Wallpapering corners requires a slightly different approach than hanging wallpaper on a flat wall. Rather than wrapping a full strip around the corner, overlap the wallpaper by a small amount and start a new strip on the adjoining wall using a plumb line to keep the pattern straight and prevent peeling.
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
- Spirit level or plumb line
- Seam roller
- Pencil
- Clean damp sponge
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Check Whether the Corner Is Straight
Before hanging wallpaper into a corner, inspect whether it is square and straight.
Most internal corners are not perfectly vertical, especially in older homes. Measuring the corner first will help you avoid pattern drift and uneven wallpaper seams.
Never assume the corner is perfectly plumb.
2. Measure the Distance to the Corner
Measure from the edge of the last installed wallpaper strip to the corner at the top, middle and bottom of the wall.
Use the widest measurement and add around 10 to 20 mm to allow the wallpaper to wrap slightly around the corner.
This small overlap provides better adhesion without forcing the wallpaper to bend excessively.
3. Trim the Wallpaper to Width
Before hanging the next strip, trim it to the required width using your measurements.
Keeping the strip narrower makes it easier for the wallpaper to sit flat in the corner without wrinkling.
If your wallpaper has a large pattern, check the alignment before making any cuts.
4. Hang the Wallpaper into the Corner
Apply the wallpaper as normal, smoothing it towards the corner using a wallpaper brush.
Allow the wallpaper to wrap around the corner by approximately 10 to 20 mm.
Press the wallpaper firmly into the corner without stretching it.
Avoid forcing a full-width strip around the corner, as this often causes wrinkles and lifting.
5. Create a New Vertical Starting Line
Once the overlap is in place, use a spirit level or plumb line to mark a new vertical guide on the adjoining wall.
This line should allow the next wallpaper strip to overlap the wrapped edge slightly while remaining perfectly vertical.
Starting from a fresh plumb line helps keep every following strip straight.
6. Hang the Next Strip
Align the next wallpaper strip with your new guide line.
Overlap it slightly onto the wallpaper wrapped around the corner while matching the pattern as closely as possible.
Smooth the wallpaper carefully to remove air bubbles and ensure the seam sits neatly.
7. Finish the Corner
Use a seam roller if recommended by the wallpaper manufacturer to gently press the overlap into place.
Wipe away any excess wallpaper adhesive immediately with a clean, damp sponge.
Inspect the corner for:
- Tight adhesion
- Straight pattern alignment
- Smooth seams
- No trapped air bubbles
- Clean edges
Wallpapering External Corners
External corners, such as chimney breasts or boxed-in pipework, are wallpapered using a similar method.
Rather than wrapping a full-width strip around the edge, allow the wallpaper to wrap around by 20 to 30 mm before starting a new strip on the adjoining wall using a plumb line.
This reduces tension on the wallpaper and helps prevent lifting over time.
Practical Tips for Better Results
For cleaner wallpapered corners:
- Always use a plumb line after every corner.
- Replace knife blades regularly for clean cuts.
- Work slowly when pressing wallpaper into corners.
- Match large patterns before trimming.
- Wipe away excess wallpaper adhesive before it dries.
- Check the corner for uneven plaster before beginning.
Small adjustments in corners can make the rest of the wall much easier to wallpaper accurately.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid these common wallpapering mistakes:
- Wrapping a full-width strip around an internal corner.
- Assuming the corner is perfectly straight.
- Skipping the new plumb line on the adjoining wall.
- Stretching the wallpaper into the corner.
- Allowing large overlaps that create visible ridges.
- Forgetting to remove excess wallpaper adhesive.
- Trying to force patterned wallpaper to align perfectly if the walls are significantly out of square.
Taking extra care in corners helps keep the remainder of the installation straight and professional.
When to Call a Professional
Wallpapering corners is suitable for most DIY homeowners, but professional installation may be worthwhile if:
- The walls are severely out of square.
- Corners have significant damage or uneven plaster.
- The wallpaper has a large geometric or mural design that requires precise alignment.
- The room contains multiple alcoves, chimney breasts or awkward architectural features.
A professional installer can minimise visible joins and reduce wallpaper waste.
FAQ
Should wallpaper wrap around an internal corner?
Yes, but only by a small amount. A 10 to 20 mm overlap helps the wallpaper stay secure while allowing the next strip to start straight.
Why shouldn't I wrap a full strip around a corner?
Most walls are not perfectly square. Wrapping a full strip around a corner often causes wrinkles, lifting and misaligned wallpaper on the next wall.
How do I keep wallpaper straight after a corner?
Use a spirit level or plumb line to mark a new vertical guide before hanging the next strip.
Can wallpaper peel away from corners?
Yes. Poor adhesion, excessive tension or wrapping too much wallpaper around the corner can all cause lifting over time.
How do I wallpaper external corners?
Wrap the wallpaper around the edge by approximately 20 to 30 mm, then begin a new strip on the adjoining wall using a plumb line for accurate alignment.
Conclusion
Wallpapering corners takes a little more planning than hanging wallpaper on a flat wall, but using the correct overlap and starting each adjoining wall from a new plumb line makes the process much easier. Careful measuring, accurate trimming and gentle smoothing will help create neat corners that remain securely bonded over time.
Preparing the wall properly and taking extra care around corners will also help premium and made-to-measure wallpaper sit smoothly, maintain pattern alignment and achieve a professional-looking finish.
