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I only want to wallpaper one wall behind my bed so I doubt a wallpaper guy or gal would want to come to my house just to do one wall. If I never did it before, for those who have, do you think I could pull it off? Is it difficult? Thanks

You can learn. Just have the right tools, set up your working space and take your time. If you pick a paper that you don't have to match, its even easier. Just make sure you have a sharp blade when you trim the paper at each end. There are probably videos on the internet to help you too. You can do it - it just takes time. Good luck.
Connie

The prepasted wp is easy..make sure you have good cutting tools, good measuring tools, and one person to help. I have done it without help, but this only works well if you are doing a half wall, like above beadboard or something. To do 8 ft high wall best to have help-especially if walls aren't straight and to tweek and get bubbles out..

It's definitely doable if you follow directions to the letter, have the right tools and take your time as others stated. Do your homework re. tips and technique before you begin. Choose a simple paper or pattern for ease of alignment. Be sure to roll the seams between abutted strips for strong adhession. BTW, it's often recommended that even prepasted paper have paste applied for a good bond. IMPORTANTLY...SIZE the walls prior to application. This step allows ease of repositioning and removal down the line.
Also, feel w/ your hand once a strip of paper is applied to detect any bubbles you may have missed. Small bubbles can be remedied via a pin pr*ck. Having a slightly damp clean rag or sponge on hand is also important to clean up any glue that may have seeped onto the ceiling, baseboard or seams. "Booking" the paper after paste is applied is frequently advised too.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Froo Froo,

Yes, you can do it. Hanging wallpaper is NOT rocket science. One of the most important things to do is to size the wall before you start with the wallpaper. I like prepasted wallpaper but it might not hurt to buy a small amount of wallpaper paste in case you need it.

I am a total ditz when it comes to do it yourself projects but even I can hang wallpaper!!! If I can do it, so can you.

Do you have a friend who can offer advice who has wallpapered before? Just an hour of moral support will really give you confidence to complete the job yourself. A one wall project is the BEST way to start.

All good advice, above.

In addition to the previous suggestions, I would suggest checking at your local big box store (or other w/p source) to see if they offer a free, hour or two long seminar.

I've also heard about an alternative w/p called Easy-Walls. (This is not an advertisement, BTW.) I've never tried it so can't vouch for it. They have many patterns available. You can check it out at warnerwalls.com.

Apparently, it's slightly more expensive but you don't need supplies - so it may end up being cheaper. If you punch in your zipcode online, the local suppliers come up. IIRC, it's usually available at Sherwin Williams plus a few other places.

JMHO.

Good Luck!

Of course you can. My DH and I usually worked together. Having the proper tools and a good ruler/ yardstick is critical. He usually did the measuring, I went up the ladder and he held the bookend end until I was ready for it. The strips are easy to to readjust as they are sorta slippery when they first go up on the wall. Getting the seams aligned and all air pockets our are critical. Good Luck!!

chloenkitty,

astroluvr's suggestion of the 'big box' store, they connect people with installers as well. So, go there, or call and ask someone in that department to recommend someone who would love to do a small wallpaper job. At least you would have an idea whether you want to spend a day or two 'learning' a new craft, OR have it done in one afternoon!

Do you have an 'Inspirational photo' of your idea? That would help with directions and tips from the posters.

Is this to stage the house for resale? You may not even need this change in your current home to get it ready for showing. And if you are preparing the house for sale, you would not want a DIY project that might not look so professional that has to be redone. Sorry, being honest as I wallpapered many a room way back in my early days, and I did a great job, ONLY after learning on many rooms before it.

Getting the paper straight on the wall, cutting appropriately, knowing the paper shrinks slightly, not forcing the paper into position only to find it 'moved' while drying,

matching pattern at the seams, cutting at the ceiling line (textures on the ceiling) affect the 'straight' look when looking at the wall from a distance.

Color of the wall (not a white wall) behind the paper? If so, may show through when paper is dry and seams spread just ever so slightly. If the background of your paper is a light blue for instance, you might want to paint that area with that color (match as close as possible) behind where you will paper.

If you are going to hang anything on the wall after the paper is dry, you make holes not patchable.

Paper coordinate with your current bedding? Domino affect, once you change one thing, the rest seems 'tired' in the room and then you end up doing the whole room over.

Treating the 'ends' of the paper edge, with molding?

Those are just some thoughts that come to mind to save you some frustration. DIY'ers know exactly what I mean, there is NO end to where to stop once you 'attack' a room for change!

With all your house building considerations going on, I think you might take on more than you bargain for with a DIY project like this one.

OF course you CAN 'DO' anything! Women with supportive DIY friends can do anything! The commitment is up to you how well you want this project to come out knowing your own abilities and time restraints at this time.

