How to Wallpaper Around Windows and Doors
Wallpapering around windows and doors requires careful measuring, accurate trimming and hanging each strip in the correct order. Rather than cutting wallpaper to fit before hanging, position the full strip first, make relief cuts where needed, then trim neatly against the frame for a clean, professional finish.
What You'll Need
Before you begin, gather the following tools and materials:
- Wallpaper
- Wallpaper adhesive (if required)
- Wallpaper brush or smoothing tool
- Sharp snap-off knife or wallpaper trimming knife
- Metal straight edge or trimming ruler
- Tape measure
- Pencil
- Spirit level or plumb line
- Seam roller
- Clean damp sponge
- Step ladder (if required)
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Prepare the Wall
Before wallpapering around any window or door, ensure the wall is clean, dry and smooth.
Remove any nails, screws or loose paint, fill small holes and sand rough areas if necessary. Proper wall preparation helps wallpaper adhere evenly and reduces the risk of bubbles or lifting around trims.
2. Hang the Wallpaper as Normal
Begin by hanging a full strip of wallpaper according to your guide line.
Do not cut the wallpaper to match the window or door opening before hanging it. Allow the paper to overlap the frame naturally.
This makes it easier to maintain straight pattern alignment across the wall.
3. Smooth the Wallpaper Towards the Opening
Use a wallpaper brush or smoothing tool to gently press the wallpaper onto the wall, working from the centre outwards.
Continue smoothing until you reach the edge of the window or door frame.
Avoid pulling or stretching the wallpaper, especially around corners.
4. Make Relief Cuts
Where the wallpaper overlaps the window or door opening, make small diagonal relief cuts from the edge of the wallpaper towards each corner of the frame.
These cuts allow the wallpaper to lie flat without creasing or tearing.
Only make the cuts you need. Cutting too far can leave visible gaps around the frame.
5. Trim Around the Frame
Press the wallpaper firmly into the edge of the window or door frame using a trimming tool or wallpaper smoother.
Hold a metal straight edge tightly against the frame and trim away the excess wallpaper with a sharp knife.
Replace the blade regularly. A dull blade is more likely to tear the wallpaper than produce a clean cut.
6. Match the Pattern on the Opposite Side
Continue hanging the next strip on the opposite side of the window or door, matching the wallpaper pattern carefully.
Take extra time with patterned wallpaper to ensure motifs line up across the opening. Small adjustments before the adhesive sets are much easier than correcting a misaligned pattern later.
7. Smooth Seams and Clean Excess Adhesive
Once the wallpaper is in position, smooth the seams gently using a seam roller if recommended by the wallpaper manufacturer.
Wipe away any excess wallpaper adhesive immediately using a clean, damp sponge.
Avoid using excessive water, particularly on non-woven or delicate wallpapers.
8. Check Your Finish
Inspect all edges around the window or door.
Look for:
- Clean, straight cuts
- Tight edges against the frame
- Matching patterns
- No trapped air bubbles
- No excess adhesive
Correct any small bubbles or lifted edges before the adhesive dries completely.
Practical Tips for Better Results
Following a few simple techniques can make wallpapering around windows and doors much easier:
- Use a fresh knife blade for every few cuts.
- Always trim against a metal straight edge for cleaner lines.
- Work slowly around corners rather than trying to trim everything at once.
- Check the wallpaper pattern before making permanent cuts.
- Remove excess adhesive as you work instead of waiting until the end.
- If possible, position seams away from the edge of the window or door for a neater appearance.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid these common wallpapering mistakes:
- Cutting the wallpaper before hanging it.
- Using a blunt trimming knife.
- Stretching the wallpaper around corners.
- Forgetting to match the pattern across the opening.
- Leaving excess wallpaper adhesive to dry on the surface.
- Rushing the trimming process.
- Pulling the wallpaper tightly into inside corners instead of allowing it to sit naturally.
Taking your time around windows and doors often produces the biggest improvement in the finished appearance.
When to Call a Professional
Wallpapering around standard windows and doors is suitable for many DIY homeowners.
However, professional installation may be worthwhile if:
- Your wallpaper has a large repeating pattern that requires precise matching.
- The room contains bay windows or curved walls.
- You are installing expensive made-to-measure wallpaper.
- There are multiple windows, alcoves or architectural features that require complex cuts.
- You are wallpapering a staircase with high ceilings.
Professional installation can help minimise waste and ensure a seamless finish.
FAQ
Should I cut the wallpaper before hanging it around a window?
No. Hang the full strip first, then trim the wallpaper once it has been smoothed into place. This provides a more accurate fit.
How do you stop wallpaper tearing around window corners?
Use a sharp knife and make small relief cuts towards each corner before trimming. This allows the wallpaper to sit flat without excessive tension.
Do I overlap wallpaper onto the window frame?
Yes. Allow the wallpaper to overlap the frame first, then trim it neatly using a straight edge and sharp blade.
How do I match wallpaper patterns around windows?
Hang each strip in sequence and align the pattern before trimming around the opening. Avoid cutting individual pieces separately, as this makes pattern matching more difficult.
Can beginners wallpaper around doors and windows?
Yes. With careful measuring, patience and sharp tools, most homeowners can achieve a neat finish around standard windows and doors.
Conclusion
Wallpapering around windows and doors requires a little more precision than hanging wallpaper on a flat wall, but it is well within the reach of most homeowners. By hanging full strips first, making careful relief cuts and trimming neatly against the frame, you can achieve a clean, professional-looking result.
Taking the time to prepare the wall properly and work carefully around openings will help your wallpaper sit smoothly and last longer, especially when installing premium or made-to-measure wallpaper.
