How to Wallpaper Around Corners & Obstacles

We’ve previously covered the basics when it comes to how to hang wallpaper successfully, including everything you need to get started and a step-by-step guide on how to hang wallpaper to change the look of a room. So, today at I Love Wallpaper we’re offering advice on how to tackle those tricky wallpaper application situations to help you achieve the perfect wallpapered wall. 

Sometimes wallpapering is not as straight-forward as we’d like it to be! It’s very likely that you will encounter obstacles when hanging wallpaper, so we’re addressing the best way to overcome the most common wallpaper issues in order for you to do the best job possible.

How to install wallpaper behind fixed radiators

Wallpapering a wall with a fixed radiator may appear to be a daunting task to those who haven’t done it before, but in reality, the answer to how to install wallpaper behind fixed radiators is simple. If possible, we would recommend removing the cool radiator from the wall completely to allow you to gain access behind and underneath it. If you cannot remove the radiator, make sure that you have a pencil, scissors and a radiator roller to hand. 

In cases where you can’t remove the radiator, then measure and make a note of the position of the brackets and measure from the top of the radiator up to the ceiling, and from the bottom to the skirting board. 

Next, paste the wallpaper and hang from the top of the wall as normal but only brushing downwards until the top of the radiator, allowing the rest of the paper to rest against the front. 

Use scissors to cut a vertical slit from the bottom of the paper to the placement of the radiator brackets, then drop the paper down the back of the radiator, either side of the wall brackets. 

Take the radiator roller and smooth down the wallpaper behind it before trimming the bottom edge to meet the skirting.

How to hang wallpaper in corners

Another obstacle you might face if you’re covering a whole room is how to hang wallpaper around corners, or inside corners. The approach to this will differ for thicker wallpapers, as the overlap will need to be larger. 

How to hang wallpaper on inside corners:

• Measure the last length of wallpaper that you will need and add an extra 1-2cm in width before cutting, and hang the wallpaper from the ceiling as you did with the other strips.

• Press the wallpaper into the corner using a brush or spatula, and press the overlap onto the next wall to form the overlap which can be covered by the next piece.

How to hang wallpaper on outer corners: 

• Measure your length of wallpaper, as usual, allowing an extra 1-2cm for the overlap.

• Cut and apply the paste the wallpaper, and meet the edges of the last piece on the wall.

• Wrap around the external corner, smoothing as you go to avoid air bubbles forming.

• Add your next piece of wallpaper to the other side of the wall to create a smooth edge. 

How to wallpaper around windows

Finally, let’s look at how to wallpaper around windows. Hanging wallpaper around windows will require more a more careful approach and will take a bit more time to get right. 

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• Start at one side of the window and have scissors to hand in order to make cuts when necessary to allow for the windowsill. Apply the full-length wallpaper from the ceiling, allowing the correct amount of wallpaper to overlap in order to meet the window itself.

• Use a dry wallpaper brush or your finger, gently push the overlapping paper to form a right angle, so that there is an outline of the windowsill and wall. 

• Take the scissors and make a diagonal cut down to the corner, top and bottom of the window, where the windowsill and wall meet.

• Next, push the paper flap around the corner into the window reveal. Trim the excess wallpaper from around the window sill area and use the dry brush again to smooth the edge down. 

If you prefer a visual guide, there are many useful online tutorials on how to wallpaper around windows, light switches and plug sockets to guide you in your DIY wallpapering endeavours. We hope that we’ve helped to advise you on how to wallpaper around corners and other obstacles you may face when decorating – now all that is left to do is transform your home!  

You’ll find a range of helpful troubleshooting articles on the I Love Wallpaper blog, so choose your favourite wallpaper, application tools and get ready to bring life to your walls! 

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