Installing wallpaper for the first time? You can do this!

The secret is simply good preparation, a straight first panel, and taking your time. Follow the steps below and you'll be well on your way to a room that feels completely transformed.

Before You Begin

Know Your Wallpaper

Coley Kuyper Art wallpaper comes in three materials. The biggest difference during installation is how the edges of each panel meet, depending on which wallpaper material you brought home. 

Regular Peel & Stick: ½" overlap seam

Each panel overlaps the previous panel by ½ inch. The pattern is printed to account for this overlap, so line up the design and allow the edge of the new panel to sit over the previous one.

Luxe Peel & Stick: Butt-joint seam

“Butt joint” simply means the edges of two panels meet right next to each other without overlapping. Bring the edge of your new panel gently against the edge of the previous panel and match the pattern. The panels should sit side by side—not overlap and not have a gap between them.

Luxe Traditional: Butt-joint seam

Just like Luxe Peel & Stick, each panel sits directly beside the previous panel, edge to edge, with no overlap.

You'll apply wallpaper paste to the wall before installing each panel.

What You'll Need

Have everything ready before you begin:

• Tape measure + pencil
• Level or laser level
• Sharp utility knife + extra blades
• Straight edge
• Wallpaper smoothing tool
• Clean sponge or microfiber cloth
• Step ladder
• Drop cloth

For Luxe Traditional: You'll also need a high-quality wallpaper adhesive made for non-woven, paste-the-wall wallpaper and a roller or brush for applying it.

A second pair of hands is helpful for long panels, too.

Step 1:
Check + Arrange Your Panels

Before anything goes on the wall, unpack your wallpaper and check your entire order.

Make sure you have the correct pattern, material, number of panels, and panel sequence and that everything looks as expected.

Then arrange your panels in their intended order. Your wallpaper is custom printed so the design continues across the wall. Always install your panels in sequence from left to right.

Don't rearrange, cut apart, or piece together panels around doors and windows. Keeping them in order is what keeps your pattern flowing beautifully across the room.

Step 2:
Prepare Your Wall

Good prep makes all the difference! Your wall should be: Clean + dry + smooth + dust-free + fully cured before beginning.

Remove outlet covers, switch plates, nails, hooks, and anything else attached to the wall. Fill holes or cracks, sand repairs smooth, and wipe away all dust and residue. Allow the wall to dry completely before beginning.

If your walls were recently painted, wait until the paint has fully cured according to the paint manufacturer's instructions before installing wallpaper. (We recommend 1-2 weeks just to be safe!)

Have textured walls?

Smooth walls will always give you the best finished result. Light orange peel or knockdown texture may work, although some texture can remain visible beneath the wallpaper. Luxe Traditional is our recommended choice for lightly textured walls.

We don't recommend installing wallpaper directly over heavily textured walls. Have the surface properly smoothed and prepared first.

Not sure about your wall? Order a sample here and test it before committing to a full order.

Step 3:
Find Your Straight Line

Here's one of the most important tips for first-time installers:

Don't assume your corner is straight. Most homes aren't perfectly square. Use a level or laser level to create a straight vertical guideline for your first panel.

Take your time getting Panel 1 straight. Every panel after it will follow that first one.

Step 4:
Install Your First Panel

Leave a little extra wallpaper at the ceiling and baseboard. You'll trim this away later for a clean finish.

For Peel & Stick

• Peel back only a small portion of the backing from the top.
• Position the panel along your level line. Once it's straight, slowly remove more of the backing while smoothing the wallpaper onto the wall.
• Work from top to bottom and from the center outward.
• Don't remove all the backing at once, and don't pull or stretch the wallpaper.

For Luxe Traditional

• Apply an even layer of wallpaper paste directly to the wall, covering slightly more than the width of one panel.
• Position the panel along your level line and gently smooth it from the center outward.
• Work one panel at a time rather than pasting the entire wall at once.
  

Step 5:
Install Your Next Panel

This is where your wallpaper type matters.

Regular Peel & Stick → Overlap ½"

• Match the pattern and place the next panel so it overlaps the previous panel by ½ inch.
• That overlap is intentional and is built into the design.
• Continue smoothing downward while keeping the pattern aligned.

Luxe Peel & Stick + Luxe Traditional → Edge to Edge

• These papers use a butt-joint seam.
• Simply place the new panel directly beside the previous one:
  edge to edge · no overlap · no gap
• Gently bring the two edges together while matching the pattern. Don't push one panel over the other.
• Then continue smoothing the new panel into place.
• Repeat this process with every panel, always working in sequence from left to right.

