I like decorating with wallpaper and I will sometimes paper the top half of the walls in a room, two walls in a room, or one long wall in a large room. Generally I will contrast the subtle color in the wallpaper with a soft paint color that highlights. If the the overall pattern is quite vivid, I will not paper all of the walls or all of the top halves of the walls with the really vivid wallpaper, unless asked to do so by clients.
Always for me, there is wallpaper left over.The most significant question that you ask is: “What do you do with left over wallpaper?” There are a few things that I have found interesting. The first thing - covering a waste basket with the wall paper. It is a simple and easy process. In preparation, you should have a tape measurer - scissors - wallpaper - a plain waste basket - and paste from Border’s Over Wallpaper or Border’s over Paint (only if it is not pre-adhesive or there is no paste on the back of the wallpaper). (1) Measure the waste basket in both length and width, (2) Cut paper according to measurements, (3) Put the wallpaper on a hard flat surface and cover the back of it with the paste, (4) Wrap the wallpaper around the waste basket. Make certain that it is smooth. Voila!!! You now have a customized waste basket!
Two other things that you can can do with wallpaper is cover the hard and stationary valance at the window; or cover storage boxes (and many more things). Just make sure that you measure properly. As a result, you can customize different aspects of your home with wallpaper. Try it and let us know how you make out.
1. Hi Betty,
I like this wallpaper! I saw it about two years ago in Elle’s Decor Magazine. I tried to find it but I couldn’t. I would love to know where you got it. I never thought in terms of wrapping a waste basket with the left over paper. How unique! This looks great! I would love to see the whole room. I can see that all of the walls are not papered. What is the accent color?
Carla
by carla — 7/18/07 at 4:18 pm #
2. Hi Carla,
Thank you for your comments. I purchased this wallpaper from a specialized wallpaper store in Baltlimore County, Maryland called Plymouth Wallpaper. I purchased this a few years ago and I’m not certain if it continues to be on the shelf, but try and see. It is quite a compliment to know that this wallpaper was seen in Decor Magazine. Another friend told me that she saw the wallpaper in Decor as well.
The two long side walls in this room are painted in a light peach as you see in the pattern. And then one dressing room to the side is in peach wallpaper, the same color as the painted walls. The two short walls, in the front and the back of the room have the wallpaper.
I am happy that you like the waste basket! Let me know if you have decided to wrap a waste basket or any other decorating and let us know how you make out. There is so much that you can do with wallpaper and decorating.
by Betty — 7/18/07 at 6:31 pm #
3. I like wallpaper too. I’ve also covered lampshades designed for accent lamps with leftover wallpaper. I’ve found lampshades designed specifically to cover with wallpaper–ithey come with a template to trace on your wallpaper so it fits just perfectly. A friend used her covered lampshades on a chandelier in her kitchen and it looked darling. She actually used the companion paper to her primary pattern.
by dora — 7/18/07 at 10:34 pm #
4. Hi Dora,
Congratulations! You’ve shared some other ways that are really great to use wallpaper. I would have indicated that one could cover lamp shades, but the pattern of the paper that I have in the post is very dramatic and that might be hard for some individuals to comprehend (smile). You have shared some great information! Thanks for your contributions! We look forward to hearing from you again.
by Betty — 7/19/07 at 1:05 pm #
5. I have used left over wallpaper for shelf liner.
by Kimberly — 7/19/07 at 5:21 pm #
6. Hi Betty,
A couple ideas I’ve done with wallpaper are… If you can find partial rolls of pretty floral or hand painted wallpaper, cut out and center the design to frame with a matching mat and frame. Great looking artwork. Also I’ve cut out the floral flowers of a wallpaper and glued them onto the wall, swag over an archway or mirror or bed in a childs room. Then added handpainted vines and leaves to connect everything. The flowers are the hardest part to paint so cut out the wallpaper flowers and paint the rest. Easy and it all looks handpainted when complete.
by Cathy — 7/20/07 at 3:51 pm #
7. Hi Kimberly,
I don’t know why I never thought of wallpaper being used for covering shelves. That is great! Once one of my clients saw your idea, we decided that covering the shelves of her dressing room would be awesome! Thanks for your idea. It’s great! Share some more with us. In fact, share with us some of your work. We look forward to hearing from you again soon.
by Betty — 7/20/07 at 7:22 pm #
8. Hi Cathy,
You are a master! You have such excellent ideas that are priceless. Both of these ideas will be treasured by those who are seeking great ways to decorate.
