Wallpaper is becoming trendier in today’s home design, but some people aren’t ready to take the leap and wallpaper an entire room. This DIY project shows how you can add more visual appeal to a room using wallpaper ideas like creating individual “frames.”
How to create this framed wallpaper look
@olivebranchcottage on Instagram shared a neat DIY wallpaper idea that she calls “wallpaper rectangles.” This fun twist on adding traditional wallpaper to a room helps add visual appeal without being overwhelming. Here’s how she did it.
Pick your wallpaper
First, @olivebranchcottage suggests picking your wallpaper. In the nursery she designed, she opted for a black-and-white pattern depicting nature scenes.
Choose your trim
To create the “rectangles” on the wall, you’ll want to choose some wood trim. The creator chose some from The Home Depot.
Paint the trim the same color as the wall
Next, you’ll want to paint the trim the same color as the wall tone. This creates a greater sense of flow once you add the wallpaper.
Use painter’s tape to outline your design
@olivebranchcottage used painter’s tape to outline the design. This makes it easy to move pieces as needed and readjust until you find what is right for you. Also, she notes that the size and spacing of your rectangles are entirely up to personal preference. For the nursery, @olivebranchcottage placed the tape 5 inches from the ceiling and 5 inches from the baseboards.
Add your wallpaper
The creator suggests using a laser level to keep things even and straight as you place your wallpaper.
Cut your trim pieces
To cut your trim pieces, measure them to the same length as the painter’s tape you used for outlining. The Instagram creator says a 45-degree angle is best.
Use a nail gun to attach your trim pieces to the wall
Using a nail gun, attach your trim pieces to the wall. You should do this after you’ve laid your wallpaper. It’s OK if the wallpaper goes beyond the painter’s tape outline you created.
Cut the excess wallpaper
Once you attach your trim pieces to the wall, you can use an X-Acto knife to cut off the excess wallpaper. After you cut all the edges, you’ll have a stunning wallpaper design.
How to style framed wallpaper in a room
Styling the framed wallpaper is up to personal preference.
Create big panels with trim (like in the video)
One method is to follow what @olivebranchcottage featured in her video. Using the wallpaper and trim, create two to three large panels for a unique look.
Make one big frame for a statement wall
Alternatively, you can opt for one big frame as a statement wall. Since the wallpaper will still be contained within the frame, you’ll have a unique edge that helps shrink a big room or create a fun feature.
Treat the frames like hung artwork
Consider making smaller rectangles or other shapes, perhaps using trim as a gallery wall addition. You can also use this wallpaper method to create a “hung artwork” effect.
No matter how you size your frames, this wallpaper DIY is a great way to spruce up a space and add visual appeal without crowding the visuals in your design.
