Wallpaper Hanging Done Properly

Most wallpaper problems start before the first roll is cut. Old paper, flaking paint, cracks and uneven plaster all show through new wallpaper, especially thinner papers and anything with a sheen. That’s why every job starts with a proper look at the walls and an honest view of what they need.

Where old wallpaper has to come off, I remove it carefully to avoid damaging the plaster underneath. Cracks and holes are filled and sanded smooth, and where the surface needs it, I apply lining paper first. Lining paper evens out small imperfections and gives the finished wallpaper a far better surface to bond to, which means cleaner seams and a longer-lasting result.

Types of Wallpaper I Hang

• Standard and vinyl wallpapers for living rooms, bedrooms and hallways
• Paste-the-wall papers, including non-woven designs
• Heavy and textured papers, including embossed and anaglypta-style finishes
• Patterned and large-repeat designs, where accurate matching matters most
• Murals and feature walls that need careful planning before hanging
• Lining paper as a base for wallpaper or paint

If you’ve already chosen your paper, I’ll check the manufacturer’s instructions, the pattern repeat and the batch numbers before we start. If you’re still deciding, I’m happy to give practical advice on which papers suit which rooms — for example, what works well in a busy hallway versus a bedroom.

Pattern Matching and Awkward Spaces

The difference between an average job and a professional one is in the details. I plan where each drop will fall so that the pattern is centred on the main wall, seams sit away from focal points, and the final join lands in the least visible corner. Around windows, sockets, radiators and doorframes, every cut is made precisely so the pattern continues cleanly.

Staircases and stairwells are one of the most requested jobs. Long drops, tall walls and angled ceilings need proper access equipment and careful measuring, and I’m fully set up to handle them safely.

Clean, Protected and Tidy

Wallpapering involves paste, water and offcuts, so protection is part of every job. Floors, furniture and fittings are covered before work begins, and I leave each room clean at the end of the day. You can read more about how I work on my floor and furniture protection page and my approach to preparation and repair work.

Wallpaper or Paint?

Not every wall suits wallpaper, and not every room suits paint alone. Wallpaper hides minor surface imperfections, adds texture and pattern, and works especially well on feature walls, chimney breasts and stairwells. Paint is easier to refresh and better suited to kitchens and bathrooms with high moisture. Many of my wallpaper hanging jobs combine both: a papered feature wall with freshly painted walls, ceilings and woodwork around it. I’ll give you an honest recommendation based on the room, not on what’s easiest for me.

Areas Covered

I hang wallpaper across Southampton and nearby areas, including Eastleigh, Chandler’s Ford, Shirley and the wider Hampshire area.