Wallpaper is for walls, right? Not necessarily. When it comes to home décor try thinking outside the box. Wallpaper can be used for all sorts of interior design projects.
Frame Scraps of Wallpaper
Found a fabulous wallpaper but don’t want to cover the whole room in it? Try framing it and hanging it on the wall. One framed piece makes a lovely piece of art, while a collection of three, or even a whole picture wall makes a bold statement. If making a picture wall, use different wallpapers for an art gallery effect.
Cover a Lampshade
It’s easy to do and can add a graphic punch to any room. Simply cut a piece of wallpaper to fit the shade and apply with scrapbooking paste (it tends to ripple less than wallpaper paste). Make the job look professional by adding a ribbon border at the top and bottom. (Note: this project is easiest on a drum shade, but it’s doable on a tapered shade if you make a paper template first.)
Use Wallpaper to Cover a Chair
This may seem a little odd, but it’s really quite easy. A plain IKEA-style wood chair can look great when covered with a nice piece of wallpaper. Cut out paper templates of the front and back of the seat and back of the chair first. Lightly sand the chair with a fine grit sandpaper and the wallpaper and paste should adhere without a problem. This project is best for side chairs that don’t see too much use.
Line the Inside of a Drawer or Bookcase
Give your bookcase or drawers some personality. For a flash of style with every pull, line the inside of a drawer with wallpaper cut to fit. Attach with double-stick tape or removable mounting squares so the lining won’t shift and so that it can be changed at any time.
Make a Wall Hanging or Scroll
A length of wallpaper hung scroll-like lends an Asian art–inspired touch to a room. Fold the top and bottom edges over wooden rulers or dowel rods. Secure with tape and hang from a ribbon. The effect is beautiful and elegant.
Create Book Covers
When book covers start to look ratty (or if they aren’t that attractive to begin with) try covering them. Since wallpaper tends to be stronger than regular book covers, they won’t tear and books will be kept protected.
Make Re-useable Placemats
For a table setting full of pizzazz, cut pieces of 1/8-inch-thick Plexiglas into 11-x-16-inch sheets. Cut the wallpaper to the same dimension. Apply a spray adhesive to the patterned side of the wallpaper and glue to the backside of a Plexiglas sheet. To protect the backside, apply clear contact paper to the wallpaper. These placemats are wipeable and can be used time and again.
These are only a few of the many things that can be done with leftover scraps of wallpaper. But these ideas are so great that it may be wise to go out and buy some new wallpaper just to give them a try!