Thanks loads!
by Betty — 7/20/07 at 7:25 pm #
9. Hi Dora,
Another individual informed me that she liked your idea so much for the chandelliers in the kitchen, that she was going to copy that idea and also make place mats. She indicated that she would have them laminated on both sides and therefore making them easier to keep clean. She would then have a very beautiful and well-coordinated eatting area- whether it be kitchen or dining area.
Thank you for sharing and get back in touch with us soon!
by Betty — 7/20/07 at 7:29 pm #
10. There are lots of things to do with left over wallpaper…..cover pencil holders….make phone book or address book jackets….use it as mat in picture frames….desk blotter….it could go on and on….
by Julie — 7/21/07 at 3:54 pm #
11. Hi Julie,
Thanks for your great ideas about what to do with leftover wallpaper! You have some excellent decorative suggestions that will be very helpful to all of us. Continue to share with us and let us know what other great ideas you have. We look forward to hearing from you!
by Betty — 7/23/07 at 1:36 pm #
12. Hi Betty,
I read your ideas and I have left over wallpaper. Can you explain how you decorate a window valance? I’m looking to decorate my 5 yr old daughters room.
by Irene — 7/27/07 at 7:57 am #
13. Hi Irene,
It is always great when a mother is excited about decorating her childs room. Your five year old daughter must be excited about what her mom is doing to make her happy.
Now, regarding decorating a window valance (I meant cornice before) : (1) It would be great if you could have it made of wood or a wood substitute; (2) make certain that it is at least 3 inches away from each side of the window; (3) it must be firmly adhered to the wall and not easily moved; (4) lay the wall paper out and measure it accordingly; (5) identify what is the main pattern in the wallpaper and center the paper accordingly; if you should need other wallpaper to complete the covering, make certain that what you cut is layed out in such a manner that it looks as though there is continuation of the design; (6)get the Borders paste that I spoke of before and put it on the back of the paper; (7) and put the paper on the cornice board. Voila! Beautiful window decor/treatment.
Another way is to paint the cornice board the primary color in the room and then cut out the primary design in the wallpaper and glue it to the board and making a gorgeous design around the window treatment that highlights your beautiful daughter’s room. To keep everything in place and lasting, you might spray it with polyurethane.
I hope that this helps. Let us know what you decide to do and share with us how you make out. We look forward to hearing from you again soon.
by Betty — 7/28/07 at 9:35 pm #
14. Betty,
As usual your design ideas about coveirng with left over wallpaper are great. The wastebasket in the picture is fantastic. You have really sparked the interest of many people, so that, they are sending you their ideas and, of course, sharing them with all of us. Thank you so much.
by Shirley [...] — 7/30/07 at 10:09 am #
15. Hi Shirley Harrison,
Thank you for your wonderful and supportive comments! I remember your contact with us before. You are always very kind and complimentary. It is obvious that you enjoy decorating and I am pleased that you enjoy the post on “Left over wallpaper.” As you can see there are so many alternatives for wallpaper usage. This is very exciting for all of the individuals who are seeking new and exciting ways to decorate.
Keep in touch with us and let us know what you think.
by Betty — 7/30/07 at 1:00 pm #
16. I cover matchbooks….looks pretty to leave them right by the candles instead of hiding them in a drawer
by cassy [...] — 7/30/07 at 7:34 pm #
17. Hi Cassy,
What another great idea!! I would never have thought about covering matchbooks. It would be such a wonderful display of conscious and coordinated decorating. After I thought about it, I could now see match boxes also covered and the elongated match holders for fireplace matches. I know that many will gain from your contribution.
Thank you for adding to the decoration of the home with “Left Over Wallpaper.” Keep in touch and share with us again. We look forward to hearing from you.
by Betty — 7/31/07 at 11:45 am #
18. How to I make a window shade out of wall paper?
Thank you,
Christine
by christine [...] — 8/7/07 at 7:54 am #
19. Hi Christine,
Thank you for your question! There are two ways that this can be done. The easiest is to cover the exposed end of an existing shade already operating.
