DIY Wallpaper Projects: Stylish Ways to Use Leftover Wallpaper

Wallpaper has made a major comeback in recent years, offering endless design possibilities and adding depth, texture, and character to our homes. But what do you do with those leftover rolls or scraps of wallpaper once your walls are covered? Rather than letting them gather dust in the back of your closet, consider repurposing them for a variety of creative and stylish DIY projects. In this blog post, we'll explore several ways to upcycle your leftover wallpaper into delightful home décor accents and functional items that will add a touch of charm to any space. So grab your wallpaper scraps, scissors, and glue, and let's get started!

1. Refresh Your Furniture

Breathe new life into old or outdated furniture by using leftover wallpaper to create unique and eye-catching accents. This is an excellent way to coordinate your furniture with your existing wallpaper or to introduce a bold pattern to a plain piece.

• Dresser drawers: Line the inside of dresser drawers or the back of open shelves with wallpaper for an unexpected pop of pattern.
• Tabletops: Apply wallpaper to the top of a side table or coffee table for a fresh, custom look.
• Cabinet doors: Use wallpaper to cover the inset panels of cabinet doors or armoires, creating a striking focal point in the room.

Tip: When applying wallpaper to furniture, be sure to use a strong adhesive, such as wallpaper paste or heavy-duty craft glue, and seal the surface with a clear, water-based polyurethane for added durability.

2. Create Unique Wall Art

Transform your leftover wallpaper into stunning wall art that complements your home's style. Simply frame your favorite wallpaper pattern and hang it on the wall like a painting or print. You can also create a gallery wall of assorted wallpaper samples, or even craft a large-scale piece using multiple coordinating patterns.

• Framed wallpaper: Choose a section of wallpaper with an interesting pattern or motif, and frame it using a store-bought or custom frame.
• Gallery wall: Collect a variety of wallpaper samples in different sizes and patterns, and arrange them in a visually pleasing layout on your wall.
• Large-scale art: Create a statement piece by adhering several coordinating wallpaper patterns onto a large canvas or piece of plywood, and then hang it on the wall.

3. Update Your Lampshades

Give your lamps a stylish makeover by covering plain or outdated lampshades with your leftover wallpaper. This is a simple way to add a pop of color and pattern to your lighting while coordinating with your existing décor.

• Drum shades: For a modern look, choose a bold pattern and apply it to a drum-shaped lampshade using wallpaper paste or strong craft glue.
• Paper lanterns: Transform a plain paper lantern into a unique hanging light fixture by adhering wallpaper to the exterior, ensuring the pattern is aligned and properly spaced.

Tip: When selecting wallpaper for your lampshades, consider the opacity of the paper and how it will affect the light emitted from the lamp.

4. Craft One-of-a-Kind Coasters

Protect your tabletops while showcasing your favorite wallpaper patterns by creating a set of custom coasters. This is a simple and practical project that makes a great gift or a stylish addition to your own home.

• Ceramic tile coasters: Adhere wallpaper to the surface of ceramic tiles, and then seal with a water-resistant sealer. Add felt or cork pads to the bottom to prevent scratches on your furniture.
• Wooden coasters: Apply wallpaper to wooden coasters using craft glue, and then seal with a clear polyurethane for added durability.

5. Design Custom Gift Wrap and Cards

Create beautiful and personalized gift wrap, gift tags, and greeting cards using your leftover wallpaper. This is an eco-friendly alternative to store-bought wrapping paper and adds a special touch to your gift-giving.

• Gift wrap: Use large pieces of wallpaper to wrap gifts, or cut smaller pieces to use as decorative accents on top of plain wrapping paper.
• Gift tags: Cut small rectangles or other shapes from your wallpaper scraps, and punch a hole at one end for attaching ribbon or twine. Write your message on the back using a metallic or dark-colored pen.
• Greeting cards: Fold a piece of cardstock in half, and adhere a piece of wallpaper to the front. Add your message, embellishments, or other decorative elements as desired.

6. Make Stylish Storage Solutions

Upgrade plain or boring storage containers by covering them with your leftover wallpaper. This is an excellent way to create cohesive and attractive storage solutions that complement your home's décor.

• Bookcases: Line the back of a bookcase or open shelving unit with wallpaper for a pop of color and pattern.
• Storage boxes: Cover the exterior of cardboard or wooden storage boxes with wallpaper for a stylish and functional storage solution.
• Magazine holders: Transform plain magazine holdersinto eye-catching accents by covering them with a coordinating wallpaper pattern.

7. Enhance Your Staircase

Give your staircase a dramatic makeover by applying wallpaper to the risers, creating a visual feast for the eyes in an often-overlooked area of the home.

• Stair risers: Measure and cut your wallpaper to fit the dimensions of each stair riser. Apply the wallpaper with a strong adhesive, and seal with a clear, water-based polyurethane to protect against wear and tear.

Tip: Choose a wallpaper pattern that complements the surrounding décor, or opt for a bold, contrasting pattern to create a striking focal point.

8. Decorate Your Serving Trays

Upgrade your serving trays by adding a touch of elegance with your leftover wallpaper. This is a great way to create a statement piece for your next dinner party or gathering.

• Wooden or metal trays: Apply wallpaper to the base of a tray using a strong adhesive. Seal with a clear, water-based polyurethane to protect the surface and make it easier to clean.
• Glass or acrylic trays: Adhere wallpaper to the underside of a glass or acrylic tray using a strong adhesive, ensuring the pattern is visible through the transparent material.

9. Customize Your Planters

Add some personality to your indoor or outdoor planters by wrapping them in your favorite wallpaper patterns. This is a simple way to coordinate your planters with your home's décor or to create a striking visual display in your garden.

• Terracotta pots: Apply wallpaper to the exterior of terracotta pots using a strong adhesive, and seal with a clear, water-based polyurethane for added durability and weather resistance.
• Wooden or metal planters: Adhere wallpaper to the exterior of wooden or metal planters using a strong adhesive, and seal with a clear polyurethane to protect against moisture and wear.

10. Create Decorative Accents

Add the finishing touch to your home décor with a variety of decorative accents crafted from your leftover wallpaper.

• Switchplates: Cover your light switch or outlet plates with wallpaper for a subtle yet stylish detail.
• Picture frames: Give your picture frames a fresh look by applying wallpaper to the frame itself, creating a unique border for your photos or artwork.
• Waste paper baskets: Upgrade a plain waste paper basket by covering it with wallpaper, adding a touch of elegance to an everyday item.

In conclusion, there are countless ways to repurpose your leftover wallpaper into stylish and functional items for your home. From updating your furniture to creating custom gift wrap and cards, these DIY wallpaper projects are an excellent way to make the most of your wallpaper remnants while adding a touch of charm and personality to your living spaces. So dust off those wallpaper scraps and get ready to transform your home with these creative and inspiring ideas!