Having never hung wallpaper myself, I would have to rely on easy to follow instructions. Here's a video I found, from This Old House, that might be helpful: http://www.thisoldhouse.com/to.../0,,20057381,00.html

I wallpapered a wall before and I had never wallpapered before either. IT is all about preparing the wall and starting off straight. Also be SURE you have a sharp cutter so you don't tear your paper.

I don't think anyone else has mentioned this but you need a "plumb" line to start with. Take a weight of some kind and tie a long string to it.

Measure the width of your wallpaper. . . say it is 17" wide. At the top of the wall measure 16 1/2" or l6 1/4 inches from adjacent wall. Chalk the string. If you have another person, you hold the string at the marked line at the top of the wall. The string will hang straight (a/c weight on it) Second person holds line taut and snaps it against the wall. You will now have a straight line going down the wall that you place the first strip of wallpaper against. All the rest will now be straight. You just have to match up the pattern.

Yes, you can wallpaper. It is not too difficult. More awkward and clumsy a project. But you will be thrilled with the results as it is a huge impact.

All great suggestions -

If you do attend a seminar and then decide to hire a professional (as suggested above) - yes, the retailers do frequently recommend individuals. I would give greater weight to personal recommendations from family and friends, assuming they've actually worked with the individuals.

Good Luck!

Ya know, I hate when this happens! I just typed a big ol reply and when I went to attach the picture, it was too big and when you go back, it wipes out what you wrote! Ugh! Is there any way to prevent that from happening?

chloenkitty,
I usually type my response on Microsoft Notepad (comes with your Windows programs in Accessories). The copy and paste from there.
I also check the photo size before posting otherwise 'POOF' as you experienced!

Here is the pic. I'll type a reply below it, only typing a little now in case it doesn't attach!

Phew, ok, I had to get my hubby to do it for me. Does anyone know how to make images smaller through paint? I use to, but forget.
Anyway, as you can see, the bedroom is a taupe color (Ralph Lauren Soho I believe) and the wall behind the bed is a purple with what I think is a grey undertone. I have no idea why I did that color but everyone does seem to like it and I still do, but I'm afraid buyers wont. It's not a grape, bright or kiddish purple, it seems pretty sophisticated to me, but maybe I'm wrong. I was going to paper the wall with a paper similar in color to the other walls with maybe a damask print or I saw one paper that had a design on it that looked like the head of a dandelion. Sort of a tone on tone color, kind of like the curtains, if you can see them good enough. Something simple and sophisticated. Should I keep it the way it is or change it? It is because we are going to sell the house. I should post other pics of the house and see if anyone would make changes to anything before we show it.

Chloe, your room looks beautiful! You obviously have great taste. I'm sure the w/p you were considering would work well.

If it were my home and I was getting ready to sell, however, I would pass on papering anything. Many people have negative reactions to any w/p - no matter how nice it is. Plus, potential buyers may have tastes that differ from yours. In addition, paint's cheaper.

Although it looks great, I would change a few things, if I were staging it to sell. When you're ready to do that, I'm sure you'll receive many terrific suggestions here on the boards.

All, JMHO.

Good Luck!

This message has been edited. Last edited by: AguaBella,

Quick note - my kitty's window seat will of course be coming down

There is a possibility that with a color as intense as your purple color, it may show through wallpaper, even good wallpaper.

It would be cheaper to choose a more neutral color paint that contrasts slightly with the taupe you already have. I am a wallpaper fan, but as astroluvr pointed out, some folks have a kneejerk reaction to it.

I think your bedroom wall is beautiful! My daughter painted her Den wall behind the large screen TV that color! She says the wall disappears at night!

You can't please everyone, so I would leave it alone, it was done well and looks great! IF an actual buyer says 'well I will have to paint that wall over' and want money off, then offer to repaint what color they want, and that will seal the deal. Otherwise that room is like a model home, very nicely done.

You have a gorgeous BR- I wouldn't change out that color for wallpaper of any kind. Your color is a rich but subtle color. The only thing throwing me off is the pictures above your lamps. I'm sure it would look better to me In real life rather than a picture. Listen to others that have a more skilled eye than me.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: mamaspoon,

After reading through the replies, my response is "of course you can" and "no, I wouldn't." I've done tons of wallpapering, and don't have much to add to the advice already posted, but if you're doing this just to sell, then I definitely wouldn't wallpaper. I like the colors you've used, but for selling I would just paint all the walls the same and let it be.

After reading your replies, I'm letting it go. If someone doesn't like the color, it's just one wall to change as the other walls are a nice neutral color. Thanks everyone