With the encouragement of a DIY-loving friend, I decided to hang the wallpaper for my dining room accent wall myself. I watched a number of YouTube videos on hanging wallpaper, read the instructions over and over, and prayed. You probably don't want to follow my "method" since I'm not any kind of expert and felt my way along as I went, so I won't share a tutorial 🙂 but here are the tools I used:
- wallpaper (currently on clearance at Wayfair)
- wallpaper smoother
- wallpaper adhesive (used the entire 32 ounces for this wall)
- utility knife
- paintbrush (incorrect, I know)
- scissors
- damp sponge and water
Apparently, wallpaper isn't "hot" right now, so I couldn't find the proper wallpaper brush and had to go to a couple of home improvement stores to find the tools I used. Still, I am pretty pleased with the result. The imperfections are minor and I was able to complete this accent wall in just a few hours one evening after work! Here's the before:
...and the after!
The wallpaper is beautiful and goes quite well with the existing paint in this room but still helps to punctuate the dining room from the adjacent living room. It's directly across from the front door so it's a nice little surprise to come home to until I get used to it. The photos don't really do it justice--in person there's a bit of sheen and sparkle to the damask pattern! Since I bought the wallpaper on clearance and hung it myself, after factoring in the cost of materials, creating this accent wall cost less than $70. I am still hunting for a light fixture, solid neutral rug, and brainstorming artwork. I have almost a full roll of extra wallpaper and may incorporate some of that into another DIY project.
In case you're interested in trying your hand at DIY wallpaper, here are the YouTube tutorials I found helpful.
- Wallpapering around a doorframe
- Wallpapering practice demonstration
- How to do the first drop
There are three more weeks until the final reveal of this room with the One Room Challenge and, I must admit, I'm feeling the pressure! Be sure to follow along with my progress in the Week One and Week Two updates as well as all the transformations in the making of my fellow One Room Challenge Guest Participants here. Thanks for reading!
Jen Seislove says
I know what you mean about wallpaper not being "hot" right now, but I say it will always have a place in the interior decorating world! I absolutely love the texture and color it adds to a space and I love how you have chosen to do one accent wall! It's awesome agains your dining set!
Jazz says
Thanks so much! It was disheartening to hear but I agree that wallpaper will always have a place.
notinggrace says
That looks beautiful!! I love the damask pattern!!
Strength and Sunshine says
An accent wall is such a great way to spruce up a room!
Theresa | Bridesmaids Confession says
I really love how this wallpaper changed the whole look of the room. I think it was a great idea to use it as an accent wall.