(1) Make sure that you have these things in advance: scissors, measuring tape, very strong wallpaper ( without glue or any substance that would be adhesive), cord for pulling the shade, staple gun and staples, permanent glue or industrial sewing machine.
(2) Measure the shade area that you want covered. Measure the wallpaper that will be placed on the shade. Make certain that they are comparable.
(3) The section that the wallpaper will cover should be at least 6 to 12 inches above the area that will be exposed.
(4) Either glue the wallpaper to the shade or sew it to the shade with the assistance of an industrial sewing machine. The glue should be permanent but flexible.
(5) When you glue or sew the wallpaper to the shade, don’t forget to make certain that the hem of the shade is covered as well and allowing for the thin piece of wood that goes into the hem that gives the shade weight and fullness.
(6) There is a small hole in the thin piece of wood that holds the cord that is used to pull the shade. The cord that you put through the hem of the shade and wood, should compliment the color of this left over wallpaper.
The second way to make shades with Left Over Wallpaper:
(1) Take the present shade off ot the tube roller. Make certain that it functions well - without glitches and with great flow.
(2) Measure the wallpaper by the detached shade taken off of the tube.
(3) The sides can be glued or sewn.
(4) Make certain that when you cut the wallpaper, that you allow for at least two additional inches at the end that will be folded over to be stapled to the tube roller.
(5) Allow for the inches at the hem that will accommodate the thin wood with the hole for giving weight and balance to the hem of the shade. It could be either sewn or glued. ( If it is glued, please make certain that it is permanent but flexible glue and it is dried before you continue)
(6) Put the cord through the wall paper shade and the hole in the thin wood so that you can guide the movement.
Voila!!! You have a custom shade that you have developed!
by Betty — 8/8/07 at 2:43 pm #
20. I use wallpaper for lining drawers, especially in old dressers that I’ve restored. And I like the idea of laminated placemats. However, I’ve used wallpaper by simply using it as a gift wrap for presents. Incidentally, I just found this website/blog site today. Since I enjoy Homegoods and decorating, I’ll be back!
by Arlen in WV — 9/1/07 at 3:45 pm #
21. HI, Betty,
Your post about using wallpaper to cover shelves is just what I was looking for! Now I’d like some specifics, please. I want to use wallpaper to completely cover the removable shelf in a wall cabinet. What tips and techniques can you share for doing a really professional job of fitting the paper to the shelf? I’m pretty good at wrapping gift boxes, but I bet the shelf project will require a little more finesse. To protect the paper from scuffing as I moving things in and out of the cabinet, I bought some Valspar satin finish acrylic latex clear protector, which is used to protect faux finish projects. Should I use more than one coat of this? Anything else I should consider before I start? Thanks!
by Ellen from WV — 9/5/07 at 9:37 pm #
22. Hi Ellen,
It is ever so weird! I responded to your question earlier in a somewhat lengthy and detailed way and when I submitted it, it did not go through. Therefore, you might get it twice (smile).
Ellen, you can make your shelf look very professional! What you will need, first and foremost are:
1. Wallpaper - that you want to use to cover the shelf (larger then shelf size because it has to be cut accordingly
2. Scissors
3. A tape measurer
4. (Maybe) Goop Permanent Glue
5. The removable shelf that has to be covered
6. Water for the wallpaper
7. A flat place for laying the wallpaper and the shelf for the appropriate covering
8. Pencil
Let’s begin the process:
1. Lay the wallpaper with the “inside” upward
2. Place the shelf in the center of the wall paper and take the pencil and trace around it or merely measure the shelf and then the paper accordingly
3. Take into consideration the thicknes of the shelf and allow for that when you begin to measure
4. After allowing for the thickness of the shelf, then measure at least two more inches beyond that point
5. Cut the wallpaper for the shelf covering - Remember, to allow for the depth of the shelf when you cut and the additional two inches.
6. On each corner, you are going to cut out the box on the corner of each- allowing for triangle cut out of each corner (making sure that you you do not cut the sections that are preserved, but up to the two inches that we made excess .