Step 6:
Trim the Top + Bottom

Once your panel is positioned correctly, trim the excess along the ceiling and baseboard.

Use a straight edge and a fresh, sharp utility blade. Wallpaper dulls blades surprisingly quickly. Change your blade often rather than trying to force a dull blade through the paper. A fresh blade = cleaner edges and fewer tears.

Windows + Doors

Install your panels in their normal sequence across windows and doors rather than trying to skip those spaces. Carefully trim away the wallpaper covering the opening during installation.

Start conservatively—you can always trim away a little more. This keeps the pattern flowing correctly from one side of the opening to the other.

Outlets + Switches

Turn off power to the appropriate outlets or switches at the breaker before working around electrical fixtures. If you're uncomfortable working around them, ask a qualified professional for help.

Remove the cover plate and install the wallpaper over the area. Carefully locate the opening beneath the wallpaper and trim only what's necessary within the electrical box area. Replace the cover once installation is complete.

Corners

Corners are another place where your level becomes your best friend. Walls are rarely perfectly square, so don't rely on the corner itself to keep your next wall straight.

As you move onto another wall, check your vertical alignment again with a level so a slightly crooked corner doesn't throw off the rest of the room.

For complicated corners or full-room installations, you may want to work with a professional wallpaper installer.

Vaulted + Angled Ceilings

Your wallpaper should have been ordered using the tallest point of your wall. Install each panel at its full height and in its intended sequence, then trim the excess along the angled ceiling.

Don't shorten or rearrange panels to match changing ceiling heights. Keeping them in sequence keeps your pattern aligned.

Wainscoting + Beadboard

If you're wallpapering above wainscoting or beadboard, allow the wallpaper to extend slightly beyond the finished line. Once the panel is aligned, use your straight edge and sharp blade to trim it neatly along the top of the wainscoting.

That little bit of extra wallpaper gives you room for a beautiful, clean finish.

Bubbles + Repositioning

Don't panic over a little bubble. First, gently smooth it toward the nearest edge.

With Peel & Stick, gently lift and reposition the nearby portion if needed rather than stretching or aggressively smoothing the paper.

With Luxe Traditional, gently smooth bubbles outward while the paste is still workable. Some minor bubbling caused by moisture may also settle as the wallpaper dries.

The key is to work gently. Never stretch the wallpaper to make the pattern line up.

Clean As You Go

Keep your hands, tools, and work surface clean throughout installation. For Luxe Traditional, gently wipe away excess paste with a clean, damp sponge as you work. Don't allow paste to dry on the printed surface and avoid scrubbing.

Once everything is installed, allow your wallpaper to settle and dry naturally. Then replace outlet covers, move everything back into place, and enjoy your new room!

7 Tips for a First-Time Installer

1. Prep first
A clean, properly prepared wall makes everything easier.

2. Take your time with Panel 1
A straight first panel sets up the entire wall.

3. Trust your level—not your corner
Homes aren't always perfectly square.

4. Keep the panels in order
Install from left to right so your pattern continues correctly.

5. Match first, smooth second
Make sure you're happy with the pattern alignment before fully adhering your next panel.

6. Don't stretch the paper
Reposition it instead.

7. Use fresh blades.
You'll get much cleaner cuts around ceilings, trim, windows, and doors.

And most importantly: don't rush. A little patience goes a long way toward a beautiful finished wall.

DIY or Hire a Professional?

A straightforward feature wall can be a great first wallpaper project. For larger or more complicated spaces, we recommend considering a professional wallpaper installer—especially for:

• Full rooms
• Vaulted or tall walls
• Stairways
• Complicated corners
• Textured walls
• Large installations

Coley Kuyper Art recommends professional installation for the best possible result, but if you're ready to tackle it yourself, this guide is here to help you every step of the way.

You've Got This!

Wallpaper has a wonderful way of changing more than a wall. It adds pattern, warmth, personality, and another layer to the story of a room.

Take your time. Start with a straight first panel. Follow your panels in order. And watch your room come to life.

*PLEASE NOTE: Every wall and home is different. Wall condition, texture, paint, humidity, preparation, and installation technique can affect wallpaper performance. Always inspect your wallpaper before installation and follow the instructions provided with your order. Coley Kuyper Art cannot be responsible for installation errors, improperly prepared surfaces, unsuitable wall conditions, or damage resulting from installation or removal.