Wallpaper is making a huge comeback in South Yorkshire homes. Bold patterns, textured finishes and statement feature walls are transforming rooms across the region. But wallpapering is one of those jobs where the difference between amateur and professional results is immediately obvious.
Whether you're considering DIY or thinking about hiring a professional, here's our guide to achieving perfect wallpaper results.
Choosing the Right Wallpaper
Not all wallpaper is created equal. Vinyl wallpapers are most durable and ideal for kitchens and bathrooms. Non-woven (paste-the-wall) papers are the easiest to hang and remove. Traditional paste-the-paper designs require more skill but offer the widest range of patterns and textures.
For feature walls, bold geometric or floral patterns create maximum impact. For full-room wallpapering, consider more subtle textures or small patterns that won't overwhelm the space.
Wall Preparation for Wallpaper
Perfect wallpaper starts with perfect walls. Strip any old wallpaper completely, fill holes and cracks, sand smooth, and apply a sizing solution (diluted wallpaper paste). This creates a sealed, slightly tacky surface that makes hanging much easier and prevents the paste from being absorbed too quickly.
Never wallpaper over old wallpaper — bubbling, peeling and pattern show-through are inevitable.
Pattern Matching Like a Pro
Pattern matching is the hardest part of wallpapering. 'Free match' papers (plain or random textures) are easiest. 'Straight match' patterns must align horizontally at the same height. 'Drop match' or 'offset match' patterns are the trickiest, requiring each strip to start at a different point in the pattern.
Our professional wallpaper hangers are experts at even the most complex pattern matches. We ensure seamless joins and perfectly aligned patterns throughout the room.
When to Hire a Professional
If you're hanging expensive designer wallpaper, dealing with tricky patterns, or papering a full room — we strongly recommend hiring a professional. The cost of ruining a roll of premium wallpaper (£50-£100+ per roll) quickly outweighs the cost of professional hanging.
At MJ Professional Decorators, we hang wallpaper daily across South Yorkshire. From simple feature walls to full-room transformations with complex patterns, we guarantee a flawless finish. Contact us for a free estimate.
