because wallpaper can be a pretty tough match to wall sizes if you don’t know what you’re doing, even more so if you’re pattern matching. Some walls are longer than others, and some patterns waste more paper. And you can measure and match all you like, but you can still find that you’ve ordered too little for the space you’re papering.

If you have to return to the store, chances are you might not get rolls from the same batch, which means it won’t match completely when you hang it. This is because wallpaper is produced in batches, and dye can vary between runs. And if you get a roll from a different run, it might not match what you already have.

Skipping Pattern Matching

Patterned wallpaper adds another level of complexity when measuring for wallpaper. As mentioned above, pattern match can produce a ton of waste, and if you haven’t accounted for this, you might find that you run out of paper before you’ve finished covering the wall it’s going on.

Luckily, most manufacturers warn you on their website or on the label itself, so you can avoid it happening as much as possible now. But the trick is to buy more than you feel you might need. If you have unopened rolls left at the end, you might be able to return them for a refund, but it’s better to be safe than sorry.

Papering Over Problem Walls

Wallpaper doesn’t hide imperfections; it highlights them. Any bumps, cracks, and uneven patches will show through the paper,r especially if you’re buying thinner paper or anything with a sheen.

You need to fill holes and down tough areas and prime the wall before you start hanging the wallpaper. This is especially important in older homes that might have uneven walls or differences in height across the length of the wall. Skipping it won’t give you the smooth, seamless surface you’ll be expecting.

Choosing the Wrong Paper

Not just the design but the actual paper. This means choosing standard wallpaper for rooms with high moisture levels, i.e., bathrooms. Before long, the paper will start to succumb to moisture damage. Retailers like Wallpaper Online have specific wallpaper for living rooms and bedrooms, which are different from the correct type of wallpaper for kitchens and bathrooms.

Getting Measurements Wrong

Measure twice, cut once, as the saying goes. And when measuring your wall, you need to measure the height from the top of the baseboard to the ceiling, not floor to ceiling, or the paper will end up bunching at the bottom.

Then you need to account for places like alcoves, chimney breasts, or windows that break up the wall space. If you have uneven walls, you need to add around 5cm to the length to account for any variances when hanging the paper.