7. You should have at least four even flaps
8. According to the time that your wallpaper is supposed to be dipped in the water or the pre-paste side wet, you are to follow those directions according to what you are previously indicated.
9. Once it is wet enough, you are to put the shelf in the area that was previously outlined on the opposite side (the inside) then bring the flaps up to cover the corners and it should be very smooth and neat.
10. Turn it over on the outside (That will be the right side) and smooth the wallpaper out with a brush. Make certain that there are no puckers or imperfections on the front side of the shelf.
11. Allow it to dry.
12. Now, if you want additional paper put on the under-side of the shelf to cover the work, you may cut paper making it one inch from the edge.
13. Once it dries - you should then apply the Valspar Satin Finish Acrylic Latex Clear Protector. One time should be enough!
14. You should have a professional looking shelf.
(Now, you might decide to use a permanent glue rather then depend upon the pre-paste. Goop Permanent Glue is a good one.)
I hope that the information that I have provided will be helpful. Please check back and let us know how you have made out. If I can be of any additional assistance let me know. Good Luck, Ellen!!
by Betty — 9/6/07 at 8:01 pm #
23. Hi, Betty,
Thank you for the detailed instructions and recommendations. They’re very clear and complete, and I’m sure I’ll be able to follow them easily. I didn’t know about Goop permanent glue, but I’ll look for it because I bet it will be useful for other projects. I’m just now getting back to the shelf, and I’ll let you know how it turns out.
In the meanwhile, I’ve finished painting my laundry room and adding a 9-inch gray-green border with cast-iron pots of hydrangeas alternating with two cream-colored enamel-ware pitchers with a tied bunch of lavendar between them, at the top of the walls (9-foot ceiling). Behind the door is a stained and varnished 4=inch wide oak board to which my husband added brass coat hooks for hanging the broom, dustpan, and a couple of mops. I could visualize the items in the wallpaper sitting on this oak “shelf”, so I cut a piece of the border to lthe length of the board, trimmed around the design, leaving about 1/8 inch of the background, and pasted the paper above the oak board. Now whenever I reach for the broom, I smile at the sight of flowers and enamelware on the “shelf” behind the door! Wallpaper is such fun!
Ellen
by Ellen from WV — 9/11/07 at 10:14 pm #
24. Hi Ellen,
It sounds like you and your husband are doing a fabulous job! I love what you have done with bringing your laundry room alive. You have tremendous decorating skills and that makes life great for everyone around you! Keep in touch and let us know how you make out with covering the shelf.
Thanks so much for sharing!! We appreciate you.
by Betty — 9/13/07 at 12:28 pm #
25. Betty,
I love decorated ceilings and loved your idea of using wall paper. You mentioned that you cover half of the ceiling and I think the concept is great but lack the expertise to so something like that.
Can you explain how to cover the a ceiling with wallpaper? Is it a general rule to use a light color? If you have any other ideas for ceiling decorating I would love to hear them!!!
Thanks
Tina
by Tina — 9/16/07 at 1:31 am #
26. Hi Tina,
It’s great to hear the enthusiasm in your words! In my post on “Decorating With Wall Paper,” I was really referring to the walls. I have never papered a ceiling. However, I am sure that there are those who do. I think that that would be a little difficult. However, I will bet that if done properly, it would be quite beautiful!
If you should do it or have it done, please share with us and let us know how it works out. We wish you the very best of everything! Happy Fall!
by Betty — 9/18/07 at 9:41 am #
27. FYI: I had a paper-hanger put leopard wallpaper on my ceiling in a small powder bath. The walls are papered in vibrant red Chinese wallpaper, and with the leopard touch on the ceiling it is simply stunning! Then my husband painted the celing vents black to blend in with the paper….just beautiful!!!
by Jane — 10/29/07 at 3:32 pm #
28. Hi Jane,
Your powder room sounds beautiful! You seem to have a style for boldly stepping out to do what looks and feels good to you. That is exciting! I can just see the powder room as you have described it. If you get a chance, share you room with us with your HomeGoods finds. Thank you so much for sharing with us. You are going to give some other people ideas about how they can make their home more exciting.
Keep sharing with us and others. Enjoy your beautiful powder room.
by Betty — 10/31/07 at 8:42 pm #