Transforming an alcove with wallpaper brings a touch of sophistication to any space. Uncover expert advice for this project.
Transforming an Arched Alcove with Wallpaper: A Comprehensive Guide
Take your space to the next level with an arched alcove wallpapered to perfection! Follow this step-by-step guide to smash home decor goals and make a statement.
The Action Plan
- Prep Work:
- Give your alcove a deep clean by sweeping away dirt and debris. Ensure the surface is grimy-free, free of old adhesives, or any leftover wallpaper remnants.
- Measuring and Cutting:
- Measure every nook and cranny, including those tricky curves, of your arched alcove.
- Slice your wallpaper into manageable strips that are a tad longer than your alcove's height, taking into account the overlap between each strip.
- Paste Party:
- With wallpaper paste brush or roller at the ready, follow the manufacturer's guidelines to slather the back of your paper.
- Applying Wallpaper:
- Kickstart from the center of the alcove to ensure seamless alignment.
- Gently press your wallpaper onto the wall while smoothing from the center outward to the edges using a smoothing tool or damp cloth.
- If those stubborn curves give you a run for your money, wet the drywall a bit to help the paper bend into shape or use a flexible wallpaper specially designed for curved surfaces[1].
- Aim for Alignment:
- Sleek out your paper, smoothing it out to ensure the alignment is on point.
- Squash out air bubbles with a needle and flatten the paper like a pro.
- Edge Game:
- Trim excess paper at the edges using a sharp utility knife.
- If you need extra paste to secure those edged edges, go ahead and apply.
Tips to Know:
- Choosing the Right Wallpaper: Pick a wallpaper that syncs with the room's vibe and all things curvy. Embrace a bold pattern to accentuate your alcove's arch[2].
- Section by Section: Divide your alcove into sections for better precision and alignment.
- When in Doubt, Level: Keep up with those straight and level lines, especially at the beginning of each strip.
Tools at Your Disposal:
- Wallpaper Paste
- Brush or Roller for Paste Application
- Smoothing Tool or Damp Cloth
- Utility Knife
- Measuring Tape
- Level
- Graphics Pencil or Marker
Armed with this wallpapering know-how, you're now ready to transform your arched alcove into a showstopper in no time!
[1] RetroVintage, Founder[2] RetroVintage, Founder[3] Weaver Wallpaper[4] St. Gobain[5] Hovia, Art Director
- By selecting a wallpaper that harmonizes with the room's atmosphere and features a bold pattern to accentuate the alcove's arch, you can create a striking focus point in your home.
- Splitting the alcove into sections will help you achieve better precision and alignment during the wallpapering process.
- Maintaining straight and level lines, especially at the beginning of each strip, is crucial for flawless wallpaper installation.
- Intricate spaces like arched alcoves require tools such as a smoothing tool, damp cloth, utility knife, measuring tape, and level to ensure a smooth and aligned finish.
- Applying a wallpaper paste with a brush or roller and using a graphics pencil or marker to create guidelines will make your project more manageable.
- If you're working with tricky curves, consider using flexible wallpaper or slightly wetting the drywall to help the paper conform to the shape of the alcove.
