Installing wallpaper around windows can transform a room from ordinary to extraordinary, but the process requires patience and precision. The area around window frames is often the most visible part of the wall, making it crucial to achieve a flawless finish. This guide focuses on the specific challenges and techniques needed to create a professional-looking border that complements the window.
Measuring and Cutting Your Wallpaper
Before you even unroll the paper, accurate measurement is essential to avoid waste and ensure proper alignment. You must account for the window's height, the reveal (the section of the window frame that protrudes), and the overlap onto the window casing.
Accounting for the Reveal
The reveal is the vertical edge of the window frame that sits proud of the wall. You need to decide whether the wallpaper will stop at the reveal or wrap around it. Wrapping the paper around the reveal provides a softer, more integrated look, but it requires double-sided adhesive and careful trimming.
Calculating the Length
Your cut strip should be the height of the window frame, plus the width of the reveal (if wrapping), plus an additional 2 inches for trimming at the top and bottom. This ensures you have enough material to make adjustments for any minor inconsistencies in the plaster or drywall.
Prepping the Window Area
The success of your installation hinges on the preparation of the window substrate. Unlike a flat wall, the area around a window involves multiple planes: the wall, the window frame, and the sash. You must ensure all surfaces are clean, dry, and smooth to prevent the adhesive from failing.
Remove any old caulk or paint chips from the window casing. If the window is old, check for stability; a loose window will cause the wallpaper to wrinkle over time. It is generally recommended to paint the window frame before applying the wallpaper, as this creates a clean, sealed barrier against moisture.
Measuring the Window Casings
Window casings—the trim surrounding the window—require special attention. The wallpaper must navigate the edge of the casing without buckling or lifting. The goal is to achieve a seamless transition where the paper meets the edge of the trim.
| Step | Action | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Measure the width of the casing. | To determine how much overlap is needed for a neat edge. |
| 2 | Mark the center point of the casing. | To ensure the pattern is centered when the paper is applied. |
| 3 | Cut a small notch in the backing paper. | To allow the paper to conform tightly around the edge of the casing. |
Applying the Paste and Booking the Paper
Once your strip is cut, apply the wallpaper paste evenly to the back of the paper. For intricate areas like windows, a notched smoother is indispensable for pushing out air bubbles and ensuring maximum adhesion. "Booking" the paper—folding it paste side to paste side without creasing—activates the adhesive and gives you a short working window to position the material.
Because the window area is a focal point, you must work efficiently but carefully. Book the paper for the time recommended by the manufacturer, usually around 5 to 10 minutes. During this time, prepare your smoothing tools and have a damp sponge ready for cleaning up any excess paste.
The "Hanging" Technique: Alignment and Smoothing
Starting the strip at the correct point is vital for hiding the seam. Ideally, you should hang the paper so that the seam lands behind the window casing, making it invisible from the front. Use a level or a plumb line to ensure your strip is straight before it touches the glass.
When smoothing the paper onto the window frame, work from the center outward. Use a clean, damp sponge to gently press the paper into the nooks of the casing. If you opted to wrap the paper around the reveal, apply a thin bead of adhesive to the edge of the frame and use a smoothing brush to press the paper firmly in place, eliminating any gaps.
Trimming and Final Touches
No matter how precise your initial measurement, trimming is the final step that determines the professionalism of the job. Use a sharp utility knife and a metal straight edge to cleanly cut away the excess paper at the top and bottom. Score the paper lightly before cutting to prevent tearing the surface.
After the paper is trimmed, immediately clean the surface with a damp sponge to remove any paste haze. Allow the adhesive to cure for at least 24 hours before cleaning the window thoroughly. Once the wallpaper around the window is set, the room will feel complete, with the pattern drawing the eye to the natural light source.
