From one end of the wall to the other one instead of from top to bottom. We have seen some customers hanging our wallpapers horizontally so we thought we would give you some tips and ideas for this type of application.
There are some things you need to take into account before getting into hanging your wallpaper horizontally. All our wallpapers have been designed to be hung vertically, although in some cases they look just as great when hung horizontally and can provide the room with a spacious feel. The first thing you need to think about is the pattern. For example, striped wallpapers or wood plank and marble effects tend to work better than conversational motifs such as animals, objects, characters etc that could end up looking odd horizontally. The best way of figuring this out is to pin the wallpaper sample up on the wall to see what the pattern, the colour and the effects looks like.
When wallpapering horizontally, you’re fighting against gravity, so the best option for this type of application would be non-woven wallpaper, as you’d be applying the paste directly on the wall, which will make things easier.
Once you’ve chosen your perfect wallpaper, you can crack on with the project, a second person supporting with the process would be useful, especially when it comes to do the top of the walls. The steps go as follows:
- Firstly, measure the heigh of the wall
- Divide the height of the wall by the width of the wallpaper to estimate the number of strips that you need, so for example if you wall is 2.3m high, and your wallpaper width is 0.53, you’ll need 5 strips (always round it up).
- Use a spirit level to draw a line where the wallpaper will go, make sure this is completely straight.
- Measure the width of the wall and add at least 10cm exceed
- Cut the first piece according to the width of the wall, allowing a margin at both ends of the strip for trimming, and roll them from left to right.
- Apply the paste on the wall or on the paper, depending on the substrate of your chosen wallpaper – check out the label for more info, and follow the instructions.
- Line up the first stripe across the straight line you’ve drawn before.
- Carefully and slowly unroll the stripe of wallpaper pressing it softly against the wall. Smooth the paper evenly onto the surface, using a decorator’s brush from the centre to the edges to expel any air bubbles.
- Once fully adhered and smooth, carefully trim any excess paper on the edges.
- Once you’ve hung a couple of stripes take a couple of steps back and have a look at the wall to ensure everything is on track.
- Keep repeating the process, ensuring the joins are completely straight. This application method will only look great on a straight wall.
We have also seen a stripe of a standard roll of wallpaper being used horizontally as a wide decorative border or frieze. The steps to follow are same as the above, the result is truly stunning when combined with painted walls, and it really works as a focal point in the room!