Accent Wall Wallpaper Installation: Step-by-Step Guide

Few things can transform a room faster than an accent wall. It’s bold, stylish, and personal — and one of the easiest ways to create a serious “wow” factor without overhauling your entire space. If you’re ready to roll up your sleeves, this DIY wallpaper guide will walk you through every step of accent wall wallpaper installation like a pro.

Plus, if you decide you want a little backup, we’ll explain why sometimes calling an interior contractor is the smartest move to get the flawless results you’re dreaming of.

Why Choose Wallpaper for an Accent Wall?

Accent walls have been popular for years, but instead of just a bold paint color, more homeowners are turning to wallpaper to add texture, pattern, and depth.
Wallpaper offers endless possibilities: geometric prints, soft florals, bold textures, metallic sheens — you name it. Whether you want a subtle backdrop or a major design moment, wallpaper delivers.

And by limiting it to one wall, you get all the drama without overwhelming the room.

Tools and Materials You’ll Need

Before you start your accent wall wallpaper installation, make sure you have everything you need:

• Wallpaper (plus about 10% extra for pattern matching and mistakes)
• Wallpaper paste (if your wallpaper isn’t pre-pasted)
• Wallpaper brush or smoother
• Utility knife or sharp blade
• Measuring tape
• Level
• Pencil
• Seam roller
• Sponge and clean water
• Drop cloths
• Ladder or step stool

Having the right tools can be the difference between a fun project and a frustrating mess.

Step-by-Step DIY Wallpaper Guide

Ready to get started? Here’s how to tackle your DIY wallpaper guide like a total boss:

Step 1: Prepare the Wall

First, the wall needs to be clean, smooth, and dry.
Wipe away any dust or dirt, patch up holes or cracks, and sand down bumps. If the wall is newly painted, make sure it’s had at least a few weeks to cure properly.
Glossy walls should be lightly sanded to help the wallpaper adhesive grip better.

Pro Tip: If your wall has dark paint and you’re applying light-colored wallpaper, consider priming first to prevent any color bleed-through.

Step 2: Measure and Mark

Measure the width of your wallpaper. Using a level and pencil, draw a straight vertical line on the wall where the first strip will go.
This line is crucial — it ensures your wallpaper doesn’t end up crooked across the whole wall.

Even if your corner or ceiling isn’t perfectly straight (spoiler: it probably isn’t), following your level line keeps everything looking clean and professional.

Step 3: Cut Your Wallpaper Strips

Cut strips of wallpaper slightly longer than the height of your wall — about 2–3 inches extra.
If your wallpaper has a repeating pattern, make sure you match it properly when cutting additional strips.

It’s better to measure twice and cut once than realize halfway up the wall that your floral pattern suddenly shifted!

Step 4: Apply Adhesive

If you’re using pre-pasted wallpaper, soak it in water according to the package directions.
For traditional wallpaper, use a paint roller or brush to apply paste evenly to the back of the paper.
Be thorough but not messy — clumps or dry spots can cause bubbling later.

Step 5: Hang the First Strip

Carefully place the first strip against your pencil line, allowing the top of the paper to overlap slightly at the ceiling.
Gently smooth it down using a wallpaper brush or smoother, working from the center outward to eliminate air bubbles.

Use a sponge to wipe away any excess paste that seeps out.

Step 6: Match and Repeat

Hang the next strip, carefully matching the pattern at the seam.
Overlap the edges slightly if needed, then press them together firmly and smooth down.

A seam roller can help blend the seams without damaging the wallpaper.

Keep working your way across the wall, one strip at a time, always double-checking your pattern match and smoothing as you go.

Step 7: Trim the Excess

Once the wallpaper is securely up and smoothed, use a sharp utility knife to carefully trim the excess at the ceiling, baseboards, and corners.

Fresh blades are key here — dull knives tear wallpaper, which is about as heartbreaking as it sounds.

Step 8: Final Touches

Give the wall one last gentle wipe with a clean, damp sponge to remove any remaining adhesive.
Then step back and admire your work — you officially just conquered accent wall wallpaper installation!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even if you’re following this DIY wallpaper guide, a few common pitfalls can trip up beginners:

• Skipping the level line: Even a tiny tilt becomes super noticeable across an entire wall.
• Ignoring pattern repeat: It’s worth the extra measuring time to get a seamless look.
• Using too little adhesive: Skimping on glue leads to peeling wallpaper (and tears).
• Not prepping the wall: Dust, grease, or rough patches will mess with adhesion.

When to Call an Interior Contractor

Let’s be real: sometimes wallpaper installation can be trickier than it looks, especially if you have:

• Unusually high ceilings
• Intricate patterns
• Sloped walls
• Textured surfaces
• Historic homes with uneven walls

If you’re facing any of these challenges, hiring an experienced interior contractor is totally worth it.

They’ll know exactly how to prep tricky surfaces, align patterns flawlessly, and ensure a crisp, clean finish that lasts for years.

Plus, working with a pro saves you time — and probably a few choice words when trying to wrestle wallpaper around light switches and corners.

An Interesting Fact About Wallpaper’s Big Comeback

Did you know? The global wallpaper market hovers at 1.80 billion in 2023,  according to Research and Markets.

Wallpaper isn’t just a trend — it’s a major design movement, with homeowners and designers alike embracing bolder, more personal spaces.

In other words, you’re right on trend by updating your space with an accent wall!

Final Thoughts: Your Dream Accent Wall Is Within Reach

Accent wall wallpaper installation is one of the most rewarding DIY projects you can tackle — or it can be a breeze with the right interior contractor by your side. Either way, a beautiful, dramatic accent wall will completely transform your space, adding personality, depth, and a fresh new vibe.

Ready to Transform Your Space?

Want your accent wall to look like it belongs on a magazine cover?
Contact Nest Inc. today and let our expert interior contractors handle the details.
We make wallpaper dreams come true — no mess, no stress, just stunning results.