Feature Story

Transform Your Doorway: Wallpapering a Door Frame for a Showstopper Entrance

Ever considered sprucing up your home with wallpaper but stopped at the thought of your plain, naked door frames? You're not alone. But what if I told you, you can indeed wallpaper a door frame? Intrigued? Let's delve into this transformative DIY project.

Painted door edge
Painted door edge

Firstly, it's crucial to understand that door frames and walls are two different beasts in the DIY world. Walls are flat, expansive surfaces, while door frames have angles, curves, and trim that can pose challenges. But with the right techniques and materials, these challenges can be overcome.

an open door with the words i am obsessed printed on it and a red heart
an open door with the words i am obsessed printed on it and a red heart

Preparation: Choosing the Right Wallpaper and Adhesive

Start by choosing a wallpaper that complements your room's theme. Then, ensure you're using the right adhesive. Paste-the-wall adhesives work best as they allow for easy trimming and repositioning during application.

an open door leading into a living room with blue and white wallpaper on the walls
an open door leading into a living room with blue and white wallpaper on the walls

Also, consider the material of your door frame – whether it's wood, metal, or plastic. Some adhesives may not adhere well to certain materials, so always check the compatibility.

Wallpapering Wooden Door Frames

an open pink door in the corner of a room
an open pink door in the corner of a room

For wooden door frames, the process is quite straightforward. Start by applying the adhesive to the wall around the door frame. Then, carefully paste the wallpaper, smoothing it out as you go. Use a sharp blade to trim off any excess wallpaper.

For areas where the wallpaper meets the door frame itself, a sharp craft knife comes in handy. Make sure to score the wallpaper before trimming for a clean, sharp line.

Wallpapering Metal or Plastic Door Frames

a white door with pink flowers on it and a wallpapered background behind it
a white door with pink flowers on it and a wallpapered background behind it

Metal and plastic door frames can be trickier due to their smooth surfaces. But with the right primer, it's achievable. Start by lightly sanding the frame, then apply a thin layer of primer. Let it dry, then follow the same process as with wooden frames.

Some artisans also opt for using acrylic paint or vinyl paint designed for porous materials like canvas. These can be delicate, so ensure you're using the right application techniques.

Trimming and Matching: The Finishing Touches

the wall paper is taped to the door frame
the wall paper is taped to the door frame

Once you've wallpapered the entire door frame, you'll need to trim any excess paper. Use a sharp blade or craft knife to cut along the edges, ensuring a clean finish. For areas where the wallpaper meets the floor or ceiling, you might want to use a decorative border or threshold.

Matching the wallpaper pattern is another challenge. For seamless, professional-looking results, it's best to carefully measure and cut your first piece so it fits perfectly. For subsequent pieces, you can use templates to ensure they match up correctly.

an open door in a room with wallpaper
an open door in a room with wallpaper
an image of a door with measurements for the top and bottom panel, which are labeled
an image of a door with measurements for the top and bottom panel, which are labeled
the garage door makeover with peel and stick wallpaper is an easy way to get rid
the garage door makeover with peel and stick wallpaper is an easy way to get rid
an open door with blue and gold leaves on it
an open door with blue and gold leaves on it
Creative Cheap DIY Door Ideas for a Fresh Home Look
Creative Cheap DIY Door Ideas for a Fresh Home Look
Papel pintado para recibidor
Papel pintado para recibidor
a woman standing in front of a doorway with the door way border painted on it
a woman standing in front of a doorway with the door way border painted on it
DIY Wallpapered Trimmed Out Doorway
DIY Wallpapered Trimmed Out Doorway
an open door leading into a room with red and white artwork on the walls,
an open door leading into a room with red and white artwork on the walls,
DIY Door Makeover
DIY Door Makeover
a woman is standing in front of a white door and painting the trim on it
a woman is standing in front of a white door and painting the trim on it
an instagramted photo of a wooden door in a room with white walls and wood floors
an instagramted photo of a wooden door in a room with white walls and wood floors
Luxury Interior Wallpapers
Luxury Interior Wallpapers
🚪 14 Hollow Core Door Makeover DIY - LindaHagans.com
🚪 14 Hollow Core Door Makeover DIY - LindaHagans.com
Can You Wallpaper Over Wallpaper or Textured Walls? - Melanie Jade Design
Can You Wallpaper Over Wallpaper or Textured Walls? - Melanie Jade Design
a hand holding a remote control in front of a black door with white shutters
a hand holding a remote control in front of a black door with white shutters
Door Makeover DIY Idea
Door Makeover DIY Idea
an open door leading to another room with wallpaper on the walls and wooden floors
an open door leading to another room with wallpaper on the walls and wooden floors

And there you have it! Transforming your door frames from bland to beautiful. So, go ahead, let your creative juices flow, and remember, practice makes perfect. Happy DIY-ing!