Installing wallpaper is one of the most rewarding ways to completely transform a room. Whether you're creating a cozy nursery, a timeless powder room, or a beautiful statement wall, a little preparation goes a long way.

One of the questions I hear most often is:

"What tools do I actually need to install wallpaper?"

The good news is that you don't need an entire workshop. Having the right supplies and preparing your walls properly can make the installation process much smoother and help you achieve beautiful results.

My First Recommendation

While many homeowners successfully install wallpaper themselves, I always recommend hiring a professional wallpaper installer whenever possible, especially for full rooms, intricate patterns, stairways, or high ceilings.

A professional installer has the experience to perfectly align patterns, create nearly invisible seams, and work efficiently around corners, windows, and trim.

If you enjoy DIY projects, don't worry. Many customers successfully install accent walls themselves with excellent results by taking their time and following the proper preparation steps.

Wallpaper Installation Supplies I Recommend

1. Laser Level (my recommendation here)

A perfectly straight first panel is one of the biggest secrets to a professional-looking installation.

Even if your corner looks straight, walls are often slightly out of square. A laser level creates an accurate vertical guide that keeps every panel aligned from ceiling to floor.

Recommended Type

• Self-leveling cross-line laser level

2. Wallpaper Smoothing Tool (Here)

A wallpaper smoother (sometimes called a squeegee or applicator) gently presses the wallpaper against the wall while removing trapped air.

It helps create smooth adhesion without stretching the material.

Choose a plastic wallpaper smoother with rounded edges designed specifically for wallpaper.

3. Sharp Utility Knife (Here)

Fresh blades make all the difference.

Use a sharp utility knife or precision craft knife when trimming around:

• Baseboards
• Windows
• Doors
• Ceiling lines
• Electrical outlets

Replacing the blade frequently creates much cleaner cuts than trying to force a dull blade through the material.

4. Metal Straight Edge (Here)

Pair your knife with a sturdy metal straight edge for crisp, professional trimming along ceilings and baseboards.

5. Tape Measure (Here)

Accurate measurements help prevent unnecessary waste and ensure your pattern lines up correctly.

Measure each wall carefully before cutting panels.

6. Pencil (Here)

A regular pencil is perfect for making light reference marks that can be erased later.

Avoid markers, as they can sometimes bleed through lighter wallpapers.

7. Step Ladder (Here)

Having a sturdy ladder makes positioning the first panel much easier and allows you to work safely near the ceiling.

Additional Supplies for Traditional Wallpaper

If you've selected Luxe Traditional Wallpaper, you'll also need wallpaper paste.

Because this material is a premium non-woven wallpaper, it is designed for paste-the-wall installation, meaning the adhesive is rolled directly onto the wall rather than the wallpaper itself. This method generally makes installation cleaner and allows for easier positioning during application.

Paste I Recommend

A high-quality, clear, premixed adhesive made specifically for non-woven wallpaper works best.

Professional installers commonly use products such as:

• Roman PRO-880 Ultra Clear Strippable Adhesive
• Roman PRO-543 Universal Adhesive
• Zinsser SureGrip Heavy Duty Clear Adhesive

These are widely available through home improvement stores and online retailers.

Helpful Products for Peel & Stick Wallpaper

Although Peel & Stick wallpaper already has adhesive applied, many experienced installers like using an installation spray designed for removable wallpaper.

Products such as EZ Hang Wallpaper Helper lightly mist the wall before installation, allowing the wallpaper to slide into position more easily before the adhesive fully grabs. This can make pattern matching less stressful, particularly on larger walls.

Always follow the product manufacturer's directions and test compatibility first.

Preparing Your Walls

Proper wall preparation is one of the biggest factors in a successful installation.

Before installing wallpaper:

✓ Remove dust, dirt, grease, and residue.

✓ Repair holes or imperfections.

✓ Make sure the wall is completely dry.

✓ Allow freshly painted walls to fully cure before installing wallpaper.

✓ Remove loose or peeling paint before beginning.

Wallpaper performs best on smooth, properly prepared walls.

What Wall Texture Works Best?

For the cleanest, most professional appearance, I recommend installing wallpaper on smooth walls.

Many homes have a light orange peel texture, and in many cases wallpaper can still be installed successfully. However, keep in mind that any existing wall texture may remain visible through the finished wallpaper.

If your walls have heavy texture, deep knockdown, popcorn texture, or significant unevenness, wallpaper may not adhere as well or achieve the smooth finish you're hoping for.

If your walls are textured but you still want wallpaper, Luxe Traditional Wallpaper is often the better choice because the paste-the-wall installation provides greater flexibility than self-adhesive products on lightly textured surfaces.

A Few Professional Installation Tips

Here are a few simple habits that make a big difference:

• Lay out your panels before starting so you can confirm the pattern order.
• Double-check that your first panel is perfectly plumb before continuing.
• Work slowly rather than rushing.
• Smooth from the center outward to help release trapped air.
• Change utility knife blades often for cleaner trimming.
• Wipe away excess adhesive promptly when installing traditional wallpaper.
• Have a second person help with taller panels whenever possible.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I install wallpaper by myself?

Absolutely. Many DIYers successfully install wallpaper, especially on accent walls. If you're wallpapering an entire room or working with vaulted ceilings, hiring a professional installer can save time and reduce material waste.

Should I choose Peel & Stick or Traditional Wallpaper?

Both are excellent options.

Peel & Stick is ideal for many renters, decorating projects, and DIY installations on smooth walls.

Luxe Traditional Wallpaper offers a premium finish and is often preferred for long-term installations, larger rooms, and walls with light texture.

(Link to: Peel & Stick vs. Traditional Wallpaper: Which One Is Right for Your Home?)

Do I need special tools?

Not many. A laser level, smoothing tool, sharp knife, measuring tape, and straight edge are the essentials that make the biggest difference. (see my recommendations above)

Final Thoughts

Wallpaper has the ability to completely transform a room, and a little preparation helps ensure you'll love the finished result for years to come.

Whether you're tackling your first accent wall or hiring a professional installer, using quality tools, preparing your walls carefully, and choosing the right wallpaper for your space will give you the best possible results.

If you're still deciding which wallpaper is right for your home, I'd love to help. Browse my collection of timeless wallpaper designs created to bring warmth, beauty, and everyday elegance to your home.

Enjoy and have fun.

Warmly,

Kelly

 

